by Satina Richardson

For his thought leadership and contributions to the profession of optometry, Howell Findley, OD, is the 2022 UAB School of Optometry Alumni Association Alumnus of the year.

 “It is very gratifying to know that the work I have done has been recognized as special,” Findley said.

Within the optometry profession, the Commonwealth Eye Surgery optometrist is known for his impact in two areas aside from his optometric legislative advocacy efforts in Kentucky. First, he is a pioneer in the optometric comanagement of ophthalmic surgery and an optometrist’s role in managing ocular disease. Findley was among the first optometrists in the nation to develop a comanagement system.

This particular interest resulted from a fellowship at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute and witnessing the efforts of Paul Ajamian, OD, FAAO, his mentor. Ajamian worked to improve the working relationship between optometry and ophthalmology and cofounded Omni Eye Services of Atlanta, the first comanagement and referral center in the United States.

The second area of impact has been Findley’s dedication to training optometry externs at Commonwealth Eye Surgery located in Lexington, KY. According to Findley’s nomination, “During his career Howell has taken a great interest in training, encouraging, and mentoring new ODs particularly to go into medical optometry. He has been responsible for training two of the ODs that are currently on staff at the Pacific Cataract and Laser Institute.”

The 1981 UAB School of Optometry graduate recommends that anyone interested in following a similar path embrace the journey and join a practice that is an excellent fit.

“To follow in my particular optometric path, I recommend doing a residency in ocular disease and/or in an ophthalmic surgical practice,” he said. “But more so, find the type of optometric practice that excites you. Dig in and do it. Choose to be excellent. After 41 years I still enjoy our profession, most days.”