Golden Opportunity Award
The Golden Opportunity Overview
David Golden, O.D. co-founder of the Professional Eyecare Res 
ource Co-Operative Alliance (PERC) and EssilorLuxottica employee, passed away after a long-fought battle with cancer in September 2021.
Throughout his life, Dr. Golden was passionate about elevating those around him, helping others climb the ladder of success. Through his co-founding of PERC, he assisted thousands of small business owners by leveling the playing field and teaching them how to grow their businesses.
In that spirit, we present the Golden Opportunity Award, a collaborative effort between Optometry Cares—The AOA Foundation and PERC Alliance. The Golden Opportunity Award will be presented to applicants who wish to achieve the dream of owning their first independent practice. In this way, Dr. Golden’s uplifting legacy lives on.
The Golden Opportunity aims to give up to three deserving optometrists awards of $50,000 each, to create the financial foundation of an independent practice. Emphasis is placed on recognizing and awarding individuals from an underrepresented group within the optometric community or someone who seeks to build a practice in an underserved area or population of need.
The inaugural awards will be announced at Optometry’s Meeting in Nashville,Tennessee, June 19-22, 2024, coinciding with Dr. Golden’s birthday.
Application Overview
As part of our commitment to the Golden Opportunity Award, this application includes questions designed to assess your basic demographic information, your financial history and your future loan viability.
The committee responsible for evaluating the Golden Opportunity Award is committed to a thorough and equitable assessment process that considers a diverse range of factors. Application questions have been crafted to gather comprehensive insights into applicants' personal achievements, challenges and future goals. Financial questions are designed to understand the unique financial context of each applicant, enabling the committee to make informed decisions that align with the programs goal of providing golden opportunities to those who will benefit most.
Golden Opportunity Award Application
Application Timeline
March 31, 2024–Applications close
April 2024–Finalists selected
May 2024–Finalists present to the awards committee in person or virtual
June 2024–Awards announced at Optometry’s Meeting in Nashville, Tennessee
AOA Foundation emergency appeal for Helene-ravaged states
In the devastating path forged by Hurricane Helene, shell-shocked residents & AOA members are putting their lives back together.
Announcing the inaugural Golden Opportunity Award winners
June 2024 – Optometry Cares®—The AOA Foundation and PERC Alliance are delighted to announce the inaugural recipients of the Golden Opportunity Award.
Change Healthcare Cyberattacks Recognized by OFDR
If you’ve been impacted by the cyberattacks, learn how to apply for a grant.