Optometry Cares - The AOA Foundation

05/28/2026

Some of the first students of the Pennsylvania State College of Optometry which eventually became the Pennsylvania College of Optometry in 1964, were quite well-rounded and talented individuals. Their extracurricular activities ranged from a variety of fraternities to a competitive basketball team to a melodious orchestra as depicted in the 1923 yearbook, The Iris.

"Among the many pleasant features in the College, aside from the study of mathematics and theoretic optics, was the school orchestra. For a small institution we were fortunate to have among us so many talented musicians."

Photo and quote courtesy of the Pennsylvania College of Optometry Archives.

04/23/2026

The AOA Conference of State Association Presidents, Professional Advancement Program on October 25th, 1942 in Detroit Michigan. Topics discussed at this specially called meeting included the shortage of optometry students, need for government recognition, improved ethical standards, more representative membership, and the profession's role.

04/17/2026

What an Oklahoma practice was able to obtain with a grant from Optometry’s Fund for Disaster Relief after a tornado.

04/02/2026

Refractometry is the measurement of how light bends as it passes through different mediums, in our case the eye. This is a De Zeng refractometer. It was considered state of the art in the early 1900’s and was used to estimate the total refractive error and astigmatism. This one was designed in the early 1900’s by Henry Lawerence De Zeng (1866-1929). He graduated from Hobart College and invented several ophthalmological and otolaryngological instruments.

He established the De Zeng Standard Co. in 1906. This model was made by the Cataract Optical Company in Buffalo, New York. At the time, it was advertised as “a scientific apparatus of the highest order of optical and mechanical art.”

03/23/2026

*DEADLINE EXTENDED* The Optometric Historical Society invites all optometry students and residents to submit an entry about an influential person, event, or development in Optometry History in any form of media. The top three finalists will present during an hour-long Blast from the Past education event that will take place during Optometry's Meeting.

Apply by April 6: aoafoundation.org/our-programs/optometric-historical-society/blast-from-the-past-challenge

03/04/2026

The Optometric Historical Society invites all optometry students and residents to submit an entry about an influential person, event, or development in Optometry History in any form of media. The top three finalists will present during an hour-long Blast from the Past education event that will take place during Optometry's Meeting.

Apply by March 23: aoafoundation.org/our-programs/optometric-historical-society/blast-from-the-past-challenge

02/27/2026

Check out our 2026 AOA Foundation Student Scholarship Winners!

Thank you to the Silhouette Group and the Galina Family for supporting our scholarship program!

St. Louis, MO — February 26, 2026 — The AOA Foundation is proud to announce the recipients of its 2026 student scholarships, including the inaugural Silhouette Scholarship award in partnership with The Silhouette Group. These scholarships recognize outstanding optometry students who demonstrate ...

02/26/2026

The AOA's Archives and Museum of Optometry has many treasures in its collection. In the 1950s and 1960s, these framed promotional art posters could be found hanging in optometry offices. Bausch + Lomb likely provided these to their doctor clients. A small sample of these reproductions are presented here covering various vision related topics.

02/10/2026

Supported by the Optometric Historical Society, the AOA+ Blast from the Past Challenge is an education event where 3 student/resident finalists will present on a topic they are passionate about in optometric history and compete for cash prizes based on audience vote. The Optometric Historical Society invites all optometry students and residents to submit an entry about an influential person, event, or development in Optometry History in any form of media. The Blast from the Past application is open until March 23. The top three finalists will present during an hour-long Blast from the Past education event that will take place during Optometry's Meeting.

02/03/2026

Dr. W. David Sullins, Jr. InfantSEE Award