Explanation of the Point System

A point system has been put into place to allow candidates more options for meeting the written requirements for Fellowship. Once the candidate has achieved 50 points, they will be invited to sit for an oral examination at the next eligible annual meeting of the Academy. It is the candidate’s responsibility to provide their Subcommittee Chair with any documentation requested before consideration for awarding points can be made, and it is the Subcommittee Chair’s responsibility to assess whether or not the materials presented satisfy the intent of the category.

All written works MUST be submitted through the online candidate portal, which may be accessed at academy.aaopt.org using your Academy login credentials. Please keep in mind the dates and deadlines found here when submitting your work to ensure you maintain eligibility for the oral exam year of your choosing.

Eligibility Requirements

There are three categories of Candidates for Fellowship. Before beginning your Proposed Plan for Written Work, determine which category is most suitable for you.

Clinical Candidates: Optometrists who are licensed or accredited to practice at the highest level permitted by law in their jurisdiction and are engaged in active clinical practice. At least one case report is required for all clinical candidates.
Scientific Candidates: Those primarily involved in research relating to the vision sciences. They have published articles in scientific journals and generally have an advanced degree in a vision science area of discipline. At least three first-authored scientific publications are required for all scientific candidates before applying.
Special Category Candidates: May include administrators, executive directors, clinical consultants, librarians, editors, educators, or others who have distinguished themselves and optometry by their contributions to optometry or vision science. This category is reserved for those candidates who are not in active clinical practice or participating in publishable scientific research. At least one original paper (either 1,200-word paper for 10 points or 6,000-word paper for 50 points) is required for all special category candidates.

Plagiarism Policy

All written work is expected to be the candidate’s own original writing. Information taken from references or other source documents must be properly attributed. Plagiarism is considered a violation of the Standards of Conduct of the AAO, and, if verified, is grounds for termination of your application for Fellowship. Admittance Committee members check every case report for evidence of plagiarism (written work offered as original when in fact it was copied word-for-word without proper attribution to the original source).

Plagiarism is defined by the Merriam-Webster dictionary as 1) stealing and passing off (the ideas or words of another) as one’s own; 2) using (another’s production) without crediting the source; or 3) committing literary theft: presenting as new and original an idea or product derived from an existing source.

Copying extensive portions of others’ works, even with referencing, is seen as plagiarism by the Academy. Before submitting your case report, seek the advice of your Subcommittee Chair or request a mentor if you have questions or are unsure about what constitutes plagiarism.

Written Requirement Options

Case Reports (10 points each)

This submission type is permitted for Clinical candidates only. Clinical candidates must submit at least one case report.

This must be a case report of a patient the candidate has managed after graduation/licensure/accreditation in optometry.

Step 1: Submitting Case Reports

All case reports are to be submitted to the online candidacy system. A minimum of one, and up to five, will be required based on the point system. All clinical candidates must write at least one case report. The first case report should be submitted to the system no later than February 1, 11:59 pm EST, of the year you’d like to sit for the oral exam. Your second case report must be submitted to the system no later than April 1, 11:59 pm EST, of the year you’d like to sit for the oral exam. All remaining written work is due no later than May 15, 11:59 pm EST, of the year you plan to sit for the oral exam.

Step 2: Purpose

The purpose of written case reports is to demonstrate one’s commitment to the Academy’s goal of lifelong learning. Case reports should display technical skills and knowledge, level of professionalism, and ability to care for patients. Keep in mind, the case reports you write are a reflection of you and your skills more than the patient about whom you are writing.

Step 3: Patient Selection

Cases should be representative of the patients you work with and care for on a daily basis. They should reflect different aspects of your optometric practice and should be cases that are/were either entirely managed by yourself or co-managed to conclusion. Exotic cases are interesting, but any case chosen should be representative of your best work and clinical judgment. It is recommended that at least one case involving disease, treated by you or referred to another professional for treatment, should be included. You may not submit case reports about any patients you saw before becoming a practicing optometrist.

Step 4: Building a Case Report

A case report is a scientific writing and should ideally follow the writing style exhibited in peer-reviewed journals.
It should be written in third person, past tense.
Carefully spell-check and grammar-check all work.
Support clinical conclusions and be able to justify clinical decisions during the oral exam.
Patients should be followed to the conclusion of the condition reported.
All writing should be your original work. Plagiarism is grounds for termination of your candidacy. Have a colleague review your case report prior to submission.
Please keep in mind the Fellowship Dates and Deadlines for your submissions to ensure eligibility for your preferred oral exam date.
Written case reports, required as part of your application for Fellowship, must include a discussion section that includes information referenced from literature. It is expected that all your writing represents your own work. Be familiar with what needs to be cited and how to reference information taken from other sources.
Visit the Member Dashboard when logged in at www.aaopt.org to find access to select journals through the Academy as well as the AVSL-AAO Information Resource Hub, which houses information regarding books and journals, citation managers, and more information that could aid in your research.

