AFOS & SECO 2025 Virtual Fall Recap

FALL 2025
MEETING RECAP
September 10-14, 2025
San Antonio, TX

2025-2026 AFOS Board of Trustees
Welcome from President Dr. Adam Preston
President
President-elect
Vice President
Secretary-
Treasurer
Immediate
Past President
Dr. Adam
Preston
OD, FAAO (Navy)
Dr. Sara
Bustamante
OD, FAAO (Navy)
Dr. Brian
Williams
OD, FAAO (VA)
Dr. Kimberly
Woideck
OD, Dipl. ABO (Air Force)
Dr. Meghan
Elkins
OD, FAAO, Dipl. ABO (VA)
Trustee Members
Michelle Aaron, OD, PhD (Ret. Air Force)
Paul Brown, OD, FAAO (Air Force)
Randy Cox, OD, FAAO (IHS)
Hanna Fylpaa, OD, FAAO (PHS/IHS)
Jacqueline Hallauer, OD, FAAO (VA)
Kevin Hoang, OD, FAAO (Navy)
Craig Jensen, OD, FAAO (Air Force)
Micah Kinney, OD, PhD, FAAO (Navy)
Aric Lyons (OD Candidate UAB class of 2027)
Marcelo Moya, OD, FAAO (Army)
Jenae Thomas, OD, FAAO (Army)
Jeanette Varanelli OD, FAAO, Dipl. ABO, ABCMO (VA)
Executive Director: H. Lindsay Wright, OD
What an incredible first-ever AFOS/SECO Fall Event! Thank you for being in San Antonio to make history with
us. Your energy, engagement, and passion for federal service optometry set the tone for an amazing tradition we’ve
just begun.
A very special thank you goes to our outstanding sponsors — your support makes it possible to keep registration
costs low and bring high-quality education to our members year after year. And of course, a huge thank you to
SECO, our amazing partner in education. Your commitment to collaboration allows us to deliver one-of-a-kind
programming that strengthens our profession.
And the excitement doesn’t stop here! Mark your calendars for our next big gathering:
AFOS/SECO 2026 — February 23–March 1, 2026, Atlanta, GA
We’re bringing you the very best of AFOS and SECO together — over 55 hours of COPE-accredited continuing
education, leadership sessions, networking, and the chance to recharge with colleagues from across the country.
We’ll kick things off with AFOS programming on Monday and Tuesday, then roll right into SECO’s world-class
event through the weekend. And yes — we’ll be back at the beautiful Ritz-Carlton Atlanta with our governmentrate
room block.
But that’s not all…
We’re already planning our next AFOS/SECO Fall Meeting in September 2026 in Las Vegas! You won’t want to
miss it — more education, more connection, and more AFOS fun in a brand-new destination.
Thank you again for making this inaugural fall meeting unforgettable. Together, with the support of our sponsors
and in partnership with SECO, we’re building momentum, shaping the future of our profession, and proving once
again that AFOS is where service doctors of optometry come together, grow stronger, and celebrate big wins.
See you in Atlanta… and then Vegas!
Dr. Adam Preston
AFOS President

Fun Events
Riverboat on
the RiverwalK

2025 Longevity Awards
AFOS likes to recognize our members that have
reached milestones in their membership!
AFOS is happy to
celebrate our New Members!
President, Dr. Adam Preston, and Membership Committee Co-Chair,
Dr. Kimberly Darke, presented our members with their certificates.
15 years of membership with AFOS
Dr. Adam Preston ~ AFOS President
25 years of membership with AFOS
Dr. Andrew Archila (not pictured)
Dr. Michelle Simmons
James Copeland
Dr. Janelle Gardner
Madison Knapp
Dr. Gabrielle Posz
Dr. Traci-Lin Goddin
Dr. Mary Edwards
Dr. Sarvitree Sukaromya (not pictured)
30 years of membership with AFOS
Dr. Adrienne Ari, Dr. James Elledge & Dr. Annette Williamson
5 years of membership with AFOS
Dr. Kimberly Woideck, Dr. Randy Cox, Dr. Craig Jensen & Dr. Alex Garcia-Morales
Col Annette Williamson, USAF (Ret.),
joined by her fellow Airmen.

