(PRESS RELEASE) WINTER PARK, FL – The American Academy of Optometry recently hosted Academy 2023 New Orleans from October 11-14, 2023, in New Orleans, Louisiana. During the organization’s annual meeting, the Academy welcomed 257 new Fellows to its ranks. Along with this strong showing of new Fellows, 12 current Fellows earned the distinction of Diplomate.
Fellows of the American Academy of Optometry must complete a candidacy process that includes submitting written works for peer review that demonstrate their skills as an optometrist or vision scientist. They must also sit for an oral exam at the annual meeting. It is estimated that approximately 10 percent of practicing optometrists in the United States are Fellows. Among those eligible for Fellowship are: optometrists, scientists, educators, librarians, administrators, and editors. Those who pass the rigorous criteria and application process earn the distinction and 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 new Fellows and Diplomates. More information on becoming a Fellow or Diplomate can be found on the Academy’s website under Membership.
2023 Diplomates
Heather A. Anderson, OD, PhD, FAAO
Research Diplomate, Binocular Vision, Perception & Pediatric Optometry
Hashim Ali Khan, OD, FAAO
Diplomate, Comprehensive Eye Care
Caryn La Buda, OD, FAAO
Diplomate, Comprehensive Eye Care
Leslie Wilderson, OD, FAAO
Diplomate, Comprehensive Eye Care
Roxanne Achong-Coan, OD, FAAO
Clinical Diplomate, Cornea, Contact Lenses & Refractive Technologies
Jennifer Swingle Fogt, OD, MS, FAAO
Clinical Diplomate, Cornea, Contact Lenses & Refractive Technologies
Jennifer S. Harthan, OD, FSLS, FAAO
Clinical Diplomate, Cornea, Contact Lenses & Refractive Technologies
Pablo De Gracia, OD, PhD, FAAO
Research Diplomate, Cornea, Contact Lenses & Refractive Technologies
Erin M. Kenny, OD, FAAO
Diplomate, Low Vision
Marc B. Taub, OD, MS, EdD, FAAO
Diplomate, Optometric Education
Dr. N. Anuradha
Diplomate, Public Health & Environmental Vision
Dr. Prema K. Chande
Diplomate, Public Health & Environmental Vision
2023 New Fellows
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