The University of Houston College of Optometry

10/13/2026

Congratulations to our two newest endowed professors! Dr. Han Cheng has been named the inaugural Janice M. Wensveen Clinical Professor and Dr. Nimesh Patel the Earl L. Smith III Professor.

These professorships were established thanks to the tremendous generosity of our alumni donors and Dr. Earl Smith, Dean Emeritus, whose gift honors his spouse, Dr. Janice Wensveen.

Among the highest distinctions awarded to university faculty, endowed professorships provide important support to attract and retain the most talented faculty by recognizing significant achievements while providing resources to further discovery, teaching and professional development. UH Optometry has 14 endowed positions across a range of disciplines.

Read more: https://www.opt.uh.edu/about/college-news-events/articles/cheng-patel-named-inaugural-endowed-professors-honoring-uh-optometry-leaders.cfm

10/12/2026

Our admissions interviews are in full swing, and we have met some exceptional individuals over the past few weeks! 🤝 Whether you're preparing for an interview or considering optometry school in the future, here are some helpful tips from our successful UH Optometry alumni to guide you on your journey. 💡

10/09/2026

Dry eye treatment continues to evolve.

Join Dr. Eric Ritchey as he discusses the role of low-level light therapy, current evidence, and where this technology fits into modern dry eye management.

📅 November 4
🕖 7:00–8:00 PM CT
Learn more and register: uhcofoundation.org

10/08/2026

Congratulations to our very own David Berntsen, OD, PhD, FAAO, on his appointment to the American Academy of Optometry Board of Directors! 🎉

Dr. Berntsen has made significant contributions to vision science and the advancement of optometry and we are proud to see his expertise and leadership represented on this global stage. 👏🏼

We are pleased to welcome David Berntsen, OD, PhD, FAAO, to the American Academy of Optometry Board of Directors.

Dr. Berntsen is the Golden-Golden Professor of Optometry at the University of Houston College of Optometry, where he serves as Chair of the Department of Clinical Sciences. His distinguished career spans education, clinical research, and leadership, with a particular focus on myopia, contact lenses, and aberrations of the eye.

His research includes multiple NIH-funded studies related to myopia, including STAMP, BLINK, BLINK2, and DONUT. Dr. Berntsen is also a Diplomate in the Academy’s Section on Cornea, Contact Lenses, and Refractive Technologies.

Please join us in welcoming Dr. Berntsen to the Board of Directors. We look forward to his leadership and contributions to the Academy.

10/06/2026

Congratulations to Clinical Assistant Professor Jean Thomson, OD, FAAO, who received the Dr. Margaret Brown Ingram Early Career Development Award: https://www.opt.uh.edu/about/college-news-events/articles/dr-jean-thomson-receives-early-career-development-award.cfm

Funding from this endowment will support Dr. Thomson’s growth as a clinician and educator, while strengthening the expertise she brings to the UH Optometry.

10/05/2026

Closing out the weekend with so many wonderful memories from Anaheim! ✨

From exchanging knowledge and building connections to celebrating the achievements of our optometry community, it was a memorable week dedicated to advancing our profession.

Thank you American Academy of Optometry for another outstanding event! We’re already looking forward to San Antonio! 🤗

10/04/2026

Thank you to all our alumni and friends who came to see us at ! ❤️

It was wonderful connecting, catching up and celebrating the people who make our UH Optometry community so special.

Until next time… Go Coogs!

American Academy of Optometry

10/04/2026

More honors for UH Optometry at ! Congratulations to:

✨Clinical Associate Professor Swati Modi, OD, FAAO, recipient of the William Feinbloom Award

✨Assistant Professor Maria Walker, OD, PhD, FAAO, recipient of the AAOF Oustanding Emerging Leader Award

✨Alum Evan Elam, OD, MS (’26), recipient of the Julius F. Neumueller Award in Optics

These honors recognize excellence across our UH Optometry community and the contributions of our faculty and alumni to advancing optometry, research and patient care.

American Academy of Optometry

10/03/2026

Big congratulations to Assistant Professor Maria Walker, OD, PhD, FAAO, who was named Research Diplomate in the American Academy of Optometry Cornea, Contact Lenses, and Refractive Technologies section.

Dr. Walker was recognized for this outstanding achievement at Academy 2026, a well-deserved distinction celebrating her contributions to research and the profession.

10/03/2026

Representing UHCO as new Fellows of the American Academy of Optometry! 🎉👏

Just a few of our newest Fellows are pictured here, but we’re proud to celebrate all from our UH Optometry family who earned this distinction at Academy 2026!