IOA Committees

IOA Mission Protecting and advancing optometry for the benefit of public health.

Committee Structure
Committees are comprised of current IOA members. Priority for the Committee Chairs may be given to current Executive Council members, or past IOA Presidents, however, a Committee Chair can be any IOA member in good standing.  Co-chairs, as needed, may also be non- Executive Council members.  Each Committee Chair reports directly to a current President's Council member on a regular basis, and they will also have an IOA staff liaison assigned to work with them.  Each committee will be comprised of 5-10 IOA members.  Committees are encouraged to have bimonthly conference calls, and will conduct business in between calls via email, additional conference calls, or during individual committee meetings. Each committee will also be encouraged to meet in person at the annual IOA Convention.  Sub-Committees and Task Forces will fall under the structure of full committees, and may be chaired by any IOA member in good standing.  The Committee Chairs will be assigned renewable 5 year terms, while committee members will be assigned to 2 year renewable terms.

Board of Directors Positions and Committees:

Membership Director

Membership Committee

The Membership Committee is responsible for developing and implementing the strategic long-term plan for continual membership growth by serving existing members to achieve retention and meeting the needs of and communicating with prospective members to achieve continued new membership growth. 

 The Membership Committee is also responsible for the Industry Partner’s Taskforce.  This taskforce recruits and seeks out sponsorship/partnership opportunities for the IOA. 


I'd like to join this committee!

Young Professionals Sub-Committee

Young Professionals Sub-CommitteeThis sub-committee will work with IOA members to help recruit young ODs as IOA members, and to assist with the AOA targeted marketing program.  This sub-committee will report to the Membership Trustee.
 I'd like to join this committee!

Legislative Director

Legislative Committee 

The Legislative Committee is responsible for development of policy, strategy and implementation of advocacy plans through leadership of IOA member advocacy activities, legislative engagement, outreach to state and federal legislators, government agencies, legislative analysis and emerging strategic advocacy partnerships with organizations with common issues. 
  I'd like to join this committee!


Key Person Committee

The Key Person Committee is responsible for recruiting and developing the Associations Key Person Network, effectively building, and establishing relationships with members of the Illinois General Assembly.  This committee will build a network and implement an effective communications flow to their assigned legislators.   
 I'd like to join this committee!

Future Practice Initiative

The Future Practice Initiative Committee identifies long-term solutions to fix outdated statutes and rules that may limit how Doctor of Optometry practice and provide essential care to their patients.  This committee is tasked with identifying and recognizing new and advanced procedures that reflect optometric education and training, while developing long-term advocacy goals for the Association. 

 I'd like to join this committee!

Bill Review Taskforce

The Bill Review Taskforce is charged with monitoring legislation identified by the Executive Director and the IOA lobbyist as potential bills that could impact the profession of optometry. The committee will make suggestions on amendments and recommend taking a certain position on a bill. 

Third Party Director

Third Party Committee

The Third-Party Committee serves to promote optometry’s role in all third-party relations including but not limited to the Department of Health and Family Services, Medicare, and private insurance entities.  The Committee seeks to keep Association members informed about third party issues including national and state healthcare reform.  The Third-Party Committee also acts to educate third party payers about optometry and help mediate members struggling with access to provider panels and reimbursement parity.   
 I'd like to join this committee!


Public Health Director

Public Health Committee

Implements IOA’s mission through planned and executed development, implementation and monitoring of IOA’s strategic plan and public awareness strategy for continual education to members and the public on the promotion of eye health and the profession of optometry.
 I'd like to join this committee!

llinois Foundation for Eyecare

The Illinois Foundation for Eyecare serves to 1) advance community awareness and develop creative solutions to address the eye care problems of the community; 2) develop programs to promote and improve the quality, availability and accessibility of eye and vision care for all the people of Illinois; 3) advance, encourage and foster optometric education; 4) increase awareness of the services provided in the community; 5) aid research and development of knowledge in the eye care field; and 6) assist optometrists in the conduct of their profession.  Because of the philanthropic and community outreach nature of the Foundation, the Public Health Trustee serves as a member of IFE.  The Foundation is its own entity with a separate set of bylaws and determines its own chair which is often the Public Health Trustee.
 I'd like to join this committee!

Education Director

Education Committee

The Education Committee’s primary role is to develop, implement and monitor the strategic plan for IOA educational programming, methodology (e.g., online, webinar, live events, etc.). The Education Committee is responsible for suggesting optometric, para optometric, and student education for the IOA.   
 I'd like to join this committee!

Diamond Partners

Platinum Partners

Gold Partners

Silver Partners

Bronze Partners