The American Academy of Optometry (AAO) is an organization of optometrists. Its goal is to maintain and enhance excellence in optometric practice, by both promoting research and the dissemination of knowledge.
The AAO holds an annual meeting, publishes a monthly scientific journal, creditials optometrists through the fellowship process and publishes position statements.
The letters "FAAO" (Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry) after an optometrist, scientist or other qualified person’s name signify to colleagues and patients that rigorous qualifications for Fellowship have been met.
The following people served as President of the American Academy of Optometry:
Karla Zadnik, Current President
Mark W. Eger 2009,2010
Rick Weisbarth – 2007, 2008
Joe Yager – 2005, 2006
Thomas L. Lewis – 2003, 2004
Robert D. Newcomb – 2001, 2002
Anthony J. Adams – 1999, 2000
Gerald E. Lowther – 1997, 1998
Anthony P. Cullen – 1995, 1996
Joan M. Exford – 1993, 1994
N. Rex Ghormley – 1991, 1992
Bert C. Corwin – 1988–1990
Frank A. Brazelton – 1987, 1988
Melvin D. Wolfberg – 1985, 1986
Gordon G. Heath – 1983, 1984
Merton C. Flom – 1981, 1982
Bradford W. Wild – 1979, 1980
Frederick U. Baublitz – 1977, 1978
Garland W. Clay – 1975, 1976
Henry B. Peters – 1973, 1974
John Zettel, Jr. – 1971, 1972
Edward J. Fisher – 1969, 1970
Monroe J. Hirsch – 1967, 1968
J. Donald Kratz – 1965, 1966
Donald A. Springer – 1963, 1964
Ralph E. Wick – 1961, 1962
Lawrence Fitch – 1959, 1960
Robert W. Tubesing – 1957, 1958
John D. Perry – 1955, 1956
Meredith W. Morgan, Jr. – 1953, 1954
Harold Simmerman – 1951, 1952
Dan G. Hummel – 1949, 1950
Harold M. Fisher – 1947, 1948
J. Fred Andreae – 1945, 1946
Arthur P. Wheelock – 1941–1944
Don. R. Paine – 1939, 1940
Richard M. Hall – 1937, 1938
Robert N. Walker – 1935, 1936
O. J. Melvin – 1933, 1934
Walter J. Brown – 1931, 1932
Briggs S. Palmer – 1930
Carel C. Koch – 1929
Eugene G. Wiseman – 1924–1928
Morris Steinfeld – 1922, 1923