fbpx
AAO American Academy of Optometry logo

AAO Announces 2023 New Fellows and Diplomates

The American Academy of Optometry (AAO) recently hosted Academy 2023 New Orleans from October 11-14, 2023, in New Orleans, Louisiana. During the organization’s annual meeting, the Academy welcomed 257 new Fellows to its ranks. Along with this strong showing of new Fellows, 12 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% 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.

2023 Diplomates

Heather A. Anderson, OD, PhD, FAAO

Research Diplomate, Binocular Vision, Perception & Pediatric Optometry

Hashim Ali Khan, OD, FAAO Diplomate, Comprehensive Eye Care

Caryn La Buda, OD, FAAO Diplomate, Comprehensive Eye Care

Leslie Wilderson, OD, FAAO Diplomate, Comprehensive Eye Care

Roxanne Achong-Coan, OD, FAAO

Clinical Diplomate, Cornea, Contact Lenses & Refractive Technologies

Jennifer Swingle Fogt, OD, MS, FAAO

Clinical Diplomate, Cornea, Contact Lenses & Refractive Technologies

Jennifer S. Harthan, OD, FSLS, FAAO

Clinical Diplomate, Cornea, Contact Lenses & Refractive Technologies

Pablo De Gracia, OD, PhD, FAAO

Research Diplomate, Cornea, Contact Lenses & Refractive Technologies

Erin M. Kenny, OD, FAAO Diplomate, Low Vision

Marc B. Taub, OD, MS, EdD, FAAO

Diplomate, Optometric Education

Dr. N. Anuradha

Diplomate, Public Health & Environmental Vision

Dr. Prema K. Chande

Diplomate, Public Health & Environmental Vision

To see the list of 2023 New Fellows, click HERE.

Source: American Academy of Optometry

Featured Posts

Specsavers Blue Jays logos 2026

Specsavers Canada Becomes an Official Partner of the Toronto Blue Jays™

Specsavers Canada has announced a multi-year national partnership with the Toronto Blue Jays, becoming an official partner of Canada’s baseball team and presenting sponsor of the Strike Zone Challenge.

Learn More
AI and EMR integration in optometry

AI and EMR Integrated into an Optometric Practice: The Future of Eye Care

Discover the future of eye care through AI and EMR integration. Learn how AI enhances clinical documentation, supports diagnostic imaging (OCT/AMD), and streamlines practice management for better patient outcomes.

Read more
Optik Voila May-June 2026 OGI Article One AOMW 2.0

Next-Generation Sun Lenses with TR-18 Tritan™

Article One AOMW 2.0 updates the original concept with refined proportions, a unifit bridge, OBE spring hinges, and TR18 polarized lenses designed for clear, comfortable sunwear.

Read more
Eye On the Industry podcast EOTI

Eye on the Industry Podcast Celebrates One-Year Anniversary with Special Reflection Episode

Christine Ziegle and Isabelle Tremblay celebrate one year of the Eye on the Industry podcast, reflecting on memorable guests, industry insights, leadership lessons, and the future of eye care.

Read more
EssilorLuxottica

EssilorLuxottica and Applied Materials Partner on AR Optics for Smart Glasses

EssilorLuxottica and Applied Materials have announced a long-term joint development agreement to accelerate the commercialization of advanced optical systems for augmented reality and AI-powered smart eyewear.

Read more
Specsavers Blue Jays logos 2026

Specsavers Canada Becomes an Official Partner of the Toronto Blue Jays™

Specsavers Canada has announced a multi-year national partnership with the Toronto Blue Jays, becoming an official partner of Canada’s baseball team and presenting sponsor of the Strike Zone Challenge.

Learn More
AI and EMR integration in optometry

AI and EMR Integrated into an Optometric Practice: The Future of Eye Care

Discover the future of eye care through AI and EMR integration. Learn how AI enhances clinical documentation, supports diagnostic imaging (OCT/AMD), and streamlines practice management for better patient outcomes.

