UTRGV names a dean for its new School of Optometry

Miller brings decades of credentials in optometric health and academic leadership

Dr. William L. Miller, a highly regarded and experienced academic optometrist, has been appointed inaugural dean of the UTRGV School of Optometry, effective Jan. 13.

He comes to UTRGV from the Rosenberg School of Optometry at the University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio, where he served as a professor with tenure and associate dean of Academic Affairs.

UTRGV President Guy Bailey said Miller brings critical experience to UTRGV as the university moves toward opening its newest initiative in academic medicine, the School of Optometry, in Fall 2027.

“Given the Rio Grande Valley’s high rate of diabetes and its related challenges, like eye health, UTRGV is committed to addressing those concerns through our academic and clinical institutions. We are proud to add Dr. Miller to our leadership team as we move forward with the UTRGV School of Optometry,” Bailey said.

“Based on his time in San Antonio, Dr. Miller’s specialized experience with South Texas is a valuable resource. He understands the people of the area and our specific needs, both physical and academic,” he said. “We look forward to his contributions to UTRGV’s students and to the people of the Valley.”   

Miller, who brings a distinguished and extensive background in optometric education, research and leadership, thanked Bailey and the UTRGV team for placing their faith in his skills and experience.

“The Rio Grande Valley is fortunate to have a university like UTRGV, where the health needs of the people of the area are a priority,” Miller said. “I am pleased to be able to join this dedicated team of medical and academic professionals.

“I envision a future where the UTRGV School of Optometry will serve the eyecare needs of the South Texas region and its residents, both through an active clinical program and by graduating excellent, well-prepared optometrists who will, in turn, reach the needs of their own individual communities.”

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Miller, board certified by the American Board of Optometry, is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry and National Academies of Practice, as well as a member of the European Academy of Optometry and Optics, the American Optometric Association and International Association of Contact Lens Educators.

He received his Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) degree – a combined Master of Science / Fellowship focused on Cornea and Contact Lens care, followed by a Ph.D. in Physiological Optics, which specializes in the study of the optical properties and functions of the eye – from The Ohio State University in 1994.

From 1999 to 2015 at the The University of Houston College of Optometry, Miller served as director of the Cornea and Contact Lens Service, and later as chair of the Clinical Sciences Department.

He sits on the editorial board of Eye and Contact Lenses, and has served as associate editor of the Optometric Clinical Practice Journal.

Before coming to UTRGV, Miller was involved in both didactic and clinical education, participating in patient care in the UIW Eye Institute at the Rosenberg School of Optometry. While there, he mentored faculty and helped develop innovative academic programs – like the Academic Readiness Program, International Study Abroad Program, and a patient simulation clinic – to enhance student success.

Also, at the Rosenberg School of Optometry, Miller worked to enhance the professional development of faculty, helped develop the Sports and Vision Enhancement Service, and provided an avenue for international optometric students to gain enhanced experience in patient care. He also guided a new graduate program, called Vision Science, to graduate its first Ph.D. student in just a few years.

The new School of Optometry was approved in May of 2024 by The UT System Board of Regents. It will require additional approvals from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, SACSCOC and the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education.