Optometric Physician of the Year
2026 Optometric Physician of the Year - Matt Brooks, OD
The Oklahoma Association of Optometric Physicians (OAOP) proudly announces that Dr. Matt Brooks has been honored as the 2026 Oklahoma Optometric Physician of the Year. This prestigious award recognizes is given to an optometric physician who is a leader in the profession, on the cutting edge of patient care, and who serves as an advocate for vision care.
Dr. Brooks is co-founder of Innovative Eyecare in Edmond, where he provides comprehensive patient care alongside his wife, Dr. Jennifer Brooks. He has been deeply involved in OAOP. Beginning in 2010, Dr. Brooks joined the OAOP Legislative Committee, where he quickly became an essential part of the association’s advocacy efforts. When that committee evolved into what we now know as the Key Person Network, Dr. Brooks stepped forward to serve as its chair.
In that role, he has helped build and maintain strong relationships with legislators, organized meetings with policymakers, attended fundraisers, and personally advocated at the Capitol on behalf of optometry.
He has also served on the Legislative Council since 2019 and has been instrumental in advancing important legislation for our profession, including helping secure passage of HB 1979, which strengthened regulation of vision plans in Oklahoma.
Matt has also gone above and beyond by hosting fundraisers for leaders like Congresswoman Stephanie Bice, connecting with Edmond-area legislators, and ensuring that optometry always has a strong voice in public policy discussions.
Of course, his service doesn’t stop with the OAOP. Dr. Brooks is also a Special Olympics volunteer and serves on the Elder Board at North Church in Oklahoma City.
Matt is a dedicated optometrist, a committed advocate for our profession, a community leader, and a valued member of this association.
The OAOP congratulates Dr. Brooks on this well-deserved recognition and looks forward to his continued contributions to the field of optometry.
Past Honorees
2025 - Nathan Lighthizer, OD, FAAO
2024- Tyson Allard, OD, Diplomate American Board of Optometry
2023- Selina McGee, OD, FAAO, Diplomate American Board of Optometry
2022- Zeddie Cantrell, OD, Diplomate American Board of Optometry
2021- Jason Ellen, OD
2020- Crystal Mosteller, OD
2019- Lynsey Bigheart, OD
2018- Todd Wright, OD
2017- Jeff D. Miller, OD
2016- Jason Rhynes, OD
2015- Joseph Phillips, OD
2014- Kathleen Elliott, OD
2013- Michelle Welch, OD
2012- Denise Roddy, OD
2011- David Free, OD
2010- Michael Bennett, OD
2009- Tami Ross, OD
2008- Len Hart, OD
2007- David Brewer, OD
2006- Van Odom, OD
2005- Rick Swales, OD
2004- Greg Clay, OD
2003- Don Diehl, OD
2002- John Hawkins, OD
2001- Don Hewett, OD (Deceased)
2000- Jari Frazier, OD
1999- Ron Rounds, OD
1998- Travis Yadon, OD
1997- Bobby Christensen, OD
1996- Steve L. Smith, OD
1995- Norman Hinkle, OD (Deceased)
1994- David A. Cockrell, OD
1993- David C. Eldridge, OD
1992- Leslie L. Walls, OD, MD
1991- Bob L. Baldwin, OD
1990- Mack Smith, OD (Deceased)
1989- George Foster, OD
