American Optometric Association, located in St. Louis, offers a variety of eye and vision care services throughout the United States. Founded in 1898, the center is a federation of state, student and armed forces optometric associations. It serves the members of optometrist organizations, students of optometry, paraoptometric assistants and technicians in the health care industry. The center has more than 34,000 members and over 6,500 U.S. patients. It assists in developing programs to promote eye care and public awareness of optometric care. The center additionally provides various services that include communications, public relations and advocacy presentations. It also assists in eye care services, such as front office procedures, pretesting, vision therapy, contact lens usage instructions, and frame styling and fitting.