External Pathway to Become an ASOPRS Member

Thank you for your interest in becoming an ASOPRS member. 

External Pathway (EP) to Membership Application Procedures.

The EP membership application process requires: 

  1. ASOPRS member nomination
  2. Membership Committee nomination review
  3. Online application and materials submitted
  4. Membership Committee application review
  5. Board of Directors approval
  6. Submission of an accepted thesis
  7. Successful completion of written and oral entrance examinations

Nomination
Deadline: February 1
Nomination must be made by an ASOPRS member of at least eight (8) years who is active in the subspecialty as demonstrated by a dedication to teaching, scientific endeavor or service to the society. The nominator must sponsor the EP candidate and submit a formal nomination letter, addressed to the Membership Director, that must include:   

  1. Attestation of the candidate’s accomplishments, skills, training, and integrity with specific examples.
  2. Recommendation for consideration of membership to ASOPRS.

 In addition to the nomination letter: 

  1. Letters of support, addressed to the Membership Director, must be sent from two (2) ASOPRS members of at least eight (8) years, describing their knowledge of and affiliation to the candidate, and their endorsement of the candidate for membership.

 All three letters described above must be received by February 1 or the nomination will not be considered. Letters must be sent to [email protected] 

Membership Committee Review

The Membership Committee will review nominations to determine candidate eligibility. Eligible candidates will be invited to submit a membership application.

Application

Deadline: Application, materials and fee must be received within thirty days of the invitation to apply.

 Application materials and requirements: 

  1. Online application and fee.
  2. Surgical log of 2500 cases of oculofacial plastic surgery as primary surgeon after terminal training.
  3. ABO or RPCSC certification.
  4. Curriculum Vitae showing a minimum of seven (7) years in practice devoted to oculofacial plastic surgery following initial ABO or RPCSC certification and demonstrating an active participation in the field through teaching, research, scientific publications, lecturing, volunteering and/or advocacy.
  5. Three (3) cases that illustrate candidate’s skill and proficiency in OPS. The cases should represent three out of the four areas: periocular reconstruction, lacrimal surgery, orbital surgery, or facial cosmetic surgery (not including upper or lower blepharoplasty).

The three (3) cases must demonstrate complex decision-making or advanced techniques beyond those commonly performed by ophthalmology residents and include: 

                                      i.      Pre- and post-operative notes of no less than three (3) months follow-up

                                    ii.      Operative report(s), and photos when appropriate.

The Membership Committee may request associated unedited case specific videos of submitted cases.

Membership Committee Application Review:

  1. Applications are reviewed one (1) time per year.  
  2. If all criteria are satisfied, the Membership Committee conducts a virtual interview with the candidate to discuss their submitted cases.

Board of Directors Approval. Upon completion of a successful interview, the candidate’s application is presented to the Board of Directors for approval at the next Regular Meeting. 

If Board Approved:

  1. The candidate is invited to submit a thesis at the next submission deadline. 
  2. Following thesis acceptance, the candidate will be invited and must register to sit for the next oral and written entrance examinations.
  3. After passing the examinations, the candidate is inducted at the next scheduled Spring induction.

2023 Exam Policy and Guidelines

Questions? [email protected]

We look forward to your application on the new External Pathway, and to welcoming you into the Society.