American Optometric Foundation Announces 2007 AOF-Carl Zeiss Vision Fellows


The American Optometric Foundation has announced the inaugural class of AOF-Carl Zeiss Vision Fellows. The class consists of 19 optometry students, one selected from every college of optometry in Canada, Puerto Rico and the U.S.

Sponsored by Carl Zeiss Vision and administered by the AOF, the Fellowships honor outstanding achievement by third-year optometry students. Each Fellowship includes a $5,000 award for each of the Fellows, made directly to the financial aid office at the student’s college to offset the fourth year of optometric education.

“Carl Zeiss Vision has always stood for excellence in optics, and with this new program we are demonstrating that we also stand for excellence in the profession of optometry," said Dr. Mike Morris, Carl Zeiss Vision’s Senior Director, Professional Relations and Clinical Affairs. “This program is designed to identify and support the future leaders of the profession of optometry, by choosing students who have demonstrated the highest level of commitment to the profession.”

Each Fellow will also receive a travel grant to attend the American Academy of Optometry annual meetings in their fourth year of study and their first year after graduation. “We think it is important for the future leaders of our profession to be part of the Academy even while they are students,” said Morris. “I think that each of them will find it a very rewarding experience"

“The caliber of the AOF Carl Zeiss Vision Fellows is outstanding,” said AOF President Dr. Mark Bullimore. “The Foundation is delighted to be partnering with Carl Zeiss Vision to foster excellence, leadership and commitment to optometry.”

The 2007 AOF/Carl Zeiss Vision Fellows, and the schools they attend, are:

Amanda Bahr - University of Missouri-St. Louis College of Optometry
Noumia Clouthier-Gill - Université de Montréal Ecole d’Optométrie
Jennifer Qian Duan - SUNY State College of Optometry
Leanne M. Dudley- Pacific University College of Optometry
Andrew Emch - The Ohio State University College of Optometry
Elizabeth M. Garland - The New England College of Optometry
Tawny Kaeochinda - Southern California College of Optometry
Helen Kim - University of California-Berkeley School of Optometry
Ashley Zak Kimble - Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry
Enhui Ko - Indiana University School of Optometry
Juan Menjivar - University of Houston College of Optometry
Carmela Miranda - University of Waterloo School of Optometry
Kimberley Oncavage - Southern College of Optometry
Nana Yaw Owusu - Illinois College of Optometry
Sean Pitale - Inter-American University of Puerto Rico School of Optometry
Jody Eileen Simmons - University of Alabama-Birmingham School of Optometry
Michael A. Tommolino - Michigan College of Optometry
Christopher Wolfe - Northeastern State University College of Optometry
Richard Zimbalist - Pennsylvania College of Optometry

Summarizing the first year of the program, Morris said, "I'm really pleased with how well the process went. The American Optometric Foundation has been a great partner to work with, and the quality of the students is really impressive.”