The American Optometric Association represents approximately 36,000 doctors of optometry, optometry students and paraoptometric assistants and technicians. Optometrists serve patients in nearly 6,500 communities across the country, and in 3,500 of those communities are the only eye doctors. Doctors of optometry provide two-thirds of all primary eye care in the United States.

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 its affiliates work to provide the public with quality vision and eye care. Through offices in St. Louis, Missouri, and metropolitan Washington, D.C., the AOA:

Founded in 1922, the American Academy of Optometry is committed to promoting the art and science of vision care through lifelong learning. 

The optometry field is constantly changing. To provide the highest quality continuing education and the most current vision science research, the Academy's annual meeting includes nearly 300 hours of Lectures & Workshops, symposia, and scientific lecture and poster presentations over 4 days. And, besides all that, the Academy is FUN!

The letters "FAAO" (Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry) after an optometrist, scientist or other qualified person’s name signify to colleagues and patients that rigorous qualifications for Fellowship have been met. 

Academy membership consists of Fellows (including Emeritus, Honorary and Life Fellows), student members, and candidates for Fellowship. Although members may have similar benefits, only Fellows may use the "FAAO" designation.

Currently 86% of Academy Fellows provide clinical care (see patients on a continuing basis). 47% are in private practice. 14% are involved in the education of optometric students. 11% practice optometry through the federal service (military, Department of Veterans Affairs, Indian Health Services, Public Health Service, etc.).

All members of the Academy, whether or not they see patients, are dedicated to the highest standards of optometric practice through clinical care, education or research. 

The Kansas Optometric Association serves more than 500 doctors of optometry across the state and around the country. It serves as a membership resource for information and educational opportunities, provides valuable public information about vision-related topics and delivers a unified voice about issues affecting the profession.

Our Vision: “The voice that advances the economic well being and quality of life in the Olathe community.”

• Voted the “Nation's Best Chamber” by the National Association for Membership Development, an affiliate of the American Chamber of Commerce
 
• More than 1,700 members - business and community leaders, professionals, decision makers
 
• Largest chamber serving Johnson County; second largest in greater Kansas City 
 
• Dynamic Economic Development Department (activities helped lead to the construction of 1 million square feet of new commercial/office/industrial space in 2000 with the creation of thousands of new jobs.)
 
• Progressive Convention and Visitors Bureau (tourism is at an all-time high with an impact of $22 million each year.)
 
• Largest weekly Chamber networking event in metropolitan Kansas City, drawing from across the area
 
• The unifying force that pulls community partnerships together in pursuit of common goals. “One Vision. One Voice.”
 
•  Established in 1921