About the ICO/IFOS:

Statutes of the International Federation of Ophthalmological Societies, Part 1

On this page:

• Preamble
  
  
• Article 1 - Constitution
  
  
• Article 2 - Aim
  
  
• Article 3 - Domicile
  
  
• Article 4 - Membership
  
  
• Article 5 - Delegates
  
  
• Article 6 - General Assembly
  
  
• Article 7 - Responsibilities of Delegates

Part 1: Preamble through Section 7

Preamble

In consideration of the historical relationships and arrangements that unite the International Congress of Ophthalmology, the International Council of Ophthalmology and the International Federation of Ophthalmological Societies, these statutes reflect the intention of the International Federation of Ophthalmological Societies to adjust its structure and to advance its aim.

In particular, the "Statutes of the International Federation of Ophthalmological Societies" include the "Regulations of the International Council of Ophthalmology", the "Regulations of the World Ophthalmology Congress" (from 1857 the "International Congress of Ophthalmology") and the "Regulations of the Awards".

These statutes were adopted by the International Federation of Ophthalmological Societies in New Delhi (on the 3rd of December 1962) and modified by this organization in Paris on the 18th of May 1974, in San Francisco on the 4th of November 1982, in Amsterdam on 23rd of June 1998, in Sydney April 22, 2002, and in New Orleans, October 23, 2004 and in New Orleans, October 23, 2004.

Article 1

Constitution

The International Federation of Ophthalmological Societies (hereinafter called the "Federation") is an association constituted in conformity with Article 60 and onwards of the Swiss Civil Code and is registered in the Commercial Register of Zurich, Switzerland.

Article 2

Aim

The aim of the International Federation of Ophthalmological Societies is to promote the science of ophthalmology among all peoples and nations, and in furtherance of this to ensure permanent cooperation between representative ophthalmological societies of different countries and the various international bodies concerned with the organization of educational, scientific and cultural matters. For these purposes it shall elect members to the International Council of Ophthalmology (hereinafter called the "Council") which shall act as the executive committee of the Federation (see Article 10).

Article 3

Domicile

The Federation has its registered domicile in Zurich, Switzerland. The duration of the Federation is unlimited.

Article 4

Membership

An ophthalmological society recognized as of good standing shall be entitled to join the Federation as an affiliated society subject to the approval of the Council provided it has paid its due subscription.

Article 5

Delegates

Each society joining the Federation shall appoint one of its members as delegate who shall hold office during the interim between one World Ophthalmology Congress (hereinafter called the "Congress") and the next Congress, unless a reappointment is made by his or her society. If there is any change in the delegate, the Secretary-General of the Council should be notified immediately. The name of the delegate to attend the meeting of the Federation shall be confirmed to the Secretary-General of the Council immediately after appointment and at least six months before each Congress.

Article 6

General Assembly

At each Congress or at least every three (3) years, the Federation delegates shall meet with the members of the Council to form the General Assembly. The President of the Council shall be the Chairman of the General Assembly and shall have the authority to convene the General Assembly at any time with at least thirty (30) days notice, if he or she deems it necessary. Additionally, the General Assembly shall be summoned by the President of the Council on demand of a fifth of the delegates, which shall not exceed the number of fifteen (15) delegates. The General Assembly transacts the business of the Federation not specifically assigned to any other body of the Federation, and elects the ordinary members of the Council. The General Assembly has a non-transferable right to revoke the Council members at any time. The Federation delegates and the Council members shall have equal voting powers and the Chairman shall have a casting vote.

Article 7

Responsibilities of Delegates

The further duties of a delegate shall be:

a. To act as a liaison officer between the Council and his or her society in the interval between two Congresses.

b. To supply the Secretary-General of the Council, periodically or on request, with the names and addresses of the ophthalmologists of his or her country or taxing authority and such other matters as are required.

c. To be responsible for collecting and forwarding, or arranging for the collecting and forwarding, of the annual subscription of his or her society to the Treasurer of the Council.

Next: Part 2: Article 8 to 17 of the Statutes

Also see:

• Part 3: Articles 18 to 23 of the Statutes
  
  
• Regulations of the International Council of Ophthalmology
  
  
• Regulations of the International Congress of Ophthalmology
  
  
• Regulations of the Awards