Dues
When you apply for membership in the Armed Forces Optometric Society, your application will also be processed for the American Optometric Association (AOA) to ensure representation at all levels. Dues information for each entity is listed below.
* Active Member ~ Optometrists i) on active duty or retired from the uniformed services, or ii) who work full-time, part-time, or are retired employees of the Department of Veteran Affairs, Federal Civil Service, or any other entity of the Federal Government including Reserves and National Guard.
Annual Dues 2025:
- AOA: $996
- AFOS practicing < 2 years as Federal Service Optometrists: $144
- AFOS practicing > 2 years as Federal Service Optometrists: $303
* Partial Practice ~ An optometrist who works sixteen (16) or fewer hours per week in active practice or related optometric activities.
Annual Dues 2025:
- AOA: $597.60
- AFOS: $181.80
* Post Graduate ~ An optometrist currently enrolled in a residency or fellowship program within VA or federal services.
Annual Dues 2025:
- AOA: $35
- AFOS: $45 (2025 Special - AFOS Resident Rate Waived - Reach out to inquire more!)
* New Graduates ~ New graduates are eligible for an ascending dues scale effective during their first through fifth years post-graduation or residency. Dues are calculated by the member’s graduation date and based on your status at the beginning of the calendar year. New practitioners pay the percentage of full dues indicated below on the table.
(Please note on the table below the dues level 0 is for the remainder of the year of graduation from optometry school.)
AFOS/AOA Dues Schedule for 2025
| Dues Level | % Owed of total AOA dues | AOA | AFOS | Total |
| 0 Student |
0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Resident | -- | $35 | $45 * Waived 2025 | $35 |
| 1 | 10% | $99.60 | $144 | $239.60 |
| 2 | 20% | $199.20 | $144 | $343.20 |
| 3 | 50% | $498 | $303 | $801 |
| 4 | 75% | $747 | $303 | $1050 |
| 5 | 100% | $996 | $303 | $1299 |
| Partial Practice | 60% |
$597.60 |
$181.80 | $779.40 |
| Optometric Educator | 50% | $498 | $303 | $801 |
| AFOS Retired | $125 | $125 + AOA Level | ||
| AOA Retired with Benefits | $100 | $100 + AFOS Level | ||
| AFOS Associate Member | --- | $120 | $120 |
Notes:
- AFOS/AOA dues are prorated on a monthly basis for the year in which the member joins the association. The month in which the member joins determines the amount of dues for that year.
- AFOS and AOA dues are assessed annually on the first of January each year.
- Dues can be paid on a monthly, quarterly, or annual basis.
- Membership is continuous until the member notifies the Executive Director otherwise.
