Membership Development Committee Report [Q3 2025]

Prior to attending the University of South Florida, as a young student, I had never heard of an “optometrist” before; I had always assumed glasses came from the primary care practitioner. I had the fortunate luck to have had a college roommate that worked at an optical and got me a job with the doctor. Furthermore, I fell in love with the profession and decided to make it my career. News flash…I had no idea optometry was a “legislated profession”.  “Legislated Profession” …what did that even mean? Thus, I learned the meaning of it while attending NSU Florida College of Optometry and I have been a member of the Florida Optometric Association (FOA) ever since. 

Membership in the FOA has its perks! Some may call it “perks” and others may call it “benefits” (same difference). What perks do you ask? Well, the following is to name a few:

- Legislative and Advocacy Representation:

The FOA provides representation at the state, local, and national levels to help protect and advance the interests of optometrists (so that means you can put your gloves down and let us be the muscle for you…we just need you to help us, help you)! 

- Legal and Regulatory Support:

The FOA provides access to great, telephonic legal consultation regarding Florida’s Chapter 463 and Board rules, but only to its members (sorry, we can only hear the sound frequency of members; non-members are very difficult to hear). 

- Discounted Continuing Education (CE):

The FOA offers discounted rates for CE courses (during our yearly conference) to its members! Not only do FOA members receive discounted rates at the conference, you get free CE at your local society meetings! Oh, did I forget to mention you are automatically a member of your local society?  

- A few more perks to name:

The FOA offers Medicare consulting, complimentary classified ad postings, access to FOA’s buying group, discounts on credit card processing, discounts on ophthalmic equipment, networking and more!

In closing, I hope that I was able to demonstrate to you that being a member of the Florida Optometric Association has a lot of perks/benefits. The FOA understands that not everyone can be “active members” in the organization, but everyone can be a member in some capacity! For more information on how to join, please visit www.floridaeyes.org.