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.
Anterior Segment
Binocular Vision, Perception and Pediatric Optometry
Comprehensive Eye Care
Section on Cornea, Contact Lenses and Refractive Technologies
Low Vision
Optometric Education
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.
