American Academy of Optometry Announces 2025 Award Recipients
Each year, the American Academy of Optometry (AAOpt) recognizes distinguished individuals whose contributions advance the profession of optometry and vision science. The Academy’s awardees are nominated by fellows and are based on contributions made in the fields of research, education, leadership, and service to our profession.
2025 Award Recipients
Donald O. Mutti, OD, PhD, FAAO – Charles F. Prentice Medal and Lecture Award
Gang Luo, PhD – Glenn A. Fry Award and Lecture (American Academy of Optometry Foundation Award)
Phillip Yuhas, OD, PhD, FAAO – Irvin M. and Beatrice Borish Award
Uchechukwu Levi Osuagwu, OD, MSc, PhD, FAAO – Essilor Award for Outstanding International Contributions to Optometry
Alex Bowers, PhD, MCOptom, FAAO – William Feinbloom Award
Jorge Cuadros, OD, PhD – Brien Holden Humanitarian Award
Jon Hayashida, OD, FAAO – Carel C. Koch Memorial Medal Award
Derik Holmberg – Julius F. Neumueller Award in Optics (AAOF Award)
Isabelle Jalbert, OD, PhD, MPH, FAAO – Michael G. Harris Family Award for Excellence in Optometric Education (AAOF Award)
Debarun Dutta, PhD, MCOptom, FAAO – AAOF Outstanding Emerging Leader Award
David Kirschen, OD, FAAO – Tony Adams Eminent Service Award
Chamberlain P, Bradley A, Arumugam B, Hammond D, McNally J, Logan N, Jones D, Ngo C, Peixoto-de-Matos S, Hunt C, Young G. – Garland Clay Award for their landmark six-year clinical trial on dual-focus contact lenses published in Optometry & Vision Science
These awards will be presented on Friday, October 10, at 8:00 am during Academy 2025 Boston in Room 253 ABC of the Menino Convention & Exhibition Center. One hour of CE credit can be accrued during this 2-hour event.
Section Awards: Cornea, Contact Lenses & Refractive Technologies
Christine Sindt, OD, FAAO – Founders’ Award
Loretta Szczotka-Flynn, OD, PhD, FAAO – Max Schapero Memorial Lecture Award
Joan Exford, OD, FAAO – Exemplary Service Award
These awards will be presented on Wednesday, October 8, at 4:00 pm at the Menino Convention & Exhibition Center. Attendees can earn 0.5 hours of CE credit.
Public Health and Environmental Vision
Stephen J. Dain, PhD, FAAO – Henry B. Peters Award for Public Health and Environmental Vision (AAOF Award)
This section’s ceremony and lecture will be held on Thursday, October 9, at 4:00 pm in the Carlton Room of the Westin Boston Seaport hotel. Attendees will receive 1 hour of CE credit.