The Optical Foundation

11/06/2026

This is a call for nominations for candidates for The Optical Foundation Early Career Award for Outstanding Contributions in the Field of Optometry 2026 Award.

This annual award will be presented to an individual less than 6 years post-graduation who has made a significant contribution to the practice and development of optometry and/or the visual enhancement of the public.

Nominations for candidates need to be submitted to The Optical Foundation Advisory Committee no later than July 31st, 2026 12:00 GMT.

Refer to the website for more information and requirements for nominations. https://www.theopticalfoundation.com/early-career-award

2026 The Optical Foundation Early Career Award We are accepting candidates nominations for The Optical Foundation Early Career Award for Outstanding Contributions in the Field of Optometry Award. This annual award is presented to an individual less than 6 years post-graduation who has made a signif...

08/03/2026

Happy International Women’s Day 2026!
Today we celebrate the incredible women who shape our communities, professions, and future.

On International Women’s Day, The Optical Foundation recognises the strength, leadership, and dedication of women everywhere. From healthcare and education to science, business, and community life, women continue to make a lasting difference.

Today we not only honour the achievements of women everywhere and celebrate the positive change they inspire, we also commit to stand for “Rights, Justice & Action for ALL Women and Girls.” Because when women and girls have equal opportunities to realise their potential, it not only honours their inherent dignity and rights, but strengthens our professions, enriches our communities, and advances a more just and flourishing society for all.

# optometry

17/02/2026

We are deeply honoured to celebrate Dr. Erich Bauman , OD, MBA, MAR, FAAO, whose generous commitment as mentor for our 2024 Early Career Award exemplifies the spirit of excellence and service that defines optometry at its best.

Dr. Bauman brings an extraordinary wealth of experience to this mentorship—over 35 years spanning clinical practice, groundbreaking research and development, and global leadership in the contact lens industry. From leading the development of innovative products like DAILIES TOTAL1® and PRECISION1® to holding pivotal roles across clinical, regulatory, marketing, and commercial domains, his career reflects a rare combination of technical expertise and strategic vision.

For our 2024 award recipient, Dr. Samson Darrah, this mentorship represents an invaluable opportunity. Under Dr. Bauman's guidance, Dr. Darrah gained access to insights that bridge the gap between clinical excellence and industry innovation—learning not just the science of optometry, but the art of leadership, the importance of cross-functional collaboration, and the strategic thinking that drives the profession forward.

Dr. Bauman's commitment to nurturing the next generation ensures that young leaders like Dr. Darrah are equipped to elevate the standards of optometry globally. This mentorship will ripple into the future, strengthening patient care, advancing research, and inspiring others to pursue excellence with both technical skill and genuine care for the communities they serve.

To prospective mentors: Dr. Bauman's example shows us that sharing your experience is one of the most powerful ways to shape the future of our profession. We invite you to consider becoming a mentor for future TOF Early Career Award recipients and help us build a legacy of excellence together.

Caro Kunnen, Samson Darrah, Daudi Mohammed-Ameen, Young Hyun Kim, Nutifafa Anuwa Amarh, Simone J. Stad, Fayiz Mahgoub

02/12/2025

This Giving Tuesday, help us bring vision to life!
Millions of people around the world lack access to basic eye care, leaving children unable to
learn and adults unable to work to their full potential. At The Optical Foundation, we
believe that clear sight changes lives.
Your donation today helps us support sustainable eye-care programs that create lasting
impact.
Donate now and be part of a brighter future: https://www.theopticalfoundation.com/donate

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08/03/2025

Celebrating the Power of Vision and Women Leading Change!

This International Women’s Day 2025, The Optical Foundation is proud to honour the incredible women who are reshaping the future of eye care around the globe. Women like Dr. Philipa Asantewaa Larbi, recipient of the 2023 TOF Early Career Award, who are breaking barriers, inspiring generations, and delivering transformative eye health services to communities in need.

Through accelerate action we believe that empowering women is key to creating sustainable change. When women thrive, entire communities benefit—education flourishes, healthcare improves, and vision care reaches those who need it most. From Africa to Asia and beyond, women are leading the charge in eradicating preventable blindness and improving lives through sight.

At TOF, we are committed to fostering a world where more women step into leadership roles, innovate in eye health, and mentor the next generation of change makers. Together, with our remarkable partners, we are lighting the path to a future where every woman has the vision, the power, and the opportunity to succeed.

This International Women’s Day, let’s celebrate the strength, resilience, and brilliance of women who see beyond limits and work every day to ensure that sight is a right, not a privilege.