Read More
Optik Voila May-June 2026 OGI Article One AOMW 2.0

Next-Generation Sun Lenses with TR-18 Tritan™

Article One AOMW 2.0 updates the original concept with refined proportions, a unifit bridge, OBE spring hinges, and TR18 polarized lenses designed for clear, comfortable sunwear.

Read More
Eye On the Industry podcast EOTI

Eye on the Industry Podcast Celebrates One-Year Anniversary with Special Reflection Episode

Christine Ziegle and Isabelle Tremblay celebrate one year of the Eye on the Industry podcast, reflecting on memorable guests, industry insights, leadership lessons, and the future of eye care.

Read More
EssilorLuxottica

EssilorLuxottica and Applied Materials Partner on AR Optics for Smart Glasses

EssilorLuxottica and Applied Materials have announced a long-term joint development agreement to accelerate the commercialization of advanced optical systems for augmented reality and AI-powered smart eyewear.

Read More
Specsavers Blue Jays logos 2026

Specsavers Canada Becomes an Official Partner of the Toronto Blue Jays™

Specsavers Canada has announced a multi-year national partnership with the Toronto Blue Jays, becoming an official partner of Canada’s baseball team and presenting sponsor of the Strike Zone Challenge.

Learn More
AI and EMR integration in optometry

AI and EMR Integrated into an Optometric Practice: The Future of Eye Care

Discover the future of eye care through AI and EMR integration. Learn how AI enhances clinical documentation, supports diagnostic imaging (OCT/AMD), and streamlines practice management for better patient outcomes.

Read more
Optik Voila May-June 2026 OGI Article One AOMW 2.0

Next-Generation Sun Lenses with TR-18 Tritan™

Article One AOMW 2.0 updates the original concept with refined proportions, a unifit bridge, OBE spring hinges, and TR18 polarized lenses designed for clear, comfortable sunwear.

Read more
Eye On the Industry podcast EOTI

Eye on the Industry Podcast Celebrates One-Year Anniversary with Special Reflection Episode

Christine Ziegle and Isabelle Tremblay celebrate one year of the Eye on the Industry podcast, reflecting on memorable guests, industry insights, leadership lessons, and the future of eye care.

Read more
EssilorLuxottica

EssilorLuxottica and Applied Materials Partner on AR Optics for Smart Glasses

EssilorLuxottica and Applied Materials have announced a long-term joint development agreement to accelerate the commercialization of advanced optical systems for augmented reality and AI-powered smart eyewear.

Read more
Specsavers Blue Jays logos 2026

Specsavers Canada Becomes an Official Partner of the Toronto Blue Jays™

Specsavers Canada has announced a multi-year national partnership with the Toronto Blue Jays, becoming an official partner of Canada’s baseball team and presenting sponsor of the Strike Zone Challenge.

Learn More
AI and EMR integration in optometry

AI and EMR Integrated into an Optometric Practice: The Future of Eye Care

Discover the future of eye care through AI and EMR integration. Learn how AI enhances clinical documentation, supports diagnostic imaging (OCT/AMD), and streamlines practice management for better patient outcomes.

Read more
Optik Voila May-June 2026 OGI Article One AOMW 2.0

Next-Generation Sun Lenses with TR-18 Tritan™

Article One AOMW 2.0 updates the original concept with refined proportions, a unifit bridge, OBE spring hinges, and TR18 polarized lenses designed for clear, comfortable sunwear.

Read more
Eye On the Industry podcast EOTI

Eye on the Industry Podcast Celebrates One-Year Anniversary with Special Reflection Episode

Christine Ziegle and Isabelle Tremblay celebrate one year of the Eye on the Industry podcast, reflecting on memorable guests, industry insights, leadership lessons, and the future of eye care.

Read more
EssilorLuxottica

EssilorLuxottica and Applied Materials Partner on AR Optics for Smart Glasses

EssilorLuxottica and Applied Materials have announced a long-term joint development agreement to accelerate the commercialization of advanced optical systems for augmented reality and AI-powered smart eyewear.

Read more