The Section on Ophthalmology (SOOp), founded in 1987, is dedicated to improving the care of infants, children and adolescents by providing an educational forum for the discussion of problems and treatments related to ophthalmologic conditions in children.
Membership
Membership in the Section is open to physicians boarded by the American Board of Ophthalmology who devote 50% of their practice to the care of infants, children, and adolescents under the age of 15.
The SOOp is also open to Candidate Members, Post Residency Training Members, Senior Members, International Members, and Orthoptists.
For more information on Section Membership visit Section on Ophthalmology Membership Criteria.
Activities
The Section is active in fostering cooperation on children's eye health issues, both academic and political, with the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) as well as the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus (AAPOS). SOOp acts as an expert resource for the AAP by developing policies in areas such as retinopathy of prematurity and diabetic retinopathy, and establishing guidelines for ophthalmologic examinations in children with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.
Educational Opportunities
At the AAP National Conference & Exhibition on an annual basis the Section proposes educational topics that would be of interest to the general pediatrician. In addition, SOOp co-sponsors a booth on the exhibit floor with the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus (AAPOS) and the AAO to further educate attendees about pediatric ophthalmology.
The Section also provides education for pediatric ophthalmologists and orthoptists. There is an agreement in place with the AAO whereby AAPOS and the AAP Section on Ophthalmology co-sponsor the Pediatric Ophthalmology Subspecialty Day program that is held in conjunction with the AAO Annual Meeting each year.
In addition, on an annual basis, the Section sponsors an educational workshop at the AAPOS meeting. Also at the AAPOS meeting, on a biennual basis, the Section sponsors a lectureship honoring Leonard Apt, MD, FAAP, who was the first fellowship-trained pediatric ophthalmologist, having completed residency training in both pediatrics and ophthalmology.
The Section has forged a partnership with the American Association of Certified Orthoptists (AACO) to offer a joint symposium at their annual meeting. The Section plans to partner with AACO on a symposium biennially.