09/11/2025
OOA 2025 Award Winners Announced
The Ohio Optometric Association is pleased to announce its 2025 Award Winners. They will be recognized at OOA Honors, to be held Thursday, Nov. 6th during the EastWest Eye Conference (www.eastwesteye.org) in Columbus. All members are invited to attend this free event.
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Warren G. and Ruth P. Morris Optometrist of the Year – Dr. Shane Foster To a member OD who has made outstanding contributions to the profession through optometric and community service activities at the national, state, and/or local level. |
Dr. Shane Foster has made significant and lasting contributions to the Ohio Optometric Association (OOA) and the broader optometric community over the past 17 years since becoming a Doctor of Optometry. He has long served the association on various committees, as a Zone Governor, and as a member of the OOA Board. As an OOA Past President and current President of iSee Ohio—the charitable arm of the OOA, a position he has held since 2017—Dr. Foster has consistently demonstrated a steadfast commitment to expanding access to high-quality eye care for children throughout Ohio and to advancing the profession of optometry.
Under Dr. Foster's leadership, the iSee Ohio organization has grown to new levels of charitable vision care for Ohio’s children. The Ohio Optometric Foundation (now iSee Ohio) expanded through collaboration with the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio and partnership with Vision to Learn’s mobile program. Gaining from the success of the ResultsOhio grant, the Foundation was awarded a monumental $2.5 million OBM grant. Most recently, the Governor pushed for a Children’s Vision Initiative to be included in the state’s biennium budget and was greatly influenced by the proven track record of the Foundation’s iSee program. Dr. Foster’s leadership has been integral in every step of the process.
“Though every optometrist, teacher, and school nurse know the critical link between vision and learning, it was Dr. Foster’s dedication that helped state legislators fully understand and address this issue,” said Dr. Tracey Needham. “His efforts have not only benefited Ohio, but have also garnered national attention, positioning Ohio as a leader in the movement to prioritize vision care for schoolchildren.”
Dr. Foster serves the AOA on the State Government Relations Committee and previously served on the New Technology Committee. He has long been an AOA Federal Key Person, representing our profession to members of Congress including former Senator Sherrod Brown. He is a Change Agent for the AOA Myopia Collective as well as an InfantSEE provider. He is both an AOA-PAC Visionary Contributor and OOPAC Diamond Contributor. In August, he announced his candidacy for the AOA Board of Directors and will hopefully be elected at Optometry’s Meeting in Phoenix this coming June.
Dr. Foster is a private practice owner with three unique locations ranging from rural Appalachian Ohio to metro Columbus. He is also a Clinical Assistant Professor of Practice at the Ohio State University College of Optometry and an Adjunct Clinical Associate Professor at the Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine where he precepts both optometry and medical students. Dr. Foster has been a consistent mentor and advocate for the next generation of optometrists, encouraging and guiding optometry students toward professional success. He exemplifies the high standards of our profession and demonstrates the values of leadership, community service, and mentorship.
For his tireless advocacy for children’s eye care, and his visionary leadership that have taken the OOF and OOA to new heights, the OOA is proud to bestow this honor.
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Jack T. Keith Young OD of the Year – Dr. Taylor Wrubel To a member OD who has received their doctorate of optometry within the previous ten years and has shown outstanding service to optometry and their community.
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Dr. Taylor Wrubel’s dedication to organized optometry started as a student at the Michigan College of Optometry at Ferris State University where she graduated Summa Cum Laude in 2019. As a student, she volunteered for the Michigan Special Olympics and Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity with mission trips to the island of Dominica, which further solidified her passion for optometry and serving her community at home and abroad. Actively involved with AOSA, she has been involved with AOA on Capitol Hill as an advocate and participant since 2016.
Upon moving to Ohio, Dr. Wrubel quickly became an active member of organized optometry in Ohio and at the national level. She is a member of the American Optometric Association and has completed both sections of the AOA Leadership Institute and serves on the AOA Meetings and Member Experience Committee. At the Ohio Optometric Association, Dr. Wrubel is the Governor for Zone 2, serves on the Young OD Committee, is an OOA Key OD and presents the Realeyes program.
As an OD at Chardon and Chesterland Family Eyecare since 2019, Dr. Wrubel loves building meaningful relationships that private practice allows and strives to provide excellent, personalized care each day. Early in her career she found her passion in dry eye and corneal disease and is currently one of the only doctors in the area specializing in scleral contact lenses for complex cases.
“Dr. Wrubel exemplifies the spirit of leadership and dedication that defines the Young Optometrist of the Year,” said her nominator Dr. Jen Vincent. “Her tireless efforts to revitalize Zone 2 have fostered stronger engagement and collaboration among local professionals, while her active role on the AOA Meetings Committee reflects her commitment to advancing the field on a national level. Dr. Wrubel’s passion, initiative, and service make her a standout advocate for optometry in Ohio and beyond.”
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Key OD of the Year – Dr. Rachel Bostelman To OOA member ODs who have shown outstanding dedication and advocacy to Ohio optometry.
