Become a Member
Membership Overview
Joining the Canadian Ophthalmological Society (COS) connects you with a national community of colleagues, resources, and opportunities that support excellence in eye care. As a member, you’ll gain access to exclusive educational programs, practice tools, research updates and professional advocacy.
- Stay informed with the latest clinical and scientific advancements.
- Access trusted resources for practice and lifelong learning.
- Expand your network through the annual COS Annual Meeting and Exhibition.
- Contribute to shaping the future of ophthalmology in Canada.
Benefits of Your COS Membership
Discover more about our organization—see your Member Benefits Infographic here.
Engage and Connect with your Ophthalmic Community
Join COS events, list-serves, and access resources to connect with ophthalmologists, residents, and eye health stakeholders. Benefits include:
- Discounted registration for the COS Annual Meeting and Exhibition (1,200+ attendees)
- Physician-focused educational resources, workshops, and CPD/CME opportunities
- Leadership roles on the Board, Councils, Committees, and listservs
- Co-developed higher education programs
- Members-only content on the PRC and website
- Updates on drug shortages and essential medications
Continuously build on your medical portfolio
Advance your career from residency to retirement through research, awards, and leadership opportunities. Benefits include:
- Participate in committees, working groups, and position statements
- Disseminate research and contribute to guidance documents
- Strengthen your resume with awards, abstracts and workforce planning
- Advocate for ophthalmology and support the profession’s voice
Stay updated on COS advocacy
Engage in advocacy at federal and provincial levels:
- Share your voice on public affairs and advocacy initiatives
- Influence policies and raise public awareness of ophthalmology’s role
- Support communications that highlight ophthalmologists’ expertise and value
Continue to be informed on “all things Ophthalmology” in Canada
Access members-only resources and updates:
- Free subscription to the Canadian Journal of Ophthalmology (CJO)
- Online membership directory, job opportunities and regular COS updates
- Alerts on drug shortages and essential medications
- Latest news in ophthalmology
New member benefits with Perkopolis
COS members receive complimentary access to Perkopolis, a perks program offering significant savings on everyday purchases, including clothing, groceries, events, and travel.
Members can register at perkopolis.com by entering their email address and their iMIS Member Number (example: COS123456). Your iMIS Member Number is available to all full members once you log in to the Member Portal.
Membership Categories
Active Member
The Active Member category is open to physicians who have received at least one of the following:
- Certification of fellowship in ophthalmology from the Royal College of Physicians & Surgeons of Canada
- A diploma of the American Board of Ophthalmology or its equivalent
- Certification by the board of the province in which he or she practices
- Other specialist qualifications in ophthalmology deemed acceptable to the COS Board of Directors
Note: Graduated fee following Royal College of Physicians & Surgeons of Canada certification: balance of graduating year, complimentary; 1st year, 50% of fee; 2nd year, 75% of fee; 3rd year full fee
Associate Member
The Associate Member category is open to individuals who:
- Hold the degree of Doctor of Medicine and are not certified ophthalmologists but whose professional standing is acceptable to the COS Board of Directors and
- Are engaged in a field allied with, or in a basic science related to, ophthalmology
(Employees associated with pharmaceutical and medical device companies are not eligible for this category)
Affiliated Member
The Affiliated Member category is open to any person who:
- Holds the degree of Doctor of Medicine, Doctor of Philosophy or an equivalent degree or professional standing acceptable to the COS Board of Directors and
- is not an ophthalmologist, but is engaged in a field allied with, or in a basic science related to, ophthalmology
Affiliated Members may participate in debate at all business meetings, and shall receive all publications of the Society.
(Employees associated with pharmaceutical and medical device companies are not eligible for this category)
International Member
The International Member category is open to physicians:
- who hold a valid and unrestricted license to practice ophthalmology in a country other than Canada and
- whose professional standing is acceptable to the COS Board of Directors
Note: Graduated fee following Royal College of Physicians & Surgeons of Canada certification: balance of graduating year, complimentary; 1st year, 50% of fee; 2nd year, 75% of fee; 3rd year $793 + HST
Life Member
The Life Member category is open to individuals who:
- have been Active Members of COS for the previous consecutive 25 years and
- has reached the age of 65 and has retired from practice
Note: Still in practice: $373 + HST; no longer in practice: $110 + HST; the annual meeting registration fee for Life Members (Retired) is $56
Junior Member
The Junior Member category is open to physicians who are either:
- engaged on a full-time basis in an accredited Canadian ophthalmology program or
- actively engaged in a recognized ophthalmology specialist program
To enroll in a COS junior membership, please reach out to Rita Afeltra at [email protected].
Become a Member
Join today and take advantage of the benefits that support your career and strengthen the ophthalmology profession. Membership provides access to resources, connections, and advocacy dedicated to advancing eye health for all Canadians.
Highlights and Exciting Updates
Lead, Learn, Innovate: Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
CPD is essential for us as ophthalmologists to stay ahead of the latest advancements, techniques, and technologies in vision care. It ensures we continue to provide the highest quality care to our patients while maintaining excellence in our profession.
Annual Meeting & Exhibition
Join us for our flagship educational event featuring a distinguished international and Canadian faculty sharing the latest in ophthalmic research and practice. Members in good standing receive a deep discount!
Practice Resource Centre
The Practice Resource Centre is your online hub for ophthalmologists, residents, and medical students, offering a wealth of educational resources. Access essential tools for your practice, including CPD opportunities, events, position statements, and uniquely Canadian content.
Supporting Research through the COS Foundation
Our aim is to enhance ophthalmic care and advance education and research in Canada while providing global access to vital vision health resources.
Canadian Journal of Ophthalmology
Ranking 9th in Impact Factor out of all 62 indexed ophthalmology journals, the journal achieved the greatest jump in ranking of all ophthalmology journals in 2023.
Committees and Working Groups
Yes, you can join! Participate in committees focused on the Ophthalmology Workforce, Sustainability, Ergonomics and Injury Prevention, EDI, CPD, the Annual Meeting, and more.
Volunteer Opportunities
From working groups and committees to helping with research and writing of position statements, to the annual meeting planning committee, there is something for everyone!
More Questions?
Speak with Rita Afeltra, Manager of Membership & Meeting Logistics by phone below or filling out the form, and we will be in contact soon!
309-1505 Laperriere Avenue Ottawa ON K1Z 7T1
+1-800-267-5763
