AOA Independent Practice Institute - New in 2025!

The AOA CIP Independent Practice Institute is a 10-month member benefit program designed to engage and equip the upcoming generation of doctors with the business basics of running an independent practice. Through a combination of virtual and in-person training, focus groups, and networking opportunities, participants will obtain the skillset and confidence necessary to start or step in to an independent practice leadership role.

Developed by the AOA Center for Independent Practice, the AOA CIP Independent Practice Institute is open to active AOA member students and doctors of optometry, particularly those who are early in their careers. Participants get free registration—a combined value of more than $750—to Optometry’s Meeting®, June 25-28, 2025, and AOA on Capitol Hill on March 15-17, 2026. Learn more and apply now for the inaugural 2025-26 Independent Practice Institute here.

Join the ALOA Leadership Optometry Class of 2025

The Leadership Optometry program is a statewide program to select, develop and educate optometrists who have demonstrated an interest in local or statewide issues. The program is designed to be a series of issue-oriented experiences, which are based on the belief that knowledge is a prime motivator of leadership. Leadership Optometry is open to ALOA members that have been in practice 10 years or less. Participants are selected on ability, interest in their community or profession and insight for effective leadership.

The course consists of 4 sessions. As with all worthwhile endeavors, this program requires a definite commitment of time on the part of each participant. Attendance is mandatory for successful completion of the program. There is no tuition for the Leadership Program. The ALOA will pay the program costs and meals. ALOA will pay for lodging for the April 30—May 1 meeting. Participants must pay the remainder of expenses including transportation and any other lodging expenses. Apply HERE to join the 2025 ALOA Leadership Optometry Class. Submit the form to Amanda Buttenshaw at optometry@alaopt.com.

2025 Dates

April 30 - May 1 Day at the Legislature

(Be in Montgomery by 7:00 p.m. on the 13th for dinner with Leadership Class)

Orientation / Legislative and Grassroots

Montgomery, AL (Meeting with Legislators and the ALOA Contract Lobbyist)

July 22 (Zoom) Current Issues / ABC’s of Optometry and What it Takes to Be a Leader

Work on Class Project / Learn about the Alabama Board of Optometry

August 11 (Zoom) Structure of an Association / Running a Successful Meeting / Work on Class Project

October 2 Dinner with the ALOA Board

7:00 pm - Birmingham, AL (in conjunction with the ALOA Convention)

October 3 Present Leadership project to the Board

9:00 am - Birmingham, AL (in conjunction with the ALOA Convention)



THANK YOU TO OUR JANUARY ALOPAC CONTRIBUTORS!

Lauren Albert, O.D.

Tim Ansley, O.D.

Jodi Baker, O.D.

Paul Batson, O.D.

James Bedsole, O.D.

Charles Bell, O.D.

John Bender, O.D.

Bryan Boozer, O.D.

Spencer Boozer, O.D.

Jessica Boyd, O.D.

Gussie Branch, O.D.

David Britton, O.D.

Jeremy Campbell, O.D.

Giselle Childers, O.D.

Mason Childers, O.D.

Raymond Cobb, O.D.

Jacquelyn Collins, O.D.

James Crockett, O.D.

Melissa Curl, O.D.

Howard Day, O.D.

Sharon Day, O.D.

Stephen Downey, O.D.

Joshua Driver, O.D.

Kimberly Dunagan, O.D.

George Eischens, O.D.

Robert Ellis, O.D.

Gary Few, O.D.

Patricia Fulmer, O.D.

James Gardner, O.D.

Theresa Glass, O.D.

Adam Gordon, O.D.

G. Chad Green, O.D.

Michael Griffin, O.D.

Harold Harrison, O.D.

Robert Hayes, O.D.

Amanda Helton, O.D.

Amy Herrington, O.D.

Thomas Hicks, O.D.

Christi Hill, O.D.

Jeffrey Hill, O.D.

Bryan Holman, O.D.

John Hornsby, O.D.

Neena James, O.D.

Norman Johnson, O.D.

Sheila Kirk, O.D.

Michael Kwarcinski, O.D.

John Laurent, O.D.

Melanie Lawrence, O.D.

Jan Lenz, O.D.

Whitney Lowe, O.D.

Maurice Lyn, O.D.

Marston Martin, O.D.

David Mohon, O.D.

Robert Moore, O.D.

Hamp Moore, O.D.

Kathryn Mowrer, O.D.

Paris Mullins, O.D.

Daniel Murray, O.D.

David O'Leary, O.D.

Jessica Palmer, O.D.

Rob Pate, O.D.

Alan Peaslee, O.D.

Samuel Pierce, O.D.

Patrick Pyron, O.D.

Mazen Sahawneh, O.D.

Abnous Samford, O.D.

Jack Schaeffer, O.D.

Bonnie-Kim Schwertz, O.D.

Mark Shirey, O.D.

Gerald Simon, O.D.

Wayne Stevens, O.D.

Gregory Stewart, O.D.

Lauren Stirling, O.D.

Kristin Sullins, O.D.

Robert Svensen, O.D.

Kathryn Thigpen, O.D.

James Tillman, O.D.

Molly Tipton, O.D.

Candice Turner, O.D.

Kennedy Walker, O.D.

Megan Walker, O.D.

Valencia Wells, O.D.

L. Leanne Whitaker, O.D.

Clare Wilder, O.D.

Peyton Yarbrough, O.D.