The National Academy of Opticianry announces its 2026 award winners
The National Academy of Opticianry (NAO) is proud to announce the recipients of its prestigious NAO Hall of Fame, NAO Optician of the Year, and NAO Educator of the Year Awards for 2026. These distinguished honors recognize individuals whose dedication, leadership, and service continue to elevate the profession of opticianry and advance the delivery of quality vision care to the public.
The NAO Hall of Fame inductees for 2026 are Michael C. Vitale, ABOM, LDO, NCLE and Diane Drake, LDO, ABOM, NCLEM, FNAO. 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.
Michael Vitale
Michael Vitale has been a driving force in the optical industry since 1977. Currently serving as Vice President of Membership, Government Relations & Technical Affairs at The Vision Council, Michael’s impact spans ophthalmic lenses, laboratory operations, government affairs, and global industry standards. A North Carolina Licensed Optician and NCLE-certified contact lens fitter with a Master’s in Ophthalmic Optics, he serves as Secretariat to ANSI ASC Z80 for Ophthalmic Optics, U.S. TAG Leader to ISO TC172 SC7, Chair of ISEA/ANSI Z87, and Vice Chair of ASTM F08.57 on Eye Safety for Sports. His leadership in advancing safety, quality standards, and professional excellence has shaped the industry both nationally and internationally. A 2016 inductee into the Optical Laboratories Hall of Fame and recipient of The Vision Council’s 2025 “Good Fellow” Award, Michael’s career reflects a lifelong commitment to strengthening opticianry and protecting the vision of the public.
Diane F. Drake
Diane F. Drake, LDO, ABOM, NCLEM, FNAO, brings more than 40 years of dedication to opticianry as a licensed optician, educator, author, and industry leader. A Fellow of the NAO and past Treasurer, Vice President, and President of the organization, Diane has influenced thousands of opticians through her work with ABO, NCLE, AOA Paraoptometric CPC, and JCAHPO. As the author of numerous publications—including the NAO’s Ophthalmic Career Progression Program—she has helped shape modern opticianry education. Diane’s career also includes 19 years as owner of All About Eyes Vision Center in Griffin, Georgia, and ongoing service as an industry consultant and speaker. Her leadership, scholarship, and mentorship embody the very spirit of the NAO Hall of Fame.
Yvonne Pelkey
The Educator of the Year Award recognizes educators who have made noteworthy contributions to opticianry education and professional advancement.
Yvonne Pelkey joined GPN Technologies in 2014 and brings 30 years of experience spanning private practice and retail optical settings. A licensed optician in Virginia with ABO and NCLE certifications, she holds degrees from J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College and the University of Richmond. Yvonne’s career has included service as an ophthalmic assistant for a pediatric ophthalmologist and as an adjunct faculty member, reflecting her passion for both patient care and professional development. Honored in 2013 as Optician of the Year by the Opticians Association of Virginia and recognized as one of the Most Influential Women in the Optical Industry, Yvonne’s commitment to mentoring and educating future opticians makes her a deserving recipient of the 2026 NAO Educator of the Year Award.
This year’s honorees for the NAO Optician of the Year are Judith Lew, Jerry Himes, and Russ Tolar
Formerly known as the Beverly Myers Achievement Award, established on June 21, 1951, the Optician of the Year Award is bestowed upon individuals who have made meritorious contributions or rendered outstanding service to the field of ophthalmic optics.
Judith Lew
Judith “Judy” Lew brings 45 years of industry experience and a deep passion for professional development. A graduate of Ferris University’s Ophthalmic Optics program, Judy serves as Professional Development Director at EssilorLuxottica, where she collaborates with educational institutions and professional associations nationwide to advance opticianry. A Florida licensed optician and ABO-certified professional, she serves on the Boards of the NAO and the United Opticians Association, is a Commissioner for the Commission on Opticianry Accreditation, and State Director for the Professional Opticians of Florida. Recognized in 2023 as one of Vision Monday’s Most Influential Women in Optical, Judy’s leadership and commitment to education continue to inspire the profession.
Jerry Himes
Jerry Himes is an optical industry veteran whose five decades of service began in her parents’ ophthalmology and optometric clinic, working in the surgery center and optical laboratory before becoming an optician and dedicated educator. An ABO Master and NCLE-certified professional, Jerry serves on the Commission on Opticianry Accreditation and chairs the National Commission on State Optician Regulatory Boards. She also served more than 35 years on the Arkansas State Board of Dispensing Opticians and spent 34 years with SOLA, now Carl Zeiss Vision, leading national educational initiatives. Her unwavering dedication to strengthening optician education and professional standards has left a lasting legacy across the industry.
Russ Tolar
Russ Tolar, a second-generation optician with more than 40 years of experience, has demonstrated exceptional leadership throughout his distinguished career. A graduate of Durham Technical Community College, ABO certified, and licensed in multiple states, Russ earned the Mastre Ottica designation from the Italian Opticians Association. His service includes roles as President of the Opticians Association of America, Chairman of the North Carolina State Board of Opticians, and member of the ABO Board of Directors. A longtime NAO member and prior NAO Hall of Fame inductee, Russ’s continued dedication to advocacy, governance, and professional excellence exemplifies the highest standards of opticianry.
To read more about Judith, Jerry and Russ and their illustrious careers, visit the NAO website at https://www.nao.org/ and click on the Read the Latest Issue tab.
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 Judith, Jerry and Russ 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 2027, visit https://www.nao.org/2024/11/25/nao-award-nominations/.
