SACRAMENTO, Calif.—California Optometric Association (COA) has named John G. Rosten, OD, MSc, Diplomate ABO, “Optometrist of the Year.” Dr. Rosten is a practicing optometrist at Dixon Eyecare Associates in Dixon, Calif., and was COA’s president in 2014. “The California Optometric Association is pleased to honor Dr. Rosten’s tireless commitment to improving access to and the quality of eyecare for all Californians,” said Dr. Jason Tu, president of the organization. The prestigious Optometrist of the Year Award recognizes Dr. Rosten’s passion for increasing access to eye and health care for California’s underserved populations.

"His leadership as COA president during the launch of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) helped strengthen opportunities to expand the scope of optometric services and meet California’s demand for more accessible and improved eyecare. In addition to his leadership within the profession of optometry, Dr. Rosten has had a record of outstanding public service that extends far beyond his exam room, including the care of impoverished peoples on four continents,” Dr. Tu said.

Dr. Rosten is a member of the American Optometric Association, and a past president and active member of both the California Optometric Association and the Sacramento Valley Optometric Society. Over his career, he has enjoyed leading eyecare teams to underserved areas of the world, including Honduras, Albania, Nepal, Kenya, and Rwanda.