Congratulations to Our 2024 Award Winners

It is an immense honor to recognize a leader whose impact on optometry has been nothing short of extraordinary. Dr. Ken Eakland, a 1984 graduate of Pacific University College of Optometry, has spent his career shaping not only the future of optometric education but also the very scope of optometric practice itself. His legacy is deeply embedded in the advancement of our profession.

Dr. Eakland’s tenure at Pacific University is marked by his leadership as the Associate Dean for Clinical Programs, where he oversaw the management of the university’s five community clinics in the greater Portland area. His role as Externship Director expanded the horizons for countless students, developing over 100 external sites for optometric students across the United States, Canada, Australia, and even Germany. In addition, he served as Residency Director, guiding nine residency programs that provided advanced training opportunities for graduates.

But Dr. Eakland’s influence extends far beyond Pacific. He was instrumental in the development and teaching of the Advanced Ocular Therapeutics course and Injectables Workshops for the Oregon Optometric Physicians Association, advocating for expanded optometric scope. His commitment to education and advancing the profession earned him the OOPA Optometrist of the Year award in 2005, and the Agost-Minnick Award in 2011, recognizing his work on eye-care benefits and third-party issues.

A passionate advocate for cutting-edge technology and innovations in optometry, Dr. Eakland has captivated audiences with his information-rich lectures and creative presentations, making complex topics both accessible and engaging. His reputation as a popular speaker spans the United States and Canada, where he has shared his knowledge on topics such as pharmacogenomics, eye disease management, and the future of healthcare innovation.

Dr. Eakland has been a member of several prestigious organizations, including the American Optometric Association and the Oregon Optometric Physicians Association, and has served on multiple committees within the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry. His leadership within these groups has left a lasting impression on optometric education and clinical practice.

Dr. Eakland’s colleagues, like Fraser Horn, Dean of Pacific University College of Optometry, describe him as a tireless advocate for students and optometry’s future. Ken’s work on the scope expansion of injectables and orals made an indelible mark on the profession, and he played a key role in the success of Pacific University’s clinics. Even after transitioning back to a faculty role, Dr. Eakland continued to impact students, creating a program to introduce them to regional meetings and networking events, fostering relationships that would help shape their careers.

For over three decades, Dr. Eakland has been a driving force behind the evolution of optometric education and clinical practice, always pushing for innovation, better patient care, and expanded opportunities for students and practitioners alike. His passion for the profession is matched only by his love for classic cars, motorcycles, and the music of Pink Floyd—a few of his many personal interests that add to his dynamic and unforgettable personality.

Dr. Rush’s career has been one of extraordinary dedication, not just to her patients, but to the entire optometric profession. Despite facing significant personal and professional challenges in 2023 and 2024, she has remained a symbol of calm, grace, and unwavering commitment.

Dr. Rush's contributions to the Oregon Optometric Physicians Association (OOPA) are legendary. She chaired the Advocacy Committee during a critical time, helping to steer the association through a pivotal scope of practice legislation. She then served two terms as OOPA president, overseeing the hiring of a new executive director and guiding the association through the unique challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In addition to her work with OOPA, Dr. Rush is an adjunct clinical professor at Pacific University College of Optometry, where she has inspired countless students. In 2013, she was honored with the Minnick-Agost Award for her exceptional contributions to optometry in Oregon, and just last year, she was named Oregon’s Optometrist of the Year.

Dr. Rush owns and operates successful practices in Bandon, Coquille, and Gold Beach, where she serves as medical director and sees patients of all ages. In 2019, she expanded her care offerings by establishing a vision therapy clinic, helping children struggling with undiagnosed visual problems. Her vision therapy center filled a desperate need for the southern Oregon coast, allowing patients who couldn’t afford to travel long distances to receive critical care close to home.

Dr. Rush’s influence extends far beyond her practice. In 2020, she was recognized as one of Vision Monday’s Most Influential Women in Optometry. She serves on key committees within the American Optometric Association (AOA), including state government relations, and she is a passionate advocate for optometric legislation, frequently meeting with lawmakers to expand access to care.

Her dedication to her community is just as impressive. She has been honored with the Lions Club Distinguished Service Award, and has spent years volunteering, including on the Cranberry Festival Committee, the Swimming Pool Committee, and as the head coach for her daughter’s volleyball team. Through her leadership, advocacy, and mentorship, she has inspired both her community and the profession.

Dr. Rush’s commitment to optometry runs deep, and she credits her father, Dr. John Rush, a former president of OOPA and past trustee to the AOA Board of Directors, for instilling a passion for the profession at an early age. Her leadership style, grounded in leading by example, has made her an inspiration to her peers, her patients, and countless optometry students across the state.