AROA Awards

James Hertzog, O.D.

2026 Optometrist of the Year

Dr. James Hertzog has been named the 2026 Arkansas Optometric Association Optometrist of the Year. This prestigious award recognizes a single optometrist for exceptional accomplishments and ongoing dedication to the association. Dr. Hertzog is the owner of Hertzog Family Eye Care in Cabot, Arkansas. He served as President of the Arkansas Optometric Association from 2023–2024, with his tenure on the Board of Trustees beginning in 2016. During his leadership, he helped guide the association through a critical period of advocacy and organizational growth, supporting initiatives that strengthened the profession across Arkansas.

In addition to his role as President, Dr. Hertzog has demonstrated extensive service to the Arkansas Optometric Association. He has contributed through key leadership roles including AOP-PAC Chair, Nominating Committee Chair, and service on the Third Party Committee. He has also been a dedicated Keyperson, actively advocating for the passage of the last three major legislative acts impacting optometry in Arkansas.

Dr. Hertzog currently serves on the Arkansas State Board of Optometry, providing leadership and oversight for the profession at the regulatory level. He has further contributed to the profession through 15 years of service as the Arkansas Medicaid Vision Consultant, working to support providers and improve access to care for patients across the state.

His commitment to service extends into the community, where he has served as President of the Cabot School Board, Past President of the Cabot Lions Club, and Past Treasurer of the Cabot Chamber of Commerce. Dr. Hertzog has been recognized with numerous honors throughout his career, including the William H. Townsend Scholarship, the ArOA Young Optometrist of the Year (2011), the ArOA Special Service Award (2014), and the Hayes Center Practice of Excellence Award (2015). Dr. Hertzog earned his Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences, with a minor in Chemistry, from Arkansas State University in 2001, followed by his Doctor of Optometry degree from the Southern College of Optometry in 2006, graduating cum laude.

Zach Burroughs, O.D.

2026 Young Optometrist of the Year

Dr. Zach Burroughs has been named the 2026 Arkansas Optometric Association Young Optometrist of the Year, recognizing his outstanding contributions and leadership early in his career. Dr. Burroughs practices at Simmons Eye Care in Benton and Little Rock, Arkansas, where he provides comprehensive eye care services. He has been actively involved in the Arkansas Optometric Association, serving as a Student Liaison to Optometry Students (2019–present), State Legislative Committee Member (2023–present), and as a member of the Board of Directors (2024–present). Through these roles, he has contributed to advocacy efforts and initiatives that support the profession across Arkansas, while also impacting the next generation of Arkansas optometrists through his outreach and engagement with optometry students.

Dr. Burroughs has demonstrated a strong commitment to advocacy and professional development. He is an AOA-PAC Congressional Donor and a graduate of the American Optometric Association Leadership Institute 1.0 (2024). He is actively engaged in his community, including volunteer work with the Five Oaks Ag Research and Education Center and as an active member of Fellowship Bible Church West Little Rock.

Dr. Burroughs earned his Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences from Arkansas State University in 2015, graduating magna cum laude. He earned his Doctor of Optometry degree from the Southern College of Optometry in 2019, graduating magna cum laude.

Aaron Tollett, O.D.

Special Service Award

Dr. Aaron Tollett has been honored with the Arkansas Optometric Association Special Service Award, recognizing his outstanding contributions and leadership within the profession. He currently serves on the Arkansas Optometric Association Board of Directors (2023–present) and has been actively involved in key areas of the association, including the AOP-PAC Committee, the Executive Director Search Committee, and as the Arkansas Federal Advocacy Representative. He has also contributed at the national level through the American Optometric Association Leadership and Development Committee.

Dr. Tollett’s commitment to advocacy began as a student at the Southern College of Optometry, where he served as Arkansas Student Club President and played an active role in the state’s scope expansion efforts, organizing student engagement and participating in legislative hearings. As the Arkansas Federal Advocacy Representative and an AOA-PAC Visionary Donor, Dr. Tollett has led by example in engaging members to invest in AOA-PAC, helping position Arkansas as a national leader in participation. When he first achieved Visionary Donor status, he was the youngest individual in the country at that level. He has represented the ArOA and AOA at multiple AOA on Capitol Hill events in Washington, DC, advocating on behalf of the profession. He also serves as a Keyperson Captain on the State Legislative Committee, coordinating grassroots advocacy efforts across the state. He is a graduate of both the ArOA LEAD Program (2022) and the AOA Leadership Institute 1.0 (2022). While serving on the AOA Leadership and Development Committee, Dr. Tollett helped develop the Leadership Institute 2.0 program and served as a mentor to nine optometrists participating in the 2023 program.

Dr. Tollett has received numerous honors, including the ArOA Young Optometrist of the Year (2024) and the American Optometric Student Association Student of the Year (2019). Dr. Tollett earned his Bachelor of Arts in Biology from Arkansas State University in 2016 and his Doctor of Optometry degree from the Southern College of Optometry in 2020. Following graduation, he returned to his hometown of Nashville, Arkansas, where he purchased and renovated an existing practice to ensure continued access to care for his community. In 2025, he expanded his practice by opening Arkadelphia Eye Care in Arkadelphia, Arkansas, further increasing access to care in the region. His commitment to service extends into the community, where he is a past President of the Nashville Chamber of Commerce and remains actively involved in local leadership and economic development initiatives.

Beatrice Reed, O.D.

Distinguished Service Award

Dr. Beatrice Reed has been honored with the prestigious Distinguished Service Award by the Arkansas Optometric Association, recognizing her dedication and outstanding contributions to the profession of optometry. This award is presented to a member who has distinguished themselves through years of service to the profession, or whose contributions are so significant they warrant this highest recognition. Dr. Reed has demonstrated both through a career defined by leadership, service, and impact.

