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Academy 2024

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Drs. Debora Lee Chen and Stephen Chun.

Celebrating our community’s achievements and milestones!

Special Congratulations to our Academy Awardees

The American Academy of Optometry (AAO) hosted its annual Academy meeting this year in Indianapolis, Indiana between November 6-9, 2024. Drs. Debora Lee Chen and Stephen Chun both received Diplomate status (DAAO) at this year’s Academy meeting. Being a Diplomate of the American Academy of Optometry (AAO) signifies commitment to excellence in optometry, as it recognizes advanced knowledge and performance in a specialized area of optometric practice.

Dr. Chen received a diplomate in Binocular Vision, Perception and Pediatric Optometry, and Dr. Chun received a diplomate in Comprehensive Eyecare. Several Berkeley alums also became Fellows of the AAO (FAAO), including: Graham Chung, Yasmin Javed, Kathryn Johnson, Samuel Mainieri, and Celia Yeung.

Dr. Ruth Shoge was presented the 2024 Excellence in Diversity Awareness and Education Award by the American Academy of Optometry (AAO) for her outstanding contributions in these areas. The plaque reads “to acknowledge excellence in advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in optometry through innovation, education, and advocacy.” Congratulations to everyone!

In the Photos

1. Dean John Flanagan and Dr. Ruth Shoge.
2. Drs. Graham Chung and Yasmin Javed.
3. Drs. Celia Yeung and Samuel Mainieri.

Alumni and Friends Reception

The Development & Alumni Relations (DAR) team hosted its annual Alumni and Friends reception, which was a chance to say a community goodbye to Dean Flanagan and extend a warm welcome to our Dean designate, Dr. Sharon Bentley. The reception marked yet another instance of reflecting on our school’s impressive impact in the field and celebrating the continued success of our students, alumni, and faculty.


Dean John Flanagan and Dr. Sharon Bentley.

Young OD Reception

The DAR team also hosted a successful Young OD Reception at PunchBowl Social during Academy 2024. Over 70 young optometrists who had graduated in the last decade attended the event. The reception provided an opportunity for our Young ODs to reconnect with classmates and meet Dr. Bentley. The event was a great success, and the DAR team looks forward to hosting it again in Boston for the 2025 Academy!

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