Decades ago, the first Black graduates of optometry schools faced immense challenges, from segregation to limited professional opportunities, yet they forged ahead to establish successful practices and mentor those who followed.
Today, a new wave of Black optometrists continues that legacy, entering the profession with fresh perspectives, advanced training and a commitment to serving diverse communities. Their journeys reflect both the progress made and the ongoing work needed to ensure greater representation and equity in eye care. In honor of Black History Month, Women In Optometry has created a list of the first Black graduates from various optometry schools in the U.S.
In response to the article, Essence Johnson, OD, FAAO, Dipl. ABO, Executive Director, Black Eyecare Perspective, says, “When I graduated in 2010, only 2.7% of full-time doctor of optometry students identified as Black or African American, a number that had stagnated for a decade. By 2020, it rose to 3.4%, and today, it’s 4.3% (Annual Student Data Report, ASCO).”
“These numbers reflect my experience: recruitment of students of color into optometry relies heavily on who you know and what you know. They demonstrate that intentional impact, strategic recruitment and consistent practices lead to meaningful change. Through networking and sponsorship, we can open doors that were once closed, proving the power of purposeful action.”
Read Dr. Johnson’s full article here.
ILLINOIS COLLEGE OF OPTOMETRY
Dr. Bess Francis Coleman graduated from Northern Illinois College of Optometry (now Illinois College of Optometry) in 1934. She was the first African American woman licensed to practice optometry in the U.S.
MIDWESTERN UNIVERSITY CHICAGO COLLEGE OF OPTOMETRY
Dr. Courtney Marsh graduated from Midwestern University Chicago College of Optometry in 2022. She currently practices in the greater Chicago area.
THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF OPTOMETRY
Dr. H.E. Welton graduated from The Ohio State University College of Optometry in 1938.
SALUS AT DREXEL UNIVERSITY PENNSYLVANIA COLLEGE OF OPTOMETRY
Dr. Georgianna Lorrayne Nottage graduated from Pennsylvania State College of Optometry (now Salus at Drexel University Pennsylvania College of Optometry) in 1946. She was also a volunteer at the Christian Mission Center, founded by her father, the Rev. Whitfield Nottage.
SOUTHERN COLLEGE OF OPTOMETRY
Dr. William Burley graduated from Southern College of Optometry in 1972.
UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM SCHOOL OF OPTOMETRY
Dr. Terrence N. Ingraham graduated from the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Optometry in 1978.
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, BERKELEY, HERBERT WERTHEIM SCHOOL OF OPTOMETRY
Dr. Marvin Poston graduated from the University of California, Berkeley, Herbert Wertheim School of Optometry in 1939. The school created The Marvin R. Poston Opportunity Fund to help support recruitment and outreach efforts to ensure diversity in the field of optometry. Give today.
UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON COLLEGE OF OPTOMETRY
Dr. Ralph H. Jackson graduated from the University of Houston College of Optometry in 1972.
UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI, ST. LOUIS, COLLEGE OF OPTOMETRY
Dr. Alexander Harris graduated from the University of Missouri, St. Louis, College of Optometry in 1986.
WESTERN UNIVERSITY OF HEALTH SCIENCES COLLEGE OF OPTOMETRY
Dr. Shirley De La Rosa Bright, Dr. Elizabeth Samson-Parr and Dr. Maryann Youssef graduated from Western University of Health Sciences College of Optometry in 2015.
During her first year at Western University, Dr. Shirley De La Rosa Bright was awarded the U.S. Air Force Health Professions Scholarship, becoming one of only 24 optometry students nationwide to receive this honor. She was also the first optometry student at Western University to earn a military scholarship. Upon taking the Commissioning Oath, she was sworn in as a second lieutenant in the Air Force. She was a Captain in the 2nd Aerospace Medical Squad Force. She currently works in Florida.
Dr. Elizabeth Samson-Parr is a managing optometrist in Inglewood, California. She enjoys traveling, event planning and decoration and spending time with family, especially her husband and four daughters.
Dr. Maryann Youssef gained extensive training through externships in pediatric care, neuro-optometric rehabilitation, ocular disease and specialty contact lenses. She actively shares valuable insights on eye health through social media. She has participated in charitable clinics in Rwanda, Ethiopia and Namibia and enjoys traveling, attending church and spending time with loved ones.
The University of Detroit Mercy School of Optometry will welcome its first graduating class in 2029.
WO reached out to all the schools and colleges of optometry in North America. This feature may be updated.
