Categories of membership
To be eligible for membership (other than student membership) an applicant is required to be 'qualified' (that is, to hold a qualification recognised by the legally recognised regulating body - currently the Health Professions Council in the United Kingdom).* The following eligibility criteria apply to the different membership categories.
Full membership
A qualified person who is actively engaged in the practice of orthoptics in a clinical, research, educational or management capacity and who is resident in the British Isles or Republic of Ireland.
Overseas membership
A qualified person who is non-resident in the British Isles or the Republic of Ireland.
Non practising membership
A qualified person who is not currently practising as an orthoptist.
Newly qualified membership
A category available only to newly qualified orthoptics graduates and which covers the period from graduation until the 31 December of the same year. A newly qualified member is entitled to renew membership for the following year as 'first year qualified' member (see below).
First year qualified membership
A qualified person who has been a newly qualified member in the previous membership year. A person who chooses not to become a newly qualified member in his or her graduation year will not be entitled to join in this category or benefit from the reduced subscription but will be required to join under another category.
Student membership
A person registered on a courses of study in orthoptics currently recognised by the Health Professions Council and any qualified person registered for a period of full time study or research leading to a higher degree.
Retired membership
A person who is no longer practising as an orthoptist and is of pensionable age.
Academic staff membership
A qualified person employed as a teacher or lecturer in the subject of orthoptics.
Non tax-paying part-timers
A qualified person whose earnings from orthoptics employment will not exceed his or her personal allowance for the relevant tax year.
* The Articles of Association of the Society are currently under review.