A Regular Member must demonstrate professional competence in the fields of optical science or engineering or in any related field of arts and sciences which exploit optical methods or techniques and properties of polarization of light. (Bylaws Section 2.1.1)

A Member who is no longer employed full-time and who has provided professional service in any of the scientific and technical areas relevant to the Association may be considered for Retired Member status (as described in Bylaws Section 2.1.2).

A full-time college student, either undergraduate or graduate, with expressed interest in any of the scientific and technical areas relevant to the Association shall be accepted as a Student Member for a one-year period (as described in Bylaws Section 2.1.3).

An individual who has performed eminent service in science, engineering, and allied fields, or to the Association, may be elected an Honorary Member (as described in Bylaws Section 2.1.4).