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 Congress® every two years.
- Pay annual dues based on number of members and your country’s World Bank ranking. (hyperlink to dues page)
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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