ARVO Fellows will serve as knowledgeable representatives of the association, and as role models and mentors for individuals pursuing careers in vision and ophthalmology research. ARVO Fellows will be entitled to use the professional designation of FARVO following their name. The Board of Trustees has established two levels of Fellows, based on a point system which accounts for participation and involvement with ARVO. The levels are:

• ARVO Fellow - Gold Minimum 60 points
  
• ARVO Fellow - Silver Minimum 50 points

One point is awarded for each year of participation in ARVO through July 2008. Due to insufficient records, some criteria are limited to specific years.

• Membership - maximum of 20 points
  
• Abstract submission; first or co-authors accepted for ARVO-sponsored meetings - maximum of 20 points; 2002 forward
  
• Elected officials
  
• Committee service as chair or member, excludes ex-officio; 1986 forward
  
• Journals - editorial board member or reviewer; 2000 forward Educational program - program organizer; 1996 forward
  
• Chapter service - international affiliate chapter officer, council member or liaison
  
• ARVO Foundation for Eye Research Board of Governors

Over 130 ARVO members have been identified for the ARVO Fellows Class of 2009. Fellows will be notified by January 15. They will also be recognized in conjunction with the ARVO 2009 Annual Meeting.

If you believe that you qualify and did not receive a notification, please contact awards[at]arvo.org to find out your current point level or request that your participation be reevaluated. Requests must be received by February 15 for inclusion in the 2009 class. Every summer, staff will automatically add members' participation points to determine those qualifying for the next year's class of ARVO Fellows.