March 28, 2024 — The American Optometric Association (AOA) has announced the recipients of the AOA Excellence Awards and the Paraoptometric Awards. The AOA shares its gratitude for the industry partners that make these rewards possible.

The AOA Excellence Awards highlight outstanding members of the organization:

• Matthew Jones, O.D., earned the Optometrist of the Year Award for his service for the benefit of the profession and the visual welfare of the public.
• Kelly Deering, O.D., who has been in practice less than 10 years, was honored with the Young Optometrist of the Year Award for demonstrating leadership in serving the profession, her patients, and her community.
• Andrew Cook, O.D., received the Distinguished Service Award for his significant contributions to the profession.
• Jeffrey J. Walline, O.D., Ph.D., was awarded with the Optometric Educator of the Year Award for his service on behalf of the profession, optometric education, and the visual welfare of the public.
• Maggie Dunn earned the Student of the Year Award for her leadership skills in serving the profession, patients, and her community.

The Paraoptometric Awards honor individuals who have demonstrated commitment to the paraoptometric profession:

• Savanna Johnson, CPOA, earned the Paraoptometric of the Year Award for her significant contributions to the profession.
• Sally Greeley, CPOT, received the Paraoptometric Lifetime Achievement Award for serving the paraoptometric profession through her work in patient care, office management, and colleague mentoring.
• Shelby Miller, CPO, earned the Paraoptometric Community Service Award for donating her time and talents to the profession.

Administered by Optometry Cares—The AOA Foundation, the National Optometry Hall of Fame honors luminaries of optometry who have made significant and long-lasting contributions to the profession. This year’s recipients are Joe Ellis, O.D., and Siret Jaanus, M.D., Ph.D. Additionally, Optometry Cares awarded Deborah Bernay, O.D., with the Dr. W. David Sullins Jr. InfantSEE Award, which recognizes an optometrist who has made significant contributions to the InfantSEE program.

Joan Stelmack, O.D., earned the Dr. Jerry P. Davidoff Vision Care Award for serving in a clinical vision rehabilitation practice and sharing knowledge with fellow practitioners for the betterment of vision rehabilitation eye care.