The Australian Society of Ophthalmologists (ASO)

An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor who has undertaken additional specialist training in the diagnosis and management of disorders of the eye. Training typically involves a university medical degree followed by several years of public hospital general residency. Often a higher research degree or major public health project is required to be completed and then five years of specialty ophthalmology training follows. Most ophthalmologists then further their training by spending a Fellowship year or two overseas to work and study in subspecialty areas at institutions of excellence. It is a long process but the finished product provides Australians with ophthalmologists who are networked into all the major advancements in ophthalmic science and technology from around the world.

The Australian Society of Ophthalmologists (ASO) was formed in 1982 to advocate for patients and ophthalmologists who use both the public and private hospital systems. ASO provides support and advice to members and their patients who run up against anomalies of the health system which need representation to politicians, bureaucracy and the media.