FRANKFORT, Ky. — Dr. Bill Reynolds, a doctor of optometry who practices in Richmond and Lexington, has been named incoming president of the American Optometric Association (AOA). His one-year term starts June 27.
“It is a great honor but also a great responsibility to lead our profession this coming year,” said Reynolds, who is president and CEO of Eye Care Center Optometrists, which has offices in Richmond, Lexington, Beattyville, Irvine and McKee. “Our health-care system faces many challenges during this pandemic. Ensuring our patients continue to get the essential eye care services they need and deserve must continue to be a priority.”
Reynolds has a long history of involvement and advocacy in the profession. He has served as president of the Kentucky Optometric Association (KOA), a board member of the Kentucky Optometric Examiners, and as a trustee for the Southern Council of Optometrists and the AOA. He also is an adjunct faculty member at the Kentucky College of Optometry, the Southern College of Optometry and the Indiana College of Optometry.
He has been involved in philanthropic efforts as a board member for Optometry Cares, which manages a community health program for infants, administers a disaster relief fund and provides scholarships; and he also served as the clinical director for eye screenings for the Kentucky Special Olympics.
“Dr. Reynolds has held every office of the Kentucky Optometric Association including president,” said Dr. Tyler Hudson, who practices in Walton and current president of the KOA. “Not only has he been an outstanding advocate for our profession but has worked tirelessly to improve eye health in various volunteer capacities. He has taken numerous mission trips to provide eye care, and he was instrumental in the passage of Kentucky’s landmark law requiring comprehensive eye examinations for school entry in 2000. Following the passage of that law, Dr. Reynolds co-authored three published studies documenting the positive impact of the legislation on Kentucky’s children.”
Reynolds was also legislative chairman of the KOA during the passage of Senate Bill 110, which increased access to quality eye care throughout the commonwealth.
The American Optometric Association, founded in 1898, represents approximately 37,000 doctors of optometry, optometry students and para-optometric assistants and technicians in the U.S.
Two other Kentuckians have previously held this honor: Dr. Joe Ellis of Benton and Dr. James Leadingham of Louisa.
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