Family members of Mae Booth-Jones, O.D. recently accepted the “Mon G. Wallgren Memorial Award” from the Optometric Physicians of Washington (OPW) at the OPW annual convention held in Spokane, Wash., May 10-13, 2006.  This award acknowledges Dr. Booth-Jones’ lifelong dedication and devotion to the profession of optometry.

The Mon G. Wallgren Memorial Award is presented by the OPW in honor of Mon G. Wallgren, O.D. who in addition to his services as an optometric physicians served as the 13^th Governor of Washington, U.S. Congressman, U.S. Senator and a member of the Federal Power Commission.  The award recognizes individuals who have distinguished themselves in the spirit of Dr. Wallgren’s accomplishment through service to the profession of optometry, elected office, and/or community service.

A pioneer for optometry and for women, Dr. Booth-Jones was instrumental in getting the first optometry law passed in both Minnesota (1901), the first state to legalize the profession of optometry, and Washington (1908).  In addition, Dr. Booth-Jones was the first woman elected to an office in an optometric association, elected Secretary of the Eastern Washington Optometric Association in 1934, and was the first woman to serve as president of a school of optometry, serving as president of the Washington College of Optometry in Spokane from 1920 to 1923.

“Accepting this award in memory of my aunt is a great honor,” said Jack Hale, O.D. of Sunnyside, Wash.  “In addition to her professional accomplishments, Dr. Booth-Jones was the matriarch of a family of nine licensed O.D.s in both the United States and Canada.  Her life and accomplishments are an inspiration to optometric physicians throughout Washington state and across the nation.”

Dr. Booth-Jones received her optometry diplomas from the Trowbridge College of Optometry and received additional optometric education at the Chicago College of Optometry.  After being in private practice for many years, Dr. Booth-Jones served as

Vice President and President of the Washington College of Optometry, where she also taught.  During her tenure as professor, Dr. Booth-Jones instructed Mon G. Wallgren in the practice and profession of optometry.

The Optometric Physicians of Washington (OPW) is the professional association of Washington state optometric physicians affiliated with the American Optometric Association. The OPW is comprised of 13 optometric societies throughout the state numbering 560 optometric physicians.

The mission of the Optometric Physicians of Washington is to advance, improve and enhance the vision care and eye health of the public and to promote the continued development of the profession of optometry.

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Contact Information
•	Lisa Cargill OPW Communications Representative (509) 444-2350 lisac@desautelhege.com