Membership Types

Categories of AAPOS Membership

Active, Associate, Affiliate, International, and Orthoptist member category applications will be open from March 26, 2022 until November 30, 2022 for approval at the 2023 AAPOS Annual Meeting in March. 


Candidate-in-Training, Administrator, Medical Student, Resident member category applications are open year round and are approved monthly at the AAPOS Board of Director meetings.

Overview

Active Member

APPLICATION CLOSED

Eligibility Requirements

Yearly Dues: $545

  1. A physician who is licensed to practice medicine and surgery in the United States or in Canada (residing and actively practicing).
  2. 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. 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. 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.

ACTIVE MEMBER: BENEFITS

  • Subscription to Journal of AAPOS
  • The Journal of AAPOS online subscription 
  • Discount registration fee for AAPOS Annual Meeting
  • Participation in the AAPOS Member Discussion Group
  • E-Blasts: Periodic e-mail updates from AAPOS
  • AAPOS eNewsletter
  • Listing in AAPOS Membership Directory and Find a Dr. on the AAPOS website
  • Access to Member section of the AAPOS website
  • Ability to vote and hold office in AAPOS organization
  • Volunteer opportunities on AAPOS committees
  • Participation in AAPOS subspecialty programs
  • Participation in global efforts supported by AAPOS members
  • Opportunity to participate in fund-raising efforts for the Children’s Eye Foundation of AAPOS
  • AAPOS members earn a 10% discount on malpractice insurance with OMIC

Back to Top

Associate Member (Paths A - C)

APPLICATION CLOSED

Eligibility Requirements

Yearly Dues: $545

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

  1. A physician who is licensed to practice medicine and surgery in one or more of the United States or in Canada.
  2. 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. 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 made a significant commitment to the field of pediatric ophthalmology and strabismus.

Specific Requirements

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

ASSOCIATE MEMBER: BENEFITS

  • Subscription to Journal of AAPOS
  • The Journal of AAPOS online subscription
  • Discount registration fee for AAPOS Annual Meeting
  • Participation in the AAPOS Member Discussion Group
  • E-Blasts: Periodic e-mail updates from AAPOS
  • AAPOS E-Newsletter
  • Ability to vote and hold office in AAPOS organization
  • Listing in AAPOS Membership Directory and Find a Dr. on the AAPOS website
  • Access to Member section of the AAPOS website
  • Participation in AAPOS subspecialty programs
  • Volunteer opportunities on AAPOS committees
  • Participation in global efforts supported by AAPOS members
  • Opportunity to participate in fund-raising efforts for the Children’s Eye Foundation
  • AAPOS members earn a 10% discount on malpractice insurance with OMIC

Back to Top

Affiliate Member (Paths A - C)
APPLICATION CLOSED

Eligibility Requirements

Yearly Dues: $545 (waived for JAAPOS Editorial Board Members)

Affiliate Path A - Ophthalmologist
  1. A physician who is licensed to practice medicine and surgery in the United States or in Canada.
  2. 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.
Affiliate Path B - PhD
  • A PhD practicing outside the field of ophthalmology and,
  • has demonstrated contributions to the field of pediatric ophthalmology and/or strabismus and,
  • is not eligible for another class of AAPOS membership and,
  • has been nominated by three active AAPOS members.
Affiliate Path C - Physician
  • A physician who is licensed to practice medicine and surgery in the United States or in Canada practicing outside the field of ophthalmology and,
  • has demonstrated contributions to the field of pediatric ophthalmology and/or strabismus,
  • is not eligible for another class of AAPOS membership,
  • and has been nominated by three active AAPOS members.

AFFILIATE MEMBER: BENEFITS

  • Subscription to Journal of AAPOS
  • The Journal of AAPOS online subscription
  • Discount registration fee for AAPOS Annual Meeting
  • Participation in the AAPOS Member Discussion Group
  • E-Blasts: Periodic e-mail updates from AAPOS
  • AAPOS E-Newsletter
  • Ability to vote and hold office in AAPOS organization
  • Listing in AAPOS Membership Directory
  • Access to Member section of the AAPOS website
  • Participation in AAPOS subspecialty programs
  • Volunteer opportunities on AAPOS committees
  • Participation in global efforts supported by AAPOS members
  • Opportunity to participate in fund-raising efforts for the Children’s Eye Foundation of AAPOS

Back to Top

International Member

APPLICATION CLOSED

Eligibility Requirements

Yearly Dues: $286

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

Specific Requirements

A physician licensed to practice medicine and surgery, and who meets one of the following criteria:

International 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.
International 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.
International Path C
  • No fellowship training program, but five years practice consisting of at least 50% pediatric ophthalmology and/or strabismus.
International 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.

