Awards

Awards Criteria & Nomination Forms

Optometrist of the Year

2026

Chris Browning, OD
Indianapolis, IN

PREVIOUS WINNERS

President's Citation
Young OD of the Year

2026

Garrett Zgunda, OD
Muncie, IN

PREVIOUS WINNERS

Lifetime Achievement

2026

Steven Hitzeman, OD
Bloomington

PREVIOUS WINNERS

Meritorious Service

2026

Natalie DeCook, OD
Plainfield

PREVIOUS WINNERS

Marjorie J. Knotts
Key Legislative Person

2026

Nicole Albright, OD
Merrillville

PREVIOUS WINNERS

Outstanding Service
in the Public Interest

2026

Jolene Bracale, School Nursing Specialist for the Indiana Dept. of Education

PREVIOUS WINNERS

Dr. Jack W. Bennett
Humanitarian Award 

2022

Jeremy Caylor

PREVIOUS WINNERS

Optometric Educator
of the Year

2025

Susan Kovacich, OD
Bloomington

PREVIOUS WINNERS

Distinguished Service

2023

Jim Zieba
IOA Executive Director, 2005-2023

PREVIOUS WINNERS