Team of the Century
Those individuals honored as the "OAOP Team of the Century" have contributed to the legacy and heritage of the optometric profession in Oklahoma. The OAOP recognized this team at the 2000 Annual Education Congress held on April 14, 2000 in Oklahoma City.

George McVey, OD - Oklahoma City

Dr. McVey was a charter member of the Oklahoma Optical Society, the first optometry organization in Oklahoma. He was instrumental in passing the first optometry law in Oklahoma in 1911 and was chairman of the state's legislative affairs from 1923 to 1943.

Dr. Alexander was an early pioneer for the "recognition of optometry." He co-founded the optometric extension program, "The Sharing of Knowledge", which later became a national program. Dr. Alexander was chased across the Red River for charging for an eye exam.

Dr. Farmer was an early organizer of the profession. He was involved in the national optometric association and co-founded the optometric extension program, "The Sharing of Knowledge", which later became a national program. Dr. Farmer was instrumental in forming optometry laws and codes of ethics.

Dr. Grady was an early organizer of the profession. He supported dividing optometrists into two groups -- peddling optometrists and professional optometrists. He helped Drs. McVey and Farmer revamp the strongest optometry law in the nation in 1937. He also served on the Oklahoma State Board of Examiners in Optometry.

After serving as president in 1957, Dr. McKellips took over as the secretary/treasurer for the Oklahoma Optometric Association, providing a constant presence on the board of directors for 26 years (until 1984).

Dr. Clay was instrumental in legislation and regulation of the profession. He gave many years of service to the Optometric Association and also served as secretary/treasurer to the Board of Examiners for 20 years.

Dr. Yourman centered the profession on serving humanity. He served as president of the Optometric Association twice and was secretary/treasurer of the Board of Examiners for 12 years.

Dr. Clay was an active member and promoter of the American Academy of Optometry. He was one of the first fellows from Oklahoma and served as the national president in 1976. Dr. Clay also served on the Oklahoma State Board of Examiners in Optometry.

Dr. Pheiffer was the founding Dean of the College of Optometry at Northeastern State University, establishing an educational cornerstone for Oklahoma.

Dr. Long promoted sharing knowledge for treatment methods, and encouraged interest and desire of the membership in expanding the law to include diagnosis and treatment of eye disease.

Dr. Oxford was the Executive Secretary of the Oklahoma Optometric Association for 30 years. He directed the members to accomplish continued progress and testified against the Federal Trade Commission in the United States Supreme Court concerning states rights over prescription and dispensing laws.

Medical physician and Dean of NSUCO from 1987 to 1992. Set the academic groundwork and safetynet to lead pathology and treatment programs. Expanded the boundaries to include new technology.

Dr. Baldwin provided leadership in the area of computerization of optometric practices. He served as an author, teacher and mentor to young optometrists and was a national president for the American Optometric Foundation.

Dr. Johnson served as legislative and legal chairman of the Optometric Association for 40 years. A tireless protector of the laws of optometry, he was committed to the advancement of the profession and the wishes of the Association's members. Dr. Johnson served on the Oklahoma State Board of Examiners in Optometry, the Vision Education Foundation board of directors, and the Southern College of Optometry board of directors.

Dr. Christensen promoted advancing the profession into diagnosis and treatment of ocular disease. He has been instrumental in changing the law to include treatment of eye disease and encouraging legislative participation by all optometrists. Dr. Christensen shares his knowledge by lecturing and writing.

Events brought them together professionally causing a profound impact on optometry at both the state and national levels. The work of these two men has been so entwined by legislative, judicial, and political events over the last decade that it is not logical to separate their recognition. Drs. Cockrell and Eldridge innovated, motivated, and legislated the successful advancement of the optometric profession to legally perform laser surgery in Oklahoma.

Dr. Foster is the ultimate promoter of the family of optometry. He is always at the forefront of legislative endeavors; teaching and leading and inspiring the membership to increase their legislative activity. As the secretary to the Oklahoma State Board of Examiners in Optometry, Dr. Foster helped lay the legal groundwork to expand optometry laws. He is currently the Dean of Northeastern State University College of Optometry.

Dr. Hewett is the first and only Oklahoma Optometric Political Action Committee treasurer, writing and keeping track of candidate checks for 25 years. He is active in all association legislative endeavors and provided continuity between legislative accomplishments. He is a past president of the Optometric Association and the 2001 OD of the Year.

Dr. Hinkle has promoted Oklahoma's advancements and ideals through participation in many American Optometric Association committees. He played a pivotal role in Medicare parity making it possible for optometrists everywhere to be reimbursed by Medicare for the first time in 1986.