Are you looking to further your optometric career? Involvement in your optometric association enables you to broaden and protect the profession. Reshaping the future of optometry allows you the opportunity for practice and professional growth. The first years in practice can be a balancing act. Managing your personal and professional life is stressful. But, the membership rewards of camaraderie and advice are well worth the effort.

How can we help throughout your career? Upon applying to become a member of the NJSOP you will be assigned a mentor who will serve as your go-to guide for career-related questions. The NJSOP also offers a peer-peer listserve where members connect 24/7 to share information and answer each other’s questions.

The New Jersey Society of Optometric Physicians is lucky to have TWO great optometric colleges right in its own backyard -- Salus University (In 2008, Pennsylvania College of Optometry (PCO) was granted University status and Salus University was born) and SUNY State College of Optometry (SUNY).

Whether you attend one of our on-campus student luncheons or volunteer at an NJSOP event, you're sure to develop long-lasting, mentoring relationships with experienced & knowledgeable New Jersey optometrists.

Don't attend a college in the area? Join us on social media where you can check out posts from the latest events and network with other students to stay involved.

Use this page as an introduction to the resources offered by NJSOP and learn how involvement in your state society can benefit you as a new O.D.

To receive information from the NJSOP, contact us at (609) 323-4012 and ask to be added as a student member.

The NJSOP at a Glance

650+ members dedicated to advancing optometry and meeting the eye care needs of the public. Our membership represents all career stages, various work settings and practice specialties, geographic locations, and diverse backgrounds. Some examples of what the NJSOP offers: 

• NJSOP leadership and full time staff available and willing to assist our members with their professional needs.
• NJSOP hosts annual Young OD and Students (FREE) social events for professional networking and development opportunities.
• NJSOP hosts multiple continuing education events each year for the presentation of current professional topics.
• Weekly and quarterly member communications to share current hot topics.
• Four committees actively looking for diverse member engagement.
• Eight local societies located throughout NJ for that local touch.
• Annual Mintz Scholarship opportunities for students!

Membership, the Key to Success

Involvement in your optometric association enables you to broaden and protect the profession. Reshaping the future of optometry allows you the opportunity for practice and professional growth. The first years in practice can be a balancing act. Managing your personal and professional life is stressful. But, the membership rewards of camaraderie and advice are well worth the effort.Click here to meet some of our NJSOP members!

Tips For Being Strong, Confident And Successful

Don’t be timid: We were all new OD’s once. Get involved by attending local society meetings; introduce yourself and ask questions. Join a committee. This is the best way to meet others, positively impact the profession and develop leadership skills.

Helpline: Confused about an optometric issue? Contact the NJSOP at (609) 323-4012 and we'll put you in touch with an OD or office staff member who can help you find the answer.

Save Money: The benefits offered by the AOA and the NJSOP aim to help you work smarter, enhance your practice, and save you money. NJSOP members are able to take advantage of discounts on continuing education, childcare, practice management tools, secure document shredding and more! As a full-time member, we also help to make your practice more visible by enrolling you in the Think About Your Eyes program at no cost. See a full list of NJSOP member benefits here. 

Your membership in the AOA also offers a variety of benefits including access to AOAExcel to help you practice with confidence!

Spread the Word: Make others aware of your professional interests and ambitions.

Connect Online: Chat with other young ODs’ and learn how to stay ahead of the game:

• NJSOP Facebook Page  |  NJSOP Student Facebook Page
• NJSOP on Instagram andTwitter: @NJEyeDocs
• AOA Facebook Page  | AOA Student Facebook Page
• NewGradOptometry.com |  New Grad Optometry Facebook Page

Licensing: Unsure about what you can and cannot do as an Optometric Physician in New Jersey? Do you know how many credits you need to maintain your license in NJ? Can you tell which courses qualify as TPA and DPA? What about advertising regulations? Find out before you get audited! The State Board of Optometry protects consumers, governs optometrists, licenses and regulates our scope of practice.

Advocacy: Keep abreast of what’s going on via the NJSOP advocacy hub and  take part in calls to action that protect, promote, and enhance optometry in New Jersey!  The NJSOP Advocacy hub allows you to find your officials and legislation. 

NJ Managed Care: Looking to become a provider to NJ Managed Care Organizations? The New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance maintains an online list of authorized HMOs.