AOA announces 2020 award winners

Each year, the American Optometric Association (AOA) recognizes deserving doctors of optometry for performance of outstanding services on behalf of the profession and to the visual welfare of the public. This year’s winners have been honored with five prestigious awards, sponsored by Johnson & Johnson Vision.

The Optometrist of the Year award belongs to Kenneth Lawson, OD, of Florida for his outstanding service on behalf of the profession and the visual welfare of the public.

The Young Optometrist of the Year Award goes to Roya Attar, OD, of Mississippi who has been in practice less than 10 years and demonstrates remarkable leadership when serving the profession, patients and her community.

Related: COVID-19: Key metrics ranked by state

The Optometric Educator Award recognizes Caroline Beesley Pate, OD, of Alabama for outstanding service on behalf of the profession, optometric education and the visual welfare of the public.

The Paraoptometric of the Year Award distinguishes Janet Millis, CPOT, of Illinois for her significant contributions to the profession of paraoptometry.

The Distinguished Service Award identifies Roger Jordan, OD, of Wyoming for his unusually significant contributions to the profession of optometry.

The Optometrist of the Year and Young Optometrist of the Year were selected from a field of nominees from 30 state associations and the Armed Forces Optometric Society. Each of these AOA-member doctors of optometry have distinguished themselves, and the profession, and are deserving of recognition and appreciation.

Related: NASA awards $5 million to artificial retina development efforts