The American Optometric Association (AOA), the American Optometric Student Association (AOSA), and The AOA Foundation have announced the recipients of the 2025 annual awards, recognizing contributions to the optometric profession. Honorees will be recognized at Optometry’s Meeting | 5th World Congress of Optometry, scheduled for June 25-28 at the Minneapolis Convention Center in Minneapolis.
The AOA Excellence Awards, supported by Johnson & Johnson, acknowledge outstanding optometrists, educators, and professionals. The 2025 recipients include:
- James Hardie, OD (Michigan) – Optometrist of the Year
Hardie, a graduate of the Ohio State University College of Optometry, has held leadership roles in multiple optometric organizations and is actively involved in professional and community service initiatives. - Annabelle Storch, OD (California) – Young Optometrist of the Year
Storch, a pediatric optometry specialist at the Gavin Herbert Eye Institute at UCI Health, has contributed to optometric education and research, with leadership roles in the AOA and the Orange County Optometric Society. - Aaron Zimmerman, OD (Ohio) – Optometric Educator of the Year
A clinical professor at the Ohio State University College of Optometry, Dr. Zimmerman is recognized for his contributions to optometric education and research, including holding leadership roles in professional organizations including the AOA. - Richard Soden, OD (New York) – Distinguished Service
The current leader of the New York State Optometric Association, Dr. Soden has held leadership roles in state and national organizations and contributed extensively to optometric practice management and education. - Napua Rich (Oregon) – Apollo Award
As a senior operations and policy analyst at the Oregon Health Authority, Rich has played a key role in improving Medicaid Vision Services and expanding access to care in the state.
The AOSA Student of the Year Award recognizes a third- or fourth-year optometry student for leadership and service. The 2025 recipient is:
- Cori Dorrell
A fourth-year student at Northeastern State University Oklahoma College of Optometry, Dorrell has been active in leadership roles within optometric student organizations and has a strong interest in ocular disease treatment and primary care optometry.
The National Optometry Hall of Fame recognizes individuals who have made lasting contributions to the profession. The 2025 inductees are:
- Christopher Quinn, OD
Quinn, a past president of the American Optometric Association, is an expert in eye disease treatment and optometric comanagement, with academic appointments at multiple optometry schools. - Timothy Wingert, OD
Wingert, a retired Dean of the University of the Incarnate Word Rosenberg School of Optometry and a founder member of the European Academy of Optometry and Optics, has served in various academic and leadership roles and was recognized as a J. William Fulbright Scholar in 2005 and 2020.
The Dr. W. David Sullins Jr. InfantSEE Award honors optometrists contributing to optometry or the community involving the InfantSEE program. The 2025 recipient is:
- John Tassinari, OD
Tassinari, a pediatric optometry specialist, has been involved in clinical practice and education for over three decades, serving as chief of pediatrics at the Western University of Health Sciences College of Optometry.
The Paraoptometric Professional Awards honor individuals for their contributions to paraoptometric care. The 2025 recipients are:
- Jennifer Stroupe, CPO – Paraoptometric of the Year
A practice manager overseeing multiple optometry offices, Stroupe is involved in paraoptometric education and training, with leadership roles in professional associations. - Kimberly Pickle, CPOA – Paraoptometric Community Service Award
With over a decade in optometry, Pickle has been active in promoting vision health and paraoptometric education, holding leadership roles in state and national organizations. - Tamara Franklin, CPOT, ABOC – Paraoptometric Lifetime Achievement Award
Franklin, senior director of staff education at Vision Source, has contributed significantly to staff training and optometric education, earning multiple industry awards.
Finally, the Dr. Jerry P. Davidoff Vision Care Award recognizes contributions to vision rehabilitation. The 2025 honoree is:
- Tracy Matchinski, OD
Matchinski, a low vision specialist, has served in academic and leadership roles, advancing vision rehabilitation education and clinical services.
The AOA acknowledges these professionals for their commitment to advancing optometry and improving patient care.
For full recipient biographies, click here.