O.D. of the Year

Dennis H. Lyons, of Toms River, New Jersey, has been named the New Jersey Society of Optometric Physicians' (NJSOP) 2012 Optometrist of the Year.

Dr. Lyons is a 1973 graduate of the Pennsylvania College of Optometry. Following his graduation he went into private practice in Brick, NJ where he is still located today.

Dr. Lyons has been a member of the NJSOP for 39 years. He served on the Society's Board of Directors from 2001 to 2007. He is also a long-time member of the American Optometric Association (AOA) and is a member of the AOA Utilization of Paraoptometric Personnel Project Team. Dr. Lyons became a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry in 1994 and served as its president from 2000 to 2002.

In addition to these affiliations Dr. Lyon's has also dedicated his time to several clinical investigation panels including Cooper Vision Optics National Panel of Advisors.

 A recipient of several prestigious professional awards, Dr. Lyons' dedication to the profession of optometry has been acknowledged through the American Academy of Optometry's Presidential Service award in 2005, the NJSOP Distinguished Service Award in 2007, and the Pennsylvania College of Optometry's Alumnus of the Year award in 2008.

The Optometrist of the Year Award is presented to an optometrist who, during the preceding 18 to 24 months, has proven himself or herself to be an outstanding practitioner.  In order to qualify for the award, a candidate must demonstrate a mode of practice that shows deep commitment to his or her patients.  In addition, the optometrist must have shown concern and involvement within the association and the profession, and made a significant contribution to the community.

Dr. Lyons' peers chose him for the award in grateful recognition of his invaluable contributions to the visual welfare of the community, the association, the profession of optometry and the State of New Jersey.