The European Academy of Optometry and Optics

What are the benefits of membership?

Networking

• You will benefit from access to, and the opportunity to collaborate with, a network of individual members, practitioners, industry bodies and educators across Europe and beyond.
   
• We run online Specialist Interest Groups (SIGs), giving you the opportunity to build links with other members on topics of particular interest. Current groups are: cornea, contact lenses and refractive technology; optometric low vision rehabilitation; binocular vision; primary eye care; optometric education; and community eye and vision care services. If you have a particular area of interest, let us know and we will set up a new group!

Professional development

• Our annual conference is a must-attend event in the optometry and optics calendar. It will provide you with excellent learning, networking and social opportunities, and brings professionals together to discuss, debate and disseminate the latest research and innovations and make new contacts.
   
• You could also apply to become a Fellow of the Academy (FEAOO). Fellowships are awarded to members who have made a significant contribution to optometry or optics, and acknowledge members’ experience, accomplishments and commitment to the profession.

Recognition

• Membership and fellowship are ways for your colleagues, patients and the public to recognise your professional status, and your commitment to continuous development of your skills, knowledge and understanding.

• You can use our member logo, giving you a highly visible way of highlighting your support of our strategic aims.

Resources

• You will receive an online subscription to Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics (OPO), the research journal of the College of Optometrists, London. OPO is one of the most highly specialised optometric journals in the world, and is indexed in Medline and the ISI Web of Science.

• You will also have access to the College of Optometrists’ library, which holds over 6,500 optical books and journals.

• Our monthly e-newsletter will keep you up to date with the latest developments from the Academy and the profession. You can also use this to share your own news and to find out more about your fellow members.
   
• You will get a login for the password-protected area of our website, which includes meeting papers, members’ special interest group forums, and an ‘ask the expert’ page.

• Access to the College of Optometrists’ CPD online system, free for 12 months from when you first register, could help you track your training and keep up to date in a fast-changing health care environment. As a member, you will be offered free and discounted subscriptions to journals such as Optometry in Practice

How to join

Annual membership is open to individuals, organisations and students, starting at €25 a year.

Join online here.