Written by: Jessica Martindale
Media Contact: Adam Pope
Lanning B. Kline, M.D.Lanning B. Kline, M.D., professor and former chair of the University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, was awarded the American Academy of Ophthalmology Life Achievement Honor Award.
The AAO is the world’s largest association of eye physicians and surgeons. With 32,000 medical doctors, the mission of the AAO is to protect sight and empower lives by serving as an advocate for patients and the public, leading ophthalmic education, and advancing the profession of ophthalmology.
The Achievement Award program recognizes individuals who participate in the scientific programs at the annual meeting and encompasses more than 25 categories of contribution to the AAO. The award program is based on a cumulative point system; one point is awarded for each area of contribution, and an individual can earn a maximum of three points per year. A physician must have 60 points for the Life Achievement Honor Award.
Kline earned this award by regularly participating in AAO educational activities including platform lectures, poster and instructional courses at regional conferences, and the AAO annual meeting. In addition, Kline has served on the editorial board of EyeNet, a publication of the AAO, and as a faculty member and chair of the Basic and Clinical Science Course, Section V on Neuro-ophthalmology.
Kline is the first ophthalmologist from the state of Alabama to be recognized with the Life Achievement Honor Award. He was previously awarded the Achievement Award in 1990 and the Senior Achievement Award in 2001. The Life Achievement Honor Award is the highest category of award bestowed upon an AAO member.