New England Ophthalmological Society.

The New England Ophthalmological Society (NEOS) was founded in 1884 by Hasket Derby, Benjamin Joy Jeffries, and Oliver Fairfield Wadsworth for the study and advancement of ophthalmology.Members were graduates of medicine who took a special interest in ophthalmology. It was administered from the beginning by a president, vice president, secretary (who also acted as a treasurer), and a committee on admissions, each of whom was elected. Candidates for membership were proposed by at least two members of the Society, reviewed by the committee on admissions, and elected by ballot. In 1970, membership consisted of active and associate members. An associate member must reside in New England, and have contributed outstanding service to ophthalmology. These members need not attend meetings or pay dues, and cannot vote or hold office. Membership to the Society began in 1884 with 18 doctors; today there are over 350 active members.