Early Career Doctors

Approach new challenges with confidence and equip yourself with the tools to build a successful and sustainable career in optometry.

Featured Benefit: The New Practitioner Catalog

Advance your optometry career with a structured, all-in-one CE program in AOA EyeLearn, designed to fuel your professional growth. As an early-career doctor, the AOA’s New Practitioner Catalog is your launchpad to success.

Unlock New Practitioner Catalog



OD sitting behind desk, point to computer screen and on the phone.

Benefits for Early Career Optometrists

Explore exclusive benefits, resources and advocacy available through AOA membership at every stage of your optometry career.

Join the AOA Today!

Blue money bag iconDiscounts for Young ODs

Take advantage of early-career savings to focus on building your practice and career. 

  • Discounted dues in first 5 years = $1500+ total savings
  • Reduced rates for residents = $900+ total savings
  • Member-only rates for Optometry's Meetings and other AOA events



Chat Bubble IconConnection

Join a network of 50,000+ members—locally and nationwide—who can help you navigate your early career.   



Computer IconEducation & Insights

Build your clinical confidence and stay current on industry insights. 



Partner-IconPractice Resources

Deliver excellent care for your patients and high value for your practice.



Increased Stock Graph IconCareer Advancement

Establish yourself early by learning key skills and finding the right career path for you.



Lightbulb IconFinancial Planning

Make informed financial decisions early with guidance and solutions to help you plan, protect and move forward with confidence. 



Handshake IconAdvocacy for Optometry

Rely on a strong, collective voice to safeguard the profession, secure your future and deliver results. 



AOA Highlights

Insights, events and experiences to help you grow as an Early Career OD



Join Now: Early Career Impact

“Being connected to both the AOA and my state association has made all the difference in my early career. Through these networks, I’ve found mentors, colleagues and friends who understand the unique challenges young optometrists face. Whether I’m navigating clinical questions, business decisions or professional growth, I know I have a community I can turn to for guidance and support.” - Mary Kate Walters, O.D.
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Ask the Coding Experts

You ask, the experts answer. The AOA Coding and Reimbursement Committee supports the AOA's strategic direction to develop and value procedural (CPT), diagnostic (ICD-10) and supply codes (HCPCS). Members can submit questions regarding medical records and coding to askthecodingexpert@aoa.org. Here are the latest questions.

Highlights from Optometry's Meeting® 2026

Check out what you might have missed from Optometry's Meeting® 2026 in Phoenix.

AOA on Capitol Hill 2025: Live News Updates

Welcome to the official news hub for AOA on Capitol Hill 2025! Follow along with the AOA's exclusive coverage from optometry's single-largest federal advocacy event in Washington, D.C., and learn about the issues 600 of our colleagues championed on Capitol Hill.