Prior to 1986, Honorary Life Fellowship was usually given to Academy Fellows who had contributed significantly to the Academy with years of service being a factor in the selection; on several occasions this award was given to individuals who were not optometrists and were not members of the Academy.

Bylaw amendments adopted in 1986 changed the name of this award to Honorary Fellowship and defined it as honoring individuals who are not Academy Fellows for distinguished contributions to the Academy and/or the science and art of optometry. Nominations are made to the Awards Committee by Academy members and are approved by the Board of Directors. At the same time, the distinction of Life Fellowship was created to provide recognition to those Fellows who through long-time membership in the Academy have rendered distinguished service to the science and art of optometry; the selection procedure is the same as for Honorary Fellowship. Both awards also constitute membership categories.

Past Honorary Fellowship Award Recipients

Since 1986 the following persons have been elected as Honorary Fellows:

Past Life Fellowship Award Recipients