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MEMBER DUES

We recognize that every optometrist’s path is different. To support members at all career stages, OAO offers a flexible dues structure.

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Annual Membership Dues

These conditions provide alternative pricing for members with unique situations, offering flexibility while still supporting the programs and advocacy that benefit the profession.

  • PRACTICING OPTOMETRISTS

      All members who are licensed optometrists in Ontario are required to pay full OAO dues, CAO dues, and Paid Media Assessment Campaign (PMAC) fees. These contributions help fund the programs, advocacy, and resources that advance the profession.

          OAO Dues CAO Dues Paid Media Assessment Total
      Annual Membership Dues   $1,700.00 $415.00 $700.00 $2,815.00

       

      Additional Member Conditions

      These conditions provide alternative pricing for members with unique situations, offering flexibility while still supporting the programs and advocacy that benefit the profession.

  • Recent Graduates from Optometry School

      Recent graduates from accredited optometry programs are eligible for reduced dues, with rates that increase gradually each year. This structure supports a smooth transition into full membership as they begin their professional careers.

      Condition % of Dues OAO Dues CAO Dues Paid Media Assessment Total
      First year after graduation 10% $215.00 $41.50 $55.00 $311.50
      Second year after graduation 25% $425.00 $103.00 $175.00 $703.75
      Third year after graduation 50% $850.00 $207.50 $350.00 $1,407.50
      Fourth year after graduation 75% $1,275.00 $311.50 $525.00 $2,111.25

       

  • Working Reduced Hours

      Members on pregnancy or parental leave, working part-time with fewer than 900 hours annually, or relocating to Ontario for the first year qualify for reduced dues. This provides flexibility and support during times of transition.

      Condition % of Dues OAO Dues CAO Dues Paid Media Assessment Total
      On pregnancy or
      parental leave      		 50% $850.00 $207.50 $350.00 $1,407.50
      Practicing part-time and
      reporting less than 900
hours annually      		 75% $1,275.00 $311.50 $525.00 $2,111.25
      Relocating to Ontario
      from another jurisdiction,
for the first year      		 75% $1,275.00 $311.50 $525.00 $2,111.25

       

  • Full-time Researchers and Faculty

      Full-time faculty at Ontario optometry schools or vision researchers at not-for-profit institutions qualify for reduced dues. This recognizes their academic and research contributions to advancing the field of optometry.

      Condition % of Dues OAO Dues CAO Dues Paid Media Assessment Total
      Faculty at a school of optometry in Ontario 50% $850.00 $207.50 $0.00 $1,057.50
      Vision related researcher at a not-for-profit health institution 50% $850.00 $207.50 $0.00 $1,057.50

       

  • Related to Retirement

      Members approaching or transitioning into retirement may qualify for reduced dues based on age and years in practice. This includes part-time or fully retired members with long-term OAO membership and career contributions.

      Condition % of Dues OAO Dues CAO Dues Paid Media Assessment Total
      Prelude to Retirement, practicing part-time as you prepare to retire 75% $1,275.00 $311.50 $525.00 $2,111.25
      Member whose combined age and years in practice, is equal to 110 years 75% $1,275.00 $311.50 $525.00 $2,111.25
      Member whose combined age and years in practice, is equal to 115 years 50% $850.00 $207.50 $350.00 $1,407.50
      Member whose combined age and years in practice, is equal to 120 years 25% $425.00 $103.00 $175.00 $703.75
      Retired Members (retirement registered with the College), and have held OAO membership for five consecutive years prior to retirement 10% $170.00 $0.00 $0.00 $170.00
      Member whose combined age and years in practice is equal to, or more than, 125 years No Annual Membership Dues $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00

       

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Membership FAQs

Find answers to common questions about OAO membership here.

  • When do OAO memberships expire?

      OAO memberships expire annually on the 31st of October.

       

  • What is the Paid Media Assessment included on the OAO Dues?

      The Paid Media Assessment is a fund that OAO members contribute to in order to fund marketing and public education on behalf of the members across Ontario.

  • Is Canadian Association of Optometry membership included in my dues?

       Yes, all OAO members are CAO members.

       

  • Why do I need to resubmit a Pre-Authorized Payment?

      For auditing purposes, OAO is required to collect documented consent each year to continue to withdraw funds from your bank account (via a signed authorization form). We also request a copy of your void cheque to ensure that our records are accurate.

  • What if I am Practicing Part Time or Retiring soon?

      If you are working part time or reducing your work hours as a prelude to retirement, you are eligible to pay 75% of each of OAO dues, CAO dues, and advertising assessment, so long as your total hours worked/reported to the college are 900 hours or less for the previous calendar year (January 1 – December 31).

      Please submit a letter to OAO advising you have reported/worked 900 hours or less, and are authorizing OAO to verify your hours with the College of Optometrists. If you are applying for the first time, and, in the same year, to pay 75% of dues because of reduced hours worked, you are required to pay 100% dues to OAO, CAO and for the marketing assessment. After December 31 of that year, OAO will verify your hours reported/worked with the College of Optometrists and provide you with a refund.

      In the second, and following consecutive years of working reduced hours, you are not required to submit a letter to OAO. Prior to membership renewal, OAO will send you an authorization letter for you to sign and return, confirming you are still working reduced hours, and you consent allowing OAO to verify hours reported/worked with the College of Optometrists. Upon receipt of this signed confirmation, OAO will, at renewal time send you your membership dues invoice at 75% each of OAO dues, CAO dues and advertising assessment.

      NOTE: OAO will verify your hours with the College after December 31, and should your hours reported/worked be in excess of 900, OAO will invoice you for the remaining 25% outstanding dues.

       

  • What if I am on Pregnancy or Parental Leave?

      All OAO members are entitled to pay reduced dues for the period of one membership year, based on the following:

      • Members on Pregnancy or Parental Leave pay 50% of OAO dues, 50% CAO dues, and 50% of advertising assessment, one time per birth*, in the year of the birth
      • Except if the birth occurs in the last quarter of the OAO fiscal year August, September, and October, in which case the member would pay 50% of OAO dues, 50% CAO dues, and 50% of advertising assessment in the year following the birth*
      • *a member having multiple births (twins, triplets, etc.) or a member adopting one or more children at the same time, is considered as one birth or also referenced per birth.
      • Members on pregnancy or parental leave must notify OAO in writing when the birth* occurs. A membership dues refund will then be issued to the member.

       *per birth / the birth / one birth

  • What if my spouse and I are both OAO members and plan to take Parental Leave?

      If both parents are OAO members, both parents are eligible to pay reduced fees for one membership year during their pregnancy and parental leave per birth*.

      *per birth / the birth / one birth