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The OOA is proud to announce Dr. Rachel Bostelman as one of its Key ODs of the Year. Her efforts and communication with Senate President Rob McColley directly correlate to the progress of OOA scope modernization initiatives. “Her behind the scenes efforts with key politicians have made an enormous impact for the benefit of the OOA,” said board trustee, Dr. David Bejot. “Most importantly, her willingness to participate in SB36 has been instrumental in overcoming legislative obstacles and advancing the mission of the organization.”
Dr. Bostelman is a 2007 graduate of The Ohio State University College of Optometry and owns her practice, Napoleon Family Vision & Contact Lens Center in NW Ohio. She was the Young OD of the Year in 2014 and received the Lions Club Melvin Jones Humanitarian Award in 2019.
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Key OD of the Year – Dr. Erich Hinel
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The OOA is proud to announce Dr. Erich Hinel as one of its Key ODs of the Year. “Dr. Hinel worked diligently to build a strong relationship of trust with Senator Catherine Ingram, a member of the Senate Health Committee,” said Dr. Elizabeth Muckley, OOA Executive Director. “He met with Senator Ingram on multiple occasions to highlight optometry as a legislated profession. In addition, Dr. Hinel played a key role in coordinating efforts with Key ODs in Zone 8 to ensure Senator Ingram received comprehensive education on the value of scope modernization and a clear understanding of the procedures outlined in SB36.”
A 2010 Graduate of The Ohio State University College of Optometry, Dr. Hinel has worked at the Cincinnati Eye Institute since 2011, is an Associate Professor at The Ohio State University College of Optometry, and a Volunteer Assistant Professor at the University of Cincinnati Department of Ophthalmology. He was recently awarded EyeCare Partners Clinical Award for Excellence in Ophthalmology for 2025 and was the OOA Student of the Year in 2010. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry. He is a Board-Certified Diplomate of the American Board of Optometry where he also served on the board directors for 7 years, including 2 years as Chair.
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Student of the Year – Ms. Amy Ngo To an OSU College of Optometry student who has shown outstanding professional interest and involvement in Ohio optometry.
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At The Ohio State University College of Optometry (OSUCO), Amy has become ingrained in student leadership representing her peers on numerous committees and organizations including the Student Chapter of the American Academy of Optometry. She holds positions of leadership as President of Cultural Lenses, an organization she founded where students come together to promote an inclusive environment to allow equal opportunities for students from all backgrounds and minority groups.
As president for the Ohio State Chapter of the AOSA, and as senator on the OSU Interprofessional Council, Amy has been at the forefront of Ohio’s advocacy efforts for expanded scope of practice. On a national level, she actively engaged with legislators at AOA on Capitol Hill, educating them in the depth and breadth of optometric education, the need for pay equity for optometrists within the VA system, the DOC Access Act, and combatting plan abuses of VBMs.
“Amy excels in the classroom where she demonstrates a command of understanding complex topics,” said Dr. Greg Nixon, Associate Dean for Clinical Services at OSUCO. “More impressively, she has the rare gift of combining her impressive hard skills with exemplary soft skills to effectively communicate her message. Whether she is addressing a crowd from a podium, a legislator with a handshake, or a patient in an exam chair, she establishes immediate rapport, gains trust and delivers a message with confidence and poise.”
She also leads by example through volunteering her time with charitable organizations. As a part of Shoulder to Shoulder Medical Brigade in Honduras, Amy assisted medical professionals in providing health care services in the areas of dental, consultation, optometry, gynecology and pharmacy, and she evaluated and provided eye examinations and assisted optometrists with providing glasses to those in underdeveloped areas. She completed Wish Granter Training for the Make-A-Wish Foundation and helped to raise money to grant wishes to kids going through difficult medical treatments.
The OOA recognizes the outstanding leadership Amy has provided to her peers and looks forward to her involvement with organized optometry in the coming years.
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OOA Special Service Award – Dr. Mark Yoder |
The Ohio Optometric Association is proud to present Dr. Mark Yoder with the Special Service Award in recognition of his dedication to optometric staff education and the EastWest Eye Conference. “Dr. Yoder has served tirelessly on the East West Eye Committee as Chair of AEP for over a decade,” said nominator and fellow EastWest Committee member Dr. Katie Greiner. “He mentored me in that committee and was always a guiding support to us. He also supports the invited AEP speakers and goes above and beyond to make sure their EW experience is top notch. He lectures to the AEPs as well, and they love his courses.”
Throughout his career, Dr. Yoder has exemplified the core values of optometry and service to others. “Ingrained in his community and church, Dr. Yoder is always doing what is best for others,” said Dr. Greiner. “He has never waned in his passion for providing optometric care commonly telling me he does not drive volume in his clinic but service. Spending more than 30 minutes with each patient, he insures they receive the best of care. I do not think they come much more wonderful than Dr. Mark Yoder and I am honored to know him!”
