Boozman Honored with Lifetime of Excellence Award for Service to Optometry and Vision Care

Sen. Boozman accepts the Arkansas Optometric Association Lifetime of Excellence Award. (Photo by Michael Pirnique)

WASHINGTON-The Arkansas Optometric Association (ArOA) presented U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) with its Lifetime of Excellence Award in recognition of his distinguished career in optometry, public service and advocacy for patient access to vision care.

"It is an honor to be recognized by my fellow optometrists dedicated to improving eye health and ensuring optometry remains a viable and rewarding profession," said Boozman. "Serving families in Arkansas over many years was a privilege and showed me the importance of protecting access to high-quality care. Now as a lawmaker, I'm grateful for the opportunity to continue driving policies that support providers while advancing vision health for patients across America."

"Senator Boozman has left an indelible mark on optometry and patient care not only in Arkansas, but throughout the country," said ArOA Executive Director Matt Burns. "We are excited to honor him and to recognize his decades of service to the profession and the state."

Boozman co-founded a successful eye-care practice with his brother in Northwest Arkansas that became a major regional provider offering a full range of vision services. He also established the low vision program at the Arkansas School for the Blind in Little Rock, provided support to low-income families and delivered care while on mission trips to Haiti and Costa Rica. The senator completed his pre-optometry studies at the University of Arkansas before earning his Doctor of Optometry degree from the Southern College of Optometry in 1977.

As a member of Congress, Boozman has demonstrated steadfast leadership on behalf of optometry providers and patients. He is a member of Congressional Vision Caucus and has championed legislation to improve access to care, strengthen physician reimbursement, expand delivery of vision services for children and underserved populations, as well as support servicemembers experiencing combat-related eye injuries. His policy efforts have also delivered enhanced eye care for Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries, veterans and Americans living with blindness or low vision.

The Arkansas Optometric Association, founded in 1906, represents optometrists across The Natural State and advocates policies that support access to vision care and advance the profession of optometry. The association presented the award during its convention recognizing individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, service and contributions to optometry and patient outcomes.

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