The European Academy of Optometry and Optics

8 May 2011

The first ever fellowships were awarded at the Academy Annual Conference in Prague, 6-8 May 2011, following the pilot of the Academy’s new Fellowship programme.

The fellowship programme was designed to create an attractive, flexible route to achieving fellowship, an important award which can help to advance the profession.

EAOO Fellows 2011 (from left to right): Dr Cornelis Anton Verezen, Karen Sparrow, Dr Jeffrey Weaver, Dr Feike Grit, Dr Heiko Pult, Bryony Pawinska, Helmer Schweizer, David Berkow (copyright - European Academy 2011).

Fellowships by assessment of portfolios were awarded to:

• David Berkow – in recognition of his work as an individual practitioner, to raise the profile and profession of optometry in a country that is still working towards the establishment of a recognised and established profession.
• Bryony Pawinska – in recognition of the important role Bryony has played in the development of both the European Academy and the optometric profession.
• Dr Heiko Pult – in recognition of his extensive work combining research, science, teaching and clinical practice, raising the standards of clinical care for patients.
• Helmer Schweizer – for excellence and innovation in the fields of optometric research, education and the management of visual healthcare
• Karen Sparrow - in recognition of Karen’s major contribution to Vision Aid Overseas at administrative, clinical leadership and strategic levels and for her work to enhance the delivery and quality of optometric care in the UK and overseas.
• Dr Cornelis Anton Verezen – in recognition of a life-long commitment to expanding the role of theoptometrist in the important area of low vision.
• Dr Jeffrey Weaver – for demonstrating a wide scope of influence in the field of optometry, both nationally and internationally

Life Fellowship was also awarded to Dr Feike Grit, in recognition of his vision of the development of the European Academy of Optometry and Optics.

The fellowship programme will be formally launched following the conference.