May 15 marked a new chapter for 115 University of Houston College of Optometry graduates as they took the stage at Cullen Performance Hall to receive their degrees and pledge the Optometric Oath. The class included 96 new Doctors of Optometry, as well as 10 Master of Science and 9 Doctor of Philosophy in Physiological Optics and Vision Science candidates.

Among honor graduates, Elizabeth Trossen received the prestigious Beta Sigma Kappa Silver Medal for earning the highest grade point average. Representing the graduating class as student commencement speaker, Andrew Varghese encouraged his peers to define their careers by the impact they make in the lives of others.

In his opening remarks, Michael Twa, O.D., Dean of UH Optometry, recognized the Texas Optometric Association for its steadfast partnership since the college’s founding in 1952, and the Foundation for Education and Research in Vision (FERV), the college’s fundraising arm, for its commitment to ease the financial burden of students pursuing an optometry degree.

Joining Dr. Twa on stage, the distinguished platform party included Thomas “Tommy” Lucas Jr., O.D. ('02), member of the University of Houston System Board of Regents; Renu Khator, Ph.D, president of the University of Houston and chancellor of the University of Houston System; Moes Nasser, O.D. ('82), president of FERV; and the college’s administrative leaders and faculty.

For Dr. Lucas, the day carried special meaning. He recalled how it felt as a new graduate eager to start his career and encouraged the class to embrace the responsibility that comes with their new titles.

“Optometry and vision research are an essential pillar of our health care system,” he said. “And with a rapidly growing aging population and the rise of myopia in children, our field is more important now than ever before.”

In one of the ceremony’s most meaningful moments, Dr. Lucas led the Class of 2026 in the recitation of the Optometric Oath. Having first pledged this oath as incoming students, the graduates repeated it with new weight as Doctors of Optometry officially entering the profession.

Dr. Lucas also encouraged graduates to carry forward the values they learned at UH Optometry: to remain committed to high-quality, compassionate care; to stay current with the latest advancements in research; and to serve as advocates for the profession through legislative engagement and active participation in optometric associations.

Dr. Khator shared a similarly heartfelt message, reminding graduates that while science and skill are foundational, humanity remains at the center of care.

“Your greatest tool will always be your humility and your ability to treat every patient as a person and not a number,” she said. “A prescription can correct vision, but your heart and compassion can comfort souls.”

The ceremony also honored two UH Optometry alumni whose careers embody the college’s core values of growth, integrity, reason, and humanity: Rudolph “Rudy” Black, O.D. ('75), Distinguished Alumnus, for his extraordinary contributions to clinical education, community care, and outreach throughout Houston; and Pat Segu, O.D. ('72), Dean’s Distinguished Service Award, for her impact as an educator, mentor, and leader in clinical training.

Commencement speaker Angela Shippy, M.D., Senior Physician Executive and Clinical Innovation Lead for Healthcare and Life Sciences at Amazon Web Services, brought a future-focused perspective shaped by her own career journey from clinical medicine to AI leadership.

Speaking to the Class of 2026, Dr. Shippy used the biological metaphor of rods and cones to reflect the graduates’ unique resilience, having navigated both the uncertainty of the pandemic and the rapid transformation of health care technology. While innovation and artificial intelligence continue to reshape the profession, she emphasized that the heart of optometry remains deeply human.

“You are the guardians of thousand-word pictures,” she said. “No AI agent, no matter how sophisticated, can replace the human connection when you help someone see clearly. No algorithm can replicate the trust built when you detect a serious condition early and potentially save someone’s vision – or their life.”

Following the ceremony, the Class of 2026 returned to the college for a reception at the Doctors of Texas State Optical room and recalled their experiences at the J. Davis Armistead and Health 1 buildings. In the presence of family and friends, Dean Twa raised a glass to their futures and reminded the graduates they will forever have a home at the University of Houston College of Optometry.

“To what you’ve achieved,

To who you’ve become,

To those you will serve,

And to the one place you’ll always belong – UHCO!

Here’s to you!”

-Dean Michael Twa