2025 Longevity Awards
35 years of membership with AFOS
Dr. TJ Lantz
AFOS recognized our AOA members that were in attendance that have met milestones.
AOA issues plaques only for 25 and 50 years none the less we like to still applaud them for
their continued support.
10 year ~ Dr. Francis Parr
20 year ~Dr. Meghan Elkins
25 year ~ Dr. James Elledge
35 year ~ Dr. Don McDuffie
45 years of membership with AFOS
Dr. James Colgain
Lastly, AFOS likes to recognize our members that are in attendance that have made personal
contributions to AOA PAC to help fight for our profession. 5 of us will be on the Hill in DC this
month advocating for federal service optometrists with legislators and VSOs.
55 years of membership with AFOS
Dr. Timothy Allen
We were very fortunate to have one of our AFOS
Founding Members attend the AFOS SECO San
Antonio meeting. Dr. Timothy Allen is a graduate
of the Southern College of Optometry and a retired
Colonel from the US Army. He is retired in San
Antonio with his lovely wife, Mary. We thank him
for his 55 years of membership and support!
Dr. Greg Smith
Dr. Jason Hales
Dr. Howard McAlister
Dr. Kimberly Woideck
Dr. Kimberly Darke
Dr. Meghan Elkins
Dr. Marrie Read
Dr. Sara Bustamante
Dr. Lindsay Wright
Dr. Michelle Aaron
Dr. Adam Preston

AFOS Patriot Sponsor, Atlas Ocular, presented
a hands-on workshop “Get to Know: Amniotic
Membranes. Practical Applications of Amniotic
Membranes” by Dr. Elena Carter.
The amniotic membrane workshop introduced attendees to the clinical use of amniotic
membrane therapy for ocular surface disease. They learned about who would benefit, insertion
techniques, post-procedure care, plus demonstrated on eachother with guided practice.

Fun Events
The Alamo
Thanks to Hoya Vision Care for sponsoring this
fantastic event at the historic Alamo!

Big Thanks to our
Sponsors for the 2025
AFOS SECO Fall Meeting!
Huge thank you to the Patriot
Sponsors present: Atlas
Ocular, VSP Vision Care,
and Essilor Luxottica in
attendance at our meeting.
Thanks to our longest
sponsor - Marco!
They have supported
supported AFOS for
more than 40 years!
Patriot Sponsor Johnson & Johnson have been valued supporters of
federal service optometry for many years! Mr. Chad Hoisek kicked
off the annual awards presentation expressing his gratitude and
appreciation for those being awarded.
Thanks to the Diamond Sponsors
in attendance all the way to the
end: Topcon and Haag Streit.

Poster Session
Proud of the 8 presenters at our first AFOS Poster Session at AFOS SECO Fall 2025 meeting.
These ODs presented their unique case reports during this interactive session. Looking
forward to continuing this tradition and highlighting our great AFOS members in 2026.
GARBRIELLE POSZ, OD
(RESIDENT, BROOKE ARMY MEDICAL CENTER,
US ARMY)
LAUREN OLMSTEAD, OD
(RESIDENT, WOMACK ARMY MEDICAL
CENTER, US ARMY)
MEGAN M. WATTERS, OD, MHA, FAAO
(US ARMY)
SARAH MCNALLY, OD
(RESIDENT, UIWRSO)
MICHELLE AARON, OD, PHD, FAAO
(UIWRSO; COL (ret.), USAF)
MARELDA PENA, OD
(RESIDENT UIWRSO)
SONG “TONY” A. PARK, OD, FAAO
(US ARMY)
VIBHUTI PATEL, OD
(RESIDENT UIWRSO)

