The American Orthoptic Council® (AOC®) was founded in 1935 with the main purpose of establishing standards for orthoptists in the United States. Besides examining and certifying individual orthoptists, the AOC® is also responsible for setting and monitoring standards for the education of orthoptists, and reviews and grants accreditation to orthoptic programs in the United States. The AOC® establishes guidelines for the Orthoptic profession, the educational institutions and ethical conduct of certified orthoptists. It approves, encourages and promotes continuing education courses, workshops and symposia which are required of Orthoptists to maintain their certification. With the expanded long-range planning and educational efforts , we are working together with representatives from the sponsoring organizations, to promote the recognition of the AOC®, nationally and internationally, of this small, highly specialized post graduate profession of Orthoptists.