Dr. Linda D. Johnson (IU School of Optometry OD Class of 1978) was named Optometrist of the Year for 2008 by the American Optometric Association (AOA).

The AOA Optometrist of the Year award recognizes a deserving individual doctor of optometry for performance of outstanding services on behalf of the profession and to the visual welfare of the public.

Since graduation from IU School of Optometry, Dr. Johnson has been committed to educating her patients on health problems that are harmful to their vision, particularly glaucoma, and the importance of routine eye exams. Dr. Johnson did her undergraduate work at Jackson State University. She now resides in Jackson, Mississippi.

Dr. Johnson serves as the Division Head of Optometry Services and Women, Infant, and Children Program Services for the Jackson-Hinds Comprehensive Health Center. She served on the board of directors of the American Red Cross, Central Mississippi Chapter, and was its chair from 1995-1997.

Dr. Johnson has been active in the Mississippi Optometric Association (MOA) since 1978 and served as its president from 2003-2004. She has served on the Mississippi Medicaid Commission's Eye Care Services and Technical Advisory Committee, on the advisory committee of the Mississippi Health Systems Agency, and on Governor Ronnie Musgrove's Healthcare Commission on Medicaid. She was a member of the Jackson Eye Institute Advisory Board. She received a commendation from Governor Kirk Fordice for her involvement on the Mississippi Commission for Volunteer Service from 1996-1997. In 1993 Dr. Johnson was named Optometrist of the Year by the National Optometric Association.