New Graduate Membership 

If you join the year you graduate, there is a $50, plus tax registration fee and there are no professional fees charged.  New graduates are eligible for a 25% reduction in AAO professional dues, fees and levies in their first calendar year of practice in Alberta after graduation, which increases to 50% in the second year of practice.  This exception does not apply to members who have been employed by a university as a full-time clinical resident, employed as a full-time graduate student or have practiced in any other jurisdiction.

Benefits include (a full benefits guide will be provided with membership):
• A voice in legislative affairs
• A listing on the patient Find an Optometrist tool on the AAO webpage
• Patient information materials and aids
• Public promotional campaigns, materials and equipment loans
• Member discounts for personal and professional services
• Regional meetings and workshops
• Continuing education opportunities, in-person and online
• AAO annual general meeting and conference
• Monthly newsletters that provide current and trending practice and optometry news
• AAO vision care programs (Eye See. . .Eye Learn™ and Eyesafe™)
• Online resources
• Membership with the Canadian Association of Optometrists
• New Grad Orientation session