09/05/2024
2024 OOA Award Winners Announced
The Ohio Optometric Association is proud to announce its 2024 award winners. They will be recognized at OOA HONORS, to be held Thursday, October 24th during the EastWest Eye Conference (www.eastwesteye.org) in Columbus. All members are invited to attend this free event!
| Warren G. and Ruth P. Morris Optometrist of the Year – Thomas Nye, OD To a member OD who has made outstanding contributions to the profession through optometric and community service activities at the national, state, and/or local level. |
Dr. Tom Nye has left his fingerprint on practically every aspect of community service in his town of Hamilton, Ohio and even served as mayor! His commitment to his community is matched in his service to organized optometry, which has been a priority even before graduating from The Ohio State University College of Optometry in 1987. He led as Zone 8 Governor from 1990-1992 and was awarded OOA’s Young OD of the Year in 1991. Dr. Nye has served as a passionate Key OD for the past 34 years and was named OOA’s Key OD of the Year in 2006 in recognition of his legislative activities. Dr. Nye has lent his time and talents to the American Optometric Association serving on the AOA-PAC Board of Directors and as treasurer as well as the Contact Lens and Sports Vision Sections. He recently ended his service on the Ohio Vision Professionals Board having served as its president multiple terms.
Dr. Nye has been a pillar in his community serving on numerous boards including the Hamilton Rotary Club, the Fraternal Order of Police Associates, American Red Cross, Hamilton Safety Council, Colonial Senior Services, Hamilton Convention & Visitors Bureau, Hamilton-Fairfield Symphony Orchestra, and Hamilton Futures Forum. He is currently a board member and treasurer of Dayton Lane Historic Area, Inc., and treasurer for Historic Hamilton, Inc. He is a member of St. Julie Billiart Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus.
When describing Dr. Nye’s many contributions, OOA President Dr. Lindsay Florkey said, “Tom is the epitome of servant leader. His dedication for years with the Vision Professionals Board is commendable. He has always served as a mentor to young doctors, happy to share pearls of wisdom from his years in private practice. He has served as a faithful Key OD for many years as part of his active membership in the OOA.”
For his career long dedication to the association, Ohio optometry, and his community, the OOA is proud to bestow this prestigious honor.
Dr. Nye has been in private practice at Vision Source Hamilton, OH since 1987 and was named as the Journal News “Best of Butler County: Optometrist” for 2024.
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Jack T. Keith Young Optometrist of the Year – |
Dr. Hannah Davidson has been an engaged member of organized optometry since her time as a student at The Ohio State University College of Optometry, where she served as the OSU AOSA Chapter President from 2017- 2018. She actively participated in AOA on Capitol Hill and Optometry Day at the Statehouse (ODASH) and has continued to be an active participant in these events after graduating Magna Cum Laude in 2019. Dr. Davidson wasted no time volunteering at the OOA as a Young OD Committee Member and serving as its chair for the past two years. She has completed both section’s of AOA’s Leadership Institute and encourages peers to take advantage of the program as well.
Dr. Davidson has been a Realeyes presenter since 2012 and was designated as the top presenter in Zone 7 four times. For the past two years, she has donated her time providing free vision exams at iSee Clinics for Gallipolis City Schools.
“Hannah has been instrumental in the continued success of the Young OD committee while serving as the chair,” said Dr. Lindsay Florkey, OOA President. “She has served as a delegate for the AOA the last couple of years. Her participation in the Leadership Council for AOA and her willingness to share her lessons from that experience has been terrific.”
For Dr. Davidson’s impressive commitment within the Ohio Optometric Association and with organized optometry, the OOA is proud to name her the 2024 Young OD of the Year!
Dr. Davidson practices at the Holzer Hospital Clinic in Gallipolis, OH.
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The John and Cheryl Archer Award for Humanitarian Service – awarded posthumously to Jeffrey Myers, OD
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The Ohio Optometric Foundation has posthumously awarded Dr. Jeffrey Myers with the Archer Award for Humanitarian Service in recognition of his career long commitment to serving others. He was an ever-present leader within Ohio optometry serving on many OOA boards and committees, and as its president in 1996-1997. He received numerous awards for his professional service including the OOA’s Young OD, Optometrist of the Year, and Outstanding Service awards, but it was his benevolence that most distinguished him from his peers.
