ARVO Regional Advisory Councils

The ARVO Board of Trustees is committed to enhancing our global presence as outlined in its Strategic Plan. ARVO’s goal is to enhance equitable opportunities to share and exchange advances in science, create educational and networking opportunities, and increase year-round membership engagement across the globe. To accomplish this, we are pleased to introduce the creation of Regional Advisory Councils (RACs) serving five specific regions: Asia/Pacific, Europe, Latin America, Africa/Middle East, and North America. 

Never has it been more important for basic and clinician-scientists to work together and build a stronger, more collaborative eye and vision research community. The RACs will provide a structured channel for ARVO leadership to engage with members around the world, ensuring diverse perspectives that shape future initiatives. The structure/number of participants in each RAC will be proportional to regional membership. Going forward, new members will be added each year with a service period of three years to achieve staggered terms.

• NOTE: One member of each RAC will be selected each year to serve on ARVO's new Global Advisory Council (GAC). The GAC will act as an advisory body to the ARVO Board of Trustees, collaborating and providing input on future directions and programs for the organization, particularly related to customizing our offerings for different region/country needs. The GAC will identify also potential partnerships and relationships with other eye and vision science organizations that could advance ARVO’s global objectives.

If you are interested in serving on a RAC, ARVO is accepting applications now through July 21.

* RAC members will receive one Fellows (FARVO) point per year

Eligibility to apply

• • Current ARVO membership
    
    
  • Reside and work in the region of application
    
    
  • Attend the ARVO Annual Meeting and/or regional meetings

RAC member requirements

• • Complete an annual conflict of interest form
    
    
  • Meet (virtually or in person) three times per year

RAC objectives

• • Communicate regional educational content needs
    
    
  • Assist with coordination of content and/or topics for regional conferences
    
    
  • Create a global volunteer pipeline to enhance engagement opportunities
    
    
  • Facilitate relationship-building with country agencies, ministries, and associations to extend scientists’ engagement in ARVO’s programs and services, plus identify potential partnerships that will better support international scientists
    
    
  • Provide advice and support to ARVO’s programs and service areas to achieve ARVO’s international objectives
    
    
  • Focus on international meeting partnerships, expanded international editorial representation, and new program development
    
    
  • Explore policies, processes, and systems that will improve ease of use, support cultural differences, and make ARVO a more welcoming environment for members and scientists worldwide
    
    
  • Work with other relevant committees and staff to advance international perspectives with ongoing strategic conversations such as diversity in awards/recognition, identification of leaders, and affiliation and engagement with ARVO
    
    
  • Provide guidance and understanding of local advocacy needs and how ARVO can support the region