Photo courtesy of Women In Optometry
Six optometrists recognized for excellence in leadership, business, education, mentoring, industry influence and early career achievement
July 27, 2026
Women In Optometry (WO) has announced the recipients of its 2026 Theia Awards, honoring six optometrists whose leadership, innovation and dedication are advancing the profession and inspiring the next generation of eyecare professionals.
The 2026 Theia Award winners will be recognized after the Women’s Leadership Conference on Tuesday, Sept. 29, with a champagne toast closing the event’s celebration.
The 2026 honorees are:
- Industry Influencer: Kristin Andrews, OD, FAAO
- Business: Mila Ioussifova, OD, CNS, FAAO, FOWNS
- Mentoring: Cecelia Koetting, OD, FAAO, Dipl. ABO
- Leadership: Riya Paranthan, OD
- Education: Bina Patel, OD, FAAO
- Young OD: Emilie K. Seitz, OD, FAAO
This is the 11th year that WO has presented the Theia Awards to women who have made exceptional contributions to optometry across a variety of professional roles. Seventy-one women have been honored during the first 10 years.
“We received more than 100 nominations for this year’s award class,” says WO Senior Editor Kyla Bazzy. “Our editorial team narrows it down, but our professional advisory board ultimately votes for the winner in each category. It is always so special to meet these winners and hear what being honored by their peers means to them.”
See the full announcement and learn more about the winners here.
