2025 Award Nominations are due by Friday, January 9th, 2026

Each year, the Michigan Optometric Association (MOA) Awards Committee selects individuals to receive awards who have made a significant contribution to either: the MOA, the profession of optometry, or the visual welfare of the public. 

Awardees are announced at our spring Great Lakes Eyecare Conference!

Optometrist of the Year

• This award recognizes an optometrist for their exceptional service to the profession, service on behalf of the visual welfare of the public, and service to the community at large.
  

Young Optometrist of the Year

• This award recognizes an optometrist who has been in practice less than 10 years (regardless of age) for their exceptional service tot he profession, service on behalf of the visual welfare of the public, and service to their community, state, or nation.

Roger R. Seelye Distinguished Service Award

• This award honors an optometrist or individual who has, over time, made a significant contribution to the welfare of the public and/or profession of optometry.

Keyperson Award

• This award recognizes an optometrist for their contributions to the MOA and the profession of optometry over their years of membership.

Educator of the Year

• This award recognizes a Michigan College of Optometry faculty member for outstanding performance of services on behalf of the profession and visual welfare of the public, optometric education, and service to the MOA or Local Society
• Nominations for Educator of the Year are received from MCO students only.

Student of the Year

• This award recognizes a current 4th-year student at the Michigan College of Optometry who has shown outstanding leadership and academic achievement.
• Nominations for Student of the Year are received from MCO faculty only.