Posted:  Fullerton, CA, May 25, 2012

The Southern California College of Optometry (SCCO), has honored Ronald L. Hopping, O.D., M.P.H., with its Award for Distinguished Service.  Dr. Hopping, President-Elect of the American Optometric Association, a private practitioner in Houston, Texas, and a 1978 Alumnus of SCCO, was recognized for his service and contributions over time that have advanced the stature and integrity of the optometric profession. Dr. Hopping received the award at SCCO's one-hundred and eighth Commencement Exercise following the presentation of his Commencement Address, "The Family Secret."   He spoke to the 98 members of the Class of 2012, along with their families and friends, during May 25 ceremony on SCCO's Fullerton campus.

Currently serving as President-Elect of the American Optometric Association (AOA), Dr. Hopping will become President of this 36,000-member national organization on July 1, 2012.  At that time, he and his father, SCCO President Emeritus Richard L. Hopping, O.D., D.O.S., D.Sc., D.O.S., will become the first father and son to have served as presidents of the AOA.  Dr. Richard Hopping was AOA President, 1971–72.

As AOA President-Elect, Dr. Ron Hopping, is member of the AOA Executive, Investment, Agenda and Personnel Committees.  His board liaison assignments include the Meetings Center and affiliate association in Alaska, California, Hawaii, Nevada and Oregon.  Dr. Hopping is also the liaison for the Armed Forces Optometric Society, and two colleges of optometry, including his alma mater, SCCO.

Prior to his election to the Board, Dr. Hopping served as chair of the AOA Information and Member Services Group and also of the AOA Communications Group Advisory Committee.  He has served on the Healthy Eyes Healthy People Oversight Committee.  He is a charter member of the AOA Contact Lens and Cornea Section and the Sports Vision Section.  He is an InfantSEE® provider and a contributor to the AOA PAC at the Visionary level.  He has served as a full-time faculty member with the rank of Assistant Professor at the University of Houston College of Optometry.  Dr. Hopping served as President of the Texas Optometric Association in 1996.

In 1978, Dr. Hopping earned his Doctor of Optometry degree from SCCO, and in 1982 he received his Masters in Public Health from the University of Texas.  He has received Presidents' Awards for Outstanding Service from 10 different state presidents and was recognized as the Texas Optometrist of the Year in 2002.  He has also been recognized with the Outstanding Faculty Award at the University of Houston, College of Optometry.  Dr. Hopping is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry and is recognized as a Diplomate in Cornea and Contact Lenses.  Additionally, he is recognized as a Distinguished Practitioner by the National Academies of Practice in Optometry.

Dr. Hopping is in full-time, independent practice with his wife, Desiree Hopping, O.D., and two associates in the Clear Lake area of Houston, Texas.