Annual American Optometric Association Award Winners

The AOA thanks its longstanding Visionary Supporter Johnson & Johnson for their recognition of these exemplary individuals. Award recipients will be honored throughout Optometry's Meeting®, June 17-20, in Phoenix. 

2026 Optometrist of the Year

David Parker, O.D.

David L. Parker, O.D., is an optometrist, business owner and public servant who has dedicated his career to advancing eye care and serving his community. A native of Memphis, Tennessee, Dr. Parker earned his Doctor of Optometry degree magna cum laude from the Southern College of Optometry in 1995. 

He is the founder of Olive Branch Eyecare and Horn Lake Eyecare, where he continues to practice and lead growing teams focused on delivering high-quality patient care. Over the course of his career, Dr. Parker has also mentored more than 90 optometry students, many of whom now practice across the country. He currently serves as an adjunct faculty member at the Southern College of Optometry. 

In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Parker served in the Mississippi State Senate from 2012 to 2026, where he held key leadership roles including chair of accountability, efficiency and transparency, and vice-chair of public health and welfare. During his tenure, he was a leading voice on health care policy and played a pivotal role in expanding the scope of optometric practice in Mississippi. 

Dr. Parker has been widely recognized for his contributions to the profession, including multiple honors as Mississippi’s Optometrist of the Year and national awards from the AOA for public service and distinguished leadership. He is also a diplomate of the American Board of Optometry. 

A committed community leader, Dr. Parker has served on numerous boards and initiatives supporting health care access and family services. He and his wife, Ashleigh, have four children and are active members of their local church. Outside of his professional work, he enjoys golf and coaching youth sports. 

2026 Young Optometrist of the Year

Mahsa Masoudi, O.D.

Mahsa Masoudi, O.D., earned her Doctor of Optometry from the University of California Berkeley School of Optometry after attending Portland State University, where she received her second bachelor’s degree in general science and graduated magna cum laude. Her first bachelor’s was in political science, cum laude, at the University of Georgia, hence her continued passion for advocacy now with an optometric focus. Dr. Masoudi is serving her eighth year on the AOA Education Center Committee, is the Georgia AOA Federal Advocacy Representative, the GOA PAC chair, and chairperson of the GOA Board of Trustees. She completed her residency in ocular disease at Omni Eye Services in Atlanta. Currently she works at Marietta Eye Clinic, where she sees a variety of patients, heavily focused on glaucoma, serves as an externship clinical preceptor, and also serves on their internal education committee organizing lectures for their practice’s 40+ MDs and ODs. Dr. Masoudi has won several awards for her dedication to optometry; notably she was the 2023 Georgia Young Optometrist of the Year. She enjoys rock climbing, barre, tolerates running for those race medals, and loves time with her husband and two kids. 

2026 Distinguished Service Award

Douglas Morrow, O.D.

Douglas C. Morrow, O.D., is a 1977 graduate of the Indiana University School of Optometry. He has practiced in Auburn since 1979 and expanded his practice to Garrett in 2000 and LaGrange in 2018. He is board certified by the American Board of Optometry. 

With more than four decades in practice, Dr. Morrow has been deeply involved in professional leadership and organized optometry at both the state and national levels. He is a past president of the Indiana Optometric Association (IOA) and has served in numerous leadership roles within the American Optometric Association, including on its coding and third-party committees. He has also represented optometry at the national level through his work with the American Medical Association, where he served on the CPT Editorial Panel—the first optometrist to hold that position. 

Dr. Morrow has served on the Indiana Optometry Board since 2007 and has held the position of president. He has also been active in healthcare leadership locally, serving on the DeKalb Health Board of Directors, including as chairman from 2017 to 2024, and as a member of the Parkview Health System Regional Board. 

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Dr. Morrow has been an active member of his community. His involvement includes leadership roles with the Auburn Little League, Auburn Park Board, DeKalb County United Way, and Auburn Chamber of Commerce. He has also served as an elder at Auburn Presbyterian Church, coached youth sports, and participated in local school vision screenings. 

