Types of AAPOS Memberships

AAPOS Active Member Eligibility Requirements

1. A physician who is licensed to practice medicine and surgery in the United States or in Canada


2. And who is certified in ophthalmology by one of the following:
   • the American Board of Ophthalmology
   • the American Osteopathic Association
   • the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada
3. And who is in good standing as an Active Fellow of either:
   • the American Academy of Ophthalmology
   • the American Osteopathic College
   • OR is an Active Member of the Canadian Ophthalmological Society
4. And who has:
   • completed one year of fellowship training in pediatric ophthalmology and/or strabismus under direction of an AAPOS Member (for fellowships completed in 1996 or earlier)
   • or has satisfactorily completed an AAPOS approved fellowship program (for fellowships completed after 1996 and before 2006)
   • or has satisfactorily completed an Association of University Professors in Ophthalmology compliant fellowship in 2006 or later
5. And who has completed one year of practice in pediatric ophthalmology and/or strabismus, and whose current practice consists of at least 75% pediatric ophthalmology and/or strabismus.

AAPOS Associate Member Eligibility Requirements

There are three (3) Associate Membership Paths, A through C. All three share common eligibility requirements but differ in fellowship, preceptorship, experience requirements.

Associate Member (Paths A-C) Common Requirements

1. A physician who is licensed to practice medicine and surgery in one or more of the United States or in Canada


2. And who is certified in ophthalmology by one of the following:
   • the American Board of Ophthalmology
   • the American Osteopathic Association
   • the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada
3. And who is in good standing as an Active Fellow of either:
   • the American Academy of Ophthalmology
   • the American Osteopathic College
   • OR is an Active Member of the Canadian Ophthalmological Society
   • And who has made a significant commitment to the field of pediatric ophthalmology and strabismus

Associate Member (Paths A - C) Specific Requirements

Path - A
completion of a six month fellowship training program in pediatric ophthalmology or strabismus and two years in practice consisting of at least 50% pediatric ophthalmology and/or strabismus

Path - B
completion of a two year preceptorship with an AAPOS Member and one year in practice consisting of at least 50% pediatric ophthalmology and/or strabismus

Path - C
no fellowship training program but five years in practice consisting of at least 50% pediatric ophthalmology and/or strabismus

AAPOS International Member Eligibility Requirements

There are four (4) International Membership Paths, A through D. All four differ in their fellowship / preceptorship and experience requirements.

International Member (Paths A - D) Common Requirements

• Physician licensed to practice medicine and surgery, and who meets one of the following criteria:

International Member (Paths A - D) Specific Requirements

• PATH A - completion of a six-month fellowship training program in pediatric ophthalmology and/or strabismus and two years in practice consisting of at least 50% pediatric ophthalmology and/or strabismus.
  
  
• PATH B - completion of a two year preceptorship with an AAPOS Member and one year in practice consisting of at least 50% pediatric ophthalmology and/or strabismus.
  
  
• PATH C - no fellowship training program, but five years practice consisting of at least 50% pediatric ophthalmology and/or strabismus.
  
  
• PATH D - one year of fellowship training in pediatric ophthalmology and/or strabismus under the direction of an AAPOS Member and one year in practice consisting of at least 50% pediatric ophthalmology and/or strabismus. 

AAPOS Candidate-In-Training Member Eligibility Requirements

A physician who is engaged on a full-time basis in an Association of University Professors in Ophthalmology compliant fellowship shall be eligible to apply for the status of Candidate-in-Training. An individual is eligible for the category of Candidate-in-Training for the duration of the fellowship program plus two years for a total not to exceed four years. Applicants for the Candidate-in-Training category will be reviewed and considered by the Membership Committee with confirmation by the Board of Directors. Admission as a Candidate-in-Training does not waive any requirement, including maintaining active and unrestricted licensure, necessary for any category of membership. 

AAPOS Orthoptist Member Eligibility Requirements

An orthoptist who has been certified by either the American Orthoptic Council or the Canadian Orthoptic Council, or an orthoptist whose country has full membership status in the International Orthoptic Association shall be eligible to apply to become an Orthoptist Member.