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Hindsight: Journal of Optometry History, Volume 48, Number 1                                          Goss: Book Review | Page 31 
 
	

Book Review: History of the American Academy of Optometry 
1987-2010 
 
History of the American Academy of Optometry 1987-2010. Robert D. 
Newcomb and Mark Eger. American Academy of Optometry, 2012. No ISBN. 
246 pages. Softcover, $25. 
 
 
David A. Goss, O.D., Ph.D. 
School of Optometry 
 Indiana University 
Bloomington, IN 47405 
 dgoss@indiana.edu 
 
 

his book continues James Gregg’s book History of the American Academy 
of Optometry 1922-1986.  It discusses the organizational activities, annual 
meetings, and leaders of the American Academy of Optometry over the time 

span indicated in the title, while touching on some aspects of previous years to provide 
context. 
 Among the items discussed is the start of research workshops or Summer Research 
Institutes in 1988.  In 1991-92, the Academy budget first exceeded one million dollars and 
it was over three million dollars by 2002.  International Academy meetings were started 
in 1992.  Also in 1992, the American Optometric Foundation became affiliated with the 
Academy and transferred its governance to the Academy.  Joan Exford was the first 
woman AAO president in 1993-94.   
 In the 1990s, efforts to recruit new members were initiated.  Previously, such 
efforts were thought inappropriate; it was necessary for prospective members to request 
a membership application or be recommended by a current Fellow.  In 2007, the time of 
the annual meeting switched to October.  For many years, the meeting had been in 
December because that traditionally had been a slow time in most optometrists’ offices. 
 In addition to the narrative on events and landmarks in the history of the Academy 
such as the above, the book is illustrated with black-and-white photographs and it 
contains appendices with lists of Academy presidents and board members, American 
Optometric Foundation presidents, annual meeting dates and locations, award recipients, 
active chapters, and 2009 committee structure.   
 The book includes an introduction by Mark W. Eger, president of the Academy in 
2009 and 2010.  The author, Robert D. Newcomb, is an OHS member and was secretary-
treasurer of the American Academy of Optometry in 1997-98, president of the AAO in 
2001 and 2002, and recipient of the AAO Eminent Service Award in 2006.  

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