Dr. Morrow has received numerous honors from IOA, including the Distinguished Service Award, Meritorious Service Award, and Optometrist of the Year. 

Dr. Morrow is married to his wife, Barbara, a children’s author, and they have four sons. He enjoys spending time with his family. 

2026 Optometric Educator of the Year

Gregory Nixon, O.D.

Gregory Nixon, O.D., holds the positions of associate dean for clinical services and VSP chair for advancement of professional practice at The Ohio State University College of Optometry. His 30 years in academia also included an 18-year history of being a co-owner of a private practice. His primary teaching and clinical interests are in ocular pharmacology, ocular disease and the management of glaucoma. He is the recipient of The Ohio State University Alumni Award for Distinguished Teaching. Dr. Nixon is an active member of the Optometric Glaucoma Society and the Ohio Optometric Association (OOA), where he is chair of the EastWest Eye Conference Education Committee. His work on behalf of the organization has earned him recognition as an OOA Special Merit Award winner in 1999, 2005 and 2006, and as the OOA Young OD of the Year in 2000. He serves on the Board of Trustees of the OOA and the Ohio Professionals Health Program. He is a fellow of the American Academy of Optometry and a distinguished fellow of the National Academies of Practice.  

2026 Student of the Year

Amy Ngo

Amy Ngo is a student at the Ohio State College of Optometry (OSUCO) class of 2027. She holds a bachelor's degree in biology and minor in health advocacy at the University of Kentucky, where she was a Biology Scholar and honored as the class of 2022 commencement speaker. In Kentucky, she dedicated her time to retina regeneration research and later was a scribe for Retina Associates of Kentucky before transitioning into her optometric studies. At OSUCO, she served as president of the American Optometric Student Association, OOPAC student representative, lead senator for the Interprofessional Council, co-founder and president of Cultural Lenses, and a Gold Key Honor Society member. Some of her achievements include being named as OOA 2025 Student of the Year and OSU AOSA 2026 Student Leader of the Year. Her passion for optometry is rooted in her commitment to delivering high-quality care and improving vision health outcomes for her future patients.   

2026 Apollo Award

iSee Ohio (The Ohio Optometric Foundation)

iSee Ohio is a statewide initiative dedicated to helping children reach their full potential by improving access to comprehensive eye care. Founded in 2003 by members of the Ohio Optometric Association to act as the charitable arm of the association, the organization began by providing public education and scholarships to support the future of the optometric profession. 

In 2008, iSee Ohio expanded its mission to include direct care through in-school eye exam clinics, addressing a critical gap for students who fail vision screenings but do not receive follow-up care. Since then, volunteer optometrists have conducted more than 150 clinics, providing over 4,000 comprehensive eye exams and 3,000 pairs of eyeglasses at no cost to students, families or schools. 

As demand grew, iSee Ohio invested in mobile equipment to bring care directly to schools and communities, significantly increasing access across the state. The program’s success has helped drive major statewide initiatives, including OhioSEE, a public-private effort to expand school-based vision care and eliminate barriers such as cost and transportation. 

Today, iSee Ohio continues to lead through innovation, partnerships and advocacy—working to ensure sustainable access to quality eye care for all children and serving as a model for programs nationwide. 

2026 Paraoptometric of the Year Award

Kimberly Pickle, CPOA

Kimberly Pickle is a dedicated and influential leader in the field of optometry. Her passion for promoting eye health extends far beyond her professional responsibilities, as she actively volunteers and contributes to a variety of community initiatives. 

She has been employed with Southern Eye Care of Clinton since July 2013. She began her career at the front desk and, through hard work and commitment, advanced to the role of office manager in 2018. Her professional journey reflects both a strong work ethic and a comprehensive understanding of the practice. 