Plagiarism

Copying extensive portions of other’s works, even with referencing, is seen as plagiarism by the Academy. Before submitting your case report, seek the advice of your Subcommittee Chair or request a mentor if you have questions or are unsure about what constitutes plagiarism.

Step 5: Organizational Guidelines for Case Reports

Cover Page: The first page is a cover sheet with the candidate’s name, address, telephone number, e-mail address, case report title and number, and a brief abstract (approximately 10 lines) of the attached case report. Include keywords used.

Introduction: The paper should begin with a 1-2 paragraph introduction that provides background information on the topic of the case report.

Case Report: Thoroughly describe each visit when the patient was seen and examined. Maintain HIPAA compliance and eliminate any references to health-protected information of your patient. Each visit should be thoroughly documented including history, examination findings, decision-making, treatment, and patient education.

The initial visit should include the patient’s chief complaint, age/ethnicity, sex, and date of examination as well as a thorough documentation of history (history of present illness: medical, ocular, family, and social histories; medications; allergies).

Documentation of the examination should identify all findings, including pertinent negatives. All medications instilled in the patient’s eyes as part of the examination should be recorded by concentration and quantity. A complete differential diagnosis should be included, indicating how the final diagnosis was determined. Treatment protocol should demonstrate depth of knowledge and be justifiable should it vary from the current standard of care. Separate each follow-up visit so there is a clear chronology of your examination and treatment of the patient.

If the patient was referred to a specialist, the reason for the referral, differential diagnosis, and expected outcomes should be discussed. If the patient was referred to another provider for a procedure or for further testing, include a copy of that provider’s report as well as any follow-up with the patient after the procedure.

You must clearly identify when the patient was examined by another eye care provider. This includes an optometrist or ophthalmologist from another practice, within your same practice, or through co-management.

Discussion: This section should describe the diagnosis in greater detail, including the epidemiology and pathophysiology where appropriate. Use this section to further discuss your decision-making process. Explain variations from normal relating to your specific patient’s presentation. Discuss the standard of care for the condition and why you may have deviated from it. If there are any alternative treatments, explain each and discuss the advantages and drawbacks.

The discussion should be your original writing and should refer to the specifics of your case report. Any information gathered from outside sources should be properly documented.

Step 6: Elements of Evaluation of Case Reports

The quality of the case report will be considered by the committee as an indication of the quality of care that you provide your patients on a daily basis. Primary elements evaluated include:

Step 7: Case Report Submissions

Upon notification of acceptance of the candidate’s application, the candidate should submit the first case report by February 1 of the year they intend to sit for the oral exam.

The Subcommittee Chair will review the first case report and provide written evaluation. You may be asked to revise the article based on the suggestions from three members of the Admittance Subcommittee. This may mean adding information, clarifying references, and cleaning up confusing grammar, syntax, etc. The intent of revision(s) is to assist the candidate as they prepare for the oral examination. Revisions requests are very common.

The Academy has a number of mentors eager to assist candidates throughout the Fellowship process. Mentors can be assigned by request to your Subcommittee Chair or at the recommendation of your Subcommittee Chair.

You must complete all requested revisions to your written work no later than July 15 in order to be cleared for the oral examination in the same calendar year. We highly recommend submitting revisions as soon as possible, however, as it is not uncommon to need two or more rounds of revisions and this can delay your oral exam eligibility.

Step 8: Questions

For assistance or guidance in the preparation of the case reports, please contact your Subcommittee Chair.

Step 9: Notification of Acceptance of Written Work

You will receive a notification from the candidate portal once your written work has been approved and you are eligible to schedule the oral exam. Your Subcommittee Chair will email you an invitation letter in the summer before the oral exam with instructions on how to schedule your exam time. It is your responsibility to follow these instructions to schedule your exam time by August 15 of the year you intend to sit for the oral exam. Oral examinations will be scheduled on a first-come, first served basis and are held on the Thursday of the Academy’s annual meeting.

