About Us

The AOA Foundation...empowering the profession

The American Optometric Association (AOA) has always championed charitable efforts to advance eye health and vision care. In 2006, that commitment was strengthened with the creation of The AOA Foundation, the philanthropic arm of AOA dedicated to expanding access to care and advancing the optometric profession

Today, The AOA Foundation bridges compassion and action, honoring optometry’s legacy while driving meaningful impact for the future. Through our close partnership with AOA, engaged volunteer leadership, and the generosity of donors and industry partners, we deliver programs that support doctors, patients, students, and communities nationwide.

Our work is grounded in a simple but powerful mission: to honor the past, strengthen the present, and build the future of optometry to improve health and well-being.

What We Do

• Expand Access to Care
  Through programs like InfantSEE®, we help ensure that infants and children receive essential early eye care, setting the foundation for a lifetime of healthy vision.
• Support Doctors and Their Communities
  Our Optometry’s Fund for Disaster Relief (OFDR) provides critical assistance to optometrists and students during times of crisis, helping practices recover and ensuring communities continue to receive care when they need it most.
• Invest in the Future of the Profession
  We provide scholarship support and educational resources to aspiring and current optometry students, helping reduce barriers and strengthen the pipeline of future doctors. We also support optometrists in establishing and growing independent practices through the Golden Opportunity Award.
• Preserve and Celebrate Our Legacy
  Through the Archives and Museum of Optometry and the Optometric Historical Society, we protect the rich history of the profession while recognizing the achievements that have shaped modern eye care.