Vision Monday Covers “Optometrist of the Year”
Orginally published in Vision Monday
California Optometric Association Names David C. Ardaya, OD, Optometrist of the Year
By Staff
Tuesday, April 11, 2023 12:15 AM
WHITTIER, Calif.—The California Optometric Association (COA) has named David C. Ardaya, OD, Optometrist of the Year. Dr. Ardaya is president of Golden Optometric Group in Whittier, California, and a practicing optometrist there. He is also a senior managing optometrist of TeamVision and COA’s chair for the Health Care Delivery Systems Team. This award recognizes Dr. Ardaya’s impact on the visual welfare of the public, which include published articles and media appearances providing education on the essential services that doctors of optometry provide.
Dr. Ardaya’s advocacy on behalf of the profession resulted in the reinstatement of coverage for adult eyeglasses in the Medi-Cal program. Dr. Ardaya said, “I’m deeply grateful and humbled to receive this award. The California Optometric Association has done so much to improve the optometric profession and promote access to care for patients. I’m excited to continue this journey with my friends at the COA.”
Candi Kimura, OD, president, California Optometric Association, said, “COA is pleased to recognize Dr. David Ardaya’s commitment to improving health care systems so that more Californians have access to eyecare. In addition to managing multiple practices, Dr. Ardaya has provided expert advice to his colleagues to improve business operations and develop medical contacts.
“Besides being a tremendous resource for his fellow optometrists, Dr. Ardaya volunteers regularly outside of optometry including serving meals to those in need, volunteering for the Special Olympics, and has helped with numerous vision screenings at hospitals and schools. He has also been involved in fundraising for the American Diabetes Association and juvenile diabetes research,” Dr. Kimura said.
Dr. Ardaya received his Bachelor of Science in Physiological Sciences from the University of Arizona, his Doctor of Optometry degree with distinction from Pacific University and his Master of Health Administration from the University of Southern California. In 2009, Dr. Ardaya was awarded the “Young Optometrist of the Year” by the California Optometric Association. He is fluent in Spanish and began practicing optometry at Golden Optometric in Whittier in 2005, where he has served the community for over 18 years.
