October | November - Missouri Optometric Association

October | November 2008
Dr. James Hunt
Honored as MOA
Optometrist of the Year
Branson, Mo-- Dr. James Hunt, with
practices in Doniphan and Piedmont,
Missouri, was presented with the
Optometrist of the Year Award at the
Missouri Optometric Association’s
(MOA) 2008 Awards luncheon on
October 10 held at the Chateau on
the Lake in Branson, Missouri.
The Optometrist of the Year award
is presented to an optometrist who
has proven to be an outstanding
practitioner. In order to qualify
for the award, a candidate must
demonstrate a mode of practice that
shows concern and involvement
within the association and the
profession and make a significant contribution to the community. His involvement
in the association includes co-editor of the Vision Newsletter, MOA Trustee,
MOA Exhibit Hall Chairman, Paraoptometric Liaison, multiple office holder in his
society, and MOA committee member. “This is the highest compliment a doctor of
optometry can receive from his profession,” Dr. Hunt said of his honor.
Dr. Hunt is a graduate of Arkansas State University and the Inter American
University School of Optometry. Dr. Hunt did receive the Leadership Award in
recognition for his excellent performance while in optometry school. He has been
a clinical examiner for the National Board of Examiners in Optometry, and is an
associate faculty member at the Inter American University School of Optometry.
The MOA has also recognized Dr. Hunt as the Young Optometrist of the Year at its
annual Convention in 2007 in St. Louis, Missouri. According to Dr. Hunt, “I was
completely shocked when I was announced as the winner of this year’s award;
because I have not heard of any MOA member winning Young Optometrist of the
Year and then Optometrist of the Year at the following convention. I am beyond
words to have been named Optometrist of the Year. It is an honor just to be
nominated by my peers.”
Dr. Hunt enjoys practicing optometry in the Ozarks of Missouri and being with his
wife, Evelyn, their four kids--Bryanna, Rachel, Jack, and James--along with three
grandchildren.
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