2025 Annual Awards
Dr. Ann Rudick, Chair of the Awards Committee,
presented the Service-Specific Awards.
Air Force OD of the Year
Lt Col Peter Carra
Dr. Peter Carra is a steadfast AFOS and AOA member. He is a distinguished
federal service optometrist and proven leader whose tireless service,
spanning his school, church, military, and humanitarian endeavors, along
with his leadership and visionary impact reflects unwavering dedication to
excellence. Over his federal career, he has led seven optometry clinics in
addition to audiology, health promotions, flight medicine, physical therapy
and occupational therapy clinics. He has also served special assignments
as the COVID-19 Task Force Commander for the 1st Special Operation
Medical Group, White House Optometrist for two presidents, Biomedical
Sciences Corps Chief and executive officer for the 79th Medical Wing as
well as the Air Force District of Washington Surgeon General. The distinctive
accomplishments of Lieutenant Colonel Carra reflect great credit upon
himself and the United States Air Force.
Dr. Carra was unable to attend this event, Col Darren Rhoton, accepted
this award on his behalf.
Air Force Junior OD of the Year
Major Craig Jensen
Dr. Craig B. Jensen is currently assigned as the sole Active Duty
optometrist at Aviano Air Base, Italy. He provides specialized eye care for
8,400 DoD/VA eligible beneficiaries including 4,000 active duty and civilian
personnel spanning over 30 squadrons and 3 geographically separated
units. He is a fellow of the American Academy of Optometry. Maj Jensen is
also the active duty liaison to all United States Air Force civilian optometric
personnel.
Dr. Jensen was born and raised in northern Nevada. He initially attended
Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah and later finished his undergraduate
education at Dixie State University in St. George, Utah. He has called St.
George home ever since attending school there. He then attended the
School of Optometry at Inter-American University of Puerto Rico, where
he received his Doctorate of Optometry degree. Dr. Jensen has also lived
in Brazil. Because of his time in Brazil and Puerto Rico, Dr. Jensen has
become fluent in both Portuguese and Spanish and is now working on
Italian. He is happily married and he and his wife have two wonderful
children. Dr. Jensen is also a wilderness medicine enthusiast and in his free
time he enjoys exploring the outdoors.
Army Junior OD of the Year
MAJ Thomas Heinen
Dr. Thomas Heinen, a proud Wisconsinite, serves as Deputy Director and
Army Service Lead for the U.S. Army/Air Force Ophthalmic Technician
Course at Joint Base San Antonio, Fort Sam Houston, Texas. A graduate
of the University of Arizona and the Arizona College of Optometry, he met
his wife, Lisa, during undergraduate studies, and they are proud parents
of twins Parker and Peyton, and their daughter, Kennedy. Hand-selected
by the Army Optometry Consultant to the Surgeon General, Major Heinen
achieved a 100% academic pass rate for over 200 students, secured 10
college credit hours for each graduate, and grew the 68Y Eye Specialist
MOS from under 45% to over 90% manned in just two years. A fellow
of the American Academy of Optometry, he developed the Operational
Ocular Trauma Course at Fort Sam Houston, equipping peers with critical
battlefield eye care skills. As past President of the Alamo Tri-Service
Optometric Society and current Army Curriculum Representative for the
annual Ocular Trauma Surgical Lab at the Uniformed Services University,
he continues to advance military optometry. Major Heinen is grateful for
the leaders who shaped him as a Soldier and humbly accepts this award.

