Become a Diplomate
According to Academy bylaws, each Section is required to establish a Diplomate program to provide an avenue for Fellows committed to attaining a higher level of performance and excellence with an opportunity to achieve additional distinction. Diplomate candidates must be current Fellows of the Academy.
There is a one-time $100 application fee to submit a new Diplomate application. This fee may be waived for participation in the Diplomate Preparatory Course held during an Academy annual meeting for that Section.
Diplomate Application Now Available
Step 1: Pay the $100 Diplomate Application Fee
Step 2: Complete the initial Diplomate Application
Anterior Segment
Binocular Vision, Perception and Pediatric Optometry
Comprehensive Eye Care
Comprehensive Eye Care
Becoming a Diplomate of the American Academy of Optometry is a distinction achieved by Doctors of Optometry who strive to attain a level of excellence beyond Fellowship in the American Academy of Optometry. The Comprehensive Eye Care Section (CECS) invites Academy Fellows with an interest in full scope patient-centered care to become a candidate for Diplomate in Comprehensive Eye Care. Completion of the Diplomate Program will result in expanded knowledge and confidence in evidence-based primary eye care and will reflect commitment to the highest level of comprehensive clinical care.
Section on Cornea, Contact Lenses and Refractive Technologies
Diplomates of the Section on Cornea, Contact Lenses and Refractive Technologies are Fellows of the American Academy of Optometry who are recognized for their knowledge and expertise in cornea; contact lenses and/or refractive technology. Diplomates of the section have both a deep and broad base of knowledge in all phases of corneal anatomy and physiology with an emphasis on either clinical contact lens or refractive technology. For those who have expertise in cornea, contact lenses or refractive technology but do not provide patient care, please see the guidelines for the Research Diplomates of the section.
Low Vision
Optometric Education
- Guidelines
- Education Training Summary
- OE Diplomate Information Module *Please login or create a Thinkific account to view the video.
Public Health & Environmental Vision
Vision Science
The mission of the Vision Science Section is to foster and disseminate both clinical and basic science research from the molecular to the intact system level of the visual system as it relates to visual function in health and disease.
Those who earn the Diplomate designation are required to complete the Diplomate Renewal Process every five years in order to maintain their status.
Please note: Before applying, candidates must be a member of the Section in which they wish to pursue Diplomate status. Current Section membership can be verified by emailing membership@aaoptom.org.
The Benefits of Becoming a Diplomate
Advice for Pursuing Becoming a Diplomate
The Process of Becoming a Diplomate
Diplomate Renewal Process
Diplomate renewal is consistent across all Academy Sections:
- The next Diplomate Renewal is due December 31, 2025, and then every five years thereafter on December 31 as a “quinquennial” renewal process.
- New Diplomates who receive their Diplomate status any year between two quinquennial (5-year) renewal years (i.e., that is, not on 2015, 2020, 2025, but on a year in between) will not have to renew at the upcoming quinquennial renewal year (which would be < 5 years) but at the subsequent quinquennial renewal year (which will be more than five years after obtaining their Diplomate status. This will allow the person time to become active in the Section. Afterwards, they will be on the normal 5-year cycle.)
Anterior Segment
Binocular Vision, Perception and Pediatric Optometry
Comprehensive Eye Care
Section on Cornea, Contact Lenses and Refractive Technologies
Optometric Education
Public Health & Environmental Vision
Vision Science
The mission of the Vision Science SIG is to foster and disseminate both clinical and basic science research from the molecular to the intact system level of the visual system as it relates to visual function in health and disease.
