OAO's Highest Honor, the "Bud Thoma" Award, will be presented at the OAO Annual Conference and Professional Development Event on September 7, 2025. This prestigious award recognizes an optician who has made an outstanding contribution to OAO, demonstrated leadership and dedication at the national level, and has shown exceptional professionalism and impact throughout the optical industry.
This award is given in memory of Sebastian W "Bud" Thoma. Mr. Thoma was one of the original pioneers informing what is now known as the Opticians Association of Ohio. His many years in the business were spent in organizational work promoting education and involvement in raising the standards of Opticianry. He served at the national, state, and local levels, working toward that goal.
The Bud Thoma Award committee will review candidates for the award. The nomination submission should include the nominee's qualifications and contributions to OAO and the Opticianry profession. Bud Thoma Application Thomas Award Parameters &. Application
Not more than one (1) Bud Thomas Award may be presented in any given year. The award is not required to be given every year. If there is a year when no nominees meet the requirement, then no award shall be presented. An individual may only receive the award once. Click here for a complete list of Past Recipients Of The Bud Thoma Award
If you have any questions, please get in touch with OAO at (614) 505-3296
The OAO Team