Golden Opportunity Award
About

The Golden Opportunity Award is a collaborative effort between The AOA Foundation and PERC Alliance celebrating the memory and impact of PERC co-founder, David Golden, O.D., who passed away after a long-fought battle with cancer in 2021.

Throughout his life, Dr. Golden was passionate about elevating those around him, helping others climb the ladder of success, and creating a more equitable world. The Golden Opportunity Award was created to ensure Dr. Golden’s uplifting legacy lives on by supporting those who are underrepresented within the optometric community.

Annually, at Optometry’s Meeting in June, up to three deserving optometrists will be awarded $50,000 to help achieve their dream of owning their first independent practice.

Would you like to be part of the Legacy?
You can help make dreams come true and honor Dr. David Golden by supporting the Golden Opportunity Award. Together, we can empower the next generation of optometrists and uphold Dr. Goldens’ legacy of empowerment. Demonstrate your support by making a monetary donation to The AOA Foundation. Designate your contribution to the Golden Opportunity Award program, ensuring that deserving individuals receive the financial support necessary to build their futures.
Donate Today
The 2025 Award Winners
Meet the recipients of the 2025 Golden Opportunity Award, each awarded $50,000 to open their own practice. These outstanding individuals exemplify dedication to their profession and a commitment to serving underrepresented and underserved communities.
Announcing the 2025 Golden Opportunity Award Winners

Witness a truly special moment as PERC General Manager Dr. Jason Lake delivers the wonderful, life-changing news to the 2025 winners – Dr. Kayla Campbell and Dr. Danielle Richardson. Their emotional reactions are a powerful testament to this award’s significance in providing the tangible support they need to finally build the practices they've always envisioned. This moment is more than just an announcement; it's the dawn of a new chapter, brimming with possibility and dedicated service.

Click here and here to see an update on where last year's winners are now.

Dr. Danielle Richardson
Founder, Clarity Eye Aesthetics – West Hollywood, CA
Dr. Danielle Richardson is the visionary founder of Clarity Eye Aesthetics in West Hollywood, California, and a recipient of the 2025 Golden Opportunity Award. As a trailblazing black female optometrist, Dr. Richardson brings a distinctive and holistic approach to eye care—blending advanced ocular aesthetics, medical-grade treatments, and wellness services designed to empower and heal.

Her practice is more than a clinic; it's a community hub focused on accessible, culturally competent care. From managing complex conditions like dry eye and glaucoma to mentoring the next generation of underrepresented optometrists, Dr. Richardson is redefining what modern optometry looks like. She plans to expand her impact through shadowing programs, scholarships, and a future satellite clinic in South Los Angeles to reach even more underserved populations.
Dr. Kayla Campbell
Owner, Visionary Eye Clinic – Vienna, WV
Dr. Kayla Campbell is the proud new owner of Visionary Eye Clinic in Vienna, West Virginia, and a 2025 Golden Opportunity Award recipient. A passionate advocate for rural healthcare, Dr. Campbell brings deep roots and bold vision to a region in urgent need of accessible, comprehensive eye care. Raised in Wood County and now returning to serve her home community, Dr. Campbell is committed to delivering medically focused, high-quality optometric care while addressing the broader social and economic disparities facing underserved Appalachian populations.

With over a decade of private practice experience and leadership roles in both the West Virginia Association of Optometric Physicians and the American Optometric Association, Dr. Campbell has built a reputation as a clinical leader, mentor, and changemaker. Her plan for Visionary Eye Clinic includes launching satellite outreach clinics, expanding specialized care such as dry eye management and keratoconus, and mentoring the next generation of optometrists through hands-on learning and inspiration.
Application Overview
Ready to break ground in independent practice and serve those in need? The Golden Opportunity Award seeks passionate optometrists committed to underserved communities. Our streamlined application process fosters transparency and efficiency, allowing you to confidently showcase your qualifications.

The application itself will ask for basic demographics, financial history, and details that will help us understand your future loan viability. Don’t miss this golden opportunity – start your application today.
Application Period Closed
The application for the 2025 awards is closed. Stay tuned for the 2026 application period opening this fall.
Application & Review (January 2026)
A dedicated committee will carefully evaluate all applications, considering your achievements, goals, financial background, and your dedication to serving underserved communities.
Finalist Selection (April 2026)
In April, shortlisted finalists will be notified and invited to present their vision for their independent practice to the award committee. This can be done either virtually or in person.
Award Announcement (June 2026)
The much-anticipated moment arrives! Award winners will be announced at Optometry’s Meeting in June 2026.