By Satina Richardson

During the 2020 Eye Center South Eye Education Foundation symposium, the inaugural Dr. CD Denney Memorial Award was presented to Dean Kelly K. Nichols, OD, MPH, PhD, FAAO.

Calvin Daniel Denney, OD, was a local staple to Dothan for over 50 years. His large optometry practice and kind nature were a driving force for the community both medically and economically throughout the years. He and Marnix Heersink, MD, were the first doctors to forge an optometric and ophthalmological partnership in order to better serve their patients in the Dothan area. Denney was constantly looking for innovation in optometry and hungered to continue learning throughout his long life.

“The efforts of Eye Center South and its leadership will impact its communities for years to come,” Nichols said. “Not only are they serving communities, they are also playing a significant role in educating the next generation of eye and vision care providers. These are commitments that I greatly respect. To be selected for this award is an honor.”

In addition to receiving the Dr. CD Denney Memorial Award at the symposium, Nichols presented the Third Annual Calvin Denney Memorial Lecture titled The Goldilocks Approach; Dry Eye For Everyone.