Dr. Myers believed in the importance of philanthropy and community service. He served on the Ohio Optometric Foundation Board of Directors for many years and as its president from 2006-2012. He was active in the Groveport United Methodist Church where he participated in extensive mission work in Liberia for student scholarships and developing vision care. He loved the Realeyes program and was a loyal presenter to Canal Winchester students for years. Dr. Myers also dedicated much of his time to the Boy Scouts of America where he served in numerous roles but most notably as a Life Member on the Council Executive Board.
Past AOA and OOA President Dr. Bob Layman noted “Jeff was an exemplary servant leader. He was a man for others, especially his family, his community, his profession, and his beloved College of Optometry. We’ll all miss him greatly.”
Dr. Myers practiced at Winchester Vision Care in Canal Winchester, OH.
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Student of the Year – James Chung
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Currently in his third year at The Ohio State University College of Optometry, James is already an active member of organized optometry and serves as the American Optometric Student Association (AOSA) Trustee representing the college advocating for student issues and voting on legislation that pertains to the student body and fighting for patient care. He is Chair of the 2024 AOSA Midwestern Regional Conference, a role in which he has organized the conference and serves as a liaison for sponsors, lecturers, students, state affiliates and the AOSA.
James is Co-Founder and Secretary of The Prismatic Effect, a LGBTQ+ affinity group at the College of Optometry that strives to create a space for LGBTQ+ and ally optometry students to gather and talk about health equity, share personal experiences, and do charity projects for the LGBTQ+ community.
“James is always willing to show up and help out,” said Dr. Lindsay Florkey, OOA President. “His presence and support at the Statehouse during our sponsor testimony was greatly appreciated. His coordination of the “Legucate Me” event was terrific; it was a highly successful event teaching the students about the importance of advocacy. Dr. Fries and I just needed to show up and answer questions, James had everything else handled.”
James Chung is a member of the class of 2026 at The Ohio State University College of Optometry and serves as Advocacy Project Team Lead for the AOSA.
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Key OD of the Year – Greg Hicks, OD
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The OOA Board awards past president Dr. Greg Hicks as its Key OD of the Year for his extraordinary efforts to engage members with OOA legislative initiatives. An advocate for the modernization of Ohio’s current optometric scope of practice, Dr. Hicks worked tirelessly to encourage OOPAC contributions and challenged each OOA past president to contribute $1,000. His efforts resulted in a considerable boost to OOPAC funding. He has served as a Key OD to his local legislators for years and attended both Ohio’s Optometry Day at the Statehouse (ODASH), and AOA on Capitol Hill in 2024 meeting with multiple legislators and advocating for optometry and its patients.
Dr. Hicks is retired from practice in the Sandusky area.
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Key OD of the Year – David Bejot, OD
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The OOA Board awards board trustee Dr. David Bejot as its Key OD of the Year for his tireless efforts in support of SB129, the Ohio Primary Eye Care Modernization Bill. Dr. Bejot went out of his way to attend fundraisers and meetings with legislators both in his district and in Columbus. He has contributed generously to the OOPAC and additionally has made personal contributions to specific campaigns that support optometry. Moreover, Dr. Bejot was able to secure not only SB129 support from ophthalmology but secured written testimony in support of the bill from 2024’s Friend of Optometry, Dr. Ronald Brown. Dr. Lindsay Florkey, 2024 OOA President credits Dr. Bejot’s “tenacity – Dave will not stop until he has reached the legislator. His willingness to go the extra mile and them some is unparalleled.”
Dr. Bejot practices at the Eye Center of Toledo.
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Friend of Optometry – Ronald Brown, MD
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For his assistance and support of SB129 through written testimony, the OOA is pleased to recognize Dr. Ronald Brown, M.D., as a 2024 Friend of Optometry.
