A Future Built on Your Word
In a short 10 years, Rosenberg School of Optometry students, faculty, alumni, donors and partners have come together to make South Texas and the world a stronger, healthier, better place.
We are 365 alumni strong.
When you contribute time, mentoring and resources, you invest in future students, ensure the long-term success of our program and change the future of optometry, eye care and healthcare.
In short, you help us to write a better story.
Ways to Give
Mentor/Recruit
Help us to build our reputation by joining us on recruiting visits with prospective students.Contact Ms. Kristine Benne, Enrollment Management Coordinator, benne@uiwtx.edu.
Join
Alumni are welcome at events like the annual Optometry Preview Day, held each fall.Donate
The Rosenberg School of Optometry is poised to advance patient care. Help us make strategic investments in learning, technology, faculty, research programs and capital enhancements.Alumni Stories
Reid Cluff, 2017 ‘17 OD
A husband and father of three, Reid Cluff traveled from Ogden, Utah to attend the Rosenberg School of Optometry. He completed a Cornea and Contact Lens Residency at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and now practices in Henderson, NV. He came to appreciate UIW’s deeper mission and purpose. “Here at UIW, students are very mission driven. Instead of thinking of this place as just a school where we do our learning, we try to integrate the principles and values of the University into our everyday lives. Personal and professional growth is achieved here as we focus our studies on patient care and academic excellence in a context of faith, human dignity and social justice. More than anything, we are taught that every patient we see is not just a pair of eyes walking around.”
Dr. Jose Correa ’13 OD
Dr. Jose Correa encourages future optometrists to see their education as an ongoing investment in patient health, and to master the core ocular anatomy and physiology, neurology, pharmacology, ocular disease and treatments material. “My advice is to develop a strong understanding of anatomy and physiology. The most important lesson that I’ve learned is that as a medical provider, it is my job to determine if the patient sitting in my chair is having visual complaints secondary to a life-threatening condition, a health threatening condition or visual condition. This has allowed me to evaluate, treat and educate patients on their ocular needs versus their want.”
Dr. Byron Bonner ’13 OD
Dr. Bonner, a member of the inaugural RSO graduating class, knew by the end of his first year that he wanted to work with children. He began working in a vision therapy clinic immediately after graduation. His advice to future optometrists — master time management. “Without time management obstacles become larger than they truly are. I am sure that if one has been accepted into optometry school then they have some idea about time management, but it is a whole new adventure when starting a doctoral program. Have a routine regardless of what classmates do, keep to the schedule.”