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

Transitions Optical logo 2024 noir

Transitions® Lights Up Festival d’été de Québec with Interactive Lens Expérience

Transitions will be at Festival d’été de Québec with an interactive experience inviting festival-goers to explore light, lens colours, UV activation and personalized lens solutions for everyday vision.

Learn More
Canadian eyewear designers

Canadian Eyewear Designers Make Their Mark

Discover how Canadian eyewear designers like Clara Faniel and Douglas Gaudet are shaping the industry with authentic craftsmanship, recycled acetates, and bold creativity.

Read more
contact lens institute

Contact Lens Institute Opens Nominations for 2026 Culture Awards

The Contact Lens Institute is accepting nominations through October 1, 2026, for its fourth annual Culture Awards, recognizing eye care professionals in the U.S. and Canada who support positive contact lens culture.

Read more
EssilorLuxottica Nuance audio logos 2026

Nuance Audio Glasses Launch in Canada

EssilorLuxottica has launched Nuance Audio Glasses in Canada, introducing assistive listening eyewear designed for adults with mild-to-moderate listening difficulty.

Read more
CLI Opticians Contact Lens Survey report 2026

New Report Highlights Opticians’ Role in Contact Lens Success

A new Canadian survey finds that opticians are highly engaged in supporting contact lens patients, with many seeking greater involvement and additional training opportunities.

Read more
Transitions Optical logo 2024 noir

Transitions® Lights Up Festival d’été de Québec with Interactive Lens Expérience

Transitions will be at Festival d’été de Québec with an interactive experience inviting festival-goers to explore light, lens colours, UV activation and personalized lens solutions for everyday vision.

Learn More
Canadian eyewear designers

Canadian Eyewear Designers Make Their Mark

Discover how Canadian eyewear designers like Clara Faniel and Douglas Gaudet are shaping the industry with authentic craftsmanship, recycled acetates, and bold creativity.

Read More
contact lens institute

Contact Lens Institute Opens Nominations for 2026 Culture Awards

The Contact Lens Institute is accepting nominations through October 1, 2026, for its fourth annual Culture Awards, recognizing eye care professionals in the U.S. and Canada who support positive contact lens culture.

Read More
EssilorLuxottica Nuance audio logos 2026

Nuance Audio Glasses Launch in Canada

EssilorLuxottica has launched Nuance Audio Glasses in Canada, introducing assistive listening eyewear designed for adults with mild-to-moderate listening difficulty.

Read More
CLI Opticians Contact Lens Survey report 2026

New Report Highlights Opticians’ Role in Contact Lens Success

A new Canadian survey finds that opticians are highly engaged in supporting contact lens patients, with many seeking greater involvement and additional training opportunities.

Read More
Transitions Optical logo 2024 noir

Transitions® Lights Up Festival d’été de Québec with Interactive Lens Expérience

Transitions will be at Festival d’été de Québec with an interactive experience inviting festival-goers to explore light, lens colours, UV activation and personalized lens solutions for everyday vision.

Learn More
Canadian eyewear designers

Canadian Eyewear Designers Make Their Mark

Discover how Canadian eyewear designers like Clara Faniel and Douglas Gaudet are shaping the industry with authentic craftsmanship, recycled acetates, and bold creativity.

Read more
contact lens institute

Contact Lens Institute Opens Nominations for 2026 Culture Awards

The Contact Lens Institute is accepting nominations through October 1, 2026, for its fourth annual Culture Awards, recognizing eye care professionals in the U.S. and Canada who support positive contact lens culture.

Read more
EssilorLuxottica Nuance audio logos 2026

Nuance Audio Glasses Launch in Canada

EssilorLuxottica has launched Nuance Audio Glasses in Canada, introducing assistive listening eyewear designed for adults with mild-to-moderate listening difficulty.

Read more
CLI Opticians Contact Lens Survey report 2026

New Report Highlights Opticians’ Role in Contact Lens Success

A new Canadian survey finds that opticians are highly engaged in supporting contact lens patients, with many seeking greater involvement and additional training opportunities.

Read more
Transitions Optical logo 2024 noir

Transitions® Lights Up Festival d’été de Québec with Interactive Lens Expérience

Transitions will be at Festival d’été de Québec with an interactive experience inviting festival-goers to explore light, lens colours, UV activation and personalized lens solutions for everyday vision.

Learn More
Canadian eyewear designers

Canadian Eyewear Designers Make Their Mark

Discover how Canadian eyewear designers like Clara Faniel and Douglas Gaudet are shaping the industry with authentic craftsmanship, recycled acetates, and bold creativity.

Read more
contact lens institute

Contact Lens Institute Opens Nominations for 2026 Culture Awards

The Contact Lens Institute is accepting nominations through October 1, 2026, for its fourth annual Culture Awards, recognizing eye care professionals in the U.S. and Canada who support positive contact lens culture.

Read more
EssilorLuxottica Nuance audio logos 2026

Nuance Audio Glasses Launch in Canada

EssilorLuxottica has launched Nuance Audio Glasses in Canada, introducing assistive listening eyewear designed for adults with mild-to-moderate listening difficulty.

Read more
CLI Opticians Contact Lens Survey report 2026

New Report Highlights Opticians’ Role in Contact Lens Success

A new Canadian survey finds that opticians are highly engaged in supporting contact lens patients, with many seeking greater involvement and additional training opportunities.

Read more