1. The National Association of Veterans Affairs Optometrists

2. What is NAVAO?  A not-for-profit organization founded in 1977.  Dedicated to fostering camaraderie and professional development among VA optometrists.  Objective: to encourage and promote the best possible primary eye and vision care for our nation's veterans and to promote the education, training, professional growth, and welfare of optometric staff, research/clinical fellows, residents, and students.

3. NAVAO is made up of…  Any VA staff, attending, consultant, research/clinical fellow, resident optometrist, or any other optometrist having an interest in VA optometry is eligible for membership.

4. Why is this important?  NAVAO represents the voice of VA Optometrists.  We need YOU as a member so we can represent the interests of VA optometrists with a single, unified voice.

5. Are you wondering what NAVAO has accomplished?  Worked with NBEO to set up the ACMO examination.  Worked with AOA and AFOS on the Collaboration of Care Initiative.  Have written responses and formally expressed concerns from our members about various VA policies to central office and above to the Undersecretary for Health.  Expanding our website to include more access for our members to nationwide concerns and new policies and guidance via minutes to VA optometry workgroup conference calls and updates. …..Just to name a few…

6. What’s in it for me?  Professional recognition in a national optometric organization  Opportunities to network with other VA optometrists  Access to information about policies and guidelines that affect VA practice  Access to FAQ’s – answers to questions such as setting up a residency and promotion aids.  Invitation to the annual NAVAO business meeting and reception

7. What’s in it for me? (continued)  Access to the minutes of the monthly VA Optometry Service conference calls, which are transcribed by the NAVAO Secretary and provided to members as an exclusive benefit  Access to archives of the VA Optometry Workgroup minutes (Access to Care/Systems Redesign, Compensation and Pension, Contact Lens, Low Vision, TBI)  Opportunities to become involved with VA Optometry on a national level and help with career advancement  Resources for residents Just to name a few benefits…

8. How do I join?  Go to the website: www.navao.org and click on the tab on the left.www.navao.org  Dues structure: Existing VA Optometrists that are not currently members - $50 VA Optometry Research/Clinical Fellows or Residents- $25 Newly Appointment VA Staff Optometrists (hired in the current calendar year) - $0 New Members not currently employed by the VA- $50

9. I was a member before, but now I’m not…  Why are you no longer a member of NAVAO?  Log-in to the website www.navao.org and renew your membership!www.navao.org  Contact us at info@navao.org and let us know why you did not renew your membership and what we can do to improve!info@navao.org THANKS for helping us better serve you and our nation’s veterans!