Dr. John G. Flanagan and James Winans to be honored for leadership in vision science and community service
New York, NY — The State University of New York (SUNY) College of Optometry today announced it will confer honorary degrees upon two distinguished leaders whose work has made significant contributions to vision science and public service: Dr. John G. Flanagan and James Winans. The degrees will be awarded during the College’s upcoming commencement ceremony.
Dr. Flanagan, Professor and Dean Emeritus of the Herbert Wertheim School of Optometry and Vision Science at the University of California, Berkeley, will receive the Doctor of Vision Science, honoris causa, in recognition of his leadership in optometric education and his longstanding contributions to research and clinical care. Mr. Winans, President and Chief Executive Officer of The Bowery Mission in New York City, will receive the Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa, for his leadership in advancing services and support for vulnerable populations and for his partnership with SUNY Optometry in expanding access to eye care for individuals experiencing homelessness.
“These honorary degrees recognize individuals whose work reflects the values at the heart of SUNY Optometry’s mission—advancing vision science, improving patient care, and serving communities in need,” said Dr. David Troilo, President of SUNY College of Optometry. “Dr. Flanagan’s leadership in optometric education and research has helped shape the future of eye care, while James Winans has demonstrated extraordinary commitment to serving vulnerable populations and expanding access to care. We are proud to honor both of them and welcome them into the SUNY Optometry family.”
Over the course of his distinguished career, Dr. Flanagan has made significant contributions to vision science research, optometric education, and academic leadership. His work has helped advance understanding of ocular disease and vision care, while his leadership roles in academia have helped guide the development of future generations of clinicians and researchers in optometry and vision science.
James Winans has led The Bowery Mission, one of New York City’s most historic and respected organizations serving individuals experiencing homelessness and poverty for nearly two decades. Under his leadership, The Bowery Mission has expanded its programs to provide meals, shelter, counseling, career development, and other critical services to thousands of individuals each year.
For more than a decade, SUNY College of Optometry has partnered with The Bowery Mission to provide eye care services to individuals experiencing homelessness and those at risk. Through this collaboration, students, residents, and faculty from SUNY Optometry have delivered vision screenings, eye exams, and prescription glasses to individuals who might otherwise lack access to essential eye care.
Honorary degrees are awarded by the SUNY Board of Trustees and recognize individuals whose work embodies the values of scholarship, service, and impact.
About Dr. John G. Flanagan
John G. Flanagan, PhD, DSc, FCOptom, FAAO, FARVO, is Professor and Dean Emeritus of the Herbert Wertheim School of Optometry and Vision Science at the University of California, Berkeley. He previously served as Professor at the University of Waterloo and the University of Toronto, where he directed the Glaucoma Research Unit at the Toronto Western Research Institute. Dr. Flanagan has received continuous federal research funding for more than three decades. He has authored over 180 peer-reviewed publications along with numerous book chapters and given numerous invited lectures worldwide. His research focuses on glaucoma, ocular blood flow, imaging, and the underlying mechanisms of ocular disease. Dr. Flanagan has received numerous international honors for his work and served as President of the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry in 2020–2021. He served as the eighth and inaugural Dean of Berkeley’s Herbert Wertheim School of Optometry and Vision Science from 2014 to 2025.
About James Winans
James Winans is President and Chief Executive Officer of The Bowery Mission, where he leads a team of staff, volunteers, partners, and supporters who meet essential needs and foster transformative community, continuing a 153-year legacy of service to New York City neighbors in need. Winans first became connected with the Mission through a volunteer internship that shaped his career in nonprofit leadership. He was appointed CEO in 2020 after helping guide the organization’s response during the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring the Mission remained open every day to serve New Yorkers without homes. Previously serving 15 years as Chief Development Officer, Winans has raised more than $200 million in private funding to expand the organization’s programs and partnerships. A graduate of Drew University, he lives in Queens with his family.
About SUNY Optometry
Founded in 1971 and located in New York City, the State University of New York College of Optometry is a leader in education, research, and patient care, offering the Doctor of Optometry degree as well as MS and PhD degrees in vision science. The College conducts a robust program of basic, translational, and clinical research and has 65 affiliated clinical training sites as well as an on-site clinic, the University Eye Center. SUNY Optometry is regionally accredited by the Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools; its four-year professional degree program and residency programs are accredited by the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education of the American Optometric Association. To learn more about SUNY Optometry, visit www.sunyopt.edu.
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