Joining professional organizations can advance your career as a young, aspiring, and practicing ophthalmologist. Ophthalmology membership in societies provides great networking opportunities that can grow in scientific collaborations, learning opportunities, and groundbreaking research. Members of a certain society also get preferential prices for meetings and conferences; and get updates on the latest research and technologies.
Below, we’ll list ophthalmology organizations and communities offering valuable memberships for young professionals and seasoned experts.
Ophthalmology Organizations Worth Joining
1. Your National Ophthalmology Society
Joining your national ophthalmology society benefits young professionals like you with:
Local networking opportunities
Access to resources and guidelines in your native language
Continuing education and certification in your country
Advocacy to protect the interests of ophthalmologists within your country
Local job opportunities
Research and grant opportunities
Awards and recognitions within your country
A national ophthalmology society membership connects you with peers, mentors, and leaders. It creates chances for collaborations, observerships, fellowships, and educational programs. Organizations share updated clinical guidelines and research so ophthalmologists can comply with national standards of care.
National societies advocate for ophthalmologists' interests - healthcare reforms, fair compensation, etc. They have job boards, career services, and mentorship programs to advance your career. Membership opens doors to awards and recognitions which can boost your CV.
Ophthalmology memberships in national societies often require a low membership fee. The fee differs in each country. If you are from one country but reside in another, you can join both national societies or only the one in the country you work in.
I encourage you all, especially young ophthalmologists to take active part in your local organisations. Being part of a comette, involved in a project or part of the board not only gives you the power to push ophthalmology in your country forward, but builds you as a leader and connects you with incredible people!
2. European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ESCRS) -Trainee/Young Ophthalmologist Program
The ESCRS is one of the largest and most respected organizations for cataract and refractive surgeons in Europe. With a strong emphasis on education and equality, it provides valuable resources for ophthalmologists in training and young professionals just starting their careers.
ESCRS Membership benefits:
Reduced registration fees for the ESCRS Congress and Winter Meetings.
Access to On-demand content with a rich online library of presentations.
Journal of Cataract and Refractive Surgery and EuroTimes.
CME-accredited interactive courses on the ESCRS Members page
Contribute to the evolution of our field with cataract and refractive surgery.
ESCRS Trainee/Young Ophthalmologist Membership Package
The ESCRS offers a 1-Year or 3-Year Trainee/Young Ophthalmologist Membership (maximal up to 5 years) designed to cater to ophthalmologists who are either in training or have recently completed their training. You can apply for this package if you fit the following criteria:
Residents or fellows under 35 years old
Must be in training for the full duration of the membership
Verification letter from the institution that you are working in is required
The ESCRS Trainee/Young Ophthalmologist Membership is free of charge. The only downside is that trainees do not have voting rights and are not eligible for election to the ESCRS Board.
If you are interested in cataract and refractive surgery, ESCRS is a must-join organization due to its specialized resources.
Helpful Links:
3. American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO)
The AAO is the world's largest association of eye physicians and surgeons. Headquartered in the United States, it serves as a global leader in education and innovation in ophthalmology. It supports professionals at all levels of their careers through comprehensive educational resources, advocacy, and certification.
AAO Membership Packages
The AAO offers several membership tiers. For Trainees and Residents, it provides a special discounted membership option.
Access to AAO’s Educational Resources: This includes the prestigious Ophthalmic News and Education (ONE) Network, featuring clinical updates, webinars, and a wide range of online resources.
Access to the Annual Meeting: The AAO annual meeting is one of the largest gatherings of ophthalmologists globally. Members receive discounts for attendance, offering the chance to learn about cutting-edge technology and clinical advancements.
Journal Subscriptions: Members get access to key journals like Ophthalmology and EyeNet Magazine, which are critical for staying informed about new research and clinical practices.
Advocacy and Professional Development: The AAO provides ongoing career support, advocacy for public health issues, and opportunities for certification and continuing medical education (CME).
Open to all ophthalmology professionals
6 Types of Membership for Ophthalmologists
Active Fellow
Active Member
International Member
International Member in Training
U.S. Member in Training
U.S. Medical Student
Membership Cost: This varies depending on the specific membership tier and location. It is designed to be affordable for those in the early stages of their careers.
AAO membership is ideal for medical residents in ophthalmology or recent graduates looking to gain deep insights into the field. Established professionals can also benefit from lifelong learning opportunities and cutting-edge research through AAO’s continuous educational programs.
Helpful Links:
4. European Glaucoma Society (EGS)
The European Glaucoma Society (EGS) is dedicated to advancing the understanding and treatment of glaucoma. EGS supports glaucoma research, education, and collaboration among professionals in Europe and beyond.
EGS Membership Packages
EGS offers membership packages for a wide range of ophthalmology professionals. While there are different membership tiers, the key benefits include:
Exclusive Educational Content: Members get access to EGS's Guidelines for Glaucoma Management, one of the most widely respected resources on glaucoma care.
EGS Congress and Meetings: Members enjoy discounted rates for attending the biennial EGS Congress and eligibility to attend the annual AGS (American Glaucoma Society) Meeting
Networking Opportunities: EGS fosters collaboration between glaucoma specialists through its member directory and professional forums.
Online Learning Resources: EGS provides webinars, case discussions, and other online educational materials tailored to the evolving needs of glaucoma specialists.
Open to all ophthalmology professionals
3 Types of Membership:
Ordinary
Extraordinary
Member-in-Training
Membership Cost: Free
Ophthalmologists specializing or intending to specialize in glaucoma will find EGS to be an invaluable resource for clinical updates and research. Young ophthalmologists exploring subspecialties can benefit from the educational content and networking opportunities.
Helpful Links:
5. EURETINA
The European Society of Retina Specialists (EURETINA) focuses on advancing the study and treatment of retina-related conditions. EURETINA supports retina specialists through education, research, and collaboration across Europe and globally.
EURETINA Membership Packages
EURETINA has many membership options for retina specialists, each with valuable benefits:
Exclusive Resources: Members have full access to retina science publications, CME-accredited eLearning courses, and presentations from past congresses.
EURETINA Congress and Meeting: Members enjoy discounted rates for EURETINA’s annual Congress and Winter Meeting, plus the opportunity to submit abstracts.
Virtual Events: Exclusive access to virtual events
Professional Forum: Members can discuss the latest retinal science through the EURETINA Forum, connecting with top specialists worldwide.
Ophthalmologica Subscription: Membership includes a subscription to the Ophthalmologica retina journal.
Open to all retina specialists
6 Types of Membership:
1-Year European Membership (€150)
1-Year International Membership (€150)
1-Year Trainee Membership (€75)
3-Year European Membership (€350)
3-Year International Membership (€350)
3-Years Young Retina Specialists [YOURS] Membership (Free)
Membership Discounts:
Trainee Discount (50%): €75 for 1 year
Members of Selected National Societies (20%): €120 for 1 year / €280 for 3 years
YOURS Membership (Claimed once): Free for 3 years
EURETINA Membership is open to all retina specialists, with special discounts for trainees, young professionals, and national society members.
Helpful Links
6. EuCornea
The European Society of Cornea and Ocular Surface Disease Specialists (EuCornea) promotes the study and treatment of corneal diseases. EuCornea supports the exchange of knowledge and collaboration among cornea specialists worldwide.
EuCornea Membership Benefits
EuCornea offers several membership options tailored to professionals interested in corneal health:
Discounted Congress Fees: Members enjoy reduced rates for attending the annual EuCornea Congress and the ESASO Congress.
Educational Resources: Membership gives access to webinars, workshops, and cornea-related learning resources, including collaboration with the ESCRS iLearn Cornea platform.
Voting and Networking: Gain voting rights and access to networking and new professional connections.
Exclusive Newsletters: Stay updated on the developments in corneal research and clinical advancements through EuCornea newsletters.
Open to all cornea specialists and ophthalmologists in training in Europe
2 Types of Membership:
Full Membership
Trainee Membership
Membership Cost: €50 for a full membership; €25 for trainees.
Ophthalmologists specializing in the cornea will find EuCornea invaluable for staying at the forefront of corneal research. The organization membership is open to all, with special rates for trainees and allied healthcare professionals.
Helpful Links
Follow Us - Ophthalmology 24
Even though we are not an official ophthalmology society, we constantly work to provide the best and most relevant resources for young ophthalmologists. What you can do to support us and our mission for accessible career and educational opportunities, is to follow us on social media.
By showing your support, we can continue growing and you can stay up to date with upcoming conferences, abstract submission deadlines, resources, grants, and other exciting opportunities for students, trainees, residents, and young specialists.
Feel free to follow our meme page as well: @theophthalmochi Thank you!
Do you happen to know any other ophthalmology organizations that you think should be included on our list? Feel free to reach out to us via the contact form. We'd love to hear your recommendations! - Atanas Bogoev, MD