American Academy of Optometry Announces 2025 New Fellows and Diplomates
Thursday, October 23 2025 | 14 h 51 min | News
The American Academy of Optometry recently hosted Academy 2025 Boston, in Boston, MA. During the organization’s annual meeting, the Academy welcomed a record number of 329 new Fellows to its ranks. Along with this strong showing of new Fellows, 11 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, ten 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; Neuro-ophthalmic Disorders in Optometry; Optometric Education; Public Health & Environmental Vision; and Vision Science.
More information on becoming a Fellow or Diplomate can be found on the Academy’s website under Membership.
2025 Diplomates
Jacobi Cleaver, OD, FAAO, Dipl AAO Diplomate, Anterior Segment
Jeannette Wong-Powell, OD, FAAO, Dipl AAO Diplomate, Comprehensive Eye Care
Elaine Chen, OD, FAAO, Dipl AAO
Diplomate, Cornea, Contact Lenses & Refractive Technologies
Patrick Simard, OD, MSc, MBA, FAAO, Dipl AAO
Diplomate, Cornea, Contact Lenses & Refractive Technologies
Michael Kalloniatis, MScOptom, PhD, FAAO, Dipl AAO Diplomate, Glaucoma
Ramanpal Deol, OD, FAAO, Dipl AAO Diplomate, Low Vision
Jennifer Reilly, OD, MS, FAAO, Dipl AAO Diplomate, Optometric Education
Fatima Iqbal, OD, PhD, FAAO, Dipl AAO Diplomate, Optometric Education
Angelica Scanzera, OD, MPH, FAAO, Dipl AAO Diplomate, Public Health & Environmental Vision
Yvonne Megbele, OD, MSc, FAAO, Dipl AAO Diplomate, Public Health & Environmental Vision
Lisa Ostrin, OD, PhD, FAAO, Dipl AAO Diplomate, Vision Science
For the full list of 2025 Fellows, click HERE.
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