Membership Resources
Membership in AOA
MOA membership also means powerful representation and advocacy at the national level. AOA education and policy development, as well as leadership opportunities are essential to the future of a healthy optometric practice in MN and across the country. Members also have access to professional publications and discounts on education seminars.
MOA Professional Education
First class professional education by national experts in a broad range of clinical and practice topics are available in two major forums, the MOA Fall and Annual Meetings. These meetings include classes, exhibitors and networking. Professional education is also offered at various times throughout the year at the Society Level. Education is sponsored by the MOA as well as through the AOA and ophthalmic vendors.
Legislative Advocacy Representation and Participation
At the state level, the interests of optometry and its patients are represented by a skilled lobbyist, supported by the MOA Executive Director and a legislative committee of member optometrists. At the national level the AOA has increased its congressional and regulatory representation. It is vital for MN optometrists to participate by forming relationships with their legislative and congressional delegation on every level.
Health Plan (Third Party) Advocacy Representation
The health care delivery and payment systems are constantly changing. Efforts to control health care inflation and improve quality will escalate in the years to come. The MOA through its Third Party Committee and the AOA through the Eye Care Benefits Center are continuously working with health plans at every level on your behalf. The MOA/AOA website is the best place for updates on all health plan activities.
Membership Participation at Every Level in MOA Affairs
You have a voice at every level of the MOA. Membership is encouraged at the Society level, as well as on the Board of Trustees, which is a highly interactive group of leaders who shape policy, develop educational and outreach committees and help shape the future of the profession in the state. Committee participation is encouraged for all members. Choose your interest, from education to MN State Fair, to legislative.
MOA/AOA Web Site
The MOA web site was the first state-level web sites to be brought live by the AOA. It is a rich link to many state and national resources for members and the public. The site includes clinical information, federal and state legislative information, patient information including Imaginations graphics, along with regulatory and third party updates. In addition, patients may easily locate a member OD near them via the doctor locator.
Local Marketing
MOA members will find marketing tools in a Local Marketing Kit available on the MOA web site. The MOA marketing resources also include a public relations function that can be tapped for guidance or media releases when there is news to announce, such as opening a new clinic, or a member who wins an award or participates in a humanitarian trip.
Speakers Bureau
The MOA hosts a Speakers Bureau that welcomes members and offers several professionally developed Power Point presentations on major eye health topics (such as diabetes, eye safety, glaucoma awareness, and children's vision) that are excellent resources. The MOA develops Speaker Bureau profiles and will promote its Speakers Bureau though the web site and through outreach activities.
Eye Health Essentials Video
A three-part video of ten-minute segments, in DVD form sent to all MN member offices. Available on the web site a well, it emphasizes the need for comprehensive eye exams. The subjects covered, with interviews with MOA spokespeople ODs are:
- Eye Health Essentials for Children
- RyeHealth Essentials for Diabetics
- Eye Health Essentials for Older Adults.
This video was also sent statewide to cable and local access stations, and is available for B-roll, or for presentations and in-office use.
Minnesota State Fair at the HealthFair 11 Building
Part of annual KARE 11 TV effort: The largest outreach effort of the year, this event involves volunteer ODs and their staff statewide. In 2007 volunteers screened almost 5,000 visitors and emphasized the need for comprehensive, regular eye exams, educated about eye health issues and offered a directory of members as well as promoted the web site. TV coverage on the NBC affiliate is also included.
MOA Participation in State Health Fairs
The MOA helps educate and promote optometry though participation in the American Diabetic Association conference, the School Nurses Association and Education Minnesota, a well as other selected opportunities. We have resources to help your outreach efforts in your local community.
InfantSEE®
A program developed by the AOA and open to participation by MOA optometrists, InfantSee is a one-time complimentary eye exam for infants, and is an important preventative measure.
Children's Eye Health for Parents Teachers and School Nurses
Good Sight Goes Far is a comprehensive kit available for download from the MOA web site. It contains a range of age-appropriate class activities, signs and symptoms of eye health problems, safety tips and more.
Public Relations Services
Public Relations counsel is included in the range of MOA activities, including public education, outreach and statewide releases and media relations on major topics, support of AOA activities at the state or local level, member communications, news releases about member awards and news, and placement of eye health-related news/topics.
Member Communications
As highlighted throughout the list of benefits, the MOA web site is the place to go to stay up-to-date with the MOA. As an MOA member you will also receive the MOA Insights Newsletter six times per year as well as a variety of member e-mails and mailings.
Mentor Program
The MOA offers mentor services to new members to assist with the transition to the optometric world while helping develop contacts, network and provide guidance. New members are also encouraged to attend The MOA New Member Retreat as part of the MOA Annual Meeting.
Peer and Community Recognition
Every year, the MOA honors outstanding participation and professional achievements of members through awards announced at the Annual meeting. Awards are provided to the Young OD of the Year, Optometrist of the Year and Distinguished OD of the Year.
Legal Services Program
The MOA offers a program of legal services available to members through a local law firm. This free program can help to answer a variety of basic questions.
Practice Opportunities
The MOA provides a Career Center, available on the MOA web site, to help with job opportunities.