Dr. Uduak Udom Distinguished Service Award
The Distinguished Service Award is given to an optometrist who has made an outstanding contribution over time to the achievement of WCO’s Vision and Mission. In 2019, it was decided to change the title to honour the legacy of the late Dr. Uduak Udom, Past President of WCO.
In order to achieve the WCO vision of a world where optometry makes high quality eye health and vision care accessible to all people, the mission is to facilitate the development of optometry around the world and support optometrists in promoting eye health and vision care as a human right through advocacy, education, policy development and humanitarian outreach.
Since the Award is only to be made from nominations of truly extraordinary contributions to optometry or eye care, it will not necessarily be awarded every year.
Winner | Country | Year |
Dr. Robert Chappell | UK | 2017 |
Prof. George Woo | Hong Kong | 2015 |
Prof. Brien Holden | South Africa | 2013 |
Dr. Antonio Joson, Jr | Philippines | 2007 |
Dr. Anthony Di Stefano | USA | 2006 |
Dr. Francis Kojovi Monrny | 2005 | |
Dr. William Baldwin | 2001 | |
Dr. Henry W Hofstetter | 1999 |
The International Optometrist Award
The International Optometrist Award recognizes an optometrist who has shown outstanding and extraordinary contributions and commitment to the development of the profession of optometry and vision care globally.
As this award is presented to individuals whose influence and involvement have made a significant impact to optometry and vision care on an international basis, it may not be awarded every year.
Winner | Country | Year |
Dr. Allan Jones | Canada | 2015 |
Prof. Shehzad Naroo | UK | 2015 |
Dr. Bina Patel | USA | 2015 |
Dr. Jillia Bird | Antigua | 2013 |
Dr. Hans Bjoern Bakketeig | Norway | 2012 |
Dr. Tom Little | USA | 2010 |
Mr. Ron Fyfe | New Zealand | 2008 |
Prof. Kovin Naidoo | South Africa | 2007 |
Dr. Jerry Vincent | USA | 2006 |
Dr. Paul Berman | USA | 2005 |
Dr. Scott Brisbin | Canada | 2004 |
Dr. Roland Eyime | Nigeria | 2003 |
Prof. Willard Bleything | 2002 | |
Dr. Tony Cullen | Canada | 2001 |
Prof. Dan Sheni | South Africa / Nigeria | 2000 |
Mr. Jose Collado | Spain | 1999 |
Dr. Irvin M Borish | USA | 1996 |
Dr. Damian Smith | Australia | 1995 |
Dr. G Burtt Holmes | USA | 1993 |
Mr. Brian Layland OAM | Australia | 1992 |
Mr. Bert Koopman | Netherlands | 1991 |
Prof. Henry Hofsletter | USA | 1990 |
Mr. Svein Hommenstad | Norway | 1989 |
Dr. Claro Cinco | Philippines | 1988 |
The Paul Berman Young Leader Award
The World Council of Optometry, in collaboration with the Lions Clubs International Foundation and the Special Olympics, Essilor International and the Brien Holden Vision Institute, presents the Paul Berman Young Leader Award.
The Award, presented in honour of the late Dr. Paul Berman, is given to a young optometrist who has made an outstanding contribution over time to the achievement of the WCO’s vision and mission and shows promising future leadership in world optometry.
Winner | Country | Year |
Ms. Priya Marjaria | UK | 2017 |
The Tribute Award to Outgoing Presidents
We thank our outgoing Presidents for their service and dedication to the optometric field.
Winner | Country | Year |
Dr. Scott Mundle | Canada | 2019 |
Dr. Uduak Udom | Nigeria | 2017 |
Dr. Susan Cooper | Canada | 2015 |
Ms. Tone Garaas-Maudalen | Norway | 2013 |
Prof. George Woo | Hong Kong | 2011 |
Dr. Robert Chappell | UK | 2009 |
Dr. Victor Connors | USA | 2007 |
Prof. D D Sheni | South Africa | 2006 |
Dr. Damien Smith | Australia | 2004 |
Dr. Scott Brisbin | Canada | 2002 |
Mr. Mangred Müller | Germany | 2000 |
Dr. Roland des Groseilliers | Canada | 1998 |