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.

Let's Talk About You

Let us know if you have any questions or if you’d like to chat.

What Is Genetic Ophthalmology and What Does It Mean for Eye Health?

Genetic ophthalmology (GO) is an emerging field that could provide more effective treatment for genetic eye diseases such as glaucoma. However, GO also raises some serious concerns that should be addressed as this technology progresses. What is Genetic Ophthalmology?...

Could your Optometrist Practice benefit from a medical scribe? We look at the Pros and Cons

There are many factors needed to make a successful optometric business, and while efficient documentation may seem like just a small part it is a very important one. That's why many vision care providers are considering the use of medical scribes. Scribes, or...

Top 5 KPIs to Track When Assessing Plan Performance and Satisfaction

As a broker, you need to maintain a diverse product portfolio so you can help companies build packages adapted to their needs and budgets. Tracking these 5 key performance indicators when comparing plans will help you better identify the ones that are more likely to...

How to Get Discounts on Frames and Discontinued Lines

Eyewear and contact lenses are vital to the optometry field. Keeping this in mind, doctors should be aware of the purchase costs of these goods to boost their revenue. Frame reps make commissions on sales, so they’re incentivized to sell as much as possible, but are...

Designing a Modern Optometry Practice

One question that optometrists should consider is, “When patients walk into your optometry office, how do you want them to feel?” Naturally, patients desire comfortable, welcoming, and modern environments, as these characteristics put them at ease. Therefore,...

Top 3 Reasons to Work with Smaller Plan Providers

In the healthcare benefits industry, brokers are essential in helping small businesses find plans. Smaller companies might not have the resources or experience to do thorough research into the options available. Fortunately, there are brokers who understand that...

5 Mistakes to Avoid When Adding a New Vision Plan to Your Benefits Package

You want the best for your employees, but searching for eye care in Oklahoma and in any state, isn’t always the easiest thing to do. New regulations are constantly unfolding, vision plans are always evolving, and the needs of your employees are forever changing. What...

3 Signs It’s Time to Review and Upgrade Your Benefits Package

A routine inventory of your benefits package can tell you where you may be able to reduce spending and, equally importantly, can also ensure that it continues to meet the needs of employees. That’s why Vision Care Direct of Oklahoma recommends reviewing your benefits...

Understanding the Ins and Outs of the Vision Plans You Accept

For eye doctors in Tulsa OK, as well as other states, a regular review of the plans you’re currently accepting, and their ins and outs, is something you should be doing. By understanding the vision plans you accept, you can better identify how you are paid and the...

Top Strategies for Helping Plan Providers Meet Their Goals

When trying to reduce healthcare spending, employers who offer employee benefits in the state of Oklahoma, as well as anywhere else, should be aware of one fact: there are options available that don’t increase the costs to employees via high deductibles. As a broker,...

Rethinking How You Offer Value Part 3: Build Digital Connections

The pandemic has sped up the digital transformation. Many professionals are embracing the virtual world because they realize connections matter. We've been sharing tips about how to rethink the way you offer value as a broker who offers plans accepted by an...

eGuide: Top 10 Ways Vision Care Direct Makes a Broker’s Job Easier

Top 10 Ways eGuide - Vision Care Direct Makes a Broker’s Job EasierOur eGuide is chocked full of ways Vision Care Direct can simplify working with a vision plan. When you quote a vision plan certainly you are looking at the price and size of the network, and so is...

FDA Says Stop Using This Eyecare Product Today

In February 2023, the Food and Drug Administration strongly advised people to stop using Delsam Pharma’s Artificial Eye Ointment, citing the possibility of bacterial contamination. Citing safety issues like “lack of appropriate microbial testing" and “lack of proper...

FDA Pushes for Stronger LASIK Warnings

Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis, or LASIK, one of the most widely sought-after vision correction procedures, is now under scrutiny due to the potential for lasting side effects. Therefore, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently announced that it is...

The Link Between Nutrition and Eye Health

If you want to improve the overall health of your eyes, adding a few vitamins and minerals is an excellent place to start, as researchers have continued to link nutrition and eye health. According to the American Optometric Association, certain eye-friendly nutrients...

Vision FAQ: Your guide to choosing the right plan for your business

From monthly premiums to specific provider networks, shopping for a vision plan can seem intimidating. But it doesn’t have to be. Choosing the vision care plan best suited for your workers involves a delicate balance of benefits and costs. Ultimately, though, a vision...

Search blog posts