San Diego, California, June 19, 2003

American Optometric Association -- OPTOMETRIST OF THE YEAR, 2003

William D. Vietti, O.D., Chanute, Kansas


Dr. Bill Vietti, of Chanute, Kansas, was named the Optometrist of the Year at the American Optometric Association's 106th annual convention in San Diego, California, June 19, 2003. Vietti was cited for his contributions to the profession through his work with childrens vision issues, his involvement with his community, and his service to the profession. Vietti was placed in nomination for the award after being named Optometrist of the Year in Kansas by the Kansas Optometric Association in April. 

A graduate of Pittsburg State University and the University of Houston College of Optometry, Dr. Vietti and his wife, Suzi, moved to Chanute in 1974 and he began his optometric practice in two locations, one in Chanute and the other in Girard. He sold his Girard practice in 1988. 

Dr. Vietti has served as president of the Kansas Optometric Association, Kansas Optometric Foundation, The Gift of Sight Foundation, and the Southeast Zone of the Kansas Optometric Association. He has also served on the cabinet of the North Central States Optometric Council. Currently, he is the president of the Heart of America Contact Lens Society. He continues to serve on the board of The Gift of Sight Foundation.

In 1988, Vietti founded the Gift of Sight Foundation, and secured a grant from Ronald McDonalds Childrens Charities to provide eyewear to needy children not covered by Medicaid. He was a charter member of the Eye Care Council, Inc. and has served as a director on the councils board since its creation under his leadership in 1992. His efforts were instrumental in the development and deployment of the SEE TO LEARN Program, a service designed to ensure that children entering school are visually prepared to learn, and to educate parents and teachers about the warning signs of vision problems in all school-age children. Now in its tenth year, SEE TO LEARN is an award-winning public education program that has helped thousands of children become more visually prepared for school, and produces a greater public understanding of the link between good vision and scholastic success. The program has grown to include participating practices in twenty states.

Dr. Vietti was recognized for his work with The Gift of Sight Foundation by being the recipient of the Kansas Optometric Association's Vision Service Award in 1992. He received the Distinguished Service Award in 1978 from the Chanute Safari Jaycees. He is also a past-president of the USD 413 board of education.

Bill and Suzi Vietti live at 602 Hillside Drive in Chanute. They have three grown children.