March 29, 2023 — During the American Academy of Optometry’s annual conference, the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (ASCO) awarded Herbert Wertheim, O.D., ASCO’s inaugural Herbert Wertheim Award, affectionately called “The Herbie.” 
 
The award recognizes individuals or organizations that have contributed substantially to eye and vision health by accomplishing groundbreaking, innovative programs and/or addressing the social determinants of eye care at the local, national, and global levels.
 
“We are honored to recognize and praise Dr. Wertheim for his remarkable inventions and his unparalleled support of optometric education, including his remarkable donation to the University of California – Berkeley’s School of Optometry. He is such an icon, and we are pleased to name this award after him,” says Melissa Trego, O.D., ASCO president. “Dr. Wertheim’s passion for optometry—its past, present, and future—will forever be evident as we continue his legacy through future ‘Herbie’ recipients.”
 
“I’m highly honored to be the recipient of this very special recognition award that is named after me for my contributions to optometry while emphasizing the need for enhanced education for the preservation of vision worldwide,” says worldwide clinician, educator, and researcher Dr. Wertheim. “This is a wonderful and needed calling that will enhance the lives of tens of thousands, if not millions, of patients who will need professional optometric vision and eye health evaluations and treatments throughout their lifetimes. This is a profession I am proud to be a part of and encourage any young person who is considering helping to make the world a better place to choose the optometric profession as a career choice.”
 
For more information: optometriceducation.org.