Fraser Horn named Dean of Pacific University College of Optometry

Photo credit: Pacific University College of Optometry

Pacific University College of Optometry has named Fraser Horn, OD, FAAO, its new dean. Dr. Horn took over as interim dean in November 2019 following the departure of previous dean Jennifer Coyle, OD, MS, FAAO. He was endorsed by faculty of the College of Optometry for the permanent dean position.

“Fraser has done an outstanding job in leading the college over the past year,” says John Miller, PhD, provost and vice president of Pacific University's academic affairs in a statement. “Under his leadership, the college has continued its academic and clinical rigor, its community service, and its international reputation at the forefront of the optometry field. He also has been a strong voice for students, faculty, staff and healthcare best practice in collaboration with university leadership in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic."

Dr. Horn began his career at Pacific in undergraduate biology. He obtained his doctor of optometry in the College of Optometry and later completed a residency in primary care and ocular disease at Perry Point Veterans Affairs Maryland Health Care System (VAMHSC) in Maryland.

He joined Pacific’s faculty in 2005, served as director of Pacific EyeClinics in Washington County from 2007-2012, and as associate dean of academic programs. He was voted Clinical Faculty of the Year 3 times by optometry students and wont the Pacific University Junior Faculty Development Award in 2009.

Dr. Horn has an interest in sports vision and is a past chair of the American Optometric Association (AOA) Sport Vision Section. He has led the College of Optometry’s Sports Vision Club in offering screenings to Pacific athletes, and he serves as team optometrist on the Boxer Athletics sports medicine team.

“It has been an honor to work alongside the students, staff, faculty, administrators and alumni of the College of Optometry” Dr. Horn says in a statement. “I am excited as our program focuses on providing education for contemporary practice within an interprofessional healthcare community. In addition, I am excited for the work we are doing on equity, diversity and inclusion through a great team that includes students, staff, faculty, and alumni. While the pandemic has delayed some of our plans, we continue to work together to be successful. It is truly a team effort, and I am humbled to be a part of such a compassionate, energetic team.”

See an article by Dr. Horn: 3 mental heath conditions to watch for in patients