Dr. David Heath, College of Optometry
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Dr. David A. Heath has served the 3rd President of the State University of New York State College of Optometry since June 2007 and holds the rank of Professor. The State University of New York State College of Optometry, founded in 1971, is dedicated to the education of optometrists, to the advancement of eye and vision care through research and graduate education, and to the care of communities through the provision of comprehensive visual health services. The College of Optometry is a doctoral degree granting, research institution with approximately 300 students. |
Prior to his current appointment, Dr. Heath was at The New England College of Optometry where he served as Vice President/Dean of Academic Affairs (2000-2006), and Dean of Academic Affairs (1994-2006). He was on the faculty of The New England College from 1984 and attained the rank of Professor of Optometry in 1994. Dr. Heath received his B.A. from Ithaca College in 1976; his Doctor of Optometry from The New England College of Optometry in 1983; completed his residency in 1984; and his Masters in Education from Harvard University in 1992.
With approximately ninety scholarly publications and/or presentations to his credit, Dr. Heath is best known for his work in educational program development and international vision care. In 2001 and 2007, Dr. Heath was the recipient of the Jack Bennett Innovation in Education Award from the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry for his leadership in optometric education nationally. In 2008, he received the “Distinguished Service Award” from the New England College of Optometry Alumni Association.
Internationally, Dr. Heath has worked extensively in China with the Wenzhou Medical College, the Ministry of Public Health and the medical education system to increase the quantity and quality of primary eye care providers in China. In 2002, he was recognized by China’s Ministry of Health and appointed as the Honorary Director of the National Optometry Research Center in Wenzhou, PRC, and in 2008 received the “YanDang Friendship Award” from the city of Wenzhou for his contributions to the community.
Dr. Heath is highly active nationally, providing service to organizations such as the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry; the American Optometric Association, and the New York State Optometric Association.
The College of Optometry is one of the 64 campuses which constitute the State’s comprehensive public university system.
