Academy 2018 San Antonio, held November 7-10, was the largest meeting in the Academy’s history with a total of 7,948 registrants – a 3% increase over 2017. Attendees engaged in high-quality continuing education sessions, experienced new products and technologies in the exhibit hall, and learned the latest in vision research.
The Plenary Session was titled “Today’s Research, Tomorrow’s Practice®: The Future of Health Care Delivery.” Drs. Ezekiel Emanuel, Gordon Guyatt, and Anthony Cavallerano covered trends affecting the future of providing patient care.
The third joint educational program of the American Academy of Optometry and the American Academy of Ophthalmology, “Imaging Structure and Function in the Eye,” took place in San Antonio, and was also presented at the American Academy of Ophthalmology annual meeting in October. This collaboration represents a continued effort by the two Academy organizations to work together to better prepare and support their members in delivering the highest quality eye care.
A highlight of the meeting was the confirmation of 303 new Fellows – the largest class of new Fellows in the Academy’s history. It is estimated that 10% of practicing optometrists in the United States are Fellows of the Academy (FAAO) whereas about 5% of Canadian Optometrists have an FAAO designation
In addition, an impressive record 17 individuals were awarded Diplomate status by Sections of the American Academy of Optometry. Diplomates are Fellows of the Academy who wish to demonstrate their skill in a specific area.
In addition, Dr. Barbara Caffery of Toronto, Canada was inducted as President of the American Academy of Optometry on Saturday, November 10 at the Fellowship Banquet. She will serve her for a two-year term.
Canadian New Fellows Class of 2018
Sondra Black, Toronto, ON
Avani Dave, Mississauga, ON
Janice Hui, Markham, ON
Zoe Lacroix, Bath, ON
Joanne Chih-Ann Lee, Ottawa, ON
Diane N. Sayah, Montreal, QC
Lor Sildiryan, Toronto, ON
Pavanjeet Ubhi, Vaughan, ON
Michelle Jenn Vickers, Prince Albert, SK
Rebecca Wong, Toronto, ON
Click HERE for the full press release.
