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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