New AAO FELLOWS AND DIPLOMATES announced

AMERICAN ACADEMY OF OPTOMETRY announces 2023 NEW FELLOWS AND DIPLOMATES 

The American Academy of Optometry recently hosted Academy 2023 New Orleans from October 11-14, 2023, in New Orleans, Louisiana. During the organization’s annual meeting, the Academy welcomed 257 new Fellows to its ranks.

Along with this strong showing of new Fellows, 12 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, nine 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; Optometric Education; Public Health & Environmental Vision; and Vision Science.

Below is a complete list of new Fellows and Diplomates. More information on becoming a Fellow or Diplomate can be found on the Academy’s website under Membership. 

2023 Diplomates 

Heather A. Anderson, OD, PhD, FAAO 

Research Diplomate, Binocular Vision, Perception & Pediatric Optometry

Hashim Ali Khan, OD, FAAO 

Diplomate, Comprehensive Eye Care

Caryn La Buda, OD, FAAO 

Diplomate, Comprehensive Eye Care

Leslie Wilderson, OD, FAAO 

Diplomate, Comprehensive Eye Care

Roxanne Achong-Coan, OD, FAAO 

Clinical Diplomate, Cornea, Contact Lenses & Refractive Technologies

Jennifer Swingle Fogt, OD, MS, FAAO 

Clinical Diplomate, Cornea, Contact Lenses & Refractive Technologies

Jennifer S. Harthan, OD, FSLS, FAAO 

Clinical Diplomate, Cornea, Contact Lenses & Refractive Technologies

Pablo De Gracia, OD, PhD, FAAO 

Research Diplomate, Cornea, Contact Lenses & Refractive Technologies

Erin M. Kenny, OD, FAAO 

Diplomate, Low Vision

Marc B. Taub, OD, MS, EdD, FAAO 

Diplomate, Optometric Education

Dr. N. Anuradha 

Diplomate, Public Health & Environmental Vision

Dr. Prema K. Chande 

Diplomate, Public Health & Environmental Vision

A full list of new Fellows can be found on the AAO website