Dr. David A. Heath has served as the third President of the State University of New York College of Optometry since June 2007 and holds the rank of Professor.  The SUNY 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 is one of the 64 campuses that constitute the State of New York’s comprehensive public university system.

Prior to his current appointment, Dr. Heath served as Vice President/Dean of Academic Affairs (2000-2006) and Dean of Academic Affairs (1994-2006) at The New England College of Optometry. A member of the faculty from 1984, he attained the rank of Professor of Optometry in 1994. Dr. Heath received his BA from Ithaca College in 1976; OD from The New England College of Optometry in 1983; completed his residency in 1984; and his MA Ed. from Harvard University in 1992. 

With over 90 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 2009, he was recognized and awarded the status of “Distinguished Scholar” in the National Academies of Practice.

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, currently serving on the Executive Committee of the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (ASCO) as Secretary/Treasurer. He was also appointed as a member on the Board of Directors of the American Board of Optometry (ABO) which is developing a Board Certification process for the profession. Dr. Heath is also active with the American Optometric Association and the New York State Optometric Association.