Army OD of the Year
LTC Chris Alferez
Dr. Christopher Alferez is the Commander for the Medical Readiness
Battalion at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center. He received his Bachelor
of Science Degree in Anthropology from the University of California, Davis.
He received his Doctorate of Optometry Degree (Cum Laude) from Southern
California College of Optometry. He received his Master’s Degree in Health
Professions Education (MHPE) from Uniformed Services University of the
Health Sciences. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry
and the Scleral Lens Education Society.
His assignments include: Chief, Department of Optometry, Carl R. Darnall
Army Medical Center, Ft. Hood, TX; Optometry Residency and Externship
Program Director, Brooke Army Medical Center, Ft. Sam Houston, TX; Chief of Optometry, BG Crawford F.
Sams Army Health Clinic, Camp Zama, Japan; Commander, 554th Medical Detachment (Optometry), Ft. Hood,
TX; Optometry Clinic Officer in Charge, CPT Jennifer Moreno Clinic, Ft. Sam Houston, TX; Resident, Primary
Care Optometry, Brooke Army Medical Center, Ft. Sam Houston, TX.
Lieutenant Colonel Alferez’s previous awards include the AFOS Junior Optometrist of the Year award, the Military
Health Services Allied Health Leadership Excellence Award, the U.S. Army Medical Department’s Iron Major,
and the San Antonio Uniformed Services Health Education Consortium Graduate Allied Health Outstanding
Program Director award.
Lieutenant Colonel Alferez is married to his wonderful wife, Stacey, and they are blessed with three children:
Lucas, Dylan, and Isabella.
Navy Junior OD of the Year
LT Sherry Sandri
Dr. Sandri serves as Aerospace Optometrist #41 at Navy Medical
Readiness and Training Unit (NMRTU) North Island, San Diego, where she
has rapidly distinguished herself through visionary leadership and tangible
community impact. In 2024, she personally arranged and volunteered for
a one-month deployment aboard the USS Carl Vinson, delivering essential
vision care to over 5,000 sailors who otherwise faced extended delays due
to pre-deployment operations. As the clinic’s Ancillary Services Division
Officer, LT Sandri collaborated across departments to launch a “Flight
Physical in a Day” program—streamlining aircrew clearances, maximizing
warfighter availability, and earning formal commendation from Vice Admiral
Daniel Cheever, Commander of Naval Air Forces and recognized in an
article published on the Defense Visual Information Distribution Service (DVIDS). Also at her current assignment,
Lieutenant Sandri enjoys supervising fourth-year optometry externs, sits on the network’s resident- selection
board, and trains flight surgeons and corpsmen in ocular emergency management under austere conditions.
Her professional credentials are equally impressive. In 2022 she earned Fellowship in the American Academy
of Optometry and she completed the rigorous nine-month aerospace- medicine and flight-training course in
Pensacola, FL. As an optometry student, she served her optometry class as president, managed studentgovernment
finances as treasurer, and promoted future practitioners as SVOSH public-relations officer.
Navy OD of the Year
CDR Megan Rieman
Dr. Rieman is a native of Elma, NY. She graduated from the University
at Buffalo in 2002 with baccalaureates in Chemistry and Biochemical
Pharmacology and earned a Doctor of Optometry degree in 2006 from the
Illinois College of Optometry. In 2015, she received an Executive Master
of Business Administration degree from the Naval Postgraduate School.
CDR Rieman’s first assignment in August 2006 was Branch Medical Clinic
NS Norfolk, VA as a staff optometrist. During her tenure there she was
deployed on the USS Boxer and USS Kearsarge in support of Operation
Continuing Promise 2008. In July 2009 she reported to Naval Aerospace
Medical Institute where she completed training to be designated as
Aerospace Optometrist #22. Subsequently, she arrived at Branch Medical
Clinic Jacksonville, FL in February 2010 to serve as the aerospace
optometrist for both NAS Jacksonville and NS Mayport while concurrently leading as Medical Administration
Department Head. From February 2013 to 2016, CDR Rieman led the Naval Health Clinic Hawaii Optometry
Department while also championing patient advocacy as the Command Customer Relations Officer. In February
2016, CDR Rieman arrived at Naval Health Clinic New England as the Department Head of Optometry, Medical
Readiness, Aviation Medicine and Deployment Health. In January 2017, she was selected for Director for
Public Health, serving in this position until July 2019. In August 2019, CDR Rieman reported to U.S. NMRTC,
Naples, Italy, the largest naval hospital in Europe with branches in Italy and Germany, where she served as
the Director for Clinical Support Services and Department Head of Optometry for three years. In October
2022, CDR Rieman reported to Navy Medicine Operational Training Command where she currently serves
as Command Medical Executive Committee Chair and Director, Physical Exams at Naval Aerospace Medical
Institute. Additionally, she is currently an Assistant Specialty Leader for the Navy Optometry community.
PHS/IHS Junior OD of the Year
LCDR Matt Geiger
Dr. Matt Geiger serves as Chief of Optometry at
the Haskell Indian Health Service and is a Commissioned Officer in the
United States Public Health Service (USPHS). Inspired by a USPHS
optometrist who performed his first eye exam in the fourth grade, Dr.
Geiger has dedicated his career to advancing eye care access and quality
for underserved populations. Under his leadership, Haskell’s eye clinic has
tripled patient visits and acquired state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment
equipment. He serves as an optometric consultant to the IHS National
Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee, editor of the bi-annual PHS/IHS
Eye Care Notes and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry.
He was selected as Chair of the Optometry Professional Advisory Group
(OPAG) in 2024 for the USPHS. Beyond his clinical and leadership roles, Dr.
Geiger has deployed on two Remote Area Medical missions and one Innovative Readiness Training deployment,
extending vision care to communities in need.
Dr. Geiger couldn’t attend the event; however, Dr. Greg Smith accepted on his behalf.
Dr. Sandri was unable to attend this event due to being deployed in the Pacific. CAPT Robert Senko accepted
this award on her behalf.

