Dr. David A. Heath assumed the position of President of the State University of New York State College of Optometry in June 2007. 

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. 

Internationally, Dr. Heath has worked extensively in China with 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.

Dr. Heath is highly active nationally, providing service to organizations including the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry; the American Optometric Association, the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.