A 1979 graduate of the UAB (University of Alabama at Birmingham) School of Optometry was sworn in as president of the 34,000-member American Optometric Association (AOA) this week at the group's 109th annual meeting in Las Vegas. Thomas Crooks III, OD, of Birmingham, is the first Alabama-based optometrist to lead the national organization. His term is for one year. Crooks has been heavily involved in professional organizations at all levels, and in 1985 was named Alabama Optometrist of the Year. In 1990, he also was UAB School of Optometry Alumnus of the Year.