Latest News Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry Honors Four With 2016 Special Recognition Awards By Staff Friday, July 1, 2016 12:21 AM BOSTON—The Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (ASCO) bestowed several honors at its annual luncheon held here earlier this week during Optometry’s Meeting. Among these were the Lifetime Achievement Award to Dr. Morris Berman; the Industry Leadership Award to R. Mike Daley, The Vision Council; and two ASCO Rising Star honorees, Dr. Nathan Lighthizer, Northeastern State University, Oklahoma College of Optometry, and Dr. Nicole Ross, New England College of Optometry. The Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes an outstanding individual who, over an extended period of time, has provided exceptional leadership, made outstanding contributions, and displayed exemplary commitment and dedication to ASCO and optometric education. Dr. Berman, of the Southern California College of Optometry at Marshall B. Ketchum University (SCCOMBKU), has exemplified what it means to be a leader in optometric education, ASCO noted, citing his extraordinary commitment and dedication to SCCOMNKU, ASCO, optometric education, the profession and to the public, both in the U.S. and abroad.“It is such an honor to be selected for a Lifetime Achievement Award. I am humbled that ASCO would choose me,” said Dr. Berman. “Over the past 30 plus years, I’ve learned a few things that I feel sure of. One is simple and we all live it every day; that we can only provide the best education for students when we communicate with our peers, stay up-to-date in our knowledge, and learn from one another. I have personally gained so much from my fellow optometric educators. ASCO facilitates these connections between us, and I am pleased, proud and deeply touched to be receiving this award.” Mike Daley, The Vision Council’s CEO, was honored with ASCO’s Industry Leadership Award which recognizes an individual from a current or past ASCO Corporate Contributor Partner who has demonstrated exemplary support of ASCO and its member institutions. The individual serves as an example of his/her colleagues in the industry, and has made exceptional and meaningful contributions to the advancement of ASCO and optometric education. Daley is recognized for his long history of support of ASCO and his enthusiasm, professionalism and leadership. He has consistently championed programs that have advanced and enhanced optometric education and have benefited students, faculty and residents. “I am incredibly honored to receive the Industry Leadership Award from ASCO and am proud to support their commitment to promoting and advancing excellence in optometric education,” said Daley. “In return, I pledge to continue as an advocate for optometry related causes in the vision community, particularly those that educate the public about eye health and the importance of annual eyecare.” One of ASCO’s 2016 Rising Star Awards was presented to Dr. Nicole Ross, Assistant Professor of Optometry at the New England College of Optometry (NECO). Sponsored by Oculus, the ASCO Rising Star Award is given to an outstanding faculty member or administrator with less than seven years of service who has made noteworthy contributions to fulfilling the mission, strategic objectives or programs of ASCO. Dr. Ross was recognized for her outstanding contributions to NECO through teaching, scholarship, administration and professional service, most noticeably in contributions to ASCO’s Low Vision Special Interest Group. Northeastern State University, Oklahoma College of Optometry’s (NSUOCO) Director of Continuing Education, Dr. Nathan Lighthizer, was also named a Rising Star. Dr. Lighthizer was recognized for his outstanding contributions to NSUOCO through teaching, scholarship, administration and professional service, most noticeably in contributions to ASCO’s Clinical Directors/Administrators Special Interest Group. ASCO is a non-profit association representing the interests of optometric education. Founded in 1941 and headquartered in Rockville, Md., ASCO is committed to achieving excellence in optometric education and to helping its member institutions prepare well-qualified graduates for entrance into the profession of optometry. Its membership encompasses the schools and colleges of optometry in the 50 states and Puerto Rico. A number of optometry schools outside the U.S. are affiliate members.