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- AOA Independent Practice Institute graduates first class
- How to win at independent optometry
- A trailblazer passes: Paul Farkas, O.D., leaves a legacy of innovation
- 5 things pediatricians should know about eye health
- Advocating for optometry’s littlest patients
- Dry eye treatment creates growth potential for optometrists
- Honoring longtime AOA member and dedicated volunteer Heather Tibbetts
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- James A Boucher Obit
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- Changing of the guard 2020
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Congratulations to the AOA’s 2026 award winners
April 28, 2026
The winners will be honored at a ceremony during Optometry’s Meeting® 2026.
Tag(s): Inside Optometry, Member Spotlight
The AOA is proud to honor several members with its prestigious awards.
AOA Excellence Awards
The AOA thanks its longstanding Visionary Supporter Johnson & Johnson for their recognition of these exemplary individuals. The generous support of the AOA's industry partners makes it possible to honor its outstanding members.
The Optometrist of the Year Award recognizes David Parker, 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 Mahsa Masoudi, O.D., who has been in practice less than 10 years and demonstrates remarkable leadership when serving the profession, patients and her community.
The Distinguished Service Award recognizes Douglas Morrow, O.D., for his unusually significant contributions to the profession of optometry.
The Optometric Educator of the Year Award recognizes Gregory Nixon, 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 Amy Ngo for her leadership skills in serving the profession, patients and her community.
The Apollo Award, the highest honor given to individuals or organizations outside the optometric profession, recognizes iSee Ohio (The Ohio Optometric Foundation) for its exceptional contributions to the visual welfare of the public.
Paraoptometric Awards
The Paraoptometric of the Year Award recognizes Kimberly Pickle, CPOA, for her outstanding contributions to the profession of optometry, patients and the public.
The Paraoptometric Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes Susan Laskowski, CPOT, and Carol Lovell, CPOT, CPOC, for serving the profession of optometry by continually giving in the areas of patient eye care, office management, mentoring colleagues and in service to the paraoptometric profession.
The Paraoptometric Community Service Award recognizes Brandie Duncan, CPO, for generously donating her time and talents to the profession of optometry, patients and the public.
More honors
The National Optometry Hall of Fame recognizes and honors optometrists who are luminaries of the profession—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:
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.
The Dr. Jerry P. Davidoff Vision Care Award recognizes Tamara Petrosyan, O.D., for actively serving in a clinical vision rehabilitation practice setting, giving back to optometry through education and demonstrating a long-standing contribution and sharing knowledge with fellow practitioners for the betterment of vision rehabilitation eye care.
The AOA congratulates all 2026 award nominees.