EyesOnNY OCNY Journal 2022

Dr. David A. Heath President SUNY College of Optometry 2022 Eyes on Leadership Honoree

Dr. David A. Heath is the third president of SUNY College of Optometry and holds the rank of professor. He joined the College in June 2007 after serving as vice president and dean of Academic Affairs at

New England College of Optometry. Dr. Heath is best known for his work in educational program development, workforce analysis, and international vision care. He has over 90 scholarly publications and/or presentations to his credit as well as years of service with the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry, the American Optometric Association, and other professional organizations. Among other honors, Dr. Heath is a two-time recipient of the Jack Bennett Innovation in Education Award from the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry, awarded the status of “Distinguished Scholar” by the National Academies of Practice, and in 2010, he was recognized by China’s Ministry of Foreign Expert Affairs with China’s highest honor for foreigners, the “China Friendship Award” for his work within China’s medical education system to increase the quantity and quality of primary eye care providers. Eyes on Leadership Award Recognizes the visionary spirit of the Optometric Center of New York founders by honoring an individual, corporation, or organization for their extraordinary contributions to advancing vision care and whose actions have had a lasting impact on the industry and/or health care.