David Heath Bio

David A. Heath, OD, EdM, FAAO

Dr. Heath has served as president of the State University of New York College of Optometry since 2007. He previously served as vice president and dean of academic affairs at the New England College of Optometry. Dr. Heath received his Doctor of Optometry and completed a residency at The New England College of Optometry and earned his Master in Education from Harvard University.

Dr. Heath is active nationally, serving as ASCO President during the 2012-2013 and 2015-2016 academic years. He has served as a founding member on the Board of Directors of the American Board of Optometry (2009-2015) and is active with both the American Optometric Association and the New York State Optometric Association.

Dr. Heath’s work has focused on educational program development and international vision care. In 2010, he was awarded China’s highest honor for foreigners, the “China Friendship Award” for his work there. Dr. Heath is also a two-time recipient of the Jack Bennett Innovation in Education Award from ASCO. Dr. Heath is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry and a Distinguished Scholar of the National Academy of Practice in Optometry.