History the american academy of optometry foundation aaof was founded in 1947 for the upholding broadening fostering promoting and aiding of optometric education the profession of optometry and its practitioners the guiding force behind the creation of the organization was william c ezell od of spartanburg south carolina. The american academy of optometry aao is an organization of optometrists based in orlando florida its goal is to maintain and enhance excellence in optometric practice by both promoting research and the dissemination of knowledge. Celebrating black history month with a series focused on african american pioneers among the organization this month long celebration closes with two well known and influential female optometrists within the academy optometry and vision science is the official journal of the american academy of optometry academy members receive a . pdf history of the american academy of optometry 1922 1986 uploaded by stephenie meyer historical significance the american academy of optometry was founded on june 29 1922 as an organisation for optometric study in its higher branches and for the exchange of ideas it set out to establish standards of eye examinations