Dr. Richard Soden receives AOA’s Distinguished Service Award; Dr. Christopher Quinn inducted into National Optometry Hall of Fame
New York, NY — The SUNY College of Optometry was prominently represented at the 2025 Optometry’s Meeting and 5th World Congress of Optometry, held June 25–28 in Minneapolis, where members of the College’s extended community were recognized for their leadership, service, and contributions to the profession.
Dr. Richard Soden, a longtime faculty member and leader at SUNY Optometry, received the American Optometric Association’s (AOA) 2025 Distinguished Service Award, recognizing more than four decades of contributions to clinical education, low vision rehabilitation, and healthcare policy. An alumnus of the College, Dr. Soden has served in numerous leadership roles at SUNY Optometry, including Vice President for Clinical Affairs and Executive Director of the University Eye Center. He currently serves as the Director of Healthcare Development for the College and as the Board President for SUNY College of Optometry Foundation.
Also honored was Dr. Christopher Quinn, Executive Chairman of Omni Eye Services, who was inducted into the National Optometry Hall of Fame, administered by The AOA Foundation. Dr. Quinn is a former AOA president and current board member of the SUNY Optometry Foundation. His career has been marked by leadership in medical optometry, clinical education, and national advocacy, including his work chairing the AOA’s Telehealth Council.
“This year’s meeting highlighted the extraordinary leadership and impact of the SUNY Optometry community,” said Dr. David Troilo, President of the SUNY College of Optometry. “We are proud to celebrate Dr. Soden and Dr. Quinn for their well-deserved honors, and we congratulate all of our faculty, residents, and alumni who contributed their expertise at this global gathering of the profession.”
SUNY Optometry Faculty, Residents and Alumni Featured Across the Program
In addition to the major awards, the College had strong representation throughout the Optometry’s Meeting and World Congress of Optometry programming:
- Dr. Richard Soden presented a continuing education course on Low Vision Coding and Billing.
- Dr. Thomas Wong participated in the Educators Forum and Accreditation Panel on June 27.
- Dr. Nouralison Abdella presented a poster titled “Differential Diagnosis of Inherited Retinal Disease in a Pediatric Patient” (Poster #79).
- Dr. Melissa Rezk presented “Through the Lenses of Two Senses: Low Vision Management of a Patient with Usher’s Syndrome” (Poster #6152) on June 26.
- Dr. Sweta Das delivered multiple lectures throughout the conference.
Additional attendees and committee participants from SUNY Optometry included:
Dr. Diane Adamczyk, Dr. Marilyn Vricella, Dr. Rahim Bhaloo, and Dr. Sarah Gleason, among others.
The College extends its congratulations and appreciation to all those who represented SUNY Optometry at this year’s meeting, exemplifying the institution’s mission to advance vision science, educate future leaders, and serve patients and communities through excellence in optometric care.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 5, 2025
Media Contact: Dawn Rigney
communications@sunyopt.edu 212-938-5600
###
About the SUNY College of Optometry
Founded in 1971, the SUNY College of Optometry advances visual health and patient care through leadership in education, research, and service. Located in the heart of New York City, the College is internationally recognized for its Doctor of Optometry program, its robust clinical training through the University Eye Center, and its impactful research in vision science. The College is committed to developing leaders in optometry and improving access to quality vision care across diverse communities.