Welcome to the American Association of Certified Orthoptists

2020 • Our 80th Year

Orthoptics is a well-established profession within the specialty of ophthalmology. For more than 75 years, orthoptists have provided care to patients in the United states pertaining to evaluation and treatment of disorders of the visual system, particularly involving binocular vision and eye movement. Orthoptists help to detect and manage conditions such as amblyopia and diplopia, and they administer orthoptic exercises.

The American Association of Certified Orthoptists was established in 1940 and provides services to its members through continuing education, information sharing, public policy development, networking and public education.

The American Orthoptic Council is a separate organization which is responsible for setting educational standards for orthoptists and certifying individuals who complete the required training to practice as an orthoptist.  Please contact the AOC directly with questions about certification of orthoptists.

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Membership in the AACO

The AACO is a close network of orthoptists and orthoptic students across North America and other countries, working together to promote both the profession and the individual member. Indeed, AACO members come from the United States and 12 other nations.

Membership benefits include:

  • Billing for orthoptic services information & support
  • Continuing education opportunities
  • Professional publications
  • Voice in setting policies for our professional organizations
  • Volunteer opportunities
  • Information, such as employment opportunities and news about the profession
  • And much more!
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News of Interest for Orthoptists

  • Updated -- COVID-19 -- The coronavirus is a rapidly evolving situation.  Like all organizations, AACO is interested in providing reliable information to its members.  CLICK HERE for resources we have assembled to help members stay informed.
  • New -- Read the AAO's Recommendations concerning urgent and non-urgent care during the coronavirus public health emergency.
  • The Midwest Regional Meeting scheduled for May in Minneapolis is CANCELLED due to the public health coronavirus emergency.  CLICK HERE for more information.
  • AACO Chat is now live! Any member can join circles (i.e. discussion groups) or create their own. The Chat is accessible through the Members Only section or through Quick Links.
  • AACO Compensation Survey -- Members of the AACO may view a summary of results of the 2018 compensation survey.  READ MORE (Members only).