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Awards Program

The POA Awards program provides the opportunity to honor colleagues and/or lay persons who have contributed in some unique way to the profession of optometry and/or the visual welfare of the public. The due date for nominations for Optometrist of the Year, Young Optometrist of the Year and William Van Essen Award by local societies is March 28.

Optometrist of the Year
Annually, societies may select one of their own to receive their society's Optometrist of the Year award, and submit the name to POA for the annual state Optometrist of the Year award. The state recipient is then nominated for the annual AOA Optometrist of the Year award. Click here for a list of previous recipients.

Young Optometrist of the Year
Annually, societies may select one of their own to receive their society's Young Optometrist of the Year award, and submit the name to POA for the annual state Young Optometrist of the Year award. This award is presented to an individual who has been in practice for 10 years or less. The state recipient is then nominated for the annual AOA Young Optometrist of the Year award. Click here for a list of previous recipients.

William Van Essen Award
Annually, societies may select a lay group and/or individual to receive their society's William Van Essen Award, and submit the name(s) to the POA for the annual state Van Essen Award. This award is instituted in memory of Dr. William Van Essen, who was instrumental in the licensing of the profession of optometry in Pennsylvania. Click here for a list of previous recipients.

George Gottschalk, Jr. Memorial Award
Presented annually to the outstanding committee chairperson as selected by POA Board of Directors. Click here for a list of previous recipients.

H. Ward Ewalt, O.D., Meritorious Service Award
The H. Ward Ewalt, O.D., Meritorious Service Award recognizes a POA member or an individual who has long-term dedication/service to POA and/or the optometry; whose life-long dedication and commitment to the profession is exemplary. While the criteria for this award is exemplary service to the profession and/or organized optometry, community service (which is not required) may also be recognized in addition to the aforementioned. This living legend award is limited to one winner in any given year, but does not have to be awarded each year. The award does not have to follow a recent contribution, although it may. The Award recipients will be selected by the Board of Directors. The Award will be presented at the discretion of the Board and in those years when the Award is given, it will be presented during the annual House of Delegates meeting. Click here for a list of previous recipients.

Merit Awards
Merit Awards may be given to optometrists or other individuals who through exceptional service have distinguished themselves in any given year. The award may also be given to individuals whose consistent service over the years warrants recognition. This award is not to compete with the George Gottschalk, Jr., Memorial Award or the OD/Young OD of the Year Awards, but rather recognizes contributions of an individual in any given year, or over several years, that deserve recognition from POA. There will be no limit to the number of awards given in any year, but these awards will not be bestowed frivolously. Nominations may be generated by the Board of Directors, Awards Committee and Local Societies with final decision by the Awards Committee. The timetable for this award will correspond with that of the OD of the Year, the Young OD of the Year, and William Van Essen awards presented annually by POA. Click here for a list of previous recipients.

Donald H. Evans, O.D. Award
Awarded annually by VCI to a PCO student in recognition of outstanding service to PCO, the visual welfare of the public and the community. Recipients are presented a $1,000 award and plaque. The award is named after Donald H. Evans, O.D., a long-time member and past executive director of POA. Dr. Evans is highly committed to organized optometry and the visual welfare of the public, with a special interest in legislative issues. Click here for a list of previous recipients.

Membership Recognition Awards
Awarded annually to POA members recognizing long and faithful support of their professional association. Certificates are presented to members with 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45 and 50 years of membership. Gifts are also given to those members with 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45 and 50 years of membership.

Society Membership Recruitment Awards
Awarded annually to the affiliated local society which achieves:

highest number of new members from January 1st thru October 31
highest percentage of membership increase from January 1st thru October 31