Luke Boran Awarded OOPA Legacy Past Presidents Award

Luke Boran OD '23, has been awarded the inaugural Oregon Optometric Physicians Association's (OOPA) Legacy Past Presidents Award. The award was announced at OOPA's annual meeting held April 14-16 at Eagle Crest Resort in Redmond, Ore.

Luke Boran DO '23“Luke has become a familiar face at OOPA meetings and events, and his leadership qualities have been on display for years,” said Robert Mans OD, Legacy Award Selection Committee chair.

“Luke embodies OOPA’s mission of promoting, protecting and advancing the professional practice of optometry.”

Founders of the scholarship fund also honored Candace “Candy” Hamel, OOPA past president, who died in 2021. Dr. Hamel served as a mentor and clinical advisor to countless Pacific University College of Optometry students and young doctors of optometry.  

Columbia Bank is a lead supporter of the scholarship fund. The annual award, a $3,000 grant, is presented to either a 3rd or 4th year optometry student from Pacific University who is committed to practicing in Oregon upon graduation. This individual must also be an active member of American Optometric Student Association (AOSA). Eligible candidates also include OOPA members who have been in practice in the state for up to five years. The members must also be active in their respective optometric society and/or OOPA committee structure. 

Legacy Past Presidents Award Organizing Committee:

  • Robert Mans, OD '94, Past President – 2006/07, OOPA Legacy Award Committee Chair
  • John Rush, OD '69, Past President – 1979
  • Kenji Hamada, OD' 72, Past President – 1985
  • Nate Roland, OD, Immediate-past President – 2023

Boran completed rotations in Ochelata, Okla. (Cooweescoowee Indian Health Services) where he received laser certification; Roseburg, Ore. (Roseburg Veterans Affairs); Bandon, Ore. (Coos Eye Centers) and is currently on pace to complete his rotations May 5 at Gundersen Health System, Decorah Clinic, Decorah, Ind. In addition to a lengthy list of service and volunteer work, he graduated from OOPA’s Leadership You program in April 2022.

Thursday, April 27, 2023