FULLERTON, Calif.—The Southern California College of Optometry (SCCO) honored Ronald L. Hopping, OD, MPH, with its Award for Distinguished Service. Hopping, president-elect of the American Optometric Association, a private practitioner in Houston, and a 1978 alumnus of SCCO, was recognized for his service and contributions over time that have advanced the stature and integrity of the optometric profession.

He received the award at SCCO’s 108th commencement exercise, following the presentation of his commencement address, “The Family Secret,” presented to 98 members of the Class of 2012 during the May 25 ceremony. Hopping will become president of the American Optometric Association (AOA) on July 1. At that time, he and his father, SCCO president emeritus, Richard L. Hopping, OD, DOS, DSc, will become the first father and son to have served as presidents of the AOA. His father was AOA president for the 1971-72 term.