Publications (10 points each)

All candidates may submit publications as part of their 50 points. Scientific candidates are required to submit at least three scientific publications, which must be published at the time of application.

An article may be acceptable if it was published in one of the following or similar peer-reviewed journals.
Scientific candidates may only submit scientific publications; published case reports and review papers will not be accepted. No more than 1 peer-reviewed systematic review will be accepted toward the required number of 3 publications. Clinical and Special Category candidates may submit a case report or systemic review article provided that they are published in an approved journal and the candidate is the first author.
When multiple-authored published articles are submitted for credit, the article will only be considered if the candidate appears as the first author. If the article is over ten years old, it may be acceptable but a brief paper describing what changes have taken place on the topic since it was published may also be requested.
The Subcommittee Chair will make the decision if a submitted article meets the standards outlined above.
Complete citations MUST be included in the Candidate for Fellowship application or your proposed plan will be returned to you.

List of Approved Journals (updated June 2023)

Acta Ophthalmologica
American Journal of Ophthalmology
American Journal of Ophthalmology Case Reports
BMC Ophthalmology
Brain
Brain Injury
British Journal of Ophthalmology
Canadian Journal of Ophthalmology
Canadian Journal of Optometry
Clinical & Experimental Ophthalmology
Clinical & Experimental Optometry
Clinical & Refractive Optometry
Clinical Insights in Eyecare
Clinical Ophthalmology
Clinical Proteomics
Contact Lens and Anterior Eye
Cornea
Current Eye Research
Cutaneous and Ocular Toxicology
Documenta Ophthalmology
European Journal of Ophthalmology
Experimental Eye Research
Eye
Eye & Contact Lens
Frontiers in Neuroscience
Journal Francais D’Ophtalmologie
Gerontologist
Graefe’s Archive for Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology
Indian Journal of Ophthalmology
International Ophthalmology
Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science
JAMA Ophthalmology
Japanese Journal of Ophthalmology
Journal of AAPOS
Journal of American Geriatrics Society
Journal of Cataract and Refractive Surgery
Journal of Current Ophthalmology
Journal of Dry Eye Disease and Ocular Surface Disease
Journal of Glaucoma
Journal of Neuro-Ophthalmology
Journal of Ocular Pharmacology and Therapeutics
Journal of Optometry
Journal of Pediatric Ophthalmology & Strabismus
Journal of Refractive Surgery
Journal of Vision
Journal of Visual Impairment and Blindness
Klin Monatsbl Augenheilkd
The Lancet
Molecular Vision
Neuro-Ophthalmology
Ocular Immunology and Inflammation
Ocular Surface
Ophthalmic Epidemiology
Ophthalmic Genetics
Ophthalmic Plastic Reconstructive Surgery
Ophthalmic Research
Ophthalmic Surgery Lasers & Imaging Retina
Der Ophthalmologe
Ophthalmologica
Ophthalmology
Optometric Education
Optometry & Vision Science
Optometry & Visual Performance
PLOS One
Progress in Retinal and Eye Research
Retina, the Journal of Retinal and Vitreous Diseases
Spektrum Der Augenheilkunde
Survey of Ophthalmology
Translational Vision Science & Technology (TVST)
Vision Development and Rehabilitation
Vision Research
Visual Neuroscience

Posters and Papers (10 points each)

All candidates may submit posters and papers as part of their 50 points.

A poster or paper presentation (e.g. clinical case report, research investigation) written after graduation/licensure/accreditation in optometry will be considered, including periods of time when the candidate was a resident. Presentations made at the Residents Day Program of the Academy meeting may be accepted for points as well.

Candidates for AAO Fellowship can submit posters and papers from the organizations/meetings listed below. Please note that the Admittance Committee will still review each document submitted and make the final decision on the approval of points. You MUST be the first author listed on the poster or paper for the work to be considered.

American Academy of Optometry
Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO)
American Optometric Association (AOA)
Global Specialty Lens Symposium (GSLS) – only able to accept from 2012 and forward
College of Optometrists in Vision Development (COVD) – only able to accept from 2014 and forward
Heart of America (HOA) – only able to accept from 2017 and forward
Southeastern Educational Congress of Optometry (SECO) – only able to accept from 2018 and forward
Florida Chapter of the American Academy of Optometry – only able to accept from 2021 and forward

To be eligible for points, the candidate must have been the presenting author and had the opportunity to interact with attendees. For example, discussion with attendees in a poster session or responding to questions from the audience in a paper session. A candidate cannot use a poster/paper being presented at the same Academy meeting where they are sitting for the oral exam. A poster or paper more than ten years old might not be accepted.