INTERNATIONAL MEMBER: BENEFITS

  • Subscription to Journal of AAPOS
  • The Journal of AAPOS online subscription
  • Discount registration fee for AAPOS Annual Meeting
  • Participation in the AAPOS MemberDiscussion Group
  • E-Blasts: Periodic e-mail updates from AAPOS
  • AAPOS E-Newsletter
  • Ability to vote and hold office in AAPOS organization
  • Listing in AAPOS Membership Directory and Find a Dr. on the AAPOS website
  • Access to Member section of the AAPOS website
  • Participation in AAPOS subspecialty programs
  • Volunteer opportunities on AAPOS committees
  • Participation in global efforts supported by AAPOS members
  • Opportunity to participate in fund-raising efforts for the Children’s Eye Foundation of AAPOS

Back to Top

Candidate-In-Training Member

CIT Application

Eligibility Requirements

Yearly Dues: $319 for 1-4 years

  • 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.

CANDIDATE-IN-TRAINING MEMBERS: BENEFITS

  • Subscription to Journal of AAPOS
  • The Journal of AAPOS online subscription
  • Discount registration fee for AAPOS Annual Meeting
  • Participation in the AAPOS Member Discussion Group
  • E-Blasts: Periodic e-mail updates from AAPOS
  • AAPOS E-Newsletter
  • Listing in AAPOS Membership Directory
  • Access to Member section of the AAPOS website
  • Career Center: Listing of current employment opportunities
  • Participation in AAPOS subspecialty programs
  • Volunteer opportunities on AAPOS committees
  • Participation in global efforts supported by AAPOS members
  • Opportunity to participate in fund-raising efforts for the Children’s Eye Foundation of AAPOS

Back to Top

International Candidate-In-Training Member

Int'l CIT Application

Eligibility Requirements

Yearly Dues: $204

  • A physician who is engaged on a full-time basis in a fellowship for international physicians consisting of a two year preceptorship with an Active AAPOS Member, International Member, or Emeritus Member, or a program of fellowship training in pediatric ophthalmology and/or strabismus of at least six months under the direction of an Active AAPOS Member, International Member, or Emeritus Member, shall be eligible to apply for the status of International Candidate-in-Training.
  • An individual is eligible for the category of International Candidate-in-Training for the duration of the fellowship program plus one year for a total not to exceed three years.
  • Applicants for the International Candidate-in-Training category will be reviewed and considered by the Membership Committee with confirmation by the Board of Directors.
  • Admission as an International Candidate-in-Training does not waive any requirement necessary for any category of membership.
Note: an International Candidate-in-Training shall not have the right to vote and shall be ineligible to hold office.

International Candidate-in-Training Members: Benefits

  • Subscription to Journal of AAPOS
  • The Journal of AAPOS online subscription
  • Discount registration fee for AAPOS Annual Meeting
  • Participation in the AAPOS Member Discussion Group
  • E-Blasts: Periodic e-mail updates from AAPOS
  • AAPOS E-Newsletter
  • Listing in AAPOS Membership Directory
  • Access to Member section of the AAPOS website
  • Career Center: Listing of current employment opportunities
  • Participation in AAPOS subspecialty programs
  • Volunteer opportunities on AAPOS committees
  • Participation in global efforts supported by AAPOS members
  • Opportunity to participate in fund-raising efforts for the Children’s Eye Foundation of AAPOS

Back to Top

Orthoptist Member

APPLICATION CLOSED

Eligibility Requirements

Yearly Dues: $121

  • 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.

    ORTHOPTIST MEMBER: BENEFITS

    • Subscription to Journal of AAPOS
    • The Journal of AAPOS online subscription
    • Discount registration fee for AAPOS Annual Meeting
    • E-Blasts: Email updates from AAPOS
    • AAPOS E-Newsletter
    • Ability to vote and hold office in AAPOS organization
    • Listing in AAPOS Membership Directory
    • Access to Member section of the AAPOS website
    • Participation in AAPOS subspecialty programs
    • Volunteer opportunities on AAPOS committees
    • Participation in global efforts supported by AAPOS members
    • Opportunity to participate in fund-raising efforts for the Children’s Eye Foundation of AAPOS

Back to Top

Resident Member

Resident Application

Eligibility Requirements

Yearly Dues: $55

  • A resident physician enrolled in a residency program accredited by:
    • the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) or,
    • the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) in ophthalmology or,
    • in a one year preliminary program before entering an ophthalmology residency or,
    • a graduate of an American Association of Medical Colleges (AAMC) or Committee On Accreditation Of Canadian Medical Schools (CAMCS (CAMCE)) or Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA).
  • Accredited medical school or resident physician participating actively in a post-graduate research program under the direction of an Active Member or Emeritus Member, may apply to become a Resident Member. An Active Member or Emeritus Member shall verify the applicant’s role in their program or research by completing a reference, once the application is submitted.
  • An individual is eligible for the category of Resident Member for the duration of their residency training.
  • Resident Members who qualify based on research participation alone must reapply every year. Resident Member applicants will be reviewed by the Membership Committee with confirmation by the Board of Directors.
  • Admission as a Resident Member does not waive any requirement necessary for any category of membership, except that medical school graduates participating in research only shall be exempted from the requirement of holding an active or provisional medical license.
  • A Resident Member shall not have the right to vote and shall be ineligible to hold office.

