Governance
The legislative and policy-making body of the American Optometric Association is the House of Delegates, which is established and functions as provided in the bylaws. The administrative body of this association is the Board of Trustees, which implements the policies established by the House of Delegates and performs such duties as are prescribed in the bylaws.
Governance Documents
- Constitution and Bylaws - Effective January 1, 2020
- House of Delegates Resolutions and Substantive Motions
- House of Delegates Procedures
House of Delegates
Optometry's Meeting® 2021: Thursday, June 24 & Saturday, June 26
For more than a century, optometry's preeminent assembly of leaders and decision-makers has led the advancement of our profession. Join us as the House of Delegates discusses the latest developments in optometry and essential governance updates, news from the AOA Board of Trustees and the presentation of awards. All members are invited to attend sessions, including the election and installation of the AOA Board of Trustees. Hear the latest in advocacy news and accomplishments, and glimpse the future of optometry from our AOA leaders.
2021 Documents
Agenda & Handbook
Resolutions
Proposed resolutions that have been approved by the Resolutions Committee will be posted here. Please check this page for updates beginning Wednesday, June 23, and throughout House of Delegates.
Judicial Council Motions: 5-Year Review
Judicial Council Motions: 5-Year Review (master document)
- Motion 1: Continue without Modification
- Motion 2: Delete - Executed
- Motion 3: Delete - Obsolete
- Motion 4: Remove and Archive
- Motion 5: Continue with Modification
- Motion 6: Continue with Nonsubstantive Modification
- Motion 7: Combine 1913 and 1883 - Modification
- Motion 8: Combine 1923 and 1981 - Modification
2021-2022 Board of Trustees Elections
Familiarize yourself with those doctors seeking to represent members on the AOA Board of Trustees. Be sure to check out our recent news article, containing full bio information for each candidate.
Candidates
2021-2022 AOA Board of Trustees Candidates (left to right): Robert C. Layman, O.D.; James P. DeVleming, O.D.; Ronald L. Benner, O.D.; Steven T. Reed, O.D.; Jacqueline M. Bowen, O.D.; Teri K. Geist, O.D.; Belinda R. Starkey, O.D.
Texas scope expansion gains doctors of optometry oral meds, glaucoma authority
Texas becomes the latest state to achieve a significant scope expansion in 2021, earning doctors’ authority to prescribe oral eye medications and independently manage glaucoma.
Doctors of optometry offer transition tips, whether buying or selling
From personal chemistry to hiring consultants, doctors list a number of considerations in a sale. Are you making plans for the future?
Lens-based strategies to address reading issues due to mild, disease-related vision loss
We all see patients with mild vision loss who say their vision does not allow them to read the way they once could. Consider these strategies when refraction doesn’t yield a vision improvement and further disease treatment isn’t warranted.