(PRESS RELEASE) ORLANDO, FL — The American Academy of Optometry (AAO) recently hosted Academy 2022 in San Diego. The organization’s centennial was met with great fanfare, and the Academy welcomed a record number of 309 new Fellows to its ranks. Along with this strong showing of new Fellows, nine current Fellows earned the distinction of Diplomate.
Fellows of the Academy must complete a candidacy process that includes submitting written work demonstrating their skills as an optometrist or vision scientist. They must also sit for an oral exam at the annual meeting. It is estimated that 10 percent of practicing optometrists in the United States are Fellows of the American Academy of Optometry (FAAO). Among those eligible for Fellow status are: optometrists, scientists, educators, librarians, administrators and editors. Those who pass the rigorous criteria earn the distinction and the right to use FAAO in their credentials.
Diplomates are Fellows of the Academy who wish to demonstrate their extensive skill in a specific area. Currently nine sections offer Diplomate programs. These include: Anterior Segment; Binocular Vision, Perception and Pediatric Optometry; Comprehensive Eye Care; Cornea, Contact Lenses & Refractive Technologies; Glaucoma; Low Vision; Optometric Education; Public Health & Environmental Vision; and Vision Science.
Below is a complete list of the new Fellows and Diplomates. More information on becoming a Fellow and Diplomate can be found on the Academy’s website here.
2022 Fellows
2022 Diplomates
Anterior Segment
Sarah Lopez
Scott Hauswirth
Binocular Vision, Perception and Pediatric Optometry
Nicklaus Fogt (Research)
Cornea, Contact Lenses & Refractive Technologies
Stuti Misra (Research)
Amy Nau (Clinical)
Erin Rueff (Clinical)
Low Vision
George Papadakis
Optometric Education
Jasmine Yumori
Public Health and Environmental Vision
Lynn Greenspan