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
Status Report - Proposed Resolutions
- Resolution A - Restrictions on Certain Activities of Trustees, Officers and Volunteers of the American Optometric Association
- Resolution B - Building a Diverse Profession
- Resolution C - The Optometric Oath
- Resolution D - Biomedical Therapy and the Role of Vision Rehabilitation
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.
Section Bylaws Amendment
Medicare expansion momentum grows in Congress as AOA mobilizes doctors, students
The AOA is hosting a profession-wide videoconference, Thursday, July 29, to discuss rapidly developing legislation to expand Medicare benefits and is seeking members’ input to inform advocacy.
Carrying the torch: AOA campaign message reaches billions
With the competitions officially underway July 23, the AOA is capitalizing on its partnership with surfer Caroline Marks and USA Surfing to raise awareness about the essentialness of regular, comprehensive eye care and vision health. Doctors of optometry can get involved with the See and Be Seen campaign.
Congress urges administration to fully implement provider nondiscrimination law
Regulators have taken a “hands-off” approach to this key ACA provision for a decade, but now members of Congress encourage full implementation of the law as originally intended.