fbpx
AAO American Academy of Optometry logo

American Academy of Optometry Announces 2024 New Fellows and Diplomates

The American Academy of Optometry recently hosted Academy 2024 Indianapolis, in Indianapolis, IN. During the organization’s annual meeting, the Academy welcomed 271 new Fellows to its ranks. Along with this strong showing of new Fellows, 16 current Fellows earned the distinction of Diplomate.

Fellows of the American Academy of Optometry must complete a candidacy process that includes submitting written works for peer review that demonstrate their skills as an optometrist or vision scientist. They must also sit for an oral exam at the annual meeting. It is estimated that approximately 10 percent of practicing optometrists in the United States are Fellows. Among those eligible for Fellowship are: optometrists, scientists, educators, librarians, administrators, and editors. Those who pass the rigorous criteria and application process earn the distinction and right to use “FAAO” in their credentials.

Diplomates are Fellows of the Academy who wish to demonstrate their extensive skill in a specific area. Currently, nine Sections offer Diplomate programs. These include: Anterior Segment; Binocular Vision, Perception and Pediatric Optometry; Comprehensive Eye Care; Cornea, Contact Lenses & Refractive Technologies; Glaucoma; Low Vision; Optometric Education; Public Health & Environmental Vision; and Vision Science.

Below is a complete list of new Fellows and Diplomates. More information on becoming a Fellow or Diplomate can be found on the Academy’s website under Membership.

2024 Diplomates

Breanne McGhee, OD, Med, FAAO, Dipl AAO Diplomate, Anterior Segment

Debora Lee Chen, OD, MPH, FAAO, Dipl AAO

Diplomate, Binocular Vision, Perception & Pediatric Optometry

Ann Morrison, PhD, FAAO, Dipl AAO

Diplomate, Binocular Vision, Perception & Pediatric Optometry

Maureen Plaumann, PhD, FAAO, Dipl AAO

Diplomate, Binocular Vision, Perception & Pediatric Optometry

Stephen Chun, OD, FAAO, Dipl AAO Diplomate, Comprehensive Eye Care

Shelly Kim, OD, FAAO, Dipl AAO Diplomate, Comprehensive Eye Care

John Buch, OD, MS, FAAO, Dipl AAO

Diplomate, Cornea, Contact Lenses & Refractive Technologies

Obinwanne Chukwuemeka, OD, MOptom, FAAO, Dipl AAO Diplomate, Cornea, Contact Lenses & Refractive Technologies

Mari Fujimoto, OD, FAAO, Dipl AAO

Diplomate, Cornea, Contact Lenses & Refractive Technologies

Kathrine Osborn Lorenz, OD, MS, FAAO, Dipl AAO

Diplomate, Cornea, Contact Lenses & Refractive Technologies

Brett King, OD, FAAO, Dipl AAO Diplomate, Glaucoma

Derek MacDonald, OD, FAAO, Dipl AAO Diplomate, Glaucoma

Micaela Gobeille, OD, MS, FAAO, Dipl AAO Diplomate, Low Vision

Emily Aslakson, OD, MEd, FAAO, Dipl AAO Diplomate, Optometric Education

Patricia Cisarik, OD, PhD, FAAO, Dipl AAO Diplomate, Optometric Education

Damaris Pagan-Torres, OD, MPH, FAAO, Dipl AAO Diplomate, Public Health & Environmental Vision

AAO 2024 Fellows List
AAO 2024 Fellows List
AAO 2024 Fellows List

Click HERE for the press release.

Want to see more like this article? Click here to subscribe to our FREE print magazines and e-newsletters!

Featured Posts

Optik Voilàs November-December 2025- COS Silhouette SPX_Illusion_2978_5530

SPX Illusion 2025: Lightness Meets Bold Style

Silhouette unveils SPX Illusion 2025, featuring two new lightweight shapes— including a striking geometric design—offered in five trend-forward colors like Canary Green Havana and Smokey Blossom. A refined, featherlight way to express personal style with elegance.

Learn More
EssilorLuxottica

EssilorLuxottica Expands Ophthalmology Footprint with Acquisition of Signifeye

EssilorLuxottica will acquire Signifeye, adding 15 Belgian clinics to its growing ophthalmology network and strengthening its integrated medical eye-care strategy.

Read more
Centre for Ocular Research & Education (CORE)

CORE Summarizes TFOS DEWS III Reports to Boost Dry Eye Knowledge

CORE has published issue 87 of Contact Lens Update, summarizing key findings from the TFOS DEWS III dry eye reports. Expert-authored content and downloadable PDFs provide clinicians with practical guidance on diagnosis, management, and evolving best practices.

Read more
contact lens institute

Contact Lens Institute Announces 2025 Culture Award Honorees

The Contact Lens Institute has named its 2025 Culture Award honorees, recognizing U.S. and Canadian eye care professionals advancing contact lens culture.

