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Special Interest Groups (SIGs) are a primary means of implementing ASCO’s mission of “fulfilling the leadership role in the optometric education enterprise” and for addressing the Association’s Strategic Objectives of faculty development and faculty involvement. They are a practical way to meet special needs and interests within the optometric education enterprise.

ASCO’s SIGs provide forums for professional staff, administrators and faculty with common responsibilities to communicate directly with each other about issues related to common areas of interest and expertise. SIGs encourage interaction, cooperation and the sharing of best practices and ideas. They also develop guidance in areas of focus and expertise. These collaborative efforts have advanced optometric education dramatically in recent years.

At present, ASCO offers 18 different SIGs:

  • Advancement SIG
  • Binocular Vision and Perception Educators SIG
  • Biomedical Science Educators SIG
  • Clinical Directors/Administrators SIG
  • Clinical Optometric Methods & Procedures Instructors SIG
  • Continuing Education Directors SIG
  • Diversity, Equity and Inclusion SIG
  • Educational Technology SIG
  • Ethics Educators SIG
  • Externship Directors SIG
  • International Optometric Educators SIG
  • Interprofessional Education and Collaborative Practice SIG
  • Low Vision Educators SIG
  • Neuro-Rehab Educators SIG
  • Ophthalmic Optics Educators SIG
  • Public Health Educators SIG
  • Residency Educators SIG
  • Vision Science Librarians SIG

A list of the volunteer chairs for each of the above can be found on the ASCO website.

SIG membership is open to all ASCO member categories. ASCO leadership encourages the development of new SIGs that foster implementation of ASCO’s mission and strategic objectives. For information on how to begin developing a SIG, review our SIG Framework and contact Madison Broderick, Program Associate for Member Engagement