Nominations are sought by the World Council of Optometry (WCO) for two international awards that recognise the contribution of optometrists around the world to global eye and vision care.
The Distinguished Service Award is WCO’s highest honour, and is awarded to an optometrist who has made an outstanding contribution to the achievement of WCO’s vision and mission to create a world where high quality eye health and vision care is accessible to all.
Past winners include Dr. Antonio Joson Jr, Philippines (2007), and Anthony Di Stefano, USA (2006).
The International Optometrist Award (previously known as the International Optometrist of the Year Award) is given to an optometrist who has made an outstanding contribution to the development of the profession worldwide.
In August 2010 the award was awarded posthumously to Dr. Tom Little, who was killed in August 2010 while leading a humanitarian health mission in Afghanistan, and Norwegian optometrist Hans Bjoern Bakketeig for his contribution to ‘Help Moldova’, a project which trains eye care professionals in the country to ensure quality care and support for those who are blind or partially sighted.
WCO President, Tone Garaas-Maurdalen said the awards are a “wonderful way to recognise and celebrate the achievements of individuals who are improving eye and vision care around the world.
“There are many optometrists who make an outstanding contribution to the profession, and I urge our members to recognise their commitment by nominating them for these awards,” she added.
Nominations can be made online at www.worldoptometry.org/awards and must be received by 1 October 2012.
Recipients will be announced at the WCO General Delegates’ Meeting in Malaga, Spain, in April 2013.
Editor’s Note: There are so many outstanding optometrists from Australia and New Zealand who should be nominated for these awards. We encourage everyone working in eye care to nominate an optometrist who you believe has “made an outstanding contribution to the development of the profession worldwide”.
