AOF News
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The American Optometric Foundation (AOF) was founded in 1947 for the “upholding, broadening, fostering, promoting and aiding of optometric education; the profession of optometry and its practitioners.” The guiding force behind the creation of the organization was William C. Ezell, O.D., of Spartanburg, South Carolina. Based in Rockville, MD, the AOF is a philanthropic organization devoted to the advancement of optometric education and research. AOF is proud to be an affiliate of the American Academy of Optometry (AAO).
Today, sources of support for the AOF include optometrists, corporations, other foundations, state associations, and private citizens interested in vision care. The AOF's record of achievement is a strong history of dedication to the improved visual welfare of the public.
Mission Statement
The AOF is a philanthropic organization that develops and provides financial support for optometric research and education in vision and eye health. The AOF is organized under Section 501(c)(3) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Service Code. The goals of the AOF are:
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To solicit, receive and invest grants, bequests, donations, and other funds for the purpose of upholding, broadening, fostering, and promoting optometric education and research in vision and eye health; |
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To provide fellowships at the graduate level to students planning a teaching and/or research career in vision and eye health; |
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To recognize and honor achievements which further the visual welfare of humanity; and |
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To foster inter-professional and intra-professional relations and representation with organizations and groups that share common goals. |
A Message from Catherine S. Amos, President 2010-2012
On Course - a year in review
Continuous giving by our supporters is the key to the AOF’s success. Year after year you have demonstrated your belief in the Foundation’s mission to provide financial support for optometric research and education. It’s amazing to see the individuals and corporate supporters that share the Foundation’s mission and consecutively invest in the future of optometry. We can all take pride in the broad base of support that has made possible AOF’s growth and its ability to fund outstanding talent in the form of scholarships and grants.
At the Foundation Celebration Luncheon, we will be introducing the 2011 Ezell Fellows. Ten years ago, we had no endowed fellowships, but now have seven. This allows us to use the money generated from investments to fund each annual fellowship thus assuring the Ezell will be perpetually available. The fifth class of Carl Zeiss Vision Fellows will be recognized again this year representing all schools and colleges of optometry in North America. We will also announce three new recipients of Essilor Optical Technology Grants at this year’s meeting. These along with the Vistakon scholarships, residency awards and research grants help to ensure the future of clinical education and research. We are looking forward to your attendance and introduction of these award recipients.
In addition to our award portfolio of over $400,000, another indicator of the of the Foundation’s fiscal health is its assets. It is exciting to announce that the AOF’s has passed the $3.5 million mark and is continuing to grow. This would not be possible without the support of the AAO Board who underwrites the Foundation’s staffing costs and has endowed an Ezell Fellowship. Secondly, Joseph Molinari, AOF Secretary/Treasurer, and the finance committee have spent many hours developing and implementing a new financial strategy that will serve the future needs of the Foundation. Last but not least, the AOF is privileged to have so many wonderful contributors that continue to support our goals and mission statement.
The Foundation Board will be working diligently to sustain and grow our award portfolio. I would like to thank Tony Adams for serving as AOF President the past 2 years and the ever competent Development Director, Mark Bullimore and Tracy Kitts, Foundation Coordinator, for their continuing efforts. These individuals have raised the bar and challenged each of us to invest in the future of optometry. Your 2010-2011 members of the Board of Directors are Kathy Dumbleton, President-Elect; Joe Molinari, Treasurer; Tony Adams, Joseph Barr, David Kirschen, Howard Purcell, Colleen Riley, Lois Schoenbrun, (Ex-Officio) and Mark Eger, AAO Board Liaison. They are the gateway to continued growth and ideas.
You too can support the Foundation in a variety of ways including pledges, biding on auction items as well as donation of lecture honoraria. We encourage you to browse through the website and learn more about the Foundation’s growing portfolio of programs and ways you can give back to the profession. Please drop by our AOF booth in the exhibit hall and explore your investment possibilities with the Foundation, bid on the Silent Auction items and fill out a pledge card. We invite each of you to invest further in the future of optometry and thank you again for your continued support. See you in Boston!
