Committee Member Requirements

Guidelines for Committee Membership

• All committee members shall be voting fellows, voting members or international members of the Academy. Individuals from other Academy membership categories and Academy nonmembers may serve on committees as consultants.
• Consultants are appointed to committees for expertise which significantly contributes to the committee's work. Academy membership is not a requirement for appointment as a consultant; however, specific approval from the Senior Secretary or the Executive Vice President/CEO is needed. Consultants serve on committees as non-voting members. 
• Committee size should be limited to seven members, including the chair and consultants.*
• Committee chairs, members and consultants are appointed for one calendar year. Annual re-appointment may be made up to a maxium of five one-year terms. Re-appointment is not automatic and is based on each member's continued contribution to the committee. Committee members who are appointed chair are eligible to serve an additional five years in that position.
• Members should serve on no more than two Academy committees.*

*Requests for exceptions to these guidelines must be submitted to the Board of Trustees

Responsibilities of Committee Members

Committees are the backbone of the Academy. In order for any committee to function at full capacity it is crucial that each member fulfill his or her responsibilities.

Each committee member should:

• Support and further the goals and objectives of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. 
• Be an active member of the ophthalmic community and be knowledgeable and aware of factors in the external environment that may affect the committee's activities.
• Be receptive to the concerns, interests, and ideas of Academy members.
• Devote the time and effort required to accomplish the committee's objectives.
• Attend all committee meetings and participate in all committee conference calls unless excused by the chair; excused absences should not exceed one meeting/call per year.
• Fulfill committee assignments on a timely basis.
• Provide assistance and materials as requested by Academy staff.

Representing the Academy

Committee members are viewed as representatives of the Academy. So as not to inadvertently misrepresent the Academy, it is important that they choose their words carefully and distinguish personal views from those of the Academy.

Speakers at Academy courses or functions should not make remarks that could be interpreted as being prejudicial against a group or an individual on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, age, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, marital status, physical handicap or medical condition.

Review the following policy statements before speaking on behalf of the Academy:

• Diversity Policy
• Guidelines for the Avoidance of Inadvertent Anticompetitive Conduct
• Identification and Resolution of Conflicts of Interest
• Policy for Academy Leaders
• Academy Policy Prohibiting Sexual Harassment
• Relationships with Other Organizations
• Academy Values Statement

Academy Reimbursement Policy

In general, the Academy will reimburse necessary, actual and reasonable expenses for individuals traveling on Academy business, except annual meeting expenses. View policy and reimbursement forms.

Business Travel Accident Plan

The American Academy of Ophthalmology provides all members and employees who travel on Academy business with a Business Travel Accident Plan.

Achievement Awards Program

Committee volunteers earn points toward Academy Achievement Awards for their committee service.