Her leadership extends into her church and community. She previously served as secretary of the Mary Ann Richardson Sunday School Class at Parkway Baptist Church and has been the president of the Lakeside Community Club for the past five years. 

Professionally, she has demonstrated a strong commitment to advancing the field of optometry. She previously served as president of the Mississippi Paraoptometric Association and contributed as a committee member for the AOA PRC Online Subcommittee. She currently serves with the AOA as a member of both the CPC CE Review Committee and the Para Resource Committee. 

Outside of her professional and community roles, she is devoted to her family. She is married to Steven Pickle and is the proud mother of two daughters, Shawna Hover and Trinity Burge. She also cherishes her role as a grandmother to four grandchildren and a great-grandmother to two great-grandsons. 

Originally from Paxton, Illinois, she relocated to the Gulf Coast in 1991 and later made Clinton her home in January 2012. 

2026 Paraoptometric Lifetime Achievement Awards

Susan Laskowski, CPOT

Susan (Sue) Laskowski, CPOT, has dedicated over 45 years to the optometric profession. Sue graduated from Madison Area Technical College in the Optometric Technician program with an Associate Degree in Science and received her Certification as a Paraoptometric Technician. She served every position with the Wisconsin Paraoptometric Association and was a two-time reward recipient of Wisconsin Paraoptometric of the Year, and AOA Paraoptometric Community Service Award. She also received the North Central Paraoptometric of the Year, AOA Paraoptometric of the Year, as well as award recipient of the American Foundation for Vision Awareness. Sue has been on 35 VOSH (Volunteer Optometric Service to Humanity) missions to Mexico and Dominican Republic. She has served on committees for the AOA Paraoptometric board and past examiner for Technician Practical test. She is actively involved in volunteer work, including membership of the local Lions Club, where she has been honored with both Melvin Jones Fellowship and Ray Hempel Fellowship. Sue also formally served as a Big Sister with Big Brothers/Big Sisters organization. Through her dedication to service and community involvement, she has made a lasting impact on the lives of many.

Carol Lovell, CPOT, CPOC

Carol grew up on a dairy farm in ND and upon graduation from high school began working as a receptionist at the local optometrist office in Mandan, ND.  While working there and assisting at several satellite offices, Carol learned to be an optician.  After getting married and moving away from ND, Carol worked at optometric offices in AL, FL, CO, MN, ND and WY.  

While living in FL, Carol learned the technician side of the office.   After attending SECO and learning about the AOA Para certification Carol proceeded to obtain certification, obtaining her CPOT in 1996 and her CPOC in 2013.  

In 2013 Carol was the WPA Paraoptometric of the Year and received the AOA Paraoptometric of the year in 2018. 

Carol lives in Gillette, WY with her wonderful family and has been employed with Gillette Optometric Clinic since April of 2006, making this year her 20th anniversary.  Carol is the Para education coordinator of the Northern Rockies Optometric Conference, the WY Vision Source Facilitator, Trustee on the Wyoming Paraoptometric Association (WPA) , past WPA president, currently serves on the AOA Education Committee and has been the liaison to the local Lions Club to assist patients in need. 

Obtaining certification and the support of the optometrists she has worked for, Carol has taken a job and turned it into a career that she is proud of.   Being able to assist patients with their vision care is very rewarding  for Carol. 

2026 Paraoptometric Community Service Award

Brandie Duncan, CPO

With over 10 years of dedicated service, Brandie Duncan has made a significant impact on her community through her professional life at Primary Eyecare and Optical in Meridian, Mississippi. She has received numerous accolades for her active contributions, highlighting her commitment to the field of optometry and her passion for serving others.  