IHS OD of the Year
Dr. Gregory Black
Dr. Black attended Indiana University School of Optometry with the highlights
being: meeting his future wife, Julie Tyler, OD, and a six-month externship
at University of Miami Bascom Palmer Eye Institute. Dr. Black and Dr. Tyler
both completed Nova Southeastern College of Optometry’s primary care
residency. After working as an adjunct professor for five years, Dr. Black
accepted a position leading the Broward Clinic of Nova Southeastern
University, a position formerly held by Dr. Chuck Jaworski. In addition to
being responsible for 4th year interns and patient care, Dr. Black’s areas
of interests were autoimmune diseases and glaucoma which lead to being
an international lecturer and author of multiple articles; but his passion
was medical mission trips. Over a twenty-year career, he has conducted
medical mission trips throughout Central America, South America and the
Caribbean. A relationship that started as a professor providing support for a
former student transformed into a departure from academia and accepting
a position as staff optometrist for Maniilaq Health Center in Kotzebue,
Alaska seven years ago. Dr. Black’s directive is traveling via a small plane
with portable optometric equipment to care for eleven villages in a service
area the size of the state of Indiana in rural Alaska.
VA OD of the Year
Dr. Meghan Elkins
During her tenure as the 2024-2025 AFOS President, Dr. Elkins achieved
initiatives that brought about groundbreaking changes. A monumental
achievement under her leadership was the successful passage of federal
legislation that officially moved VA optometrists to the physician pay scale.
This long-awaited and critical change rectified a longstanding inequity,
recognizing the extensive education, clinical expertise, and vital role VA
optometrists play in providing comprehensive healthcare to our nation’s
veterans. As part of a dedicated AFOS team effort, Dr. Elkins played a crucial
role in this legislative victory through her perseverance and persistence
towards achieving the common goal. Her significant contributions to this
collaborative legislative effort gained her recognition from the American
Optometric Association when she was awarded the 2025 AOA Federal
Advocacy Award.
Dr. Elkins’ commitment to excellence extends seamlessly from the national stage to direct patient care at the VA
eye clinic in Huntington, West Virginia. As a full-time staff optometrist with over 10 years of dedicated service,
she has built an exceptional reputation for clinical expertise. Her patients frequently request her by name, a
testament to the trust and confidence she has earned through her skilled approach to eye care. In her role as a
clinical educator, Dr. Elkins educates students and residents in the comprehensive diagnosis and management
of ocular disease, with emphasis in scleral depression! Her confident and efficient clinical practice serves as a
model for the next generation of optometrists.
VA Junior OD of the Year
Dr. Jill Gottehrer
Dr. Gottehrer obtained her undergraduate degree from University at Buffalo
in 2013 and earned her Doctor of Optometry degree at the New England
College of Optometry in 2017. She completed a residency in ocular
disease at the VA White River Junction in 2018 and later that year became
a fellow of the American Academy of Optometry. Dr. Gottehrer has worked
at VA Finger Lakes in Rochester, NY since 2019 as a staff optometrist. She
is a member of the Optometric Glaucoma Society, serves on the AFOS
education committee and as an ACOE team chair. She is also an author
of many peer-reviewed articles. In her spare time, she enjoys watching
football and baseball with her husband and two cats and enjoys traveling.
Dr. Gottehrer was unable to attend the event. Her co-chair on the Education
Committee, Dr. Jasmin Filpo, accepted the award for her.
Reservist OD of the Year
COL Kyle Smith (USAR)
Dr. Kyle Smith joined the US Army through the HPSP program in 2002
while attending Pacific University. His active-duty stations include West
Point, Camp Humphreys, Korea, Katterbach, Germany, Grafenwoehr,
Germany, and JBER Alaska. COL Smith transitioned from active duty to
the Army Reserve in 2016 with the 1984th US Army Hospital, where he has
served as a clinical optometrist, battalion commander, and deputy brigade
commander. He was activated in 2020 as the deputy division surgeon
to US Army Alaska and was responsible for COVID-19 medical planning
and operations for two infantry brigades. His Reserve missions include
four tours to Thailand for joint exercises and medical missions to Guam
and Independent Samoa. He is a graduate of the US Army War College,
holds a master’s degree in international relations from the University of
Oklahoma, is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry, and has
published numerous peer reviewed articles on keratoconus, color vision,
and children’s vision screening. He has served as clinical faculty for SUNY,
Pacific University, and Creighton University, and served for many years on
the AFOS board and the AAO Fellow Admittance Committee. His wife,
mother, and sister joined him for the awards ceremony.

