The career path of a paraoptometric contains various opportunities, some of which may carry with it recognition by your peers. The AOA offers National Recognition for the Paraoptometric of the Year, which you will read about below. The WPA also recognizes Wisconsin paras who exceed the 'call of duty' in their particular offices. Each office is encouraged to submit a 'nominee' each year before Fall Convention. If you would like more information on the WPA Para of the Year Award please click this link.
Paraoptometric of the Year Award
Awarded annually to a nominated optometric assistant or technician who has made outstanding and worthwhile contributions to the profession of optometry and the general public.
All nominations will be judged based on the following criteria: service to optometry and paraoptometric associations, public service, and personal achievement and endorsement.
Nominees must be AOA associate members, not currently serving on the PRC Committee. Nominations can be submitted by a state, regional, or local paraoptometric organization, an AOA member OD, or an AOA associate member.
The recipient of this award will receive recognition at an awards luncheon, an attractive plaque, roundtrip airfare to Optometry's Meeting®, three nights lodging reimbursement at a contract hotel, and $500 to assist with travel expenses. All award values are required to be reported as personal income.
Nomination forms, rules and criteria are available here. Completed forms must be postmarked on or before Feb. 1, 2018. For additional information pertaining to this award, e-mail PRC@aoa.org or call 800.365.2219, ext. 4108.
National AOA Paraoptometric of the Year
Sally Greeley, CPOT, Maine
Immediate Past President Andrea P. Thau, O.D., with Sally Greeley, CPOT
For RETIRED certified paras, the AOA wants you to know the valuable resource you have been and continue to be to our profession. Please check this CPC Award, its JUST FOR YOU!
CPC Lifetime Achievement Award
As a way to honor retired certified paraoptometrics, the Commission on Paraoptometric Certification has created a new award called "The Lifetime Achievement Award." This award will recognize those who are currently retired and who have served the profession of optometry by continually giving of themselves in areas of patient eye care, office management, mentoring colleagues and in service to the paraoptometric profession.
Nominations can be submitted by a state, regional or local paraoptometric organization, an AOA member doctor, an AOA associate member or a certified paraoptometric. Unlike the other paraoptometric awards, this award will be presented at a state association meeting.
Nomination forms, rules and criteria are available here. For additional information pertaining to this award, e-mail CPC@aoa.org or call 800.365.2219, ext. 4135.