Throughout her career, Duncan has been fortunate to participate in numerous initiatives that allow her to give back to those in need. One of her most fulfilling experiences has been volunteering at the Jackson Free Clinic. Here, she plays a crucial role in providing comprehensive eye exams and glasses to individuals who cannot afford vision care. This hands-on work allows her to address the pressing needs within her community, ensuring that everyone has access to essential eye health services. In addition to her efforts at the clinic, she collaborates with several local schools. She conducts much-needed vision screenings and supplies glasses to children, helping to improve their academic performance and overall quality of life. 

Her dedication to optometry extends beyond her direct service. She actively serves on the Mississippi Optometric Association Paraoptometric Board, where she helps organize state conferences that provide valuable education and resources for her peers. These conferences enable her to engage with colleagues, who discuss how to address critical issues in the field and share best practices. Her love for community service also leads her to volunteer with The Diabetes Foundation of MS and The State Games of MS, emphasizing her belief in the importance of giving back. For her, community service is not just an activity; it is a core principle that shapes her life. She lives by the motto that helping others ultimately enriches our own lives. Growing up in a small town, she learned early on that serving others encourages them to do the same, creating a cycle of support and kindness. Her involvement with the AOA CE Review Committee and the Item Writing Committee pushes her beyond her comfort zone. In these roles, she helps develop questions for future Certified Paraoptometric exams, which ensures that upcoming professionals are well-prepared to succeed in their careers. The friendships she has built through her volunteering experiences at both local and state optometric conferences have become a cherished part of her journey, adding depth and connection to her work in the community. 

After 26 wonderful years of marriage to her high school sweetheart, she thrives with the support of her husband and two amazing sons. Their encouragement drives her to embrace new challenges and uplift others.  

The National Optometry Hall of Fame

The National Optometry Hall of Fame recognizes and honors optometrists who are luminaries of the professions—those who have made significant and long-lasting contributions to the optometric profession. The award is administered through The AOA Foundation. This year’s winners include:  

E. LeRoy Ryer, O.D.

E. LeRoy Ryer, O.D., FAAO,(1880–1972) was a pioneering American optometrist who played a central role in transforming optometry from a retail trade into a respected healthcare profession. Beginning his career in New York City in the late nineteenth century, he emphasized scientific examination, ethical practice, and the use of advanced diagnostic instruments, whichwere uncommon at the time. His private practice became a model for comprehensive, patient-centered eye care, and he was among the first to advocate fee-for-service clinical treatment. 

Ryer was also a prolific educator and writer, publishing more than 500 articles and coauthoring influential textbooks such as Optometric Procedure and Ophthalmometry. A leader in professional development, he helped found the American Academy of Optometry and contributed to early continuing education programs for optometrists. Through his clinical work, teaching, writing, and innovation, Ryer left a lasting impact on the development and advancement of optometry. 

Richard M. Soden, O.D., FAAO, CPC

Richard M. Soden, O.D., FAAO, CPC, is a nationally respected optometrist, educator, and health‑care policy leader with more than four decades of experience in clinical care, academic leadership, and professional advocacy. A graduate of the SUNY College of Optometry, he completed his residency at the Northport VA Medical Center, where he subsequently served for 26 years as Associate Chief of Optometry Service while also maintaining an active private practice. 

Dr. Soden later returned to SUNY College of Optometry in senior administrative roles, including Vice President for Clinical Affairs, and currently serves as Director for Health Care Development, where he continues to advance clinical programs and strategic initiatives across the institution. 

His clinical interests include pediatric optometry, care for children with special needs, and low vision rehabilitation for both children and adults. Recognized as a low vision specialist, Dr. Soden has collaborated extensively with the Commission for the Blind throughout his career. He is also a longtime consultant to the New York State Optometric Association (NYSOA), lecturing widely on third‑party reimbursement, practice management, and health‑care policy. He has been an active volunteer in the American Optometric Association's Third Party Center and Coding Committee. 

A past President of NYSOA, Dr. Soden has been a leading voice in advancing optometric scope of practice, health‑care integration, and professional policy development in New York State. A Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry and the recipient of numerous honors, he is widely regarded for his contributions to clinical education, organized optometry, public health and the ongoing advancement of the profession. His awards include NYSOA Optometrist of the Year (2006) and the American Optometric Association Distinguished Service Award (2025). 

