American Optometric Association
Melissa Forrester is currently the Manager of Student and New Doctor Services at the American Optometric Association. Prior to this role, Melissa served as a Volunteer Coordinator at Casa de Salud. Melissa has a background in social work and has held various positions at organizations such as the National Council of Jewish Women, Saint Louis Effort for AIDS, and The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Melissa holds a Master of Social Work from Washington University in St. Louis, specializing in Social and Economic Development. Melissa is dedicated to advocating for legislation to improve the lives of women, children, and families.
American Optometric Association
The American Optometric Association represents approximately 39,000 doctors of optometry, optometry students and paraoptometric assistants and technicians. Optometrists serve patients in nearly 6,500 communities across the country, and in 3,500 of those communities are the only eye doctors. Doctors of optometry provide two-thirds of all primary eyecare in the United States.Founded in 1898, the AOA is a federation of state, student and armed forces optometric associations. Through these affiliations, the AOA serves members consisting of optometrists, students of optometry, paraoptometric assistants and technicians.Together, the AOA and its affiliates work to provide the public with quality vision and eye care. Through offices in St. Louis, Missouri, and metropolitan Washington, D.C., the AOA: Sets professional standards, helping its members conduct patient care efficiently and effectively Lobbies government and other organizations on behalf of the optometric profession Provides research and education leadership.