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.