Putting the spotlight on optometry’s stars
Exceptional achievements were honored at Optometry’s Meeting® 2024 in Nashville, Tennessee, June 19-22.
The honorees—doctors of optometry, AOA affiliates, paraoptometrics and optometry students—were variously recognized for their unwavering dedication; service with distinction in their practices, communities and profession; leadership in educating and mentoring next-gen doctors of optometry; and a shared passion for advancing the profession.
Watch awards highlights
The AOA congratulates the following awardees:
Dr. W. David Sullins, Jr., InfantSEE® Award
Deborah Bernay, O.D.
National Hall of Fame Inductees
Since 1998, the National Optometry Hall of Fame, administered by The AOA Foundation, has recognized and honored doctors of optometry who are luminaries of the profession and have imparted long-lasting contributions to optometry. Attendees gathered during the AOA Awards and National Optometry Hall of Fame ceremony to recognize the Class of 2024:
Joe Ellis, O.D. Watch Dr. Ellis' video.
Siret Jaanus, M.S., Ph.D. Watch Dr. Jaanus' video
Optometrist of the Year
Matthew Jones, O.D. Watch Dr. Jones’ award video.
Young Optometrist of the Year
Kelly Deering, O.D. Watch Dr. Deering’s award video.
AOA Distinguished Service Award
Andrew Cook, O.D. Watch Dr. Cook’s video.
Optometric Educator of the Year
Jeffrey Walline, O.D., Ph.D. Watch Dr. Walline’s video.
Student of the Year
Maggie Dunn. Watch Dunn’s award video.
Paraoptometric of the Year
Savanna Johnson, CPOT. Watch Johnson’s award video.
Paraoptometric Community Service Award
Shelby Miller, CPO
Paraoptometric Lifetime Achievement Award
Sally Greeley, CPOT
President’s Awards
South Dakota Optometric Society
David Goss, O.D.
Wayne Zahka, O.D.
Stacey Meier, O.D.
AOA Advocacy Awards
Dori Carlson, O.D. (federal advocacy)
Georgia Optometric Association (state advocacy)
Illinois Optometric Association (state advocacy)
Nevada Optometric Association (state advocacy)
Oklahoma Association of Optometric Physicians (state advocacy)
Texas Optometric Association (state advocacy)
Rebecca Wartman, O.D. (payer advocacy)
Alan Glazier, O.D., (media advocacy)
Karl Citek, O.D. (media advocacy)
Shannon Steinhauser, O.D. (media advocacy)
“The Today Show” (media advocacy
Dr. Jerry P. Davidoff Vision Care Award
Joan Stelmack, O.D., MPH
AOSA Optometry Student Bowl™ XXXllI crowns champion
Tyson Montgomery of The Ohio State University College of Optometry hoisted the winner’s trophy at the AOSA Optometry Student Bowl™ XXXIIl, powered by EssilorLuxottica. Second place went to Karli Clark of the Illinois College of Optometry and third to Abbey Kuborn from the Indiana University School of Optometry. Michigan College of Optometry at Ferris State University won the Spirit Award.
5K Run winners
Runners laced up their shoes for the AOA Foundation 5K Run on June 22 at the Shelby Bottoms Greenway in downtown Nashville, supported by Abbvie, Tarsus and the Health Care Alliance for Patient Safety. This year’s top 5K female finishers were Vanessa Grichine, O.D., (overall); Charlotte Watt; Kimsean Tieu; Beth Salonia, O.D.; Becky Stephens; and Hilary Hawthorne, O.D. This year’s top 5K male finishers were Nathan Morrow, O.D. (overall); Ben McCurdy; Alex Foree; Jeff Reising, O.D.; Andrew Adamich, O.D.; and Gilbert Ho.
The generous support of the AOA's industry partners makes it possible to honor its outstanding members.
Optometry finds voice in influential society
Michael Mittelman, O.D., provides optometry’s perspective and more as part of the influential Society of Federal Health Professionals.
Remembering Debbie Hettler, O.D.
AOA members recall the strength of spirit of a dedicated member of the Association of Armed Forces and Federal Optometric Services and how it characterized her time with them.
Part of the solution
Heather Atcherson, O.D., explains how volunteering and engaging as a member of the AOA and your affiliate association can make a bigger impact than you might imagine.