About this people in black history template
This timeline template celebrates the groundbreaking achievements of African American optometrists. It tracks the progress of these medical professionals starting from the early twentieth century. It serves as a vital educational tool for students to learn about diversity in health history.
Early Pioneers in Optometry
The early 1900s marked the first major breakthroughs for African Americans in the field of professional eye care. These individuals were the very first to graduate from major institutions and earn legal professional licenses across North America.
- 1912: William Lawson becomes the first African American optometrist in the United States and Canada.
- 1938: Lloyd Lawson is recognized as the third African American optometrist in the entire country.
- 1938: H. Edward Wellton becomes the first African American graduate of OSU and an AAO Fellow.
Expanding Influence and Licensing
During the 1940s and 1950s, Black optometrists began to hold leadership roles and expand their reach into more states. They started breaking regional barriers and joining state boards to influence the profession's growth and ethical standards.
- 1939: Harold Lawson is the first African American licensed on the West Coast and Optometrist of the Year.
- 1946: Henry R. Moore serves on the Illinois state board and later becomes ARBO President.
- 1950: William Townsend becomes the first African American optometrist licensed in the state of Arkansas.
Formation of National Organizations
In the mid-twentieth century, visionaries began forming professional organizations to support minority optometrists. These leaders ensured that African Americans had a seat at the table in national health institutes and earned specialized fellowships in their respective medical fields.
- 1952: C. Clayton Powell co-founds the National Optometric Association and joins the National Eye Institute.
- 1952: John L. Howlette practices in Richmond and co-founds the National Optometric Association.
- 1960: Charles Comer graduates from the IU School of Optometry and practices in East Chicago.
- 1960: Robert L. Johnson earns a fellowship in the College of Vision Development.
Public Service and Global Outreach
By the late 1960s, African American optometrists were serving in high-level government positions and launching international service programs. These pioneers focused on public health and helping underserved communities around the world through dedicated and expert vision care.
- 1966: Paul Owen is the first optometrist commissioned in the Public Health Service Officer Corps.
- 1969: Algernon Phillips, Jr. founds the Student Optometric Service to Humanity and Ophthalmic Service International.
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