Resident of the Year
LCDR Brent Hume
Dr. Hume earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in computer science from
DePauw University in 2013 and his Doctor of Optometry degree from
Indiana University School of Optometry in 2017.
LCDR Hume’s first duty station was Naval Medical Center Camp Lejeune,
North Carolina. He served as the Department Head for optometry from
August 2018 to May 2021.
The Service-specific Award recipients for Jr and OD for each of the five services then
competed for the overall AFOS Junior and OD of the Year Awards. These winners were
surprised, announced, and awarded at the meeting in San Antonio.
AFOS Junior OD of the Year
Dr. Craig Jensen
From June 2021 to May 2024, LCDR Hume was stationed at U.S. Navy
Medicine Readiness and Training Command Sigonella where he had the
privilege to provide care underway to the sailors of the USS HARRY S.
TRUMAN (CNV-75) and the USS GEORGE H.W. BUSH (CVN-77).
In 2024 LCDR Hume was competitively selected for Duty Under Instruction
and is completing a residency in ocular disease at Indiana University School
of Optometry.
He has 3 children (Harrison 9, Lincoln 7, and Peyton 5) with his wife of 12
years, Lee Hume.
Dr. Hume is currently stationed in Guam and was unable to attend the
awards ceremony. Dr. Sara Bustamanted accepted on his behalf.
Student of the Year
Esther Kim
AFOS OD of the Year
Dr. Meghan Elkins
Esther is a fourth-year optometry student at Pacific University College of
Optometry in Oregon. She came to the United States from South Korea at the
age of 16 to pursue her education, graduating from the University of California,
Berkeley, with a degree in Integrative Biology. After college, she enlisted in the
U.S. Army and served four years as a 68W Combat Medic. She was discharged
with the rank of Sergeant and was recognized as the Distinguished Honor
Graduate of her Basic Leader Course at the NCO Academy. Esther went on to
attend Pacific University College of Optometry, where she served as President
of the AFOS Student Association and received the Peg Gilbert Award for
earning the highest GPA in her class at the end of her third year. She is currently
a recipient of the Army Health Professions Scholarship Program and plans to
continue serving as a U.S. Army optometrist. Outside of optometry, Esther
enjoys spending time with family and friends, serving at her local church, and
exploring new coffee shops.

The Orion Award is the highest honor that AFOS can bestow for the most significant
contributions to the advancement of AFOS and Optometry. Last year’s Orion Award
winner, Dr. Marrie Read, presented the 2025 Orion Award to Dr. Jeffrey Weaver.
Dr. Jeffrey L. Weaver’s career reflects a lifetime of service, leadership, and advocacy for optometry. A 44-year
member of organized optometry, he served 6 years on the AFOS Executive Council representing Reserve
optometrists and has remained a steadfast supporter of federal service optometry. Within the AOA, he led
the Clinical Care Group for 12 years, guiding clinical policy, advancing public health initiatives, and helping
launch the InfantSEE® program that has touched countless families. He also played a pivotal role in developing
optometric clinical practice guidelines that strengthened scope of practice nationwide.
Dr. Weaver became the first executive director of the American Board of Optometry, securing accreditation
and government recognition for board certification in optometry. He has served as president of the Missouri
Optometric Association, Interim Dean of the Pennsylvania College of Optometry, and sits on the VOSH/
International Board of Directors. His academic and legislative contributions include more than 200 lectures and
papers worldwide and leading efforts that resulted in Missouri’s landmark children’s eye exam law.
A retired U.S. Army Colonel and former Chief of Army Reserve Optometry, Dr. Weaver’s military service earned
him the Legion of Merit. He later established a VA residency program and advanced interdisciplinary training as
Associate Chief of Staff for Education.
Your AFOS Board enjoyed meeting in person and
starting the planning for 2026!
From AOA, AFOS, and state leadership to global outreach and military service, Dr. Weaver has left an indelible
mark on the profession, making him a most deserving recipient of the AFOS Orion Award.
Dr. Weaver with previous Orion Award winners present
include: Col (ret) USAF Michelle Aaron, CAPT
(ret) USN Marrie Read, and Col (ret) USAFR William
“Howard” McAlister.
Nova graduates enjoyed celebrating with former instructor,
Dr. Greg Black.

Dr. Adrienne Ari, former AFOS President, presented
a unique lecture on how preceptors can best
prepare to train the next generation of optometrists.
Dr. Matt Valdes Associate Professor at UIW Rosenberg
School of Optometry presented a low vision course for
the AFOS meeting.
Thanks to Dr. Carlo Pelino from Salus at Drexel
University Health College of Optometry for
being a featured speaker for the AFOS meeting.
IHS was represented well at the meeting!
It was unique to have 4 current and former Air
Force consultants together at our meeting.

Five AFOS members presented their unique cases during
the Grand Rounds session. A special thank you to Drs.
Jim Colgain, Randy Cox, Kimberly Darke, Mary Edwards,
and Meghan Elkins for their engaging presentations and
outstanding delivery.
Fantastic hands-on experiences in techniques and
procedures were available at the SECO meeting.
Dr. Frances Silva presented a lecture that
highlighted the combat ocular trauma (COT)
epidemiology of service members in theater.

Fun Events
Howlin’ with
the ODs

A highlight from the AFOS meetings are always the
Exhibitor/Sponsor Spotlight and Raffle prize fun! This
meeting attendees worked hard to find the clues to solve the
murder mystery of the disappearance of Dr. Meghan Elkins.
Raffle
BIG THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS FOR THE
A huge shout out to all our Sponsors and Exhibitors that participated
and made the event even more exciting.
2025 AFOS SECO FALL MEETING!
Thanks to Essilor Luxottica for
donating Oakley backpack
and new Meta sunglasses!
Thanks to Atlas Ocular for
donating an Amniotic
Membrane and Gift Certificate!
Thanks to VSP for
donating 2 fantastic JBL
Bluetooth Speakers for
the raffle!
Marco was gracious and
donated 3 gift cards to
attendees!
Thank you to our new
friends, Hoya Vision Care,
for their great blankets and
tumblers!