American Academy of Optometry

Founded in 1922, the American Academy of Optometry (Academy) is committed to promoting the art and science of vision care through lifelong learning.

The Academy enhances excellence in optometric practice by fostering research and disseminating knowledge in vision science through its journal, Optometry and Vision Science, and the continuing education presented at its annual meeting. Fellows of the Academy are committed to the premise that learning is a lifelong obligation of a professional, as is the commitment to expand the profession’s knowledge base through ongoing fellowship and exchange.

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.

Academy membership consists of Fellows (including Emeritus, Honorary and Life Fellows), student members, and candidates for Fellowship. Although members may have similar benefits, only Fellows may use the "FAAO" designation. All members of the Academy, whether or not they see patients, are dedicated to the highest standards of optometric practice through clinical care, education or research.

To provide the highest quality continuing education and the most current vision science research, the Academy's annual meeting includes nearly 300 hours of Lectures & Workshops, symposia, and scientific lecture and poster presentations over 4 days. The Academy's Annual Meeting provides a diverse array of groundbreaking research in optometry and vision science and relevant education on the latest practices. The annual meeting also features an extensive exhibit hall, with over 200 booths displaying a variety of optometric products and services. The annual meeting is open to optometrists, vision scientists, ophthalmologists, students, and anyone else who may be interested in optometric continuing education and research.

List of Presidents

The following people served as President of the American Academy of Optometry:

  • Brett G. Bence - 2015, 2016
  • Bernard Dolan - 2013, 2014
  • Karla Zadnik - 2011, 2012
  • 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

See also

External links