The nominee must be a fellow or member in good standing of the Academy who has demonstrated a pattern of advocating for the profession at the state and/or federal level(s) over a period of at least several years. Qualifying service might include, but is not limited to:
- Implementing fundraiser(s) for political candidates
- Lobbying for federal/state legislation or regulatory issues introduced or endorsed by the Academy/state ophthalmological society or providing opposition to adverse legislation and/or regulatory issues
- Instrumental in helping to grow his/her state ophthalmology society PAC
- Participation in Academy Congressional Advocacy Day (CAD) visits
- Presenting/arranging for Residents’ Advocacy Program(s) (RAP) at state level
- Instrumental in key Academy advocacy outcome (i.e., getting a bill introduced, meeting/negotiating ophthalmology’s position with key Member(s) of Congress, securing coalition partner(s) for a particular advocacy effort, etc.)
- Instrumental in implementing a State Legislator Advocacy Plan, including a key contact program wherein an ophthalmologist contact representing the state ophthalmology society is provided for each legislator
- Holding key leadership position(s) within the state medical association serving to raise the issues of concern to ophthalmology
The service must have been above and beyond the usual service commitment required by a sponsoring organization or expected by the type of service involved, should have entailed personal sacrifice on the part of the ophthalmologist, and must have been consonant with the principles of the Code of Ethics of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Only one such award may be given to an individual during his or her lifetime.