In his testimony Dr. Brown wrote, “As an ophthalmologist at Specialty Eye Institute, I value the partnerships between our profession and the profession of optometry. Our practice was built on the premise that we work with highly skilled and well-trained optometrists who are the primary care providers for eyes. They provide the highest care possible by managing advanced ocular disease and pre- and post-operative care, while ophthalmologists provide cutting-edge advanced surgical care. Optometry and ophthalmology typically have a great relationship outside of politics and work together to provide a coordinated role in modern eye care. I’ve worked with hundreds of optometrists both in my office and in private practice over the past 30 years and have no doubt they would perform these additional procedures safely, as has been done in many other states.”
Dr. Brown is a board-certified ophthalmologist and has practiced as a cataract and refractive surgeon for 30 years in Toledo. He specializes in laser vision correction, and as a laser vision correction patient himself in 1996, Dr. Brown knows first-hand how important technology has become in the field of ophthalmology. Dr. Brown utilizes the latest methods to provide his cataract patients with surgical options to best achieve their customized vision.
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Friend of Optometry – Mandy Miller
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For her dedication and longtime service to the EastWest Eye Conference (EWEC), the OOA is pleased to recognize Ms. Mandy Miller as a 2024 Friend of Optometry. Ms. Mandy Miller is a long-time EWEC paraoptometric committee member, serving for more than 20 years.
OOA Board trustee and fellow EWEC committee member Dr. Katie Greiner said, “Mandy never misses an East West Eye Conference or a committee meeting. She travels room to room checking on AEP speakers Thursday-Saturday and makes them feel welcome. She recruits great speakers. She is a truly dedicated optician and EastWest committee member.”
Ms. Miller volunteers for her church and her alumni high school fundraiser and fundraiser held in Delphos. She has also served as a Realeyes presenter and has assisted with iSee screenings. She was a past president of the OOA Para section and was named 1999 Para of the Year. She also served on the AOA CPC board.
Mandy works at Delphos Vision Care.
2024 Outstanding Realeyes Involvement Awards
The Realeyes Program is proud to announce the Outstanding Realeyes Involvement award winners for the 2023-2024 school year.
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The award for Outstanding Realeyes Involvement - Most Students Educated goes to Dr. Amy Bankey. |
Since her first presentation in 2012, Dr. Bankey has consistently been a top presenter in Zone 10 and a top presenter in the state. This year, Dr. Bankey doubled her previous year’s number and reached 2,104 students across 12 counties! Dr. Bankey educated students during 53 in-person presentations, 4 different zoom presentations and at the Columbus Book Festival!
Teachers often comment that Dr. Bankey does an amazing job connecting and interacting with students. Her presentations offer a world of knowledge and make learning about the eye and the importance of eye care fun and interesting. We appreciate Dr. Bankey’s willingness to travel to multiple counties, present over Zoom and to present outside of the traditional classroom setting. Since starting as a Realeyes presenter in 2012, Dr. Bankey has educated 15,814 students.
Dr. Bankey practices at Fishbaugh Family Eyecare in St. Henry and Lima.
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Dr. Natalie Nguyen has been selected to receive the Outstanding Realeyes Involvement - Community Impact Award. |
She has been presenting since 2019 and has been at 25 different schools and has educated 3,336 students. Dr. Nguyen educates at many events within her community and throughout the Columbus area. She has generously donated her time at multiple Realeyes events including the Columbus Book Festival, Ohio State Fair, and school health fairs. During these events, Dr. Nguyen takes the time to listen and educate families with children, providing them with all the necessary resources to make sure they are taking care of their vision.
Teachers love having Dr. Nguyen in their classrooms, one teacher said, “Dr. Nguyen was very engaging with our kiddos.” She is always eager to present throughout Columbus and encouraged her staff at her new practice, Eye Co., to participate in a Realeyes training. Now her staff presents Realeyes at multiple Safety Cities throughout Columbus!
Dr. Nguyen practices at Eye Co. in Columbus.
The Realeyes Program is grateful for Dr. Bankey’s and Dr. Nguyen’s dedication to the program as well as all of the volunteers who take the time to educate Ohio students about the importance of eye health. Without the time of volunteer ODs and staff, the program would not be a success.