Dr. Scott Mann of Invision has been named the 2026 Virginia Optometrist of the Year, the highest honor awarded to an optometrist in the commonwealth.
The award was presented during the annual meeting of the Virginia Optometric Association in Richmond. Mann recently completed his term as president of the organization and is the first optometrist from the Roanoke Valley and New River Valley region to receive the award in more than 30 years.
The presentation carried special significance for Mann, as the award was presented by his son, Dr. Will Mann, who recently joined the family practice. Also attending the ceremony were Mann’s wife, Dr. Becky Mann, son Michael Mann and several colleagues from the practice.
The Virginia Optometrist of the Year Award recognizes an optometrist whose leadership, professional achievements, public service and contributions to eye care have had an exceptional impact on Virginia residents. The honor also considers civic, charitable, educational and community involvement. As part of the recognition, Mann will be nominated by the association for Southern Optometrist of the Year and National Optometrist of the Year.
A graduate of the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Optometry, Mann has built a career focused on patient care, professional leadership and community service. He has served as team eye doctor for Radford University athletics, provided care for the Salem Red Sox, lectured on sports-related eye injuries and ocular emergencies, and represented the optometry profession on Capitol Hill through the American Optometric Association.
Mann is also a past president of the Southwest Virginia Optometric Society. Alongside his wife, he has participated in medical mission trips to Colombia and Nicaragua, providing eye care to underserved communities.
“It was an incredible honor to receive this award from my son and share the moment with my friends and family,” Mann said in a statement. “I am grateful to my colleagues, staff, patients and the profession that has given me so much throughout my career.”
Today, Scott Mann, Becky Mann and Will Mann practice together at Invision, an eye care center with offices in Salem and Christiansburg.
Invision is a locally owned practice that provides comprehensive eye care, medical eye treatment, contact lenses, eyewear and advanced vision services for patients of all ages.
-The Salem Times-Register
