Optometrist of the Year 
The Optometrist of the Year Award recognizes a member of the POA who, through years of dedicated service to optometry, the vision welfare of the public and their community, merits recognition from the optometrists of the state of Pennsylvania for that state's highest honor. Nominees will be evaluated according to a point system allocated to two principal areas: Public Service (worth 50%) and Service to Optometry (worth 50%). Nominations will be accepted from local societies and the POA committees, and shall receive equal consideration. The Awards Committee, which is charged with selecting one recipient annually, may also consider nominees from the past five years who did not receive the award the year they were originally nominated. All nominators will be required to complete and submit the nomination form and statement for consideration. State recipients will be nominated for the annual AOA Optometrist of the Year Award the following year.   Click here for a list of previous recipients.    

 

Young Optometrist of the Year 
The Young Optometrist of the Year Award recognizes an optometrist in practice less than ten years who demonstrates outstanding leadership skills when serving their profession, patients and community. Nominees will be evaluated according to a point system allocated to two principal areas: Public Service (worth 60%) and Service to Optometry (worth 40%). Nominations will be accepted from local societies and POA committees, and shall receive equal consideration. The Awards Committee, which is charged with selecting one recipient annually, may also consider nominees from the past five years who did not receive the award the year they were originally nominated and who are still eligible. All nominators will be required to complete and submit the nomination form and statement for consideration. State recipients will be nominated for the annual AOA Young Optometrist of the Year Award the following year.   Click here for a list of previous recipients.    

 

William Van Essen Award
Local societies may select a group and/or individual to receive their society's William Van Essen Award, and submit the name(s) to the POA for the annual state Van Essen Award. This award is instituted in memory of Dr. William Van Essen, who was instrumental in the licensing of the profession of optometry in Pennsylvania.   Click here for more information about Dr. Van Essen and a list of previous recipients.