LONDON—The World Council of Optometry (WCO) has named Hans Bjoern Bakketeig the 2012 International Optometrist of the Year. He was nominated for this award by the Norwegian Association of Optometry for his contribution to “Help Moldova,” a project that trains eyecare professionals in this small Eastern European country of 3.5 million people.

Bakketeig has worked on humanitarian projects around the world for 17 years with the last 11 spent on “Help Moldova.” As part of the project, he has taught ECPs to use the latest diagnostic methods and treatments and supported them by supplying much needed equipment.

“Hans’s engagement has strengthened resources in Moldova,” said Anne Norvik Jervell, chairman of the Norwegian Association of Optometry. “The result is a project which will live on and have a lasting effect in the country.”

Bakketeig was presented the award during the WCO’s Advancing Optometry Worldwide conference held in Chicago the last week of June and attended by optometrists from over 20 countries. He said, “This award is very special, and I will share it with all the people who work with me and my family, who support me to do this work.”