Engage with the Academy

EyeWiki

EyeWiki, the encyclopedia written by ophthalmologists and eye surgeons, welcomes contributions from any qualified ophthalmologist, or ophthalmologist in training. View content guidelines. You can also add EyeWiki contributions to your CV.

YO Info

The Academy’s newsletter for young ophthalmologists welcomes original articles on practice management, advocacy, finding a job, clinical pearls or the topic of your choice. Email a 500-word writing sample and your CV to yo_info@aao.org.

Ophthalmology^®

The most-read clinical publication in ophthalmology invites physicians to submit their best work. Read Ophthalmology’s submission guidelines.

New: Ophthalmology Retina is the Academy’s first new peer-reviewed journal in over 100 years. Ophthalmology Retina papers report the same top quality work seen in Ophthalmology, but topics are more specialized and target retina readers. Find out more at ophthalmologyretina.org.

Related reading from YO Info:

• How to Write Peer-Reviewed Journal Articles
• Journal Clubbing and Peer Reviewing: Make an Impact on Your Profession

State Societies

State ophthalmology societies provide local leadership and community for ophthalmologists. Although separate from the Academy, state societies work closely with the national association on education, advocacy and other issues. State societies also offer great local networking and educational opportunities for YOs. Joining a state society is the best way to connect with and support ophthalmology in your region.

• Join your state society
• Find society meetings

International and Supranational Societies

The Academy has a wide range of programs, services and information to help ophthalmologists from around the world advance their abilities and better serve their patients. 

• The Ophthalmic Society Database is currently being redesigned, and will re-launch shortly. If you have a question about the database, would like to update the information listed for your society, or would like to be listed contact intl_society@aao.org.
• Learn more about OKAP International
• The Global Directory of Training Opportunities provides you with a listing of ophthalmic training opportunities, including externships, fellowships, internships, observerships and preceptorships, available around the world.
• Learn more about Global Programs and Resources for international ophthalmologists.

Mid-Year Forum

The Academy's Mid Year Forum, held each spring, provides a great opportunity to meet ophthlamic leaders and discuss critical issues facing ophthalmology.

• 2020 Mid Year Forum: April 22-26 Washington, D.C.
• Advocacy Ambassador Program: giving residents and those undergoing fellowship training a front-row seat at the Mid-Year Forum

Annual Meeting

The Academy’s annual meeting, held each fall, also provides a great opportunity to meet peers, get advice, share research and re-connect with friends.

• AAO 2021 : Nov. 12-15 in New Orleans
• How to submit a paper/poster or abstract

YO Committee

The Academy’s Young Ophthalmologist Committee and its three subcommittees address the educational needs of younger physicians and represent their concerns to Academy leaders. The YO Committee played a signifigant role in developing Academy educational initiatives, including:

• The Ophthalmic News and Education (ONE^®) Network
• EyeWiki, the online searchable encyclopedia written by and for ophthalmologists

The YO Committee also plans the YO Program at the annual meeting, and provides other course recommendations.

• Contact the committee
• How to volunteer for an Academy committee

YO Advocacy Subcommittee

The members of the YO Advocacy Subcommittee make a commitment early in their careers to advocate for their profession and for quality eye care for patients. Advocacy includes both developing relationships with legislators and making a financial commitment to protect quality patient eye care.

• Advocacy Ambassador Program: giving residents and those undergoing fellowship training a front-row seat at the Mid-Year Forum
• Become a congressional advocate
• 2021 Mid Year Forum 

Learn more about these funds:

YO International Subcommittee

The members of the YO International Subcommittee work with their international colleagues and organizations to jointly develop global educational opportunities for YOs.

• Leadership development projects: How LDP participants have planned leadership development in their own societies
• YOs at Work: The First-Ever YO Program at the Nordic Congress of Ophthalmology
• Learn about international societies and organizations

EyeCare America

The Academy’s public service program provides eye care services to medically underserved seniors and those at increased risk for glaucoma. Through its thousands of volunteer ophthalmologists, the program has helped almost 2 million people since 1985. Learn how to volunteer.

• Related story: Mission Work from the Comfort of Your Own Office

Overseas Opportunities

From short-term trips to international fellowship programs and long-term service, there are many ways to help meet eye care needs outside your home country.

• Global Ophthalmology Guide – ONE Network resource for doctors planning to serve overseas
• Academy outreach guide
• Global Directory of Training Opportunities

Leadership Development Program

This one-year program helps identify and develop future leaders of state, subspecialty and specialized interest societies. Eligible societies can nominate one participant per year.

• Learn about the Leadership Development Program and how to participate
• The Next Pioneer? Chasidy Singleton’s Quest to Inspire More Aspiring Ophthalmologists