Member Spotlight
Connecting with patients as paraoptometrics
George Ballato, CPOA, first began his work with an AOA-member doctor as the Spanish interpreter for patients—and that inclusivity has made all the difference for patients and his career.
Building relationships
Not sure how to begin your journey as an advocate for optometry? According to an AOA Distinguished Service Award winner, the key is developing relationships with legislators and their staffs. Plus, more tips on advocating successfully.
Persistence pays off
Discover how one AOA member’s experiences influenced one of the profession’s most intensely watched scope expansions in recent history. Plus, join an upcoming virtual summit offering optometry’s advocates an opportunity to collaborate on best practices.
Advocacy from academia
In honor of National Teacher Appreciation Week, the AOA thanks optometric educators for the impact they make on students and the profession and for preparing the doctors of tomorrow.
Maximize Your Membership
Mississippi doctor of optometry honored with 2021 InfantSEE® Award
The AOA InfantSEE® and Children’s Vision Committee recognizes Sarah Fratesi, O.D., for raising awareness around children’s eye health and vision care in her Mississippi community. Inspired by a challenge from a former U.S. president, Dr. Fratesi has been an InfantSEE provider since 2005.
Candidates announce bids for 2021 Board of Trustees elections
Optometry’s Meeting®, June 24-26, in Denver, Colorado, is taking shape now, and so is the AOA Board of Trustees—familiarize yourself with the doctors seeking to represent members.
Congratulations to AOA’s 2021 award winners
The winners will be honored at a ceremony during the 2021 Optometry’s Meeting®.
Women make giant strides
Women may outnumber men in optometry schools today, but it wasn’t always that way. Learn more about female doctors of optometry who made a difference, in honor of Women’s History Month.
New Year’s a poignant reminder of challenges before and still to come
As 2020 concludes, the AOA’s Board of Trustees reflects on a year of unparalleled challenges and tireless resiliency as 2021 begins with promise.
C. Clayton Powell, O.D., trailblazer for diversity within optometry, dies
The Atlanta doctor of optometry and civil rights advocate fought to open doors for Black students interested in the profession, including helping to found the National Optometric Association.