What is FAAO?

A distinction worth noting.

All Doctors of Optometry may use the OD degree after their names. A special few may also use FAAO.

Fellows of the American Academy of Optometry are entitled to use the designation FAAO. The designation-FAAO-means they are recognized by their colleagues as knowledgeable and experienced professionals who have met the high standards of professional competence in a broad range of issues related to eye care.

Doctors of optometry are granted the right to use the FAAO designation, an earned distinction, only if they have achieved excellence in the field of optometry, as evidenced by the demonstration of professional competence and fulfillment of the rigorous qualifications set by the American Academy of Optometry.

Each candidate for Fellowship must continue to maintain the highest of professional standards. Each clinical practice candidate has lectured, Completed a residency or has Submitted Written presentations and is examined by a panel of leading doctors of optometry, who review the presentations and the candidate’s professional Credentials.

Most Fellows of the American Academy of Optometry provide primary eye care. Many also have advanced expertise in a particular area of optometry and may focus their practice to a discipline Such as Contact lenses, OCular disease, low vision, pediatric vision and vision therapy, or public health and environmental optometry. Some devote their time and efforts to research and teaching for the advancement of optometric care.

FAAO optometrists are dedicated to providing leadership in scientific and clinical developments. They remain in the forefront of eye care developments by attending continuing education programs, symposia, and lectures, particularly those presented at the Annual Meeting of the Academy of Optometry, the foremost scientific and educational meeting for optometry. An FAAO optometrist is likely to read numerous professional publications, including the Academy’s monthly journal, Optometry and Vision Science, which is recognized Worldwide as the most prestigious optometric publication.

The Academy promotes quality vision care all over the World. It has members in 40 Countries. Fellowship in the Academy is a significant and cherished achievement the 3600 + Fellows who reside in the United States represent less than 10 percent of the practicing optometrists in the U.S.