AUPO educational programs serve as platforms for sharing and exploring innovative approaches to leading an academic department and teaching current and future ophthalmologists, guiding them to improved surgical technique, and patient care and outcomes. A variety of leadership-oriented programs highlight AUPO's commitment to faculty development.

Annual Meeting

The Annual Meeting is the only ophthalmology event that successfully blends the three missions of academic departments: research, education and patient care by integrating sessions for chairs, program directors, associate program directors, vice chairs of education, research directors, directors of medical student education, administrators, program coordinators, and other faculty in one location.

Educating the Educators is our model forum developed by residency program directors focusing on faculty development and engagement, curriculum development, and resident education.

Boot Camp for New Chairs provides new chairs with advice and perspective on successful strategies for leading departments of ophthalmology.

Administrator Boot Camp offers department administrators orientation and outlook on successful strategies for leadership in departments of ophthalmology.

Other Programs

Academic Leadership Development Program (ALDP) delivers orientation and skills that will assist program participants in succeeding in the academic ophthalmology leadership pathway. In addition, it will provide meaningful opportunities to network with current leaders in our field as well as with fellow rising stars selected to participate in this program.

INTREPID (INvesting, TRaining, Equipping and Promoting Individuals for Distinction in Ophthalmology) is a year-long, seminar-based program that provides faculty members a tailored professional development opportunity to learn foundational knowledge and skills that will enable them to achieve career goals and grow as leaders in academic medicine and ophthalmology research.

Resident and Fellow Research Forum is intended to encourage the most promising house officers to pursue a career in academic ophthalmology and vision research.

Surgical Curriculum for Ophthalmology Residents (SCOR) is an opportunity for PGY4 residents to receive advanced, hands-on, one-on-one training in cataract and anterior segment skills. The program consists of three components: a skills transfer workshop, distance learning and assessments.

Women Professors of Ophthalmology (WPO) is an initiative intended to help academic ophthalmologists and vision scientists connect and build relationships to guide and advance their careers in academia through a variety of platforms including a peer mentorship program, podcasts, webinars, and live networking events. 

Learn more about AUPO programs in our Annual Meeting, Events and Programs section.

Communication

Journal of Academic Ophthalmology (JAO) is the official publication of AUPO. Our electronic, open access, peer-reviewed journal serves as a national and international forum for the dissemination and scholarly exchange of ideas and information that contribute to the advancement of academic ophthalmology, including medical education, resident and fellow training, research in health education, policy, and regulation. Article publication charges (APC) are waived for AUPO members, faculty and staff at AUPO member institutions.

Eyes on AUPO, our e-newsletter, is disseminated to the membership to share pertinent information outside of the journal pages.

Data and Survey Requests for research are reviewed and considered by the AUPO Data Resource Committee three times per year. For consideration, an AUPO member must complete AUPO's Use of Data Request Form available on the Member Services page after Member log in.

Awards

Awards offer opportunities for individuals to shine and to acknowledge merits at a variety of levels. AUPO members have the following avenues for self and program recognition:

• Excellence in Medical Student Education Award
• RPB David F. Weeks Award for Outstanding Vision Research
• Straatsma Award for Excellence in Resident Education
• Commitment to Advocacy Award, sponsored by the American Academy of Ophthalmology, recognizes an ophthalmology training program annually.

Professional Development

Opportunities for leadership contributions and development are available through:

• Boards or Member Councils to represent each membership constituency
• AUPO Council to empower and represent the entire membership by providing a voice and direct input to the Board of Trustees
• Committee service
• Mentoring programs

Services

Career Opportunities provides member institutions with a complimentary mechanism for posting and filling Faculty, Administrator and Staff vacancies in their departments.

Mailing Lists can be leased for single use at reduced rates for approved mailings, providing an affordable way to share annual reports, important announcements, and educational activity information. Learn more about mailing list policies on our Services page.