 
Individuals wishing to become members of the American Society
of Ocularists must apply either as an Apprentice or Associate. Both
categories require that the individual be enrolled in the ASO
Education Program.
:: Apprentice
| How to Apply |
| To receive a membership application email
us.
Completed applications are reviewed by the Admissions Committee
and presented with recommendation for category of membership
to the Board of Directors at their next meeting. |
Persons who have secured a training position with an ASO Board Approved
Diplomate Ocularist (BADO) may apply as an Apprentice member.
An Apprentice devotes 100% of his or her normal working hours
to training and practicing as an Ocularist.
An Apprentice must be enrolled in and actively participating
in the Apprentice Program of the Society in pursuit of a Diploma. During their first two years as a member, an Apprentice must attend three out of four ASO meetings and successfully complete 150 education credits. After their first two years, they are not required to attend every meeting, but must continue to acquire a minimum of 150 credits every two years, verify 2,000 training hours per year to a maximum of 10,000 hours (five years), and accumulate a total of 750 credit hours within seven years. The Apprentice can graduate from the program no sooner than five years and no longer than seven years. It is each member’s responsibility to attend the conferences on a regular basis to ensure these requirements are met. Members who do not obtain the necessary credits within the specified time period will be advised that they are no longer active in the program and therefore not meeting the requirements of their membership category.
Please note that apprenticeships are not arranged by the Society. Each member BADO
determines whether or not they would be able to take on an apprentice.
A person seeking training must contact BADOs in their area
and locate someone who is able to hire and train an apprentice.
For people willing and able to relocate, opportunities would
be increased. If relocation is possible, we suggest attending
one of the bi-annual conferences to let yourself be known to
as many ocularists as possible.
:: Associate
Persons presently working in ocularistry may apply as an Associate
member. An Associate devotes at least 60% of his or her normal working
hours to training and practicing as an Ocularist. An Associate
shall be enrolled in the Associate Program of the Society in
pursuit of a Diploma. During their first two years as a member, an Associate must attend three out of four ASO meetings and successfully complete 94 education credits. After their first two years, they are not required to attend every meeting, but must continue to acquire a minimum of 94 credits every two years, for a total of 750 credit hours within ten years. The Associate can graduate from the program no sooner than eight years and no longer than ten years. It is each member’s responsibility to attend the conferences on a regular basis to ensure these requirements are met. Members
who do not obtain the necessary credits within the specified
time period will be advised that they are no longer active in
the program and therefore not meeting the requirements of their
membership category.
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