The Straatsma Award for Excellence in Resident Education was established through the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the Association of University Professors of Ophthalmology (AUPO) and private funds, and is given to a program director dedicated to the principles and significance of residency education.

The presentation of the Straatsma Award takes place during the Program Director Forum of the Annual Meeting. The Board of Trustees of both the Academy and AUPO are proud to announce the 2011 recipient:

Richard A. Harper, MD

Professor of ophthalmology, as well as director of the residency program in the department of ophthalmology at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Dr. Harper is the ninth recipient of this award for his commitment to residency training in ophthalmology and for his efforts in the working group for the development of the ophthalmology milestone, part of a larger Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education's project.

Previous awardees:

2010 - Maria M. Aaron, MD
2009 - Mark S. Juzych, MD
2008 - Paul D. Langer, MD
2007 - J. P. Dunn Jr., MD
2006 - Karl C. Golnik, MD, MEd
2005 - Anthony C. Arnold, MD
2004 - Nicholas J. Volpe, MD
2003 - Alfredo A. Sadun, MD, PhD