Latest News American Optometric Association Announces 2017 Award Winners By Staff Monday, April 10, 2017 12:27 AM ST. LOUIS, Mo.—The American Optometric Association has announced the five winners of the its annual awards, to be recognized at the 2017 Optometry’s Meeting General Session taking place June 21 at 5:30 pm in Washington D.C. The Optometrist of the Year Award, is going to Paul Barney, OD, of Alaska, for his service on behalf of the profession and the visual welfare of the public. Angelique Sawyer, OD, from New Hampshire, will be receiving the Young Optometrist of the Year Award for demonstrating remarkable leadership when serving the profession, patients and her community. The Optometric Educator Award will be given to Elizabeth Steele, OD, of Alabama, for outstanding service on behalf of the profession, optometric education and the visual welfare of the public. Sally Greene, CPOT, of Maine, will receive the Paraoptometric of the Year Award for her significant contributions to the profession of paraoptometry. Lastly, the Distinguished Service Award will be going to Dale Heaston, OD, of Washington, for his unusual significant contributions to the profession of optometry. Sponsored by Johnson & Johnson Vision, the General Session will also feature keynote speaker, Dara Torres, a competitive swimmer and 12-time Olympic medalist, who will deliver a message about pursuing goals, no matter the obstacles in the way, the AOA stated.Visit www.optometrysmeeting.org to register for Optometry’s Meeting.