Directory of AOA Benefits, Programs, & Services

• Dr. Locator — www.aoadrlocator.org, online optometrist referral directory.
  
  
  
• Optometry’s Career Center® (OCC) — a national, online matching service for optometry that helps provide detailed information to find optometric jobs (or candidates) and other opportunities, such as purchase of a practice.
  
  
  
• Practice Assistance Program — is a mentoring program for AOA members who have questions and seek advice on various aspects of practice management.
  
  
  
• Practice Resource Center — a section of the AOA Web site (listed under Doctors/Member Benefits and Services on the home page) that can help both new and seasoned practitioners with practice management, career building, and the day-to-day challenges of running a business.
  
  
  
• Resource Guide for Employed/Affiliated ODs — contains valuable information about issues related to lease agreements, contract negotiations, and business management for the independent contractor, leaseholder or franchisee.

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• NEW!AOACodingToday.com — online coding and reimbursement tool that increases billing efficiency by making it easier to submit “clean claims.”
  
  
  
• ReimbursementPLUS — offers AOA members a comprehensive set of Internet-based, real-time tools that provide up-to-the-minute CPT code reimbursement information; all related CPT code information and characteristics; and state-of-the-art information regarding CPT code and medical record-keeping compliance.
  
  
  
• Codes for Optometry — listing of codes for Medicare & third-party insurance claims.
  
  
  
• HIPAA Privacy Compliance Manual – provides reliable compliance advice, custom-tailored to the optometric practice; features answers to many frequently asked questions and a step-by-step guide to help members comply with the often complex and confusing new federal privacy regulations.
  
  
  
• HIPAA Security Rule Manual — provides an orderly step-by-step method to help optometrists ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and accessibility of electronic protected health information (ePHI) in their practices as required by federal regulation.
  
  
  
• Medicare Compliance Manual — provides sample policies and procedures, helps to navigate through the complicated laws governing Medicare and how they might apply to an optometric practice.

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• AOA News and AOA News Online — AOA’s bi-monthly hard copy news publication and online version of the AOA News with additional informational content.
  
  
  
• AOA Web site — www.aoa.org, online access to member benefits & services & industry related information.
  
  
  
• Optometry’s Meeting® — The American Optometric Association’s annual Congress and the American Optometric Student Association’s Annual Conference; members benefit from many opportunities, including:
  • COPE approved continuing education
  • exploring optometric and vision industry exhibits
  • networking with colleagues and other optometric professionals
  • attending special events planned exclusively for Optometry’s Meeting®
  • observing the proceedings taking place during the annual assembly of the AOA House of Delegates.
  
  
  
  
• International Library, Archives, & Museum of Optometry (ILAMO) — comprehensive visual science library with knowledgeable research staff.
  
  
  
• Optometry: Journal of the AOA — published monthly, the most widely circulated scholarly optometry journal, provides a forum for breakthrough research that advances the art and science of the practice of primary care optometry.
  
  
  
• Research/Statistics on the Profession — AOA’s Information and Data Committee conducts a variety of surveys to collect, analyze, and disseminate socio-economic and other data relating to eye care, the optometric profession, and the ophthalmic industry.

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• Legislative Advocacy – Federal Level — the ability to contact Congressional representatives and stay current on federal legislative issues affecting optometry.
  
  
  
• Legislative Advocacy – Support of State Efforts — the ability to stay current on state legislative issues affecting optometry.
  
  
  

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• Optometric Clinical Practice Guidelines - recommendations for patient care which are developed through a formal process. They combine the best available current scientific evidence and research with expert clinical opinion to recommend appropriate steps in the diagnosis, management, and treatment of patients with various eye and vision conditions.
  
  
  
• Pamphlets/Resource Materials – AOA’s Order Department has available patient/public education, stationery and practice management materials.

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• Commission on Paraoptometric Certification – responsible for establishing, maintaining, and verifying standards related to the granting of certification and credentials.
  
  
  
• Sections - offers networking opportunities for members who share professional interests:
  
  
  • Contact Lens & Cornea Section (CLCS) – serving its members by providing leadership, education, and guidance on topics related to contact lenses and cornea primary vision care.
  • Low Vision Rehabilitation Section (LVRS) – supports the interdisciplinary approach to rehabilitation of patients with low vision, including the legally blind and/or visually impaired.
  • Paraoptometric Section (PS) – offers education, recognition, and involvement to its members while promoting the health team concept in the delivery of optometric care.
  • Sports Vision Section (SVS) – advancing the quality and delivery of full-scope optometric sports vision care; promoting sports vision education, eye injury prevention and research, and enhancing the vision of athletes.

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