Distinguished Service Award
2026 Distinguished Service Recipient - Jason Ellen, OD
The Oklahoma Association of Optometric Physicians (OAOP) has named Dr. Jason Ellen of Tulsa as the recipient of the 2026 Distinguished Service Award. The award is given to an optometric physician who has demonstrated exemplary leadership and long-term service to the profession.
Dr. Ellen graduated cum laude from Northeastern State University College of Optometry in 1999 and completed a residency in ocular disease and refractive surgery. During that time, he became the first optometric resident in the United States to perform refractive surgery.
He went on to help build a leading optometric referral and surgical center in Tulsa and later co-founded Oklahoma Medical Eye Group. In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Ellen has played a major role in education and mentorship, serving as co-coordinator of a residency program and working closely with medical residents to help train the next generation of eye care providers. He also helped establish the cataract clinic at Northeastern State University Oklahoma College of Optometry.
Dr. Ellen has been deeply involved in the OAOP, serving as President and holding leadership roles on multiple committees, including Education and Excellence and Government Relations. He played a key role in defending the profession during the State Question 793 campaign and has contributed more than $80,000 in charitable care through OMEG Vision for Humanity.
“Dr. Ellen is a leader, a mentor, and a tireless advocate for optometry in Oklahoma,” said OAOP Executive Director Joel Robison. “His impact can be seen not only in the patients he has treated, but in the countless doctors he has trained and inspired. He is incredibly deserving of this recognition.”
Dr. Ellen and his wife, Dr. Rona Ellen, have three sons and are active in their community.
Past Honorees
2025 - Rep. Carl Newton, OD
2024- Ronny LaQuey, OD, FAAO (Posthumously)
2023- Michael Bennett, OD
2022- Jari Frazier. OD
2021- Tami Ross, OD
2020- Michelle Welch, OD
2019- Dawn Holsted, OD
2018- Jeff D. Miller, OD
2017- Richard Castillo, OD, MD
2016- Travis Yadon, OD
2015- Greg Clay, OD
2014- Lee Carr, OD
2013- Don Diehl, OD
2012- David Cockrell, OD
2011- Russell Laverty, OD
2010- Mack Smith, OD (Deceased)
2009 - George Foster, OD
2008 - Don Q. Hewett, OD (Deceased)
2007 - Gary Ford, OD (Deceased)
