The American Optometric Foundation (AOF) fulfills its mission to advance optometric research and education through the Ezell Fellowship program. This program provides financial support to post-graduate students who plan to pursue an academic career in optometry and vision science.

The Ezell Fellowships take their name from the founder of AOF, William C. Ezell, OD, of Spartanburg, South Carolina. Over the past half-century, AOF has granted more than 200 Ezell Fellowships. Deans, presidents, and prominent faculty members at the 17 schools and colleges of optometry in the United States comprise the roster of former Fellows. Other alumni are working as teachers, researchers, and optometrists in countries around the world.

AOF salutes the Ezell Fellows for their continuing contributions to the advancement of vision science and to the profession of optometry through outstanding research and teaching.