William L Park, OD, FAAO

It is with extraordinary sadness that we announce the death of William L. Park, OD, FAAO; who passed away peacefully at home in Lanexa, Virginia on November 11, 2022 at age 70 with his wife Joanne (nee Farrell) at his side after suffering from Early-Onset Alzheimer’s Disease.

William was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico on April 9, 1952 to parents Jack and Edna Park on their way to Michigan. They subsequently settled in Milford, Michigan, where he and his younger sister Peggy were raised.

William was born into a family of optometrists. It wasn’t until his second year at Ferris State University, however, when William decided to join his dad, uncle, and cousin in the profession - transferring to the Illinois College of Optometry; graduating in 1977.

William served as director of various Low Vision Centers throughout his career including: Beaumont Hospital’s Beaumont Eye Institute (Michigan) (where he was also the chief echographer for COMS - Collaborative Ocular Melanoma Study); Johns Hopkins University’s Wilmer Eye Institute - Lions Low Vision Services (Maryland); and the West Virginia Eye Institute’s Appalachian Center for Vision Rehabilitation. Thereafter he set up his own private practice in Wichita, Kansas.

He held several academic appointments during his career teaching students and fellows - in addition to participating in research studies - which culminated in numerous scholarly publications. William dedicated his practice to treating patients with often debilitating visual and/or neurological impairments. His desire to help patients, along with the collaboration of like-minded professionals, ultimately led to several breakthroughs in the field, including the development of a special behind- the-lens bioptic telescopic system that would enable patients to drive and perform other activities. He also helped pioneer several Low Vision assessment/treatments that enabled individuals to improve their eyesight through the use of colored and/or various types of contact lenses along with telescopic devices. He was influential in advocating his multidisciplinary approach, which included Cataract Consults, Occupational Therapy, Certified Driving Instruction, Physical Therapy and Social Work Services for his patients.

William was highly regarded in the field of Low Vision treatment and was a frequent guest lecturer internationally – from Australia to Nigeria. His greatest professional joy was helping patients young and old with severe visual and neurological impairments and sharing his knowledge with others; whether teaching students, writing, or lecturing.

His achievements were recognized as the recipient of the following awards: Lifetime Recognition Award, Michigan Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired (1993); Advancement of Science Award, Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation Association (NORA) (International Meetings) (1997); Outstanding Clinical Faculty Award, Michigan College of Optometry, Ferris State University (1998); and Governor’s Excellence Award Nominee, State of Kansas (2010).

While serious about his work and profession, William had a lighter side that he enjoyed with his wife, Joanne, over nearly thirty years of marriage. The couple loved to travel; Joanne often joining William during his overseas speaking engagements. The Park’s homes were always hectic with the sounds and humorous capers of the numerous dogs and cat they adopted and pampered over the years.

William’s passion for music, running, and reading was only surpassed by his love and technical ability for serious photography, which he pursued with zeal throughout his entire life. William also had a dry sense of humor that - when practiced upon the right way - would result in deep and resounding infectious laugh. He was a pleasure to be around; always a generous host to his friends and relatives. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

William was preceded in death by his parents Jack and Edna. He is survived by his beloved wife, Joanne Park; sister Peggy McKenzie; half-brother Robert Turner Park; and Uncle Chris Kallimani (along with several cousins).

His family would like to gratefully acknowledge the outstanding staff and the care he received while attending the Williamsburg Landing Adult Day Center as well as the incredible, compassionate team of caregivers with Riverside Hospice and Palliative Care.

Pursuant to William’s wishes cremation has taken place; his brain donated to UCSF where he participated in the EOAD study. A celebration