Congratulations to AOA’s 2022 award winners
The AOA is proud to honor seven members with its prestigious awards and thanks its longstanding Visionary Supporter Johnson & Johnson Vision for their recognition of these exemplary individuals. The generous support of AOA's industry partners makes it possible to honor its outstanding members.
The Distinguished Service Award recognizes Capt. Dawn Clary, O.D., for her unusually significant contributions to the profession of optometry.
The Optometrist of the Year Award recognizes Jeffrey Michaels, O.D., for his outstanding service on behalf of the profession and the visual welfare of the public.
The Young Optometrist of the Year Award recognizes Saysha Blazier, O.D., who has been in practice less than 10 years and demonstrates remarkable leadership when serving the profession, patients and her community.
The Optometric Educator Award recognizes Andrew Kemp, O.D., for outstanding service on behalf of the profession, optometric education and the visual welfare of the public.
The Student of the Year Award recognizes Araba Otoo, MPH, for her leadership skills in serving the profession, patients and her community.
The Paraoptometric of the Year Award recognizes Loretta Eriks, CPOT, for her significant contributions to the profession of paraoptometry.
The Paraoptometric Community Service Award recognizes Shantia Hinderlider, CPO, for generously donating her time and talents to the profession of optometry, patients and the public.
The AOA congratulates all 2022 award nominees.
The Optometrist of the Year and Young Optometrist of the Year were selected from a robust field of nominees from 26 state associations and the Armed Forces Optometric Society. Each of these AOA-member doctors of optometry and paraoptometric professionals have distinguished themselves, and the profession, and are deserving of recognition and appreciation.
Honoring Charlotte Ferris’ dedication to optometry
A long-time AOA staffer, Charlotte’s dedication to the association was palpable in everything she did. The AOA sends condolences and thanks to the Ferris family for their years of service.
Representation matters in optometry
Although about 13% of the U.S. population is Black, they are woefully underrepresented in optometry. They represent about 2% of practicing doctors of optometry and a little over 3% of full-time students in optometry schools and colleges, according to studies. Black doctors of optometry seek to grow those numbers.
Remembering a true friend of optometry: Patricia Hopping
A crusader for vision and eye care in local, state and national communities, Patricia spread her love for the AOA across the country. The AOA sends condolences and thanks to the Hopping family for their years of service.