Benefits of Membership
Welcome to the Mississippi Optometric Association!
Joining MOA unites you with a group of more than 250 Mississippi optometrists who are dedicated to advancing the science, stature, and business of optometry.
MOA is here to support your professional growth and your career through education, professional development, and public policy advocacy. The MOA is the only voice that speaks for optometry in Mississippi and the only force that works to ensure that optometrists can provide primary eye care services. We encourage you to join our professional association and maintain the strength and reach of optometry throughout Mississippi.
MOA
Benefits of Membership
- Legislative & third-party advocacy
- Quality continuing education held throughout the year
- Discounted conference registration fees
- Access to the MOA audio/visual library
- Weekly MOA eNews updates / newsletters
- Provides for membership with the American Optometric Association
- Complimentary SECO Membership
- Peer recognition and interaction
- Local Society Membership
- Insurance plans through AOA
- Paraoptometric training courses
- Business affinity programs
- And more
AOA Membership
Your MOA membership includes membership to the American Optometric Association (AOA). With more than 40,000 members in 6,500 U.S. communities, the AOA leads the way in its mission of improving the quality and availability of eye and vision care everywhere.
Founded in 1898, the AOA is a federation of state, student, and armed forces optometric associations. Through these affiliations, the AOA serves members consisting of optometrists, students of optometry, paraoptometric assistants, and technicians.
Together, the AOA and MOA work to provide Mississippians with quality vision and eye care by:
- Setting professional standards – helping its members conduct patient care efficiently and effectively
- Lobbying government and other organizations on behalf of the optometric profession
- Providing research and education leadership
As the country’s optometric leader and only advocate for our profession, the AOA serves as a respected and effective voice at the local, state, and national levels. They provide clinical resources and continuing education programs to keep you on the leading edge of patient care. Their public awareness efforts educate the public on the importance of eye health and the leading role optometrists play in protecting it. Their business resources offer valuable tips and tools for building a thriving practice and career. And AOA outreach efforts provide a number of opportunities to serve and connect with peers and patients.
Student Membership
Congratulations on choosing optometry as your profession!
You aspire to be an eye doctor, and the MOA can be a vital resource in developing your future career by providing education and advocacy opportunities. Student membership in MOA is limited to students currently attending optometry school and plan to practice in Mississippi.
Student MOA membership is FREE for anyone currently enrolled in optometry school. As a student member of the MOA, you receive the following:
- All membership notifications containing updated information about issues facing optometry;
- Access to the “Members Only” section on the MOA website, which includes a “classifieds” section to assist with locating jobs and equipment;
- Free registration to MOA meetings, such as the Spring and Fall Conference; and
- Countless networking opportunities!
Paraoptometrics
Paraoptometrics are certified health professionals who assist optometrists in providing their highest level of vision care to patients. Paraoptometrics are trained to help the profession of optometry, as well as the individual practices that employ them.
The American Optometric Association has developed a Paraoptometric Certification Program, designed and administered by AOA’s Commission on Paraoptometric Certification (CPC). Paraoptometric Certification offers candidates opportunities to advance their careers and optometrists the opportunity to verify the knowledge and competency levels of their staff members.
The AOA offers three different certification levels:
- Certified Paraoptometric (CPO)
- Certified Paraoptometric Assistant (CPOA)
- Certified Paraoptometric Technician (CPOT)
For an application and more information on the three certification levels, visit the AOA’s website, www.aoa.org, and click on the Paraoptometric link.
