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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