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Friend of Optometry Award – Dr. Neal Tolchin To an individual or group, not an optometrist, that has exemplified dedication to the goals of the OOA. |
Dr. Neal A. Tolchin MD has been named the OOA’s Friend of Optometry for his support of scope modernization and SB36. Dr. Tolchin recognizes the benefits of coordinated medical and primary optometric patient care. He is the second ophthalmologist to support OOA scope modernization efforts by submitting written testimony in favor of SB36.
His colleague at Specialty Eye Institute, Dr. David Bejot shares “although Neal is a more reserved person, his actions in promoting the relationship between optometry and ophthalmology are undeniable. The OOA offers its sincere gratitude for Dr. Tolchin’s 36 years of promoting the concept of the professions of optometry and ophthalmology working as partners in caring for patients. It is a much well-deserved award.”
Dr. Tolchin works at the Specialty Eye Institute and specializes in cataract and intraocular lens surgery, including no-stitch cataract surgery and YAG Laser surgery and has been practicing ophthalmology for over 20 years. He is enthusiastic about providing the right treatment for each patient as he treats cataracts, glaucoma, and other diseases in the eye. With the recent advancements in technology and eye care, he appreciates that he can offer his patients many different options to enhance their vision and looks forward to interacting with each of his patients.
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Friend of Optometry Award - Ms. Courtney Saunders |
Courtney Saunders has been named this year’s recipient of the OOA’s Friend of Optometry Award because of her longtime commitment to advancing the goals of our association. As a dedicated lobbyist with Capitol Advocates, Courtney has played a pivotal role in advancing the OOA’s legislative priorities to help to expand the scope of practice in optometry by ensuring our message reaches key lawmakers.
"Courtney goes above and beyond what a lobbyist paid consultant does,” said Dr. Elizabeth Muckley, Executive Director of the Ohio Optometric Association. “She advocates on our behalf to legislators and the governor's staff like she is an optometrist herself. She deeply cares about us and our patients. She champions our issues and ensures government officials understand why optometry matters in Ohio.”
Prior to joining Capitol Advocates, Courtney gained valuable experience and an in-depth understanding of the Ohio legislative and political process while working in the Ohio House of Representatives. As a Policy Advisor to former Speaker of the House, Jon Husted, she staffed the Education, State Government and Elections, Local Government and Revitalization, and the Infrastructure, Homeland Security and Veterans Affairs Committees. With a primary focus in healthcare, Courtney has proudly represented clients before the Legislative and Executive branches of Ohio government for nearly 17 years.
Courtney is also a member of the Ohio Lobbying Association, Ohio Women in Government and has served on the Ohio YMCA Youth in Government Strategic Planning Committee. She also volunteers with many organizations in her community and serves on various boards and campaign initiatives in her children’s school district.
2025 Outstanding Realeyes Involvement Awards
The Realeyes Program is proud to announce the Outstanding Realeyes Involvement award winners for the 2024-2025 school year.
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The award for Outstanding Realeyes Involvement - Most Students Educated goes to Dr. Amy Bankey |
For the second year in a row and the third time in her career, Realeyes awards Dr. Amy Bankey with the Outstanding Realeyes Involvement – Most Students Educated Award.
Dr. Bankey started presenting Realeyes in 2012. She won her first award as the top presenter in Zone 10 in 2014 and has won that award every year since.
Dr. Bankey is a pillar of the local communities near Fishbaugh Family Eyecare, where she practices, but she also travels great distances to educate other schools. She has presented to 16,796 students in 76 different schools in 22 counties across the state! Even with those impressive numbers, Dr. Bankey is about building relationships with her schools. Many teachers and nurses ask for her by name and love having her every year.
Dr. Bankey continues to inspire not only the students she generously shares her knowledge with, but also those she works with as being a leader in educating Ohio students about the importance of healthy vision and a lifetime of optometric care.
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Outstanding Realeyes Involvement – Community Impact Award goes to Dr. Katie Greiner |
Katie Greiner O.D., M.S., M.B.A., F.A.A.O. is this year’s Outstanding Realeyes Involvement - Community Impact Award recipient for her many years of Realeyes dedication and her true passion for educating Ohio students about the importance of healthy vision. Dr. Greiner started presenting Realeyes as a 3rd year optometry student in the Columbus area and continued to prioritize reaching students in her local community once she started practicing in northeast Ohio, where she is now the VP of Physician Relations at Midwest Vision Partners.
Dr. Greiner has reached more than 7,800 students and introduced them all to concepts of eye anatomy, safety, and the importance of regular eye exams. Dr. Greiner routinely presents to a wide range of grade levels and is equally comfortable in a middle school classroom as she is leading the Sammy Safe-Eyes song to a group of 5-year-olds. In addition to in-person presentations, Dr. Greiner has led groups over Zoom where she does a wonderful job at answering questions students submit about their eyes. Dr. Greiner is relatable to students and a fan favorite of teachers with one recently commenting: “Dr Greiner is amazing and works so well with our kids. We love having her every year!”
Dr. Greiner’s love of Realeyes extends far beyond her local community and ripples through Ohio as she expertly educates students about the importance of healthy vision.