A Ghanaian, Dr. John Kwesi Assan has been conferred the distinction of Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry (FAAO).
Dr. Assan is an optometrist who was graduated from one of Ghana’s top tertiary institutions, University of Cape Coast (UCC).
His conferment makes him the youngest African optometrist to achieve such feat.
The conferment took place at the 2022 Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Optometry held from October 20 – 29, 2022 in San Diego, California, USA which was also the Centennial Celebration of the American Academy of Optometry.
The organization’s centennial was met with great fanfare, and the Academy welcomed a record number of 309 new Fellows to its ranks. Nine current Fellows also earned the distinction of Diplomate. Fellows of the Academy must complete a candidacy process that includes submitting written work demonstrating their skills as an optometrist or vision scientist. They must also sit for an oral exam at the annual meeting.
Fellows of the American Academy of Optometry are evaluated against the highest standards of professional competence. The letters “FAAO” (Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry) after the name of an optometrist, scientist or other professional signify to colleagues and patients that the rigorous qualifications for Fellowship have been met.
Since 1922, the American Academy of Optometry (AAO) has been enhancing excellence in optometric practice by fostering research and disseminating knowledge in vision science through the continuing education presented at its annual meeting. Fellows of the Academy are committed to the premise that learning is a lifelong obligation of a professional, as is the commitment to expand the profession’s knowledge base through ongoing Fellowship and exchange.
Dr. Assan reiterated his commitment to lifelong learning and is determined to pursue a fulfilling career as a clinician-scientist.
