This article is more than 5 years old. Information may no longer be current.
AAO implements new strategic plan
Click Here to Manage Email Alerts
ORLANDO, Fla. – The American Academy of Optometry has embarked on a new strategic plan based on the five pillars of education, research, membership, leadership and legacy, and partnerships, according to executive director Pete Scott.
The AAO introduced the new plan here at its annual meeting, and Scott shared with Primary Care Optometry News the nuances of each of the pillars.
The development process began late last year and involved the full board, working groups, students, deans, other organizations – “we had diverse participation,” Scott told PCON.
The pillar of education is about “reinforcing what we’re doing here,” he said. Ideas involve hosting more roundtable discussions and shorter, TED-type talks, “to stay fresh and relevant. We have the largest meeting in optometry, but we want to provide the best experience and highest quality education and make it more accessible to all in the field.”
He said the group looks to offer year-round education.
The AAO remains committed to its second pillar of research, Scott said.
The group currently hosts the Research Academy, an annual event that helps optometry faculty attendees develop ideas that will result in extramural funding for both basic and patient-oriented research in optometry and vision science, according to the academy’s website.
The AAO is also hosting a think tank on contact lens infections at this meeting.
Scott said the intention is to keep these events “alive throughout the year” in formats such as podcasts and white papers.
He said the academy wants to continue to grow its membership, the third pillar, and provide more member benefits.
Pillar four, legacy and leadership, will take advantage of the organization’s longevity.
“We’ll be 100 in 2022, and the AAO Foundation will be 75,” Scott said. “We’ll be doing something big.”
There are plans to develop more leaders in the organization as well. Scott explained that a board member who goes on to be president will have served for 16 years.
“That can take up a lot of time,” he said. “We’ll provide micro-opportunities to have more volunteer support. We want people to be able to engage if they wish to be involved.”
With the fifth pillar, partnerships, the AAO will seek to strengthen its relationships with other groups in optometry “and maybe even outside the profession, where optometry can have a voice, in areas such as autonomous vehicles and community planning,” Scott said.
The AAO’s Optometry TV was also launched here at the conference. Scott explained that the video interviews are focusing on growth, innovation and inspiration. Subjects will be asked to discuss why they became a fellow, to share new products or amazing research, or just discuss their challenges and hopes for the profession.
“This will be used for content year-round,” he said, “adding to engagement year-round. It will be fellow-centric.”
Implementation of the strategic plan has begun under the leadership of a chair for each pillar, Scott said.
“We’re looking at probably a 3-year horizon for this,” he said. – by Nancy Hemphill, ELS, FAAO
Disclosure: Scott is employed by the AAO.