The National Academy of Opticianry announces its 2025 award winners

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Symbol picture: Image by Peggy und Marco Lachmann-Anke from Pixabay
Symbol picture: Image by Peggy und Marco Lachmann-Anke from Pixabay

The National Academy of Opticianry (NAO) has proudly announced the recipients of its prestigious NAO Hall of Fame, NAO Educator of the Year, NAO Optician of the Year Award for 2025. 

Hall of Fame inductee Edward L. De Gennaro

The purpose of the Hall of Fame is to recognize individuals whose contributions to the vision care of the public can be described as “major and “noteworthy” and who continuously make significant contributions to ophthalmic dispensing.
Ed De Gennaro, often regarded as an icon in opticianry, has had a profound and far-reaching impact on the profession through decades of dedication to education, leadership, and mentorship. With a career spanning roles such as professor and Dean at Reynolds Community College, founding director of national organizations like the NAO, ABO, and COA, and chair of key committees and summits—including the pivotal 2012 Opticianry Summit—Ed has consistently worked to elevate the standards and accessibility of opticianry education. He played a vital role in creating online curricula, led educational initiatives at International Vision Expo for nearly 30 years, and contributed extensively to industry research and professional publications. His influence extended globally through lectures and review courses that helped countless opticians achieve certification. Above all, Ed is celebrated for nurturing the next generation of opticians, always encouraging them to pay it forward.

Educator of the Year Thomas R. Neff

The Educator of the Year Award (formerly known as the Joseph Bruneni Memorial Education Achievement Award) was established to recognize educators who have made noteworthy contributions to opticianry education. The winner must be currently licensed, registered, or certified as an optician (by ABO, NCLE, or state), or have been active in promoting education for opticians. The number of hours the individual has spent teaching or training, the number of publications and meritorious contributions to the advancement of opticianry education also are considered in the selection process.
Thomas Neff is a graduate of the Hillsborough Community College A.S. in Opticianry Program and a Board Certified Optician in Florida. He holds the Advance Certifications from both the ABO and NCLE. He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Technical Education and Industry Training, and a Master’s Degree in Career and Technical Education both from the University of Central Florida. He is presently an Assistant Professor at Hillsborough Community College Opticianry Program.
Thomas is a Board Certified Optician with a passion for helping to develop people into amazing Opticians. He also has an Advanced Certification for the ABO (American Board of Opticianry)
Thomas was responsible for organizing what they call Vision Van Clinics in the Orlando area. Helping kids in public schools gain access to the program and all the logistics into bringing the program to Orlando.

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Optician of the Year Michael C. Vitale and Ronnie Harbert

Formerly known as the Beverly Myers Achievement Award, established by Leslie W. Myers on June 21, 1951 in memory of his daughter, the Optician of the Year Award is “bestowed upon persons who have made meritorious contributions or who have rendered outstanding services to the field of ophthalmic optics”. Originally awarded by the International Academy of Opticianry, the honor of presenting this prestigious award now resides with the National Academy of Opticianry.
Michael has been in the optical industry since 1977 and has made a lasting impact on the profession through his leadership, dedication, and commitment to excellence in opticianry. With his years of experience, he has exemplified the highest standards of optical care and mentorship within the industry.
Ronnie has been a licensed Optician in his home state of South Carolina for nearly 5 decades serving in various roles with the South Carolina Association of Opticians, including president and has also served as President to the OAA and currently sits as the President of the United Opticians Association (UOA).
The recipients were selected for this award by the NAO Executive Committee from a pool of outstanding nominations submitted from across the country. 

The NAO congratulates Michael and Ronnie and thanks all those who continue to raise the standard of care in opticianry.
For more information about the NAO Optician of the Year Award or to nominate a colleague for 2026, visit https://www.nao.org/2024/11/25/nao-award-nominations/.