Eye on Impact Awards
Honoring Leadership, Service, and Impact
The Eye on Impact Awards celebrate the individuals, educators, advocates, and leaders whose dedication, service, and achievements have helped advance the opticianry profession. These awards recognize excellence in leadership, education, advocacy, and professional impact, honoring those whose contributions continue to strengthen our industry and inspire the next generation of opticians.
Each award reflects UOA’s commitment to recognizing outstanding contributions that help shape the future of opticianry. To preserve the distinction of each honor, awards are presented only when a nomination reflects exceptional merit and impact.
State Leader of the Year
The State Leader of the Year Award honors an optician who has demonstrated exceptional commitment to advancing opticianry through sustained leadership at the state level.
Eligibility Criteria
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Involved in state leadership, past or present
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Attended a minimum of two UOA State Leadership Conferences
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Actively promoted the advancement of opticianry within their state or other states
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Holds current ABO or NCLE certification, and holds current licensure/registration per the regulations of the individual's state of practice.
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Member of a State Association for at least five consecutive years
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Current UOA member
Nomination Process
UOA Members in good standing are encouraged to nominate candidates for the State Leader of the Year Award when nominations open.
Pictured: Lisa Bourke, 2025 State Leader of the Year Award winner with Sandy Brown, 2026 winner.
Student to Leadership Award
The Student to Leadership Award recognizes a former Student to Leadership participant who has translated early involvement into meaningful professional and association impact.
Eligibility Criteria
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Former Student to Leadership participant
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Has made a significant impact within five years of completing the program
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Actively involved with their State Association
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Current member of their State Association
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Current UOA member
Nomination Process
Nominations for this award are reviewed and selected through an internal committee process.
Pictured: Keenan Anderson, Naomi Schuman, and Madison Gagne award recipients in 2025.
Rising Star Award
The Rising Star Award recognizes an emerging optician who demonstrates exceptional promise and leadership potential early in their career.
Eligibility Criteria
A Rising Star is an optician who exemplifies:
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Rapid professional growth
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Commitment to continuing education
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Outstanding patient care
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Leadership potential
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Meaningful contributions to their workplace and the profession
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Holds current ABO or NCLE certification,and holds current licensure/registration per the regulations of the individual's state of practice.
Nomination Process
UOA Members in good standing are encouraged to nominate candidates for the Rising Star Award when nominations open.
Pictured: Heather Branderhorst, 2026 Rising Star Award Winner
Hall of Fame Award
The Hall of Fame Award honors individuals whose lifetime achievements have significantly shaped the profession of opticianry.
Recipients are selected through an internal review process conducted by a committee of previous Hall of Fame honorees. This award is reserved for exceptional circumstances and will be granted only in years when a deserving honoree is identified.
Pictured: Bob Reynolds, Hall of Fame Award Winner inducted in 2025
Formal Educator of the Year
The Formal Educator of the Year Award honors excellence in opticianry education and sustained commitment to advancing the profession through teaching, service, and leadership.
Eligibility Criteria
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Current faculty member at a COA accredited college or program that is also a UOA member school
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Minimum of five years of service
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Holds opticianry credentials required by their state of residence, in accordance with COA Essentials
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Holds current ABO or NCLE certification, and holds current licensure/registration per the regulations of the individual's state of practice.
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UOA member in good standing
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Currently serving or has served UOA, ABO‑NCLE, or COA as a board director or committee chair
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Demonstrates a commitment to advancing opticianry through educational initiatives or service
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Nomination must include a written statement outlining qualification and rationale
Nomination Process
Nominations are submitted by full-time or part‑time faculty of a UOA member program, with the nomination process communicated directly to UOA member schools.
Pictured: Mary Seguiti, Educator of the Year Award Winner in 2026
