At the recent California Optometric Association (COA) House of Delegates on February 20–21, 2026, our students, faculty, and alumni were recognized for their contributions to the profession. Ashley Robinson, our AOSA Trustee, received the George I. Deane Award, presented to one student from each school of optometry. Dr. Debora Lee Chen was honored as Educator of the Year. Four of the five Young OD of the Year awards were presented to Berkeley alumni: Sloan Rajadhyaksha (San Diego County Optometric Society), Karen Molina (San Francisco Optometric Society), Melissa Tawa (Orange County Optometric Society), and Angel Barajas (Inland Empire Optometric Society).
Our alumni and faculty continue to serve in influential leadership roles. Ece Turhal (alum), Karen Molina (faculty), and Alfred Vong (alum and faculty) currently serve as presidents of their respective local optometric societies. For 2026–27, Berkeley alumni will hold key positions on the COA Board, including Dr. Mika Moy as President-Elect, Brandon Friedman as Trustee, and Angel Barajas as newly elected Trustee. We are proud of their continued leadership and service. Congrats, everyone!