Read more
National Association of Optical Goods Manufacturers ANFAO logo

ANFAO Outlines Strategy for Italian Eyewear Industry Amid Global Market Pressures

ANFAO outlines its 2025–2026 strategy for the Italian eyewear industry, balancing identity, innovation and global market expansion.

Read more
Optik Voilàs November-December 2025- COS Silhouette SPX_Illusion_2978_5530

SPX Illusion 2025: Lightness Meets Bold Style

Silhouette unveils SPX Illusion 2025, featuring two new lightweight shapes— including a striking geometric design—offered in five trend-forward colors like Canary Green Havana and Smokey Blossom. A refined, featherlight way to express personal style with elegance.

Learn More
EssilorLuxottica

EssilorLuxottica Expands Ophthalmology Footprint with Acquisition of Signifeye

EssilorLuxottica will acquire Signifeye, adding 15 Belgian clinics to its growing ophthalmology network and strengthening its integrated medical eye-care strategy.

Read More
Centre for Ocular Research & Education (CORE)

CORE Summarizes TFOS DEWS III Reports to Boost Dry Eye Knowledge

CORE has published issue 87 of Contact Lens Update, summarizing key findings from the TFOS DEWS III dry eye reports. Expert-authored content and downloadable PDFs provide clinicians with practical guidance on diagnosis, management, and evolving best practices.

Read More
contact lens institute

Contact Lens Institute Announces 2025 Culture Award Honorees

The Contact Lens Institute has named its 2025 Culture Award honorees, recognizing U.S. and Canadian eye care professionals advancing contact lens culture.

Read More
National Association of Optical Goods Manufacturers ANFAO logo

ANFAO Outlines Strategy for Italian Eyewear Industry Amid Global Market Pressures

ANFAO outlines its 2025–2026 strategy for the Italian eyewear industry, balancing identity, innovation and global market expansion.

Read More
Optik Voilàs November-December 2025- COS Silhouette SPX_Illusion_2978_5530

SPX Illusion 2025: Lightness Meets Bold Style

Silhouette unveils SPX Illusion 2025, featuring two new lightweight shapes— including a striking geometric design—offered in five trend-forward colors like Canary Green Havana and Smokey Blossom. A refined, featherlight way to express personal style with elegance.

Learn More
EssilorLuxottica

EssilorLuxottica Expands Ophthalmology Footprint with Acquisition of Signifeye

EssilorLuxottica will acquire Signifeye, adding 15 Belgian clinics to its growing ophthalmology network and strengthening its integrated medical eye-care strategy.

Read more
Centre for Ocular Research & Education (CORE)

CORE Summarizes TFOS DEWS III Reports to Boost Dry Eye Knowledge

CORE has published issue 87 of Contact Lens Update, summarizing key findings from the TFOS DEWS III dry eye reports. Expert-authored content and downloadable PDFs provide clinicians with practical guidance on diagnosis, management, and evolving best practices.

Read more
contact lens institute

Contact Lens Institute Announces 2025 Culture Award Honorees

The Contact Lens Institute has named its 2025 Culture Award honorees, recognizing U.S. and Canadian eye care professionals advancing contact lens culture.

Read more
National Association of Optical Goods Manufacturers ANFAO logo

ANFAO Outlines Strategy for Italian Eyewear Industry Amid Global Market Pressures

ANFAO outlines its 2025–2026 strategy for the Italian eyewear industry, balancing identity, innovation and global market expansion.

Read more
Optik Voilàs November-December 2025- COS Silhouette SPX_Illusion_2978_5530

SPX Illusion 2025: Lightness Meets Bold Style

Silhouette unveils SPX Illusion 2025, featuring two new lightweight shapes— including a striking geometric design—offered in five trend-forward colors like Canary Green Havana and Smokey Blossom. A refined, featherlight way to express personal style with elegance.

Learn More
EssilorLuxottica

EssilorLuxottica Expands Ophthalmology Footprint with Acquisition of Signifeye

EssilorLuxottica will acquire Signifeye, adding 15 Belgian clinics to its growing ophthalmology network and strengthening its integrated medical eye-care strategy.

Read more
Centre for Ocular Research & Education (CORE)

CORE Summarizes TFOS DEWS III Reports to Boost Dry Eye Knowledge

CORE has published issue 87 of Contact Lens Update, summarizing key findings from the TFOS DEWS III dry eye reports. Expert-authored content and downloadable PDFs provide clinicians with practical guidance on diagnosis, management, and evolving best practices.

Read more
contact lens institute

Contact Lens Institute Announces 2025 Culture Award Honorees

The Contact Lens Institute has named its 2025 Culture Award honorees, recognizing U.S. and Canadian eye care professionals advancing contact lens culture.

Read more
National Association of Optical Goods Manufacturers ANFAO logo

ANFAO Outlines Strategy for Italian Eyewear Industry Amid Global Market Pressures

ANFAO outlines its 2025–2026 strategy for the Italian eyewear industry, balancing identity, innovation and global market expansion.

Read more