Mega Doctor News
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Dr. Fred Farias III, an accomplished eye doctor and leader in Texas higher education, has been selected by his alma mater to receive an honorary degree in May.
Southern College of Optometry will bestow its honorary Doctor of Ocular Science degree upon Dr. Farias at its Tuesday, May 7, 2024 ceremony at the Cannon Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Memphis.
“Southern College of Optometry’s Doctor of Ocular Science degree is conferred on those who have made outstanding contributions and who have rendered distinguished service to the profession of optometry and to the field of visual science,” said Dr. Lewis Reich, Southern College of Optometry President.
“Through his many accomplishments and leadership roles, Dr. Farias is a proud alumnus representing his alma mater, and it will be my honor to bestow this honorary degree upon him at this year’s commencement ceremony,” Dr. Reich said.
A 1987 graduate of Southern College of Optometry, Dr. Farias is President and CEO of 20/20 Vision Care in McAllen, Texas. He additionally received degrees from The University of Texas at Austin and Harvard University, where he earned his Master of Science in Clinical Services Operations.
Dr. Farias currently serves as Chair of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. He has also served as President of the Texas Optometric Association, which awarded him the Young Optometrist of the Year Award. At the national level, the American Optometric Association named him Optometrist of the Year. He also is a recipient of Southern College of Optometry’s Lifetime Achievement Award as well as being named an Outstanding Alumnus by The University of Texas at Austin’s Moody College of Communication.
About Southern College of Optometry
Southern College of Optometry was established in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1932. SCO is an independent, not-for-profit institution of higher education with more than 500 students and residents from 40 states. For more information on SCO, please visit www.sco.edu.
