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AOA recognizes Harkin with Apollo Award
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SAN DIEGO — Here at the opening general session of Optometry’s Meeting, the American Optometric Association presented its Apollo Award to Sen. Tom Harkin for his distinguished service to the visual welfare of the public.
Harkin championed the AOA-backed provider nondiscrimination provision in the Affordable Care Act that came to be known as the Harkin amendment. He was also responsible for leading the effort to secure federal recognition and funding for the AOA’s InfantSee program.
Sen. Tom Harkin
“I work hard to ensure that your profession is fully recognized in making sure eye care is part of essential pediatric care,” Harkin said in a pre-recorded message. “Eye health care for children is as essential as it gets. Thanks to your support, it’s the law of the land.”
The Distinguished Service Award went to Thomas L. Lewis, OD, PhD, who was named president of Pennsylvania College of Optometry in 1989. He has served in leadership positions in nearly every national optometric organization. “I have always believed the strongest professions have three fundamental characteristics: a solid educational foundation, a strong political infrastructure and a purpose that services the public’s need,” Lewis said as he accepted his award. “If we stay true to these fundamentals, there’s no limit to what we can do for optometry.”
Neil Draisin, OD, was named optometrist of the year. Specializing in vision therapy, he has held numerous positions on the board of directors of the College of Optometrists in Vision Development and is involved with SECO.
“Be ready when the AOA calls on you, and together we will continue to move this great profession forward,” he told the audience.
Michael J. Early, OD, PhD, was named Optometric Educator of the Year.
“After 25 years, I still have the very best job in the world,” he said as he accepted his award. “I have had the great honor of teaching over 1,500 optometrists.”
Sandra Fortenberry, OD, was named Young Optometrist of the Year. A member of the Texas Optometric Association Board of Directors, she thanked her family for “believing she could do anything she set her mind to.”
Amy Godeaux, CPOT, was named Paraoptometric of the Year. As a member of the AOA Paraoptometric Section and its Membership Committee, she thanked her family for being supportive of her volunteer work.