COA Optometrist of the Year
VISION WEST CEO AND PRESIDENT NAMED OD OF THE YEAR
FROM STATE OPTOMETRIC ASSOCIATION
Sacramento, CA, February 17, 2010 – The California Optometric Association (COA) has named Vision West, Inc.FROM STATE OPTOMETRIC ASSOCIATION
CEO and president and Escondido resident Joseph C. Mallinger, OD, MBA, FAAO, Optometrist of the Year for
2009 during its annual House of Delegates meeting in Ontario, California, January 29-30, 2010. Dr. Mallinger was
recognized for his exemplary contributions to public service, service to the visual welfare of the public, service to
optometry and service to the Association.
“I am truly honored to receive this award from my peers,” Dr. Mallinger says. “Volunteering time to the
profession of optometry became a passion of mine after observing some of the great visionaries of the profession. In
particular is Richard Hopping, OD, DOS, FAAO. His dedication to the profession played a significant role in the
manner in which members of our profession deliver quality health and vision care to the public in these times. Using
one of his many statements as my guide served me well during my volunteer years. His simple statement: ‘If it is not
right for the profession of optometry – DO NOT DO IT’ is one I use every day and am indebted to him for him taking
the time to pass it on to me.”
Dr. Mallinger has long been active in professional optometry since graduating from the Southern California
College of Optometry (SCCO) in 1972. Since that time, Dr. Mallinger worked to promote the profession of optometry
within the communities of Coronado, Escondido and Carlsbad by offering free optometric care to migrant workers,
and worked within those communities to offer free services for elementary school screenings. He also served as a
consultant free-of-charge to the school districts of Carlsbad, Encinitas, Oceanside, Vista and Valley Center to help
develop and teach the need for testing for developmental learning disabilities.
Dr. Mallinger has been active on the state and local level of the American Optometric Association, including
past president of the San Diego County Optometric Society (SDCOS), past president of COA, and past president and
current secretary/treasurer of the Public Vision League. He was named Young OD of the Year by COA in 1980, and
twice received the SDCOS OD of the Year Award.
Active in his community, Dr. Mallinger has been president of the Coronado Senior and Escondido American
Little Leagues, vice president of the Escondido Jaycees, and member of the Optimist Club and Carlsbad Noon Rotary
Dr. Malliner retired from providing patient care in 1996 and currently serves as president and CEO of Vision
West, Inc. Vision West helps the profession by providing non-dues revenue to the COA and a number of other state
optometric associations. He resides in Oceanside with his wife, Patricia, and their children: Jennifer Mallinger, OD 38;
Joseph P. Mallinger, 35; J’lene (Mallinger) Cave 32; and John Mallinger, 30.
California Optometric Association, was established in 1899, and is California’s oldest organized community
for optometrists. Representing more than 2,700 optometrists, COA is dedicated to ensuring the highest quality of
health care for the public through the advancement of optometry.
Last Updated by on 2010-03-26 04:40:54.