AUSTIN, Texas—The Society to Advance Opticianry has named Barry Santini, OO, as the 2016 Ophthalmic Optician of the Year. The organization plans to present him with a certificate acknowledging this honor during their annual meeting to be held in Las Vegas at Vision Expo West on Saturday Sept. 17, 2016.

“Barry Santini was chosen for his high level of service to our profession and his patients for more than 20 years,” an announcement from the SAO said. To qualify for this honor, an optician must be a current member of the SAO in the year they are being considered, and must advance opticianry through the promotion of higher education and certification levels for opticians. Honorees must not be a current officer or board member of the SAO during the prior year they are being considered for this honor.

The SAO said, “Barry has demonstrated all the outstanding leadership qualities that an Ophthalmic Optician should have. He is an industry leader, an active member of NYSO and has written many articles for optical industry magazines. As a New York licensed optician in both eyewear and contacts, he is a respected master optician that owns his business, Long Island Opticians in Seaford, N.Y.”

The SAO is a credentialing organization, which promotes college education, licensing and/or certification credentials for opticians in both eyewear and contact lenses. The SAO also provides mentoring services to its candidate members working toward full membership.

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