Practice & Professional

Practice Support

One of the most valuable benefits available only to MOA/AOA members is the Dr. Locator feature our state and national Websites. Patients can find a Doctor of Optometry by entering their zip code on the Dr. Locator page. This will trigger a search that will list only those ODs who are members of the association and will provide contact and practice information about the doctors on the list. Members may upgrade their space on the Dr. Locator list to include more information and even a link to their own web page. This benefit gives the member an important advantage over non-members in attracting new patients, especially in view of the steadily increasing use of the Internet as a tool for sources of health care information and services.

• The MOA office has many resource materials to loan to members that support practice goals, as well as patient and public education.
  
  
• MOA committees provide members with the latest information on managed care,state legislation and the clinical and business aspects of managing your business.
  
  
• AOA Practice Management
  
  
• The AOA provides the Practice Resource Network which aids in finding practice opportunities, associates or buyers.
  
  
• The AOA Order Department offers a wide variety of patient education materials at special member prices.
  
  
• The AOA International Library, Archives and Museum of Optometry supplies practice management materials, clinical resources and patient education programs to members.
  
  
• Vision Web - streamline and simplify the eye care practice by automating eye care product ordering and insurance transaction processing.
  
  
• Using these resources will keep you abreast of the latest news and learn practice management techniques to help you build your practice and professional skills.
  

Professional Recognition

• MOA/AOA members are proud to display symbols of their professional association membership in their practice. These symbols are a sign of professionalism that creates respect from your patients and improves your public image. Your colleagues view them as your commitment to optometry.
  
  
• Volunteer participation on committees gains you opportunities to connect with other doctors of optometry.

Professional Growth

• Top quality continuing education courses at several MOA seminars and the AOA Congress, as well as access to AOA’s International Library, Archives and Museum of Optometry, provide great opportunities to enhance clinical skills and knowledge.
  
  
• The Optometric Clinical Practice Guidelines and related Quick Reference Guides provide members with the best ocular science and clinical opinion on diagnosis and management of ocular conditions.
  
  
• Serving on a MOA committee or Board of Directors, or AOA Section membership in Contact Lenses, Low Vision or Sports Vision creates further opportunities for professional development of leadership and clinical skills for members.
  
  
• These tools will give you the opportunity to make a vital contribution to strengthening your association, your profession and your practice.

Public Exposure for Optometry

• The MOA has developed television and radio advertisements to educate the public on the importance of optometric eye care in Michigan.
  
  
• AOA produces national print and broadcast media programs that publicize optometry and expand public awareness of your role as a primary eye care provider.
  
  
• National AOA programs like Save Your Vision Week, Vision/PLUS, Vision USA and National Diabetes Month also provide excellent public information about primary care optometry.
  
  
• This representation allows you to share in optometry’s increased stature in society and will gain you additional patients who are informed about your professional skills.