(PRESS RELEASE) SAN RAMON, CA — Michele Andrews, OD, vice president, professional and government affairs, Americas, CooperVision, was the recipient of the 2022 Illinois College of Optometry (ICO) Alumni Association Alumnus of the Year Award. The award recognizes those who demonstrate an accomplished career and extensive leadership, support, and service to the college and the optometric profession. Dr. Andrews earned her Doctor of Optometry degree from ICO in 1992.
“It is my absolute pleasure to present Dr. Michele Andrews with the 2022 Illinois College of Optometry Alumnus of the Year Award. Her dedication and commitment to the optometric profession and to her community is admirable,” said Nana Owusu, OD, president, Illinois College of Optometry Alumni Council. “In representing the largest Optometric Alumni Association in the world, the Alumni Council at ICO has the distinct honor of recognizing and supporting our graduates who continue to drive our profession forward. We are proud to call Dr. Andrews one of our own, and we are eager to see the impact that she will continue to make as she paves the way for future alumni.”
Prior to joining CooperVision in 2015, Dr. Andrews held various practice management, provider relations, and professional services positions with LensCrafters, EyeMed Vision Care, and ForEyes Optical. Her clinical career spanned many years in multi-unit ophthalmology practices, LASIK surgical centers, retail, and private practice settings.
In recognition of her ongoing contributions to the industry, Dr. Andrews was named one of Vision Monday’s Most Influential Women in Optical in 2018, and was awarded the Theia Award of Excellence in 2019. She is also the recipient of the Dr. Rodger Kame Award by the Cornea and Contact Lens Section of the American Optometric Association.
“It is certainly special to be recognized by the Alumni Council in this way,” said Dr. Andrews. “Given the size of the alumni network at the Illinois College of Optometry and the significance of their contributions to their patients and the profession, I am truly humbled.”
Dr. Andrews accepted the 2022 Alumnus of the Year award at Chicago’s Lincoln Park Zoo as part of ICO’s homecoming festivities held earlier this month.