Dr. David Heath
Thank you to Costco for their generous support by sponsoring this award
Dr. David A. Heath served the 3rd President of the State University of New York State College of Optometry from June 2007 until August 2024 and held the rank of Professor. Following his decision to step down from the presidency, he received a one-year appointment from State University Chancellor John King to serve as Special Advisor: Upstate Doctor of Optometry Extension Program. Dr. Heath retired from SUNY June 30, 2025.
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 of Optometry beginning in 1984 and attained the rank of Professor of Optometry (tenured) in 1994. Dr. Heath received his B.A. from Ithaca College in 1976; Doctor of Optometry from The New England College of Optometry in 1983; completed his residency in 1984; and earned his Master in Education from Harvard University in 1992.
With numerous 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. He was recognized and awarded the status of “Distinguished Scholar” in the National Academies of Practice in 2009.
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 2010, he was recognized by China’s Ministry of Foreign Expert Affairs with China’s highest honor for foreigners, the “China Friendship Award”.
Dr. Heath is active nationally, serving twice as President of ASCO during the 2012-2013 and 2015-2016 academic years. He was as founding member on the Board of Directors of the American Board of Optometry from 2009 – 2015. Dr. Heath has also been active with the American Optometric Association and the New York State Optometric Association.
Dr. Heath received the American Optometric Association’s President’s Award in 2020, the New York State Optometric Association’s Frederick A. Woll Award (2024). and was recognized by the American Board of Optometry with the inaugural Visionaries Award for Volunteer Services (2024).
