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

Vision Expo new logo

Vision Expo 2026 Introduces a Redesigned Education Experience in Orlando

Vision Expo 2026 will debut a redesigned education experience in Orlando, offering more than 220 hours of accredited continuing education across optometry, opticianry, and eye care business topics.

Learn More
CooperVision logo 2026

CooperVision Partners with Canadian Sprint Canoe Athlete Nikita Ciudin on His Journey to Compete on the World Stage

CooperVision Canada has announced a new partnership with elite sprint canoe athlete Nikita Ciudin, supporting his journey toward representing Team Canada on the world stage while raising awareness about myopia management and youth eye health.

Read more
EssilorLuxottica

EssilorLuxottica and Burberry Announce Licensing Partnership Renewal

EssilorLuxottica and Burberry have announced the renewal of their global eyewear licensing agreement through 2035, extending a long-standing partnership defined by creativity, craftsmanship, and innovation.

Read more
Safilo Group

Safilo and Pierre Cardin Renew Global Eyewear Licensing Agreement Through 2031

Safilo Group and Pierre Cardin have renewed their global eyewear licensing agreement through 2031, continuing a partnership that spans more than three decades in the eyewear industry.

Read more
LensCrafters logo

LensCrafters Continues Dedicated to Everyday Excellence Campaign in 2026 with Dr. Anisha Haji

LensCrafters is continuing its Dedicated to Everyday Excellence campaign into 2026, featuring independent optometrist Dr. Anisha Haji and highlighting leadership, patient care, and innovation in optometry.

Read more
Vision Expo new logo

Vision Expo 2026 Introduces a Redesigned Education Experience in Orlando

Vision Expo 2026 will debut a redesigned education experience in Orlando, offering more than 220 hours of accredited continuing education across optometry, opticianry, and eye care business topics.

Learn More
CooperVision logo 2026

CooperVision Partners with Canadian Sprint Canoe Athlete Nikita Ciudin on His Journey to Compete on the World Stage

CooperVision Canada has announced a new partnership with elite sprint canoe athlete Nikita Ciudin, supporting his journey toward representing Team Canada on the world stage while raising awareness about myopia management and youth eye health.

Read More
EssilorLuxottica

EssilorLuxottica and Burberry Announce Licensing Partnership Renewal

EssilorLuxottica and Burberry have announced the renewal of their global eyewear licensing agreement through 2035, extending a long-standing partnership defined by creativity, craftsmanship, and innovation.

Read More
Safilo Group

Safilo and Pierre Cardin Renew Global Eyewear Licensing Agreement Through 2031

Safilo Group and Pierre Cardin have renewed their global eyewear licensing agreement through 2031, continuing a partnership that spans more than three decades in the eyewear industry.

Read More
LensCrafters logo

LensCrafters Continues Dedicated to Everyday Excellence Campaign in 2026 with Dr. Anisha Haji

LensCrafters is continuing its Dedicated to Everyday Excellence campaign into 2026, featuring independent optometrist Dr. Anisha Haji and highlighting leadership, patient care, and innovation in optometry.

Read More
Vision Expo new logo

Vision Expo 2026 Introduces a Redesigned Education Experience in Orlando

Vision Expo 2026 will debut a redesigned education experience in Orlando, offering more than 220 hours of accredited continuing education across optometry, opticianry, and eye care business topics.

Learn More
CooperVision logo 2026

CooperVision Partners with Canadian Sprint Canoe Athlete Nikita Ciudin on His Journey to Compete on the World Stage

CooperVision Canada has announced a new partnership with elite sprint canoe athlete Nikita Ciudin, supporting his journey toward representing Team Canada on the world stage while raising awareness about myopia management and youth eye health.

Read more
EssilorLuxottica

EssilorLuxottica and Burberry Announce Licensing Partnership Renewal

EssilorLuxottica and Burberry have announced the renewal of their global eyewear licensing agreement through 2035, extending a long-standing partnership defined by creativity, craftsmanship, and innovation.

Read more
Safilo Group

Safilo and Pierre Cardin Renew Global Eyewear Licensing Agreement Through 2031

Safilo Group and Pierre Cardin have renewed their global eyewear licensing agreement through 2031, continuing a partnership that spans more than three decades in the eyewear industry.

Read more
LensCrafters logo

LensCrafters Continues Dedicated to Everyday Excellence Campaign in 2026 with Dr. Anisha Haji

LensCrafters is continuing its Dedicated to Everyday Excellence campaign into 2026, featuring independent optometrist Dr. Anisha Haji and highlighting leadership, patient care, and innovation in optometry.

Read more
Vision Expo new logo

Vision Expo 2026 Introduces a Redesigned Education Experience in Orlando

Vision Expo 2026 will debut a redesigned education experience in Orlando, offering more than 220 hours of accredited continuing education across optometry, opticianry, and eye care business topics.

Learn More
CooperVision logo 2026

CooperVision Partners with Canadian Sprint Canoe Athlete Nikita Ciudin on His Journey to Compete on the World Stage

CooperVision Canada has announced a new partnership with elite sprint canoe athlete Nikita Ciudin, supporting his journey toward representing Team Canada on the world stage while raising awareness about myopia management and youth eye health.

Read more
EssilorLuxottica

EssilorLuxottica and Burberry Announce Licensing Partnership Renewal

EssilorLuxottica and Burberry have announced the renewal of their global eyewear licensing agreement through 2035, extending a long-standing partnership defined by creativity, craftsmanship, and innovation.

Read more
Safilo Group

Safilo and Pierre Cardin Renew Global Eyewear Licensing Agreement Through 2031

Safilo Group and Pierre Cardin have renewed their global eyewear licensing agreement through 2031, continuing a partnership that spans more than three decades in the eyewear industry.

Read more
LensCrafters logo

LensCrafters Continues Dedicated to Everyday Excellence Campaign in 2026 with Dr. Anisha Haji

LensCrafters is continuing its Dedicated to Everyday Excellence campaign into 2026, featuring independent optometrist Dr. Anisha Haji and highlighting leadership, patient care, and innovation in optometry.

Read more