At their annual meeting in Boston on June 29, the American Optometric Association’s (AOA) Low Vision Rehabilitation Section presented their 2007 highest achievement award to Dr. Ronald Siwoff. The Vision Care Award is given to an AOA member in the field of low vision who has demonstrated exceptional achievements and services to the community, often extending to the state and the nation. Achievements include donation of services, innovative research and contributions to the field of low vision.
Dr. Siwoff, a longtime member of the New Jersey Society of Optometric Physicians, is the inventor of Retinal Image Translocation (R.I.T.), which is a noninvasive technology for improving the vision of patients with macular diseases and other serious eye ailments. He also holds several patents for devices which enhance the sight of visually-impaired individuals. Siwoff served as a consultant to the federal government in establishing guidelines for barrier-free lighting in public places, including the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.
“I am very fortunate to have chosen a profession that allowed me the opportunity to improve a person’s quality of life,” Siwoff said. “I’m truly honored to accept such a prestigious award from my optometric colleagues and to be recognized in this way.”
Presenting the Vision Care Award to Dr. Siwoff was Dr. Bruce Rosenthal (Rumson, New Jersey), who is the newly elected chairperson of AOA’s Low Vision Rehabilitation Section and Director of Low Vision Services at Lighthouse, New York.