O.D. to O.D.

IN MEMORY OF MY MENTOR

A TRUE VISIONARY, DR. LARRY ALEXANDER TAUGHT MORE THAN CLINICAL PEARLS

Scot Morris
O.D., F.A.A.O.
Chief Optometric Editor

EVERYONE IN life has a mentor — that person who changes your life forever. He or she shapes you, advises you and acts as your counselor and confidant. He or she even allows you to make mistakes so you learn important life lessons.

In April, we lost one of the true visionaries in eye care and a mentor to many, Larry J. Alexander, O.D., F.A.A.O. To many of us, we know what we know and do what we do in large part because of Larry.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

My first memory of Larry was as a tech in his office in Louisville, Ky. A young “want to be,” I followed him around the office on my first day. I will never forget the picture above his desk that read, “A hundred years from now, it will not matter what kind of car I drove, what kind of house I lived in, how much money I had in the bank…but the world may be a better place because I made a difference in the life of a child.”

Larry made a difference. He mentored and guided so many of today’s optometric leaders. Upon his passing, there was an outpouring of prayers and tributes. Most commented that he elevated and changed everyone around him in a humble way.

PUSHING FOR GREATNESS

Larry was tenacious. He stood up for his beliefs. He fought for those things that bettered this profession and our industry. He challenged us to think bigger and better, both individually and collectively. Larry’s countless hours of giving through speaking and writing, his unending contributions to the education of his colleagues and his words of wisdom have changed the eye care profession for the better and will continue to do so for many decades to come. Through words and actions, he showed us what it was like to stand up for one’s beliefs, to be who you are and, most of all, to pay it forward.

Even more importantly, he imparted on many of us more than just clinical pearls. He taught us the true meaning of being human. In the words of Ben Gaddie, “We lost a giant. Larry was, unequivocally, the best doctor I have ever met, not just in optometry or ophthalmology, but of any healthcare specialty. His innate ability and intuition were remarkable beyond words. Even better, his sincere care and concern for his patients inspired me to be the clinician I am today. I also remember the true love he and his wife Lynn had for each other. Totally unconditional. Every time we were with them, it was like their first date — certainly a relationship that we can all aspire to.”

FOREVER WITH US

Larry will live forever in the memories of those of us who have had the honor and privilege to call him friend, mentor and colleague. As Kim Castleberry, O.D., said, “Most of us can be replaced in the blink of an eye. Larry will leave a hole in the profession, but he is taking care of the eyes of angels now. Larry surely loved the profession. Uniquely, he loved the professionals more. We will surely miss him.”

Yes, yes we will. Thank you for everything, my friend and mentor. Please guide us all from above. OM

The Dr. Larry J. Alexander Scholarship for Education has been set up through Optometry Cares. Please send memorials to optometrycares.com.