Apollo Award

The American Optometric Association’s Apollo Award is the highest honor given to individuals or organizations outside the optometric profession. It recognizes exceptional contributions to the visual welfare of the public. Past recipients have included educators, spokespersons, service clubs, philanthropic organizations, eye care education programs in schools and communities, and publications that support individuals with visual impairments.

WHO CAN NOMINATE?

Nominations for the Apollo Award can be submitted by any AOA member, AOA committee, councils, sections, groups, affiliated associations, societies, or other optometric organizations.

ELIGIBILITY

• Nominees should be individuals (not optometrists—see other AOA awards) or for-profit and non-profit organizations that have improved access to eye care or contributed in other ways as described above, such as:
  • Individuals who have made a significant impact on public visual health
  • Educational institutions and organizations
  • Research programs
  • Civic and community groups
• Nominations will only be considered if they relate to a contribution to visual care.
• The award may be granted posthumously.
• Current AOA employees, consultants, Board members, and Awards Committee members are not eligible.

JUDGING AND SELECTION

The recipient will be selected by the AOA Awards Committee, consisting of the five most recent AOA past presidents, and honored at Optometry’s Meeting®.

A maximum of two Apollo Awards may be presented each year. If no nominees meet the criteria, no award will be given that year.

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

All nominations must include the following:

1. Nomination Statement: A statement 2000-word or less outlining the nominee’s contributions to the visual welfare of the public.
2. Photo: A current headshot must be included if submitting an individual.
3. Supplements: Supporting documents, such as a biography, letters of recommendation or a CV, may be attached, but they cannot replace the nomination statement, which must clearly detail the nominee’s accomplishments.
4. Nominations must be submitted online, below.

*Approved change by AOA Board of Trustees March 5, 2020.