Optometry Professor Karl Citek Earns Prestigious Professional Status

The American Academy of Optometry has awarded Pacific University Optometry professor Karl Citek, MS, OD, PhD, and an academy Fellow, Diplomate status in the organization's Public Health and Environmental Vision Section. Citek received the honor at the AAO's Academic 2015, held in New Orleans Oct. 7-10. 

Professionals who become Fellows of the Academy must complete a rigorous candidacy process that includes the submission of extensive written work and successfully passing an oral examination. A panel of leading optometrists and vision scientists must approve both the written work and oral examination. Less than ten percent of practicing optometrists are Fellows of the Academy. What's more, only seven percent of Fellows have achieved Diplomate status.

The AAO enhances excellence in optometric practice by fostering research and disseminating knowledge in vision science. Fellows of the Academy are committed to the premise that learning is a lifelong obligation of a professional, as is the commitment to expand the profession’s knowledge base through ongoing fellowship and exchange.