Dr. W. David Sullins, Jr., InfantSEE Award

The AOA Foundation also awards the Dr. W. David Sullins, Jr., InfantSEE Award, recognizing an individual doctor of optometry who has made significant contributions to optometry or the community for outstanding public service involving the InfantSEE program. 

This year’s winner is Michael Earley, O.D., Ph.D. Dr. Earley graduated summa cum laude from The Ohio State University College of Optometry with his OD and MS in physiological optics in 1988 and was the recipient of the Beta Sigma Kappa silver medal. He received his Ph.D. in physiological optics from Ohio State in 1992. His dissertation was on the acquired visual losses associated with amblyopia.  

He retired from the The Ohio State University College of Optometry in 2025 after 37 years on faculty.  During his career, he was a clinical professor, held the VSP chair for advancement of professional practice, and served as the associate dean of academic affairs. He also served as the chair of the Admissions Committee and taught courses in anatomy/histology, neuroanatomy, and clinical diagnostic reasoning. He was in the Binocular Vision and Pediatric Services for 37 years with emphasis on pediatrics and patients with traumatic brain injury.  

In 1998, he was awarded Ohio State’s Alumni Award for Distinguished Teaching and was inducted into the Academy of Teaching. He was awarded the American Optometric Foundation’s Michael G. Harris Award for Excellence in Optometric Education in 2011, was the AOA Educator of the Year in 2013, named a Distinguished Fellow of National Academies of Practice in Optometry in 2017, the Ohio Optometric Association’s Optometrist of the Year in 2022 and the recipient of The OSU College of Optometry’s Distinguished Alumni of the Year award in 2024. He received the AOA President’s Award in 2025. He has served for many years on the InfantSEE® and Children’s Vision committee and Faculty Liaison Committee of the AOA. He is a past president of the Ohio Optometric Association and currently serves as the vice president for iSee Ohio, the foundation of the Ohio Optometric Foundation. He and his wife Tracy live in Dublin, Ohio, and have three adult children.  

Dr. Jerry P. Davidoff Vision Care Award

Tamara Petrosyan, O.D.

Tamara Petrosyan, O.D., is an associate clinical professor at SUNY College of Optometry and NYC Health + Hospitals/Gotham Health, East New York, where she has worked in the Primary Care, Contact Lens, Ocular Disease, Pediatrics, Children With Special Needs, Vision Therapy, and Head Trauma departments. She lectures internationally, has developed over a dozen vision therapy workbooks, and has published articles and book chapters on various topics. Dr. Petrosyan is helping create and develop the profession of Optometry in Armenia and has helped implement free comprehensive pediatric exams and glasses for over 60,000 children through the Armenian Eyecare Project. She developed a comprehensive school vision screening protocol, which has been adopted by the Armenian Ministry of Health and, as of 2025, her methodology and training has been included in the national screening program for all school children in Armenia.  

She is a mentor for doctors pursuing fellowship in Optometric Visual Development and Rehabilitation and is on the review board of the Optometry and Visual Performance journal. She is the InfantSEE® liaison for New Jersey, head of the clinical care committees for pediatrics and vision therapy, and previously on the board of directors for the New Jersey Society of Optometric Physicians (NJSOP). She is currently on the board of directors for the Optometric Extension Program Foundation (OEPF) and part of the AOA Paraoptometric Resource Center Committee. Among others, Dr. Petrosyan has been awarded the Young Optometrist of the Year and Optometrist of the Year from the NJSOP, Alumni of the Year by SUNY Optometry, and the Young Optometrist of the Year from the AOA. In her free time, she likes to do paint by numbers and volunteers as a class mom and the PTA for her four kids. 

The AOA congratulates all 2026 award nominees.