(KNZA)--Dr. Eric McPeak, of Hiawatha, was recognized as the 2024 Optometrist of the Year during Kansas Optometric Association- (KOA) Convention & Seminar in Manhattan, Kansas.

According to a release, its the highest award an optometrist can receive from the KOA and is in recognition of personal sacrifices to advance the profession and the welfare of the public.

McPeak is a 1999 graduate of Northeastern State University. He served as President and Secretary-Treasurer of the Kansas Optometric Association, Zone President of the Northeast Zone, and President and Trustee of the Kansas Optometric Foundation Board of Directors.

The release says McPeak's dedication to the Association is admirable. "He volunteers his time and knowledge not only on the state-level with the KOA but on the national-level with the American Optometric Association. One of his current efforts is the focus on KOA membership; he is working with the KOA staff to recruit and retain members that will strengthen the Association."

The Kansas Optometric Association serves 650 doctors of optometry across the state and around the country. It serves as a membership resource for information and educational opportunities, provides valuable public information about vision-related topics and delivers a unified voice about issues affecting the profession.