Dr. Reed served as President of the Arkansas Optometric Association from 2007–2008, with her tenure on the Board of Trustees beginning in 2001. She has served on numerous committees, including the State and National Legal Legislative Committees, Third Party Committee, Public Relations Committee, Membership Committee (Chair/Co-Chair), and the Nominating and Awards Committees. She has also contributed nationally through the American Optometric Association Evidence-Based Optometry Committee. Dr. Reed currently serves as President of the Arkansas State Board of Optometry, where she has led the Board through a period of transition and modernization, including streamlining licensure processes and implementing digital systems. She has served for many years as a Vision Consultant for Arkansas Medicaid, helping improve access to care and provider education across the state. She has also provided care to active-duty military members and veterans and performed disability determination exams for veterans. She has volunteered with the Special Olympics, was an inaugural InfantSEE provider, served on the Arkansas Commission on Eye and Vision Care for School-Age Children, and led public health initiatives such as the KIDS injury prevention program.

Dr. Reed has received numerous honors, including the American Optometric Foundation Frederick W. Brock Award for research in vision training (1989), the ArOA President’s Award (2008), the Special Achievement Award from Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System (2017), and the Commander’s Award for Civilian Service (2013). She earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Arkansas–Pine Bluff in 1981, a Master of Science in Biology Education from Arkansas State University in 1983, and her Doctor of Optometry degree from the University of Missouri–St. Louis in 1989. Dr. Reed is a trailblazer in Arkansas optometry, becoming the first Black woman to practice optometry in the state, the first Black President of the Arkansas Optometric Association, and the first Black individual and first woman to serve as President of the Arkansas State Board of Optometry.

Creighton Simmons, O.D.

Distinguished Service Award

Dr. Creighton Simmons has been honored with the Arkansas Optometric Association Distinguished Service Award, recognizing his dedication and impactful contributions to the profession of optometry. This award is presented to a member who has distinguished themselves through years of service to the profession, or whose contributions are so significant they warrant this highest recognition. Dr. Simmons has demonstrated both, providing large and impactful contributions to the profession over many years of service.

Dr. Simmons served as President of the Arkansas Optometric Association from 2000–2001, with his tenure on the Board of Trustees beginning in 1993. His leadership helped support the continued growth and stability of the association and the advancement of optometry in Arkansas. He has played a critical role in advancing the profession through his service as State Legislative Chairman for over 10 years, helping guide legislative and regulatory efforts impacting optometry across the state. In addition to his service within the association, Dr. Simmons has built a distinguished career in private practice, developing a multi-location practice that serves communities across Central Arkansas. His commitment to both patient care and professional advocacy reflects a career dedicated to strengthening optometry at every level.

Dr. Simmons earned his Bachelor of Science from the University of Central Arkansas and his Doctor of Optometry degree from the Southern College of Optometry in 1990, graduating magna cum laude. He has received numerous honors throughout his career, including being the first recipient of the ArOA Young Optometrist of the Year Award (1996), the ArOA Special Service Award (1999), the ArOA Optometrist of the Year Award (2005), and the Myron Shofner Award (2010), recognizing his sustained leadership and contributions to the profession.

Senator John Boozman, O.D.

Lifetime of Excellence Award

Dr. John Boozman has been honored with the prestigious Lifetime of Excellence Award by the Arkansas Optometric Association. This recognition celebrates a distinguished career marked by exceptional service, leadership, and a lasting impact on the profession. Dr. Boozman co-founded a successful eye care practice in Northwest Arkansas, where he provided comprehensive vision care and served his community for many years.

Through his service in Congress, including his time in the U.S. House of Representatives (2001–2011) and the U.S. Senate (2011–present), Senator Boozman has been a strong advocate for optometry and patient access to care. As a member of the Congressional Vision Caucus, he has sponsored and supported key legislation, including efforts to improve patient access, strengthen physician reimbursement, enhance access to vision care for children and underserved populations, and advance protections for both patients and providers. His leadership has included championing legislation such as the Contact Lens Prescription Verification Modernization Act, the Access Technology Affordability Act, the Military Eye Trauma Treatment Act, the Optometric Equity in Medicaid Act, the National Health Service Corps Improvement Act, the Vision Care for Kids Act, the Vision Lab Choice Act, and the Medicare Patient Access and Practice Stabilization Act. He has also provided critical oversight on federal policies impacting optometric scope of practice within the Department of Veterans Affairs and has supported funding for the National Eye Institute.

Prior to his service in Congress, Dr. Boozman demonstrated a strong commitment to public service and patient care, including establishing a low vision program at the Arkansas School for the Blind, providing care for underserved patients, participating in international mission work, and serving as a member of the Rogers School Board and the Benton County Fair Board. He completed his pre-optometry studies at the University of Arkansas before earning his Doctor of Optometry degree from the Southern College of Optometry in 1977. Dr. Boozman has received numerous honors throughout his career, including the Myron Shofner Award (2009), Optometrist of the South (2011), American Optometric Association Optometrist of the Year (2011), the Southern College of Optometry Lifetime Achievement Award (2013), the AOA President’s Award for Distinguished Service to Optometry (2014–2015), and an Honorary Doctorate of Ocular Science from the Southern College of Optometry (2016). More recently, he has been recognized with the AOA Health Care Leadership Award (2023, 2024, 2025), the Blinded American Veterans Foundation Congressional Award (2023), and the Champion of Academic Medicine Award from the Association of American Medical Colleges (2025).

View Past Award Recipients