The National Academy of Opticianry (NAO) has announced the recipients of its 2025 honors, including the NAO Hall of Fame Inductee, Educator of the Year, and Optician of the Year awards.

• Edward L. De Gennaro, AAS, BS, M.Ed, ABOM, has been named the 2025 inductee to the NAO Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame recognizes individuals who have made major and noteworthy contributions to the vision care of the public through ophthalmic dispensing.
  De Gennaro has held multiple leadership and educational roles over several decades, including professor and dean at Reynolds Community College in Richmond, VA, and founding director of the NAO, the American Board of Opticianry (ABO), and the Commission on Opticianry Accreditation. He was a key figure in developing online opticianry curricula and has been involved in education initiatives at International Vision Expo. His contributions also include chairing the 2012 Opticianry Summit and delivering lectures and review courses nationally and internationally.
• Thomas R. Neff, MA, LDO, ABO-AC, NCLE-AC, has been named the 2025 NAO Educator of the Year. This award, formerly known as the Joseph Bruneni Memorial Education Achievement Award, honors individuals who have significantly advanced opticianry education. Neff is a board-certified optician in Florida and an assistant professor at Hillsborough Community College’s Opticianry Program in Tampa, FL. In addition to teaching, Neff has organized Vision Van Clinics in the Orlando area to help public school students access eyecare services.
• The 2025 NAO Optician of the Year Award has been presented to Michael C. Vitale, ABOM, LDO, NCLE, and Ronnie Harbert, ABOC, South Carolina LDO. Vitale has worked in the optical industry since 1977 and is recognized for his leadership, mentorship, and commitment to excellence in opticianry. Harbert has been a licensed optician in South Carolina for nearly five decades. He has served in various leadership positions, including president of the South Carolina Association of Opticians, and currently serves as president of the United Opticians Association.

The recipients were selected by the NAO executive committee from nominations submitted nationwide. To learn about the nomination process for the 2026 awards, click here.