All peer-reviewed materials (e.g. an abstract of the poster/paper) and an electronic copy/PDF of the poster or paper must be uploaded. The uploaded copy needs to be readable with good resolution. If the text cannot be read, the poster/paper will not be accepted.

Academy Lecture (10 points each)

All candidates may submit lectures as part of their 50 points.

A unique lecture given within the past ten years at an annual or international meeting of the American Academy of Optometry may be accepted if the candidate was the sole presenter of a one-hour lecture or presented for at least one hour of a two-hour lecture. Grand Rounds presentations do not count toward this requirement. Documentation of successful completion of the lecture with dates and location must be provided, along with a description of the lecture.

Residency or Other Graduate/Professional Degree (20 points maximum)

All candidates may submit a residency/graduate degree as part of their 50 points.

The candidate must document completion of a residency program accredited by the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education (ACOE) or completion of a graduate degree beyond the OD degree that is relatable to optometric practice or research (e.g. an advanced degree in vision science or a MPH) with an accredited college or university. Only one residency or one graduate degree may be used toward the 50-point requirement. International candidates must document completion of a graduate degree beyond the equivalent of an OD degree. Please note that the Admittance Committee will review each degree submitted and make the final decision on the approval of points.

Documentation of the successful completion of the program* with dates of attendance and location must be uploaded along with a description of the scope of the program. Copies of any research reports, case reports, thesis, etc., completed within the program may be requested by the Subcommittee Chair.

*The residency certificate may be uploaded after the May 15 written work submission deadline in order to sit for the oral exam at the next Academy annual meeting. However, a letter from your direct residency supervisor indicating your status will be required to upload by the May 15 deadline.

Leadership Contribution (10 points maximum)

All candidates may submit a leadership contribution as part of their 50 points.

While most candidates are in positions that inherently require leadership skills, points for leadership will only be awarded for activities at the national or state level outside of the scope of the candidate’s regular compensated position. Leadership points will only be awarded to those candidates who can document a sustained record of highly significant contributions to the profession or vision science that resulted from the individual’s leadership position.

Candidates with accomplishments that might make them eligible for leadership points should seek preliminary approval from the Subcommittee Chair by submitting the organization(s) served, dates of service, leadership position(s), and a statement outlining the significant contribution(s) to the profession.

After receiving preliminary approval from the Subcommittee Chair, the candidate must complete a 1,200 word essay demonstrating to the satisfaction of the committee that significant contributions to the profession or vision science results from the individual’s leadership activities within the position.

Professionally Related Book (20 points maximum)

All candidates may submit a professionally related book as part of their 50 points.

A book published in one of more of the following or similar types of professionally related books: Applied Science, Optometric Education, Optometric Management, Clinical Optometry, or other.

When multiple authored published books are submitted for credit, an explanation of the candidate’s role in writing the book must be provided in order for the book to be considered. If the book is more than ten years old, it may be acceptable but a paper describing what changes have taken place on the topic since it was published may also be requested.

The Subcommittee Chair will make the decision if a submitted book meets the standards outlined above.

Original 6,000 Word Paper (50 Points)

This submission type is permitted for Special Category candidates only. Special Category candidates must submit at least one original paper (6,000 or 1,200 words).

The candidate must be the primary author. The paper can be based on prior works or projects but must be new original work written for the purpose of Fellowship.

The candidate and the Subcommittee Chair will mutually agree upon the topic of the paper.

Original 1,200 Word Paper (10 points each)

This submission type is permitted for Special Category candidates only. Special Category candidates must submit at least one original paper (6,000 or 1,200 words).

The candidate describes the current work they are doing, what they have learned from their work, and what it means to the profession of optometry.

The paper must be a new original work written for the purpose of Fellowship.

Synopsis of Five Consultative Services Provided to Practitioners (10 points each)

This submission type is permitted for Special Category candidates only.

Candidates who provide consultative services (e.g. Contact Lens Consultant, Practice Management Consultant, etc.) can summarize five different cases/situations in which they demonstrate their expertise and represent the depth and breadth of their services.

Synopsis of Educational Course Work Given Related to Optometry (10 points each)

This submission type is permitted for Special Category candidates only.

Optometric educators can provide a synopsis of their course objectives, lesson plans, and lessons learned. The minimum course duration must be one quarter/semester. The Subcommittee Chair will make the decision if a submitted synopsis meets the standards outlined above.