Little Rock, AR (April 29, 2022) Dr. Robert Smalling of Warren received the 2022 Lifetime of Excellence Award from the Arkansas Optometric Association (ArOA) during its annual spring convention April 21-23, 2022, at the Statehouse Convention Center in Little Rock, Arkansas.
This award is given to an optometrist who has exemplified the highest ethical, professional, and caring character during his or her practice life and has shown a willingness to serve in numerous capacities. His career has been an example for all Arkansas Optometrists to follow and their life has been one that has had a positive influence upon their family, community, and peers.
Dr. Robert Smalling is honored for his many years in practice and many years of service to the Arkansas Optometric Association. He has been a member of the Arkansas Optometric Association since 1970, Dr. Smalling has served in many roles, including president in 1986-87.
He served on the Arkansas State Board of Optometry from 1989-2020, serving as secretary and as president. He was highly active in the Association of Regulatory Board of Optometry, serving on the executive committee, including president of ARBO 2005-2006. He served as SECO president, active in SWCO, ASCO, ACOE and many other national optometry organizations. He has received many awards, including the Arkansas Optometric Association Myron Shofner Award of Excellence in 2007, Arkansas Optometric Association Optometrist of the Year in 2001, Distinguished Service Award and Special Service Award, as well as Southern College of Optometry Lifetime Achievement Award in 2004.
The Arkansas Optometric Association thanks Dr. Smalling for his dedication to the profession of Optometry, the State Board of Optometry, our Optometrists, and the people of the state of Arkansas.
The Arkansas Optometric Association represents Arkansas optometrists, who provide primary eye care services. Improving the quality of eye care and vision health and increasing its availability to all Arkansans are primary objectives of the association. In addition, the association makes a concerted effort to educate consumers on how to take care of their eyes and maintain good eye health and vision. The Arkansas Optometric Association is an affiliate of the American Optometric Association. The mission is to preserve, promote and advance Optometry in Arkansas.
As I told Mrs. Smalling in a letter many years ago, we are blessed to have Bob and Jan in Warren. Bob is a respected leader in the community, the county, the state, the church and many service organizations. Bob and Jan continue to serve folks here in many ways in our community.
Bob we are proud of you and we know that Mr. and Mrs. Smalling are looking down from heaven at you with a big smile on their face. Thanks for all you do for your fellow citizens and congratulations on your well-deserved recognition and award and a special thanks for Jan, the other half of the “Smalling team.”
John and Gail Little
dr. smalling has so many awards in his office, he is a great doctor.