RESIDENT MEMBER: BENEFITS

  • Discount registration fee for AAPOS Annual Meeting
  • Participation in the AAPOS Member Discussion Group
  • E-Blasts: Email updates from AAPOS
  • AAPOS E-Newsletter
  • Listing in AAPOS Membership Directory
  • Access to Member section of the AAPOS website

Back to Top

Medical Student Member

Medical Student Application

Eligibility Requirements

Yearly Dues: $55

  • A medical student attending an American Association of Medical Colleges (AAMC)- or Committee on Accreditation of Canadian Medical Schools (CAMCS (CAMCE))- or Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA)- accredited medical school may apply to become a Student Member.
  • An Active Member or Emeritus Member shall verify the applicant’s role in their training or research by completing a reference, once the application is submitted.
  • An individual is eligible for the category of Student Member for the duration of their medical school training. Student Member applicants will be reviewed by the Membership Committee with confirmation by the Board of Directors.
  • Admission as a Student Member does not waive any requirement necessary for any category of membership, except that Student Members shall be exempted from the requirement of holding a medical degree.
  • A Student Member shall not have the right to vote and shall be ineligible to hold office.

MEDICAL STUDENT MEMBER: BENEFITS

  • Discount registration fee for AAPOS Annual Meeting
  • Participation in the AAPOS Member Discussion Group
  • E-Blasts: Email updates from AAPOS
  • AAPOS E-Newsletter
  • Listing in AAPOS Membership Directory
  • Access to Member section of the AAPOS website

Back to Top

Administrator Member

Administrator Application

Eligibility Requirements

Yearly Dues: $55

  • An individual who is a practice manager or administrator for an Active, Associate, or Emeritus member’s practice may apply to become an Administrator Member. The Active, Associate or Emeritus member shall verify the applicant’s role in their practice by completing a reference, once the application is submitted. Should that role change, the administrator member and/or the Active, Associate or Emeritus member shall notify AAPOS.
  • Administrator applicants will be reviewed by the Membership Committee with confirmation by the Board of Directors.
  • An Administrator Member shall not have the right to vote and shall be ineligible to hold office.

ADMINISTRATOR MEMBER: BENEFITS

  • Discount registration fee for AAPOS Annual Meeting
  • Participation in the AAPOS Member Discussion Group
  • E-Blasts: Email updates from AAPOS
  • AAPOS E-Newsletter
  • Listing in AAPOS Membership Directory
  • Access to Member section of the AAPOS website

Back to Top

Additional Member Categories

Eligibility Requirements

Honorary Member
  • An individual of outstanding caliber and who has made a major contribution in the fields of pediatric ophthalmology and/or strabismus, may be elected to Honorary Membership by the Board of Directors An Honorary Member shall not have the right to vote and shall be ineligible to hold office.
Emeritus Member
  • A Charter Member, Active Member, Associate Member, International Member, Honorary Member, or Orthoptist Member who is in good standing with AAPOS, who has been such a member for ten or more years, and who is completely retired from the financially compensated clinical practice of pediatric ophthalmology and/or strabismus (excluding nominal payments for volunteering for clinics or international work), is eligible to apply to become a Member Emeritus in his or her previous category of membership.
  • An Emeritus Member who resumes the clinical practice of pediatric ophthalmology and/or strabismus, even on a part-time basis, must notify AAPOS within 60 days, and he or she will no longer be eligible for Emeritus status.
A Member Emeritus shall have the right to vote and shall be ineligible to hold office.

Back to Top

Become a Member

How to Join AAPOS

Thank you for considering membership in the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus (AAPOS).

We welcome potential membership candidates and will do all we can to assist you in the application process.

Eligibility Requirements

Please note that applicants are required to provide complete and accurate professional information and are responsible for obtaining references and verifications for credentials, licenses, certifications and educational requirements.

Membership Applications

The application system for the following categories is open year round: Candidate in Training, International Candidate in  Training, Administrator, Resident, and Medical Student.  Applicants in these categories are approved once a month during the AAPOS Board of Director's Meeting. 

The application system for the following categories is open yearly from the AAPOS Annual Meeting until November 30th: Active, Associate, Affiliate, International and Orthoptist. Applicants in these categories are voted upon at the Meeting Business during the AAPOS Annual Meeting in Spring. 


Contact us

If you have questions about renewal, please contact Christina Scott at cscott@aapos.org