The Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (ASCO) has announced the recipients of its 2026 Special Recognition Awards, which honor individuals and organizations for contributions to optometric education, research, leadership, and patient care.
The award recipients will be recognized during ASCO’s Annual Business Meeting on June 17 in Phoenix.
Lifetime Achievement Award
David A. Heath, OD, has been named the recipient of the 2026 ASCO Lifetime Achievement Award. The award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated sustained leadership in optometric education and service to the profession.
Dr. Heath served as president of the State University of New York (SUNY) College of Optometry from 2007 to 2024 and retired from SUNY in June 2025. Prior to SUNY, he held academic leadership positions at the New England College of Optometry, including vice president and dean of academic affairs.
Throughout his career, Dr. Heath has focused on educational program development and international vision care. He previously received ASCO’s Dr. Jack Bennett Innovation in Education Award in 2001 and 2007 and served as ASCO president during the 2012–2013 and 2015–2016 academic years.
Herbert Wertheim Award
Mitchell M. Scheiman, OD, PhD, has been selected as the fifth recipient of the Dr. Herbert Wertheim Award, which recognizes high-impact and innovative contributions to eye and vision health.
Dr. Scheiman serves as senior associate dean of research and professor of optometry at the Pennsylvania College of Optometry at Drexel University. His work has focused on binocular vision disorders, amblyopia, and vision dysfunction associated with concussion.
He has led several multicenter clinical trials, including the National Eye Institute-funded Convergence Insufficiency Treatment Trial, which contributed to evidence-based treatment approaches for convergence insufficiency in children. Scheiman also has authored more than 265 scientific publications and several textbooks.
Dr. Jack Bennett Innovation in Optometric Education Award
ASCO’s Dr. Jack Bennett Innovation in Optometric Education Award has been awarded to Roanne E. Flom, OD.
Dr. Flom is chief of the Low Vision Rehabilitation Service at The Ohio State University College of Optometry, where she has served for more than 3 decades. Her work has focused on low vision rehabilitation education, patient communication, and the development of innovative teaching methods for optometry students and residents.
She also helped establish ASCO’s Low Vision Educators Special Interest Group.
Rising Star Award
Amy Logan, OD, FAAO, has received the 2026 ASCO Rising Star Award, which recognizes faculty members or administrators who have fewer than 7 years of service who have made significant contributions to ASCO’s mission and programs.
Dr. Logan is an associate professor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Optometry. She teaches courses related to systemic disease and posterior segment procedures and provides patient care in ocular disease clinics.
She has been active in ASCO’s Interprofessional Education and Collaborative Practice initiatives, including leadership roles within related special interest groups and committees.
Ophthalmic Industry Leadership Award
Michele Andrews, OD, has been named the recipient of the ASCO Ophthalmic Industry Leadership Award.
Dr. Andrews is chief medical officer of VSP Vision, where she oversees clinical strategy and standards of care. Her career includes leadership positions in managed vision care, private practice, retail optometry, and medical device companies.
Before joining VSP Vision, she served as vice president of marketing and professional affairs at CooperVision and previously held leadership roles at For Eyes Optical, EyeMed Vision Care, and LensCrafters.
Student Award in Clinical Ethics
ASCO and its Ethics Educators Special Interest Group selected Eliana Goncuian as the winner of the 2026 ASCO Student Award in Clinical Ethics.
Goncuian is a student at Southern California College of Optometry at Marshall B. Ketchum University and is expected to graduate this year. Her essay, titled “Bridging the Gaps: Ethical Advocacy for Patients with Disabilities,” examines ethical considerations in patient advocacy and disability care.
As part of the award, Goncuian will receive a $1,000 cash prize and an engraved plaque. Her essay will also be published in an upcoming issue of Optometric Education.
Award recipients will be recognized during ASCO’s Annual Business Meeting, which is open to attendees who register for the event. Register to attend here.