Join the American Society of Retina Specialists

Member

An ophthalmologist who has completed a vitreoretinal fellowship of one year or more, and whose major professional activity is devoted to patient care, instruction or research in the field of vitreoretinal diseases may be eligible for this category of membership. Applicants for this category must be engaged in an active vitreoretinal practice, and be licensed to practice medicine in one or more of the United States or in Canada. In addition they must be board certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology or the American Osteopathic Board of Ophthalmology or the equivalent in Canada. They shall provide recommendation letters from 2 current Members or International Members of the Society, and provide a letter from their Fellowship Program Director verifying the length and successful completion of their fellowship program. Members shall pay an application fee at the time of their application submission and annual dues thereafter. All Members have the right to vote and be eligible to hold office.

International Member

An ophthalmologist who has completed vitreoretinal training and whose major professional activity is devoted to patient care, instruction or research in the field of vitreoretinal diseases outside of the United States or Canada may be eligible for this category of membership. Applicants for this category are not required to provide Board certification by American or Canadian boards. They must provide recommendation letters from 2 current Members or International Members of the Society. International Members shall pay an application fee at the time of their application submission and annual dues thereafter. All International Members have the right to vote and be eligible to hold office.

A physician who has completed an approved residency in ophthalmology and is currently engaged in a 1 or 2 year fellowship in vitreoretinal diseases may be eligible for this category of membership. The Fellow is to be recommended by their fellowship director, who must be an active member of the ASRS. FIT and FIT-INT Members shall pay annual dues at a reduced rate from those set for Members and International Members. FIT and FIT-INT Members shall be ineligible to hold office, or have the right to vote. FIT and FIT-INT Members shall be allowed to hold status in this membership category for a maximum of two years.

Following completion of fellowship, all FIT and FIT-INT Members must submit an upgrade application, along with all supporting documentation, requesting to become either a Member or International Member. This process must be completed within 6 months of completion of fellowship program. FIT and FIT-INT Members who do not complete the upgrade application process within the allotted timeframe will be offered a 1 year FIT provisional membership and will be required to pay regular member dues for that year. If an FIT does not complete the upgrade process within the 6 month requirement and/or does not pay their FIT provisional membership dues, they will be required to reapply for membership and pay any corresponding application fees. Please contact the ASRS headquarters for further information including upgrade application deadlines.

A physician or scientist employed by a pharmaceutical, medical device or other health care organization whose professional focus is on the field of retina and vitreous diseases is eligible to become a Corporate Affiliate of the Society upon application and approval by the Society’s Credentials Committee and upon the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the Members of the Board of Directors. Applicants shall submit a letter of request outlining their qualifications and desire to become a member. They must also provide two letters of recommendation from current ASRS Board of Director members and one recommendation letter from a current Member or International Member of the Society. Applicants shall pay an application fee at the time of their application submission and annual dues thereafter. A Corporate Affiliate may not vote or hold office or serve on Committees of the Society and shall pay such fees as are determined from time to time by the Board of Directors. A Corporate Affiliate may, if sponsored by a Member, participate in the Scientific Meetings of the Society, and may have access to such publications, programs and other Society benefits as the Board of Directors may from time to time determine. An individual’s status as a Corporate Affiliate shall terminate upon termination of the individual’s employment by the pharmaceutical, medical device or other corporation or upon action by the Board of Directors taken in its sole discretion.

An ophthalmologist, physician or holder of a graduate degree who has made a major scientific contribution to the field of retina and vitreous diseases is eligible to become a Scientific Associate of the Society upon approval by the Society’s Credentials Committee and upon the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the members of the Board of Directors. Applicants shall submit a letter of request outlining their qualifications and desire to become a member. They must also provide two letters of recommendation from current ASRS Board of Director members and one recommendation letter from a current Member or International Member of the Society. Applicants shall pay an application fee at the time of their application submission and annual dues thereafter. A Scientific Associate may not vote or hold office or serve on committees of the Society and shall pay such fees as are determined from time to time by the Board of Directors. Scientific Associates may participate in the Scientific Meetings of the Society and may have access to such publications, programs and other Society benefits as the Board of Directors may from time to time determine. The Board of Directors, in its sole discretion, may at any time terminate the position of any Scientific Associate.