The Importance of State Optometry Associations

August 3, 2022

James Ashford

Table of Contents

There are many reasons for optometrists to join their state associations. These associations help with optometrists’ professional development and the future of optometry. State associations can be found in all 50 states and Washington D.C.

Resources from state optometry associations

The resources from state optometry associations include:

courses that provide the latest knowledge
news on current legislation
events for networking
help with license renewals
programs that teach the public about eye health
community programs (i.e., low-income vision clinics)
membership perks (on services to help grow the optometrist practice)
online job openings
connection to the American Optometric Association

In addition to state associations, international, national, and local associations support optometry. Two international associations to consider are the Optometric Extension Program Foundation (OEPF) and the College of Optometrists in Vision Development (COVD). The OEPF’s main goal is to advance optometry as a medical discipline. COVD also offers certification in behavioral and developmental eye care, eye therapy, and neuro-optometric rehabilitation.

Five leading national optometry associations

Here are the five leading national optometry associations:

American Optometric Association (AOA), founded in 1898, represents over 44,000 optometrists. It is the leading expert in eye care
American Academy of Optometry (AAO) has a membership that includes optometrists, vision scientists, and other professionals
National Optometric Association (NOA) was originally founded to help minority optometrists give eye care to minority communities
American Optometric Student Association (AOSA) helps empower optometry students for success
The Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (ASCO) has helped advance optometric education to best serve the public’s eye health and vision needs since 1941

Optometrists in Oklahoma, Arkansas, and nationwide benefit from membership in their state associations. Vision Care Direct of Oklahoma puts the optometrist in control of patient care.

We are not an insurance plan. We are an optometry-owned vision plan. Vision health in OKC and nationwide is committed to optometry. Please visit us to learn more about our pre-paid vision plans.

Some public programs sponsored by the Oklahoma Association of Optometric Physicians include:

InfantSee, which examines 6–12-month-olds to ensure healthy vision
Low-income vision clinics
Low Vision Service
Remote Area Medical (RAM), which was founded in 1985 to air-drop medical relief to Central and South America
Sight for Students
Opening Eyes Vision and Eye Health (eyecare for Special Olympics athletes)

These are just a few examples of why state optometry associations are critical to optometry as a whole. State associations offer many resources for the field, including providing education, helping advance the scope of practice, and community-service programs.

Vision Care Direct of Oklahoma can help

Vision Care Direct of Oklahoma encourages all doctors of optometry to become members of their state’s association. They also help ensure patients’ state-of-the-art eye care in OKC and across the nation. Vision health in OKC and beyond can help with the wellbeing of patients through our vision plans. Visit us to learn more about our pre-paid vision plans.

Not sure where to get started with recommending self-funded plans? Vision Care Direct of Oklahoma is pre-paid plan provider with and extensive of specialists who deliver eye care in Tulsa and nationwide with excellent value for employers and plan recipients.

Find out more about our self-funded plans and other flexible options.

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