American Academy of Optometry Announces 2024 New Fellows and Diplomates
Wednesday, November 13 2024 | 15 h 59 min | News
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
Click HERE for the press release.
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