| American Academy of Ophthalmology | |
|---|---|
| Abbreviation | AAO |
| Formation | 1896 (AAOO) 1979 (AAO) |
| Type | Professional Association |
| Headquarters | San Francisco, California |
| Location | United States |
| Website | http://www.aao.org |
The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) is the largest national membership medical association of ophthalmologists–medical doctors (M.D.s) specializing in eye care and surgery including medical, surgical and optical care. More than 90 percent of practicing U.S. Eye M.D.s are Academy members, and the Academy has more than 7,000 international members. The group is based in San Francisco, California.
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The mission of the American Academy of Ophthalmology is to advance the lifelong learning and professional interests of ophthalmologists (Eye M.D.s) to ensure that the public can obtain the best possible eye care.
The academy has its origins in the American Academy of Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology (AAOO), founded in 1896 as a medical association of both ophthalmologists and otolaryngologists. The AAO was founded when the AAOO split in 1979 and divided into separate academies for each specialty. Like most medical associations, the AAO collects dues, provides continuing education and seminars for its members, including its four-day annual meeting. Outside the medical community it promotes public health information. Also, like most other medical associations, the AAO takes public policy stances on issues through lobbying (carried out by its Washington, D.C.-based Governmental Affairs Division).
The American Academy of Ophthalmology is an association of Eye M.D.s dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for every individual they treat by helping each to see his or her best and by protecting their patients' vision and eye health throughout life. Academy members are committed to responding compassionately to their patients' individual needs and to advancing the highest standards of comprehensive eye care. To enable its members to meet these goals, the Academy provides a wide variety of programs, products and services to Eye M.D.s and the patients they serve.