The American Optometric Association (AOA) announced the winners of its 2026 awards. The recognition of these individuals is sponsored by AOA Visionary Supporter Johnson & Johnson. Award recipients will be honored throughout Optometry’s Meeting, June 17-20, in Phoenix.
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2026 Optometrist of the Year – David Parker, OD
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2026 Young Optometrist of the Year – Mahsa Masoudi, OD
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2026 Distinguished Service Award – Douglas Morrow, OD
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2026 Optometric Educator of the Year – Gregory Nixon, OD
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2026 Student of the Year – Amy Ngo
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2026 Apollo Award – iSee Ohio (The Ohio Optometric Foundation)
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2026 Paraoptometric of the Year Award – Kimberly Pickle, CPOA
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2026 Paraoptometric Lifetime Achievement Awards – Susan Laskowski, CPOT, and Carol Lovell, CPOT, CPOC
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2026 Paraoptometric Community Service Award – Brandie Duncan, CPO
The National Optometry Hall of Fame
The National Optometry Hall of Fame recognizes and honors optometrists who are luminaries of the professions—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 E. LeRoy Ryer, OD, and Richard M. Soden, OD.
Dr. W. David Sullins, Jr., InfantSEE Award
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, OD, PhD.
Also, the Dr. Jerry P. Davidoff Vision Care Award will be presented to Tamara Petrosyan, OD.
Additional information about the award winners can be found at aoa.org/about-the-aoa/annual-awards.