Organisations
First year out can be quite daunting when it comes to membership. What society should you join? How much will it cost? Do you really want to be spending your first paycheck on member fees? Keep reading because we’ve tried to narrow it down for you! Remember all membership fees are tax deductible as well.
Young Optometrists (YO)
For a short period of time Young Optometrists NSW/ACT are having their early bird special! Sign up by 31st May 2017 to take advantage of this offer ($139 for 1 year, $299 for 3 years incl. GST). YO’s goal is to provide a voice and to support optometry students and optometrists in their first 10 years of practice (within NSW/ACT). Our focus is not only the educational aspect through CPD events and workshops, but also networking, social outings and your overall well-being. Get in quick!
As a member you also get access to CCLSA member discounts for your first 12 months. This is a great way to trial out CCLSA events before joining up as a full member.
https://www.yoptoms.com/Membership/
Free Membership
Optometry Australia (OA)
OA is a not-for-profit body which represents about 90 percent of Australian optometrists. They are an influential voice who aim to provide clinical and professional advice, professional development opportunities, networking and career-advancing opportunities for optometrists by optometrists. Optometry is a small profession and historically membership rates have always been high, with the majority of optometrists choosing the join OA. The only way OA will remain influential is if you choose to be a member. Membership is free for the first 6 months for new graduates.
http://www.optometry.org.au/nsw/become-a-member/membership-application/
Australasian College of Behavioural Optometry (ACBO)
ACBO is an association for optometrists with an interest in functional vision care, neurodevelopmental optometry and vision therapy. ACBO kindly extend a free 12 month membership to all final year students.
https://www.acbo.org.au/members/signup/students
Australian College of Optometry (ACO)
ACO is an independent, non-for-profit institution in science, education and optometric practice dedicated to preserving sight and preventing blindness. First year graduates can enjoy free membership for 12 months.
http://www.aco.org.au/membership/join-the-aco
Discounted First Year Membership
Cornea and Contact Lens Society of Australia (CCLSA)
CCLSA’s mission is to support research and innovation and promote professional development and education amongst members in the field of cornea and contact lenses. First year graduates receive a 50% discount off their annual membership and pay only $77 (incl. GST).
https://www.cclsa.org.au/become-a-member/
OA
Recent graduate fees for optometrists, who have worked for 6 months, are discounted to $1705 (incl. GST)
http://www.optometry.org.au/wa/become-a-member/categories-fees/
Other Memberships to consider
Orthokeratology Society of Oceania
OSO is dedicated to improving the lives of people now and in the future through Ortho-K and Myopia control. OSO members will be recognized as a member of the International Academy of Orthokeratology (IAO) as well. Joining fee is $220 (incl. GST).
These are not just memberships but communities where you can network and learn from each other. So what are you waiting for? Get signing!
Note: This post does not represent all the optometry organizations and societies.
*Prices are for optometrists practicing in Australia or New Zealand.
