Youngest laureate of the National Optometry Award is an optometrist from Blytheville

Blytheville, Arkansas – Matt Jones, O.D., of Blytheville, was been named the American Optometric Association’s (AOA) 2024 Optometrist of the Year.

AOA highlighted Dr. Jones’s hard advocacy efforts in Arkansas to increase patient access to care by permitting optometrists to practice to the fullest extent of their expertise.

At the AOA’s national optometry meeting held in Nashville, Tennessee, last month, Dr. Jones—who is the youngest recipient of the honor—was given the trophy.

“Our profession relies on exemplary service in every corner of the U.S. and it’s an honor to recognize an outstanding member doctor as Optometrist of the Year at Optometry’s Meeting 2024,” said AOA President Dr. Steven T. Reed. “Dr. Matt Jones represents the best of optometry through his unwavering dedication to advancing the profession and passion for the visual welfare of his patients and his community.”

“I’m truly honored to receive this award – not just for myself, but for the spotlight it shines on the great strides our profession has made and continues to make here in Arkansas,” said Jones. “We do this work because it impacts our patients’ lives, and we want to ensure Arkansans have access to quality care, no matter where they live in the state.”

Dr. Jones has served in multiple capacities for the American Optometric Association and was the president of the Arkansas Optometric Association in the past.

Jones is the only person to have ever won both accolades; prior to being awarded Optometrist of the Year, he was recognized as the 2018 Young Optometrist of the Year by AOA.

Dr. Jones practices in West Memphis, Paragould, Osceola, and Blytheville.

Along with his wife Allison and their children Elliott and Sutton, he resides in Blytheville.