SACRAMENTO, CA – The California Optometric Association announced that Dr. David M. Redman has been named Optometrist of the Year by the American Optometric Association.
Several other professionals were also honored at the 2018 Optometry’s Meeting in Denver, CO, on June 20.
Redman is a practicing optometrist and partner in Precision Eyecare Centers in San Jose and Mountain View, CA. He is also COA’s past president and current chair of the legislative and regulatory committee.
“The California Optometric Association is pleased Dr. David Redman’s commitment to Californians’ eye health and to improving access to health for California’s underserved populations has been recognized at a national level,” said Dr. Ranjeet S. Bajwa, president, California Optometric Association. “In addition to his leadership within the practice of optometry and in-patient care, Dr. Redman has had a tremendous influence in his community that extends far beyond the exam room. Through his generous commitment of time and talent in service of the public, Dr. Redman has strengthened educational opportunities for young people, delivered eye care to countless needy patients, and improved access to care throughout California.”
The award recognizes Redman’s service on behalf of the profession and the visual welfare of the public. Earlier this year, Redman was named Optometrist of the Year by COA.
His advocacy on behalf of the profession resulted in a landmark California laws that protected optometrists’ independent judgment in serving patients and expanded optometrists’ roles in treating glaucoma and caring for diabetic patients. He has also been a leading voice in the effort to expand eyecare access to school-age children.
“I am extremely honored to be recognized by both the AOA and COA,” Redman said. “So much of our learning is done through the eyes, and that’s why I’m so passionate about ensuring every child has the opportunity to see clearly. It’s an honor to share the opportunity for sight with children and adults throughout our region and to help shape laws in California and nationally to expand access to eye care and health.”
Redman’s public service has included organizing and participating in countless vision care clinics, serving on the board of Salud Para La Gente clinics and on the First 5 San Benito Children’s and Family Commission. His public service also includes numerous appearances on the San Francisco Bay Area NBC affiliate channel KNTV, educating viewers on dry eye and children’s vision issues.
Other honors announced by AOA:
- The Optometrist of the Year Award recognizes David Redman, O.D., of California, for “outstanding service on behalf of the profession and the visual welfare of the public.”
- The Young Optometrist of the Year Award recognizes Matthew Jones, O.D., of Arkansas, “who has been in practice less than 10 years and demonstrates remarkable leadership when serving the profession, patients and her community.”
- The Paraoptometric of the Year Award recognizes Carol Lovell, CPOT, CPOC, of Wyoming, for “significant contributions to the profession of paraoptometry.”
- The Optometric Educator Award recognizes Mark Swanson, O.D., of Alabama, for “outstanding service on behalf of the profession, optometric education and the visual welfare of the public.”
- The Distinguished Service Award recognizes Joseph Mallinger, O.D., of California, for his “unusually significant contributions to the profession of optometry.”