ORLANDO, Fla.—On July 6, the American Academy of Optometry announced the reward recipients for 2017. Each year, the American Academy of Optometry recognizes distinguished individuals who have made countless contributions to advancing the profession of optometry.

“This year’s nominees were wonderful examples of dedication to vision research, vision care, education and improvement of the visual welfare of all,” remarked Donald O. Mutti, OD, PhD, FAAO, awards committee chair. “It was a very difficult task selecting awardees from this list of accomplished people. Every nominee represents the best of what the American Academy of Optometry and the American Academy of Optometry Foundation hope to inspire in all of us.”

The award winners will be recognized at the Academy 2017 Chicago Awards Ceremony on Friday, Oct. 13. Section on Cornea, Contact Lenses and Refractive Technologies award recipients will be honored on Wednesday, Oct. 11. Information on the Public Health and Environmental Vision Section Henry B. Peters Award is forthcoming.

The 2017 award recipients include:

Charles F. Prentice Medal and Lecture Award
Eli Peli, MSc, OD, FAAO

Glenn A. Fry Award and Lecture (American Academy of Optometry Foundation Award)
Mitchell Scheiman, OD, PhD, FAAO

Irvin M. and Beatrice Borish Award
Ava K. Bittner, OD, PhD, FAAO

AAO-Essilor Award for Outstanding International Contributions to Optometry
Luigi Bilotto, MS, OD, FAAO

Brien Holden Humanitarian Award
C. Ellis Potter, OD, FAAO

Carel C. Koch Memorial Medal Award
Joseph Fontenot, MD, CLVT

Julius F. Neumueller Award in Optics (American Academy of Optometry Foundation Award)
Laura Goldberg, OD, MS and Celia R. Gong

Vincent Ellerbrock Clinician Educator Award
Richard Madonna, MA, OD, FAAO

Eminent Service Award
Harue J. Marsden, OD, MS, FAAO (posthumously)

Life Fellow Award
Bert C. Corwin, OD, FAAO
Avrum Richler, OD, PhD, FAAO

Garland W. Clay Award
Jeffrey J. Walline, OD, PhD, FAAO
Katie L. Greiner, OD, MS, FAAO
Mary Elizabeth McVey, OD, MS
Lisa A. Jones-Jordan, PhD, FAAO

Michael G. Harris Award for Excellence in Optometric Education (American Academy of Optometry Foundation Award)
Lorraine Lombardi, PhD

Awards of the Section on Cornea, Contact Lenses & Refractive Technologies:

Max Schapero Memorial Lecture Award
Suzanne M.J. Fleiszig, OD, PhD, FAAO

Founders’ Award
Lynette Johns, OD, FAAO, FSLS