Optica Senior Membership provides established individuals with the opportunity to request a designation that recognizes their experience and professional accomplishments or service within the optics and photonics field. Senior Membership is the highest distinction for which members can apply and reflects professional maturity and experience.  It is a separate category from Emeritus Status. Members can self-nominate, or be nominated, for Senior Membership.

To qualify for Senior Membership, individuals should have at least 10 years of cumulative professional experience (since completion of the first degree) in optics and/or optics-related field and be an active member with a minimum of five years of cumulative professional membership (Student Membership not included). View Senior Member criteria.

Members who meet the qualification criteria are encouraged to request the Senior Member designation. Members can also nominate candidates for Senior Membership (with the exception of Student Members). View Nomination/Reference Guide.