Benefits and Services

An array of benefits and services are available to the AUPO membership.

Education

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.

Annual Meeting is the only ophthalmology meeting that successfully blends the three missions of academic departments: research, education and patient care by integrating sessions for chairs, program directors, research directors, medical student educators, administrators and program coordinators under one roof.

Educating the Educators is our model forum developed by residency program directors focusing on faculty development and engagement, faculty and 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 administrators orientation and outlook on successful strategies for leadership in departments of ophthalmology. 

Academic Leadership Development Program 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.

Learn more about AUPO educational programs in our Meetings section

Communication

Journal of Academic Ophthalmology (JAO) debuted as the official publication of AUPO in 2017. Our electronic, 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 and faculty and staff at AUPO member institutions.

News & Views, our former bi-annual print newsletter, continues in an electronic format that is disseminated to the membership to share pertinent information outside of the journal pages.

Member Directory, a timely resource exclusive to the AUPO membership, is accessed through a secured portal.

Listservs for each membership community allow for quick dissemination of requests for feedback, sharing of ideas and best practices, and general networking. Listservs are a privilege of membership and coordinated for each AUPO member constituency. They are not intended for the distribution of non-member communications. Listserv inclusion is dependent on active membership and compliance with established policies. Read AUPO's Listserv Usage Policy.

Surveys to fellow members are an effective means to collect data for meaningful research. Potentially, they may also create an onus for the members and may carry some institutional risk if they do not reflect the organization’s values or are misrepresented publicly. To this end, AUPO offers two options for surveys developed by members - AUPO-facilitated surveys and AUPO co-sponsored surveys. Both opportunities require completion of AUPO's Use of Data Request Form and a review process by the Data Resource Committee. Review AUPO's Survey Policy.

Leadership

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:

Academic Leadership Development Program

Excellence in Medical Student Education Award

RPB David F. Weeks Award for Outstanding AMD Research

Straatsma Award for Excellence in Resident Education

Resident and Fellow Research Forum

Commitment to Advocacy Award, sponsored by the American Academy of Ophthalmology, recognizes an ophthalmology training program annually. 

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

Mailing Lists can be rented in label format for single-use by members at reduced rates for approved mailings, providing an affordable way to share annual reports, important announcements, and educational activity information.  

Data Requests for AUPO resources, including ophthalmology resident and fellow match, are considered by the AUPO Data Resource Committee after completion of a Use of AUPO Data and Resources form. Fees may apply. Review policy and form.

Faculty/Staff Positions listing provides member institutions with a complimentary mechanism for posting and filling Faculty and Senior Staff vacancies in their departments.

Faculty and Administration Compensation Survey is a comprehensive and detailed salary survey of ophthalmologists, optometrists, scientists and administrators in departments and divisions of ophthalmology within academic medical centers.  This effort demonstrates AUPO’s commitment to its Chair members by providing critical information that supports fair remuneration to their faculty and staff.  Survey data is confidential and available for purchase by Chairs who are members of AUPO.  To order a copy of the report, Chairs or Department Administrators should log in as members and locate the form in the Resource Library.

Review more details about our Programs and Services.