RICHMOND — Dr. Scott Mann of Invision has been named the 2026 Virginia Optometrist of the Year, the highest honor awarded to an optometrist in the state.
Mann recently completed his service as President of the Virginia Optometric Association and is the first optometrist from the New River Valley and Roanoke Valley region to receive the award in more than 30 years.
The award was presented during the Virginia Optometric Association’s Annual Meeting in Richmond in a memorable ceremony made even more special by the presenter – Mann’s son, Dr. Will Mann, who recently joined the family practice. Also in attendance were Mann’s wife, Dr. Becky Mann, and son Michael Mann and several other doctors from the practice.
Today, Dr. Scott Mann, Dr. Becky Mann and Dr. Will Mann practice together at Invision, an Eye Care Center serving patients at locations in Salem and Christiansburg.
The Virginia Optometrist of the Year Award recognizes an optometrist whose leadership, professional accomplishments, public service, and contributions to eye care have had an exceptional impact on the citizens of Virginia. The award also recognizes service beyond optometry, including civic, charitable, educational, and community involvement. As part of the honor, Dr. Mann will be nominated by the VOA for both 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 dedicated his career to 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 optometry on Capitol Hill through the American Optometric Association.
Mann is a past president of the local Southwest Virginia Optometric Society. Alongside his wife, Becky, he has participated in multiple 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,” said Mann. “I am grateful to my colleagues, staff, patients, and the profession that has given me so much throughout my career.”
Staff report
