Pioneer in the Field of Optometry

Dr. Robert L. Johnson Sr., know to many as Bob, is currently Co-Founder of the Plano Child Development Center, and President of Vision Health Management Systems, Inc. and one of four associates in his optometric practice in Chicago.  He is married to Mercedes, the father of six of which one, Stephanie, currently practices with him.  He has ten grandchildren.  He faithfully serves as chairman of the board of trustees at his church, Mt. Calvary Baptist from which he has received several awards for his outstanding leadership and devotion. 

He received his Master of Science degree from the University of Chicago in 1954 and graduated from the Illinois College of Optometry in 1960.  Bob is also an active member of the Optometric Extension Program (OEP), Illinois Optometric Association (IOA), American Optometric Association (AOA), and the National Optometric Association (NOA). 

As a pioneer in the field of optometry, it is no wonder his profession and alma mater have honored him.  In 1978 he was NOA’s optometrist of the year and ICO’s 1994 Alumni of the year.  In 1983 for his unselfish contribution of time and energy devoted as NOA’s president and for his many talents and abilities to students, fellow optometrists and all humanity he received NOA’s Presidential Award.  In 1977, he also received the G. N. Getman Award from the College of Vision Development for his role in bringing behavioral vision services to the disadvantaged youth in Chicago.

Of Bob’s most noted past pioneering accomplishments a few are listed.

1.      Consultant & Lecturer to:

 a.      Woodlawn Experimental School Project as facilitator to advance visual perceptual techniques and in-service training.

 b.      Area A. School Mental Health Project to Advance Creativity in Education

-          Chicago Board of Education

2.      Began a school for optometric technicians, which graduated, with associate degrees, some of the first minority technicians.

 3.      Represented Optometry at the National Academy of Science Institute of Medicine on Study of Costs of Educating Health Professionals. (SCEHP)

 4.      Co-authored an article on the effect of environment on vision on inner city youth.

 5.      First Black to receive a fellowship in the College of Vision Development (COVD).

 6.      Consultant for “Project Healthy” which evaluated the effectiveness of Headstart.

 7.      Consultant for city of Chicago and county of Cook to provide vision perception surveys to Headstart youth.

 8.      Supervised VISTA Volunteers in providing low-income parents vision care information.

 9.      Organized Vision PPO’s in Chicago, Washington, D. C. New Orleans and Atlanta.

 10.  Consultant for the U.S. Postal services to establish vision standards for six job categories.

 Currently:

 ·         Chairman of the election committee for the election of the president of Cook County.

 ·         Semi-retired in practice with NOA members, Henry R. Moore, Joseph W. McCray Jr., and Stephanie Johnson-Brown.

 ·         PPO Consultant for Cole Vision.

 In summary Bob is truly a servant of his family, church, patients and for all mankind.  He says “his favorite scripture Proverbs 3:5,6 is the reason for his accomplishments and then as long as he lives he will continue to bless others as God has so richly blessed him.”