July 2, 2003

BIRMINGHAM, AL — John F. Amos, O.D., dean of the UAB School of Optometry, was recently presented with the American Optometric Association’s Distinguished Service Award, making him one of three optometrists in the country ever to have been honored with both of the organization’s two most prestigious awards given annually.

The distinguished service award is a reflection of an individual’s efforts, over a long period of time, to better the profession at a local, state and national level. The selection is made by a panel consisting of the last five presidents of the AOA.

In 1994, Amos received the other of the two most prestigious awards — the AOA National Optometrist of the Year.

Amos graduated from the Illinois College of Optometry in 1965 with a bachelor of science and a doctor of optometry degree, and began practicing the same year. He served as an optometry officer in the U.S. Air Force from 1966 to 1969, and was awarded the Bronze Star for Meritorious Service in Vietnam.

In 1972, Amos earned a master of science degree in physiological optics from Indiana University, and joined the faculty of the University of Alabama at Birmingham as an assistant professor. He was promoted to professor in 1982. During his tenure at UAB, he has held the position of chief of Optometry Clinic of the Diabetes Research and Education Hospital, director of the UAB School of Optometry residency programs, chief of Primary Vision Care Services and chairman of the Department of Optometry. In June he was named dean of the school.

While serving as chair of the Clinical Care Center of the American Optometric Association from 1990 to 1998, Amos led the profession’s effort to develop clinical practice guidelines, which ultimately led to the publication of 20 practice guidelines used by the organization and optometric professionals for diagnoses and treatment. He continues to serve on the Clinical Guidelines Coordinating Committee.