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Membership is based on a calendar year. Dues are prorated based on the month you join. Membership with both the NCOS and AOA is required (with the exception of those that are Retired without AOA Benefits). Rates are based on good standing with the NCOS and AOA and are subject to change if you have any outstanding dues. Total dues are paid to the NCOS on an annual or monthly basis via credit card (to pay by check contact our office). The NCOS submits payment to the AOA on the member's behalf. A portion of dues may be tax deductible.*

2024 Membership Dues Rates - Full Year

Membership Type NCOS AOA Total
Student $0.00 $35.00 (through AOSA) $35.00
Post-Graduate / Resident $0.00 $0.00 1st year / $35.00 2nd year $0.00 / $35.00
Year of Graduation $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
1st Full Year Following Graduation $80.75 $97.20 $177.95
2nd Full Year Following Graduation $161.50 $194.40 $355.90
3rd Full Year Following Graduation $403.75 $486.00 $889.95
4th Full Year Following Graduation $605.63 $729.00 $1,334.63
Active (5th Full Year and Thereafter) $807.50 $972.00 $1,779.50
Partial Practice $484.50 $583.20 $1,067.70
Associate / AFOS $100.00 $0.00 $100.00
Retired with AOA Benefits $0.00 $100.00 $100.00
Retired without AOA Benefits $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
Life $0.00 $0.00 $0.00

*Contributions or gifts to the North Carolina State Optometric Society, Inc. ARE NOT TAX DEDUCTIBLE as charitable contributions for income tax purposes. However, they may be tax deductible as ordinary and necessary business expenses, subject to restrictions imposed as a result of association lobbying activities. The North Carolina State Optometric Society, Inc. estimates that the non-deductible portion of your State Society 2024 dues, the portion that is allocable to lobbying and political activities, is 15%.

Contributions or gifts to the AOA ARE NOT TAX DEDUCTIBLE as charitable contributions for income tax purposes. However, they may be tax deductible as ordinary and necessary business expenses, subject to restrictions imposed as a result of association lobbying activities. The AOA estimates that the non-deductible portion of your AOA 2024 dues, the portion that is allocable to lobbying and political activities, is 11%.

Membership Types

Student Membership (includes Post-Graduate / Resident)
Any full-time optometry student or post-grad / resident. Student members are not entitled to a vote at NCOS business meetings.

Regular Membership (Year of Graduation - 5th Full Year after Graduation and Thereafter)
Any optometrist who has been duly licensed and is engaged in the practice of optometry within the state of North Carolina. Regular members are entitled to a vote at NCOS business meetings.

Partial Practice Membership
An optometrist who has been a regular member and works 16 or fewer hours per week on monthly average in compensated optometrically-related activities. Partial Practice members are entitled to a vote at NCOS business meetings.

Associate Membership
An optometrist who is an AOA member via another state association and does not practice in North Carolina. Associate members are not entitled to a vote at NCOS business meetings.

AFOS Membership
An optometrist who is an AFOS member may become an Associate Member of the Society without the stipulation against practicing in North Carolina. AFOS members are not entitled to a vote at NCOS business meetings.

Retired Membership
An optometrist who has been a regular or partial practice member and is no longer engaged in compensated optometrically-related activities. Retired members are entitled to the privileges of the floor, but are not entitled to a vote at NCOS business meetings.

Life Membership
Any member of the Society who has been a member for more than 45 years and has rendered distinguished service to the profession. Members must submit an application and be approved for life membership upon a vote by NCOS Executive Council. Life members are entitled to the privileges of the floor, but are not entitled to a vote at NCOS business meetings.