AAO Awards

Women in Ophthalmology is a special interest society of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. This relationship provides WIO with the opportunity to have a seat on the AAO Council, host symposia and meetings during the AAO annual meeting and have access to special programs and awards for our members. WIO is proud to partner with the AAO on the following awards and initiatives:

AAO 2026 Outstanding Humanitarian Award

First awarded in 1992, the Outstanding Humanitarian Service Award recognizes U.S. and international Academy members for significant contributions to humanitarian efforts, such as participation in charitable activities, care of the indigent, and community service. It acknowledges those who have performed above and beyond the typical duties of an ophthalmologist.

The Outstanding Humanitarian Service Award—which has been combined with the International Blindness Prevention Award since 2021—is presented during the Opening Ceremony of the annual meeting. The Academy selects up to two recipients per year.

AAO 2026 Outstanding Advocate Award

The Outstanding Advocate Award was created in 2008 to recognize Academy members who participate in advocacy-related efforts at either the state and/or federal level. Nominees must perform advocacy functions in their capacity as an ophthalmologist.This year WIO will submit our nomination for this prestigious award from within our organization.

AAO Advocacy Ambassador Program

The Advocacy Ambassador Program was established in 2004 by the Secretariat for State Affairs to educate residents and fellows early in their careers about the importance of political action and involvement in organized ophthalmology at both the state and national levels. The Secretariat collaborates with Women in Ophthalmology to support the attendance of members-in-training at the Mid-Year Forum, Congressional Advocacy Day and the spring Council Meeting. The AAO provides complimentary registration and WIO provides a travel stipend to the chosen resident or fellow.
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AAO Leadership Development Program

This highly competitive program seeks to provide both orientation and skill development to future leaders of state, subspecialty and specialized interest societies in order to groom individuals with the potential to become leaders in ophthalmology, provide orientation and skills to allow potential leaders to promote ophthalmology locally and nationally and facilitate the promotion of program graduates into leadership positions both locally and nationally.
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WIO 2026 Award & Networking at AAO

Interested in becoming a member of Women in Ophthalmology?

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