Who We Are

Brief history   

ARVO was founded in 1928 in Washington, DC by a group of 73 ophthalmologists.  

The Association's membership today numbers about 12,000 and continues to grow. Some 40% of members reside in over 70 countries outside the U.S. The membership is multidisciplinary and consists of both clinical and basic researchers. 

The ARVO Foundation for Eye Research, established in 2001, funds novel research, education and outreach initiatives of ARVO. The Foundation's mission is to serve as a global catalyst for innovation, workforce development and collaboration in the field of vision research. Funds raised from corporate grants, fundraising events and the generosity of ARVO members help to support the next generation of eye and vision researchers.

Learn more about ARVO Foundation

Organizational structure

ARVO is governed by a Board of Trustees, who are elected from candidates put forth by ARVO's 13 Scientific Sections:

• Anatomy and Pathology/Oncology
• Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
• Clinical, Data Science & Population Health Research (formerly Clinical and Epidemiologic Research)
• Cornea
• Eye Movements, Strabismus, Amblyopia and Neuro-ophthalmology
• Glaucoma
• Immunology and Microbiology
• Lens
• Physiology and Pharmacology
• Retina
• Retinal Cell Biology
• Visual Neuroscience

• Visual Psychophysics and Physiological Optics

   

Benefits of ARVO membership

• Eligible to submit abstract and present research at ARVO Annual Meeting
• Exclusive eligibility for more than 400 travel grants to the ARVO Annual Meeting
• Access to online Membership Directory
• Participation on ARVO committees
• Online access to Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science (IOVS), Journal of Vision  (JOV) and Translational Vision Science and Technology (TVST)
• Student and Emeritus members may subscribe at reduced rate
• ARVONews
• Bi-weekly ARVO Insight (member e-newsletter)
• Advocacy and representation on funding and regulatory legislation
• Discounts on other scientific journals
• Inclusion in ARVOConnect, a member-only online networking community

Learn more about ARVO membership