Dr. Barbara Fink
ASCO announced the recipients of three 2014 Special Recognition Awards. Dr. Barbara Fink, Associate Professor of Optometry and Vision Science and Chair of the Diversity Enhancement Committee, The Ohio State University College of Optometry, won the Dr. Jack Bennett Innovation in Optometric Education Award. Dr. Yi Pang, Assistant Dean for Research and Associate Professor, Illinois College of Optometry, won the Rising Star Award, and Ryan Anderson, Midwestern University – Arizona College of Optometry, won the Student Award in Clinical Ethics.
Dr. Fink received the Bennett award in recognition of her outstanding work to facilitate the implementation of the ASCO Cultural Competency Curriculum Guidelines at the schools and colleges of optometry. She has served for several years as Chair of ASCO’s Cultural Competency Curriculum Guidelines Subcommittee, of the Diversity and Cultural Competency Committee. In this role she worked to produce the customizable Cultural Competency Guidelines Implementation Workshops that are held on the campuses of member institutions.
Dr. Yi Pang
Dr. Pang is the first winner of the ASCO Rising Star Award, which is sponsored by Oculus and given to an exceptional faculty member or administrator with less than 10 years of service. She was recognized for her outstanding contributions to ASCO, most notably in the area of international optometric education, and her important contributions to the Illinois College of Optometry through teaching, scholarship, administration and professional service.
Anderson won the Student Award in Clinical Ethics, which is sponsored by International Vision Expo, based on his essay “Tough Talks and Patient Privacy.” A fourth-year student, he plans to complete a post-doctoral residency in Primary Eye Care with the Veterans Affairs San Diego Health Care System in California.
In 2013, ASCO initiated a more unified nominations process for its Special Recognition Awards, which honor and thank the educators and practitioners who give of their time in partnership with the Association, supporting and furthering its efforts to advance optometric education. Check here for more information or e-mail Telethia R. Owens, Manager, Administrative & Board Services.
Ryan Anderson
ASCO recently established an additional award competition, the ASCO Cultural Competency Case Study Competition for Optometry Students and Residents. Detailed information about the new award, which is sponsored by Walmart, can be found here. The current window for submissions is closed; winners will be announced soon.