Connecting Ophthalmologists from Around the World to Achieve Eye Health for Everyone

Criteria and Expectations

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  • To be eligible for membership in the International Council of Ophthalmology, organizations must:
    • Be a not-for-profit society or association.
    • Be composed of ophthalmologists and others who work with ophthalmologists or be composed of ophthalmology societies or ophthalmic organizations.
    • Have regular election of officers.
    • Hold regular governing board meetings.
    • Be willing to pay ICO dues and name an official Representative to participate in the ICO General Assembly every two years.
    • Support the goals and programs of the ICO.
    • Be approved by the ICO.


    National ophthalmologic societies must also:

    • Represent ophthalmologists primarily in one country, and
    • Be the primary or one of the primary ophthalmologic societies in that country.


    Regional societies must also:

    • Work to strengthen the national ophthalmologic societies within the region.


    Subspecialty and related societies must also:

    • Represent ophthalmologists in a subspecialty or other area of interest closely tied to ophthalmology (e.g., ophthalmic education or research).
    • Sponsor regular meetings that attract an audience from many countries.
    • Pay annual dues based on number of members and your country’s World Bank ranking.


    The ICO expects all Member Societies to:

    • Provide input into ICO policies, programs, and initiatives.
    • Name an official Representative (preferably an officer who will have some continuity) to participate in the ICO General Assembly at the World Ophthalmology CongressĀ® every two years.
    • Pay annual dues based on number of members and your country’s World Bank ranking. (hyperlink to dues page)

    Ā 

    For more information, contact the International Council of Ophthalmology (ICO) at icomembership@icoph.org and we will be happy to assist.

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