(L-R) Louis J. Catania, OD; Joseph M. Babcock Sr., OD and Richmond Lewis Scott, OD.
​
ST. LOUIS—The AOA and Optometry Cares—The AOA Foundation have announced the 2016 National Optometry Hall of Fame inductees. The 2016 inductees are Louis J. Catania, OD, of Florida; Joseph M. Babcock, Sr., OD, of Ohio; and Richmond Lewis Scott, OD, of Indiana.

Dr. Catania, a pioneer in post-graduate residency education, was also at the forefront of the expansion of the scope of optometry to not only diagnose, but also treat eye disease. Over a 14-year period, he lent his expertise in primary care optometry to 49 states and 32 countries in the areas of legislative, statutory, education and clinical care.

Dr. Babcock, Sr. worked to gain equal opportunity within the armed services. He was successful in securing draft deferments for optometric students. Babcock was instrumental in the formation of an optometry section in the Medical Service Corps within each branch of the armed services.

Dr. Scott worked to advance the profession's scope of practice to improve patient care and was a strong proponent of mandatory continuing education for health care providers. He was the key advocate of legislation in Indiana to require CE for optometrists.

The inductees will be honored at a ceremony during Optometry's Meeting in Boston, Mass. on Thursday, June 30, from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.