The Indiana Optometric Association (IOA) announced its 2026 award winners on April 17, 2026, at Indiana Optometry’s Meeting, the IOA’s 129th annual convention, at the Embassy Suites in Plainfield. The Optometrist of the Year is Chris Browning, O.D., Indianapolis, and the President’s Citation - Young Optometrist of the Year is Garrett Zgunda, O.D., Muncie. These awards are bestowed on members of the IOA who demonstrate not only contributions to the profession, but also service on behalf of the visual welfare of the public and service to the community at large.
Additional awards include the Meritorious Service Award to Natalie DeCook, O.D., Plainfield; the Outstanding Service in the Public Interest award to Jolene Bracale, Indianapolis; and the Dr. Marjorie J. Knotts Key Legislative Person Award to Nicole Albright, O.D., Merrillville.
The IOA also presented the Lifetime Achievement Award to Steven Hitzeman, O.D., Bloomington. This award is presented to an Indiana optometrist to recognize significant and long-lasting contributions to the profession of optometry
Newly inducted Indiana Optometry board officers include:
- Dr. Jennifer Kohn, Merrillville – President
- Dr. Kyle King, Evansville – President-Elect
- Dr. Brittney McWilliams, Evansville – Treasurer
- Dr. Nathan Morrow, Indianapolis – Secretary
- Dr. Jeremy Gard, Muncie – Immediate Past President