In 1896, Dr. Hal Foster recognized that the growing field of American ophthalmology required a space for physicians to congregate, share ideas and innovations. This was especially true for physicians living in the west who were unable to participate in the flourishing medical societies of cities such as New York and Philadelphia. The result was an invitation to ophthalmologists and otolaryngologists of the central and southern parts of the United States to participate in a meeting to be held at the Midland Hotel in Kansas City, Missouri.

In his address at the 1896 meeting Dr. Foster noted: “I have called you here to organize an Ophthalmological, Otological, Laryngological Association. The little acorn I plant here today will never satisfy me until like an oak, it grows and spreads all over the United States”. The participants at the first meeting drew up a constitution, by-laws, elected officers and named themselves the Western Ophthalmological, Laryngological, and Rhinological Association.

From the beginning, the Academy built upon the American ideals of democracy and equality. Membership in 1898 was limited only to “regular physicians in good standing…provided they have been engaged in special work from 3 to 5 years.” This allowed a large percentage of specialists to qualify for membership. The Academy was dedicated to education and opening doors for those starting in the profession. In 1903, Dr. William L. Ballenger noted that through membership the novice will “have ample opportunity to demonstrate his ability and moral worth to the profession.”

Over the years, the American Academy of Ophthalmology continued to offer opportunities for the new practitioner and the established physician. In 1917 AAO helped to establish the American Board of Ophthalmology, the first specialty medical board in the United States. AAO was also responsible for introducing the concept of formal instruction courses at its annual meetings, which is a cornerstone of continuing medical education today.