
American Board of Opticianry Appoints Phernell Walker, MBA, ABOM, LDO, as Chair of the Board
Published on February 3, 2026
LEXINGTON, Ky.—The American Board of Opticianry (ABO) board of directors has announced the appointment of Phernell Walker, MBA, ABOM, LDO, as chairperson of the board, marking a significant and historic milestone in the organization’s leadership. Walker was sworn in on Saturday, January 31 at the ABO board meeting in Palm Springs, Calif. ABO said in the announcement that Walker previously served as chair elect and brings decades of experience and service to the ABO’s mission where he has played a key role in exam development and in shaping the strategic direction of the profession. The previous chairperson was Dr. William Underwood, ABO told VMAIL.
