Buckeyes Bring Home Honors
The American Optometric Association has recognized two outstanding alumni of The Ohio State University College of Optometry with prestigious national honors. Aaron Zimmerman (OD/MS’07) was named the 2025 Optometric Educator of the Year, and James Hardie (OD’10) was named Optometrist of the Year.
Dr. Zimmerman is a respected educator, clinician, and researcher who has dedicated his career to advancing clinical education. He earned both his OD and MS degrees from Ohio State and now serves as a Clinical Professor at the College of Optometry. His areas of expertise include binocular vision, pediatrics, contact lenses, and advanced ocular procedures. Dr. Zimmerman has played a leading role in shaping optometric education through his teaching on lasers, injections, and ocular disease co-management.
An accomplished researcher, he has authored numerous studies in areas such as contact lens safety, sports vision, and binocular vision disorders and has served as principal investigator on several research projects. He is a frequent invited lecturer at national and international conferences and holds leadership roles in professional organizations including the American Academy of Optometry and the AOA. Dr. Zimmerman’s clinical insight and mentorship continue to influence the next generation of optometrists.
Dr. Hardie is a private practice partner at Pinnacle Eye Group in Lambertville, Michigan, and at Great Lakes Vision Care in Monroe, Michigan. A leader in both clinical care and professional advocacy, Dr. Hardie was previously honored as the Michigan Optometric Association’s (MOA) 2016 Young Optometrist of the Year and is the MOA’s 2025 Optometrist of the Year.
While a student at Ohio State, he was recognized with the Graduate of the Year award and received the VSP Nexus Award for excellence in ophthalmic dispensing. Dr. Hardie is an active member of numerous professional and community organizations, including the AOA, the Ohio and Michigan Optometric Associations, the Toledo Area Optometric Association, and the Bedford Lions Club. He has held numerous leadership roles, including Past President of the Michigan Optometric Association, the Bedford Business Association, and the BNI Elite Referral Partners.
Dr. Hardie has also served the AOA on its Leadership Development and Resolutions Committees and has been an AOA Keyperson since 2012. He currently chairs the Legislative Committee for the Michigan Optometric Association and serves on the AOA’s State Government Relations Committee.
Both Dr. Zimmerman and Dr. Hardie were recognized for their achievements during the AOA’s annual meeting in Minneapolis on June 28.
