The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) is the world's largest association of eye physicians and surgeons (Eye M.D.s), with more than 26,000 members worldwide. Originally part of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology (AAOO), which was founded in 1896, the AAO was incorporated as an independent organization in 1979 when the AAOO was divided into separate academies for each specialty.

An Eye M.D. is an ophthalmologist, either a medical doctor or doctor of osteopathic medicine, who specializes in eye and vision care. Eye M.D.s are specially trained to provide the full spectrum of eye care, from prescribing glasses and contact lenses, to complex and delicate eye surgery.

The AAO exists to advance the lifelong learning and professional interests of Eye M.D.s to ensure that the public receives the best possible eye care.

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The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) was founded in 1930 and now has approximately 55,000 members in the United States, Canada, and Latin America. Members include pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists, and pediatric surgical specialists. More than 36,000 are board-certified and called Fellows of the American Academy of Pediatrics (FAAP).

More than 40 committees develop many of the AAP's positions and programs, including such varied interests as injury and poison prevention, children with disabilities, sports medicine, nutrition, and child health financing. The AAP and its member pediatricians dedicate their efforts and resources to the health, safety, and well-being of infants, children, adolescents, and young adults.

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The American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI) is a professional association of 4,000 allergists/immunologists. Established in 1942, the ACAAI is dedicated to improving the quality of patient care in allergy and immunology through research, advocacy, and professional and public education.

The ACAAI strives to improve the quality of patient care in allergy, asthma, and immunology; advance the diagnostic and therapeutic skills of its members; and foster the appropriate application of these skills. In addition, the ACAAI produces educational and scientific programs and publications, as well as patient education materials.

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The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) is the nation's leading group of professionals providing health care for women. The ACOG is a private, voluntary, nonprofit membership organization with a current membership of 40,000 physicians.

As a strong advocate for quality health care for women, the ACOG strives to maintain the highest standards of clinical practice and continuing education for its members. The ACOG promotes patient education and seeks to stimulate patient understanding of, and involvement in, medical care, as well as increasing awareness among its members and the public of the changing issues facing women's health care.

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The AMA's work includes providing timely information on matters important to the health of America; setting standards for medical ethics, practice, and education; and serving as an influential advocate for physicians and their patients.

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The American Psychiatric Association (APA) is an organization of psychiatrists working together to ensure humane care and effective treatment for all persons with mental illness, including substance use disorders.

The APA is composed of 40,500 national and international physicians specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of mental and emotional illnesses.

As the voice and conscience of modern psychiatry, the APA envisions a society with available, accessible, and quality psychiatric diagnosis and treatment.

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The American Society of Plastic Surgeons* (ASPS) is the largest plastic surgery specialty organization in the world with more than 5,000 members. Founded in 1931, the society is composed of board-certified plastic surgeons who perform cosmetic and reconstructive surgery.

The mission of the ASPS is to advance quality care to plastic surgery patients by encouraging high standards of training, ethics, physician practice, and research in plastic surgery. The society advocates patient safety, such as encouraging its members to operate in surgical facilities that have passed rigorous external review of equipment and staffing.

Only members of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons may display the ASPS logo. This symbol of excellence in plastic surgery is what to look for when deciding on a plastic surgeon. It tells you that you are choosing a physician who is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery or by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada important credentials.

* Formerly the American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons, the name was changed in 1999.

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