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 2024 Award Winners
Meet the inaugural recipients of the 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.
Dr. Rebecca Chown of Hood River, OR
Dr. Rebecca Chown, a 2003 graduate of Pacific University College of Optometry and a veteran optometrist, is dedicated to serving underserved communities. She founded Envision Eye Care for All, a non-profit mobile vision clinic, to address inequities in accessing primary eye health services. “Winning this award makes the dream of a mobile health unit possible,” said Dr. Chown. Her mission is to provide exceptional eye care in an inclusive environment, sensitive to the diverse needs of marginalized communities. Dr. Chown is also pursuing a Master’s degree in public health to effect systemic change at a policy level. Her goal is to get recognition of eye health and vision services in section 330 of the Public Health Service Act, which would allow federally qualified health centers to add vision services as an expanded service.
Dr. Melissa Macco of Reno, NV
Dr. Melissa Macco, who graduated from Western University College of Optometry in 2017, is a first-generation American whose parents emigrated from Peru. Her journey is a testament to her family’s hopes for a better future. “This award will be directly invested into the practice my husband and I are currently building,” stated Dr. Macco. She aims to strengthen her relationships with Community Health Alliance (CHA) and NV Hopes Clinic to serve the Latino community, breaking down language, cultural, and economic barriers to access primary eye care. Dr. Macco’s professional and personal goals are intertwined as she seeks to attain financial freedom and demonstrate to her peers the viability and importance of independent private practice in optometry.
Dr. Alyssa Putman of Elmira, NY
Dr. Alyssa Putman, a 2012 graduate of Salus University, is dedicated to providing exceptional patient care and creating a supportive, educational work environment. She envisions a practice where patients feel the passion and commitment of her entire team. “This award is such an honor to continue Dr. Golden’s legacy of elevating those around him and helping others to climb the ladder of success,” said Dr. Putman. She plans to use the award to acquire new technology for diagnosing and treating patients, and to fund biannual free clinics for referred patients needing care. Her goal is to inspire her community by showcasing a workplace environment filled with excitement, passion, and commitment.
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 later this year.
Application & Review (January 2025)
A dedicated committee will carefully evaluate all applications, considering your achievements, goals, financial background, and your dedication to serving underserved communities.
Finalist Selection (April 2025)
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 2025)
The much-anticipated moment arrives! Award winners will be announced at Optometry’s Meeting in June 2025.