08/22/2024
The OOA Mourns the Passing of Past President Dr. Jeffrey Myers
The profession of optometry recently lost one of its greatest. Dr. Jeffrey Myers of Groveport, Ohio passed away peacefully at the James Cancer Hospital on August 4th.
Dr. Myers was a champion of optometry and had an outstanding record of professionalism, career achievement, and service. He held numerous volunteer roles over his impressive career and contributed his time, energy, knowledge and financial resources to the Ohio Optometric Association, the Ohio Optometric Foundation, and The Ohio State College of Optometry.
Dr. Myers served on the OOA Board of Directors and was President in 1996-1997. He was instrumental in helping expand scope of practice and passing the use of therapeutics. He was a recipient of both the Ohio Optometric Association’s Young OD of the Year and Optometrist of the Year awards, as well as receiving the Outstanding Service Award. He was also a past Chair of the East West Eye Conference. He was a long-term delegate to the AOA House of Delegates and also served as the Chair of the Exhibits Committee of the American Academy of Optometry for several years.
Dr. Myers was the owner of Winchester Vision Care in Canal Winchester. He served as a Clinical Professor of Practice for The Ohio State University College of Optometry and Preceptor to 4th year students. He also consulted at the Chillicothe Veterans Affairs Medical Center for over 20 years.
He was the author of numerous publications and was the founder and sponsor of the Jeffrey and Joyce Myers Lecture Series at The Ohio State University College of Optometry. He served as the editor of the OSU Optometry Alumni Magazine, BuckEYE for 20 years. Dr. Myers also served on the Dean’s Advisory College and was recipient of the Neil J. Bailey Optometry Medal for Development.
Dr. Myers believed in the importance of philanthropy and community service. He served on the Ohio Optometric Foundation Board of Directors for many years and as its President from 2006-2012. He was active in the Groveport United Methodist Church where he participated in extensive mission work in Liberia for student scholarships and developing vision care. Dr. Myers also dedicated much of his time to the Boy Scouts of America where he served in numerous roles but most notably as a Life Member on the Council Executive Board.
Past AOA and OOA President Dr. Bob Layman noted “Jeff was an exemplary servant leader. He was a man for others, especially his family, his community, his profession, and his beloved College of Optometry. We’ll all miss him greatly.”
Past OOA Executive Director, Mr. Rick Cornett fondly remembered Dr. Myers by saying “What didn’t Jeff do for Ohio Optometry? Whether it was in the OOA, OOF or the close relationship he had with the college, he was tireless in his commitment.”
Cheryl Archer, Past OOA and OOF President and classmate of Dr. Myers stated “Jeff Myers began to show his leadership and service to our profession even while we were students at Ohio State. His contributions and accomplishments continued to multiply throughout his life in so many ways yet all the while remaining one of the humblest human beings I’ve ever had the privilege of knowing. We will greatly miss him but will remain forever thankful for his life of service to our profession.”
Current OOA Executive Director, Dr. Beth Muckley reflected on the impact Dr. Myers had on her optometric journey. “Dr. Jeff Myers’ optometric legacy cannot be conveyed in words as he led by example. He was OOA President my senior year of optometry school and I cannot imagine Ohio optometry without him. He showed me what it meant to be dedicated to one’s calling in life, to give back, and to find purpose and gratitude for the ability to care for patients in the community. He will be missed but remembered for all the good he has done.”
The Myers family received guests on Friday, August 9th at Myers-Woodyard Funeral Home, and held a funeral service on Saturday, August 10th, at Reynoldsburg Community Church. Donations may be made in his name to: The Jeffrey and Joyce Myers Lecture Series, Fund # 312823, OSU Foundation, PO Box 736096, Chicago, IL 60673-6096.