About the Academy
The OAA was founded in 2002 by a group of concerned educators, researchers, and clinicians based in the United States. These lay and professional men and women foresaw the need to have an unbiased organization that was not accountable to any one group or special interest. The academy at its conception was to represent the US community of eyecare professionals. However, as the news of the academy quickly spread worldwide the organization grew to encompass members in over twenty countries.
In its mission statement adopted at its incorporation, the academy set forth its goals for itself and the field of orthokeratology. One part of that mission was to present an open forum allowing our members to learn, interact with other members, and find a safe environment from which this specialty could grow. Today the entire eyecare community is reaping the benefits of that open forum advocated by our founders.
The OAA has grown in scope since it was formed at the first Global Orthokeratology Symposium. In the last few years with the launch of the fellowship program and our landmark education symposia, the academy has completed one part of its mission in educating the eyecare community and the public about orthokeratology. Membership in the OAA is open to any licensed professional who has an interest in the specialty of orthokeratology. This may include doctors of Optometry or Ophthalmology, researchers, educators or opticians.
Today the OAA, joined by its vendor members representing the manufacturing and pharmaceutical industries; looks forward to the furthering of its mission as it reaches out to the public and private sectors in ways only a independent and non-biased organization can. The future is now for the OAA, as the specialty of orthokeratology and the vision set forth by its founders is carried to completion.