Young Optometric Physician of the Year
2026 Young Optometric Physician of the Year - Bradley Daniel, OD, Diplomate ABO, FAAO, FAAOMS
Dr. Bradley Daniel has been named the 2026 Young Optometric Physician of the Year. This award recognizes an optometrist with fewer than ten years of experience who has already demonstrated exceptional leadership and impact.
Dr. Daniel practices at Edmond Regional Eye Associates, where he provides full-scope medical eye care and performs a wide range of advanced procedures and laser treatments.
But Dr. Daniel’s contributions extend well beyond the exam lane.
He is a board-certified Diplomate of the American Board of Optometry, a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry, and a Fellow of the American Association of Optometric Medicine and Surgery. He is also a lecturer, published author, and clinical educator who regularly shares his expertise with colleagues.
In 2024, he co-founded ID Eye & Aesthetics, a specialty clinic focused on advanced dry eye treatment and ocular aesthetics — expanding the ways optometrists can improve both vision and quality of life for their patients.
He also serves as Chair of the OAOP Public Relations Committee, where he has worked to strengthen connections with optometry students across Oklahoma and help inspire the next generation of doctors.
When asked what advice he would give to optometrists just starting their careers, Dr. Daniel said simply: stay hungry.
After years of education and training, it can be easy to feel like you’ve made it — but in his words, that’s really when the real learning begins. He encourages young optometrists to stay engaged, keep growing, get involved in their communities and their association, and never lose their passion for the profession.
That mindset is exactly what makes Dr. Daniel stand out.
Whether he’s caring for patients, teaching fellow doctors, innovating in clinical practice, or mentoring future optometrists, his commitment to advancing the profession is unmistakable.
Past Honorees:
2025 - Evan Dunn, OD
2024- Phillip Ford, OD
2023- Blake Carlisle, OD
2022- Kyle Henderson, OD
2021- Colby Ricks, OD
2020- Kyle Tate, OD
2019- Trevor Conklin, OD
2018- Scott Mendell, OD
2017- Tyson Allard, OD
2016- Nathan Lighthizer, OD, FAAO
2015- Randi Day, OD
2014- Crystal Mosteller, OD
2013- Lynsey Bigheart, OD
2012- Selina McGee, OD, FAAO, Diplomate American Board of Optometry
2011- Zeddie Cantrell, OD, Diplomate American Board of Optometry
2010- David Jones, OD
2009- Stephanie Rice, OD
2008- Jeff Elliott, OD
2007- Jason Rhynes, OD
2006- Kevin Wells, OD
2005- Jason Ellen, OD
2004- Heidi Thoden, OD & Wes DeRosier, OD
2003- Larry Charles, OD
2002- Jo'el Sturm, OD
2001- David Hall, OD
2000- James Ward, OD
1999- Tami Ross, OD
1998- Larry Henry, OD
1997- Dawn Holsted, OD
1996- Douglas T. Cook, OD
1995- Wesley Hall
1994- Jamie Archer Bennett, OD
1993- Jeff D. Miller, OD
1992- Dan G. Bintz, OD
1991- Michael E. Bennett. OD
1990- Kevin M. Swartz, OD
1989- Dean I. Dornic, OD
