BAOC Reciprocity Program (BRP)

Due to the close proximity of the COA local societies in the Bay Area, many members may live, work, and routinely commute between multiple counties/societies.  We believe the strength of the local societies in the Bay Area Optometric Council (BAOC) lies within increased participation, collaboration, and networking among members regardless of their society affiliation. 

Please join your fellow BAOC members at select meetings around the Bay Area. See rules and limitations below. 

Visit Events for upcoming local society events.
Definitions: 
  • BAOC members are defined as COA members from the 5 Bay Area Local Societies (ACCCOS, SCCOS, SFOS, SMCOS, REOS). 
  • Affiliated members are defined as members attending an event for the society of which they pay dues and hold membership.  
  • Visiting members are defined as BAOC members attending an event outside of their registered local society. 

Program Rules: 
  • BAOC members can attend other BAOC local society meetings and events, regardless of their registered society affiliation (see limitations below). 
  • The BAOC will reimburse visiting members the cost of the COA member registration fee  (see limitations below).
  • The local societies have the right to exclude any event from the Reciprocity Program. Such events should be advertised as “Members Only” events on the BAOC Events Calendar and promotional material.
  • For local society events that are limited in capacity, priority will be given to affiliated society members. The number of visiting members who may attend is under the discretion of each local society president.
  • Each visiting member must submit for reimbursement within 30 days of the event using the BAOC Reciprocity Program Reimbursement Form.
    • Reimbursements are only for the cost of the event registration fee incurred by the visiting member and not for additional items such as food, drink, and/or transportation.  The visiting member is responsible for the cost of anything beyond what is normally covered by the local society for its local members.
    • Reimbursements exclude conferences, holiday parties, or meetings/events where the cost is the same for affiliated members and visiting members.
    • Members must answer all questions on the reimbursement form AND upload a copy of their CE certificate.
    • The BAOC reserves the right to deny reimbursements for any reason.
  • The BAOC Reciprocity Pilot Program will commence on September 1, 2023 and will be re-evaluated on a quarterly basis. Continuity is subject to board approval. 
  • If there are any immediate negative consequences, the BAOC Board may choose to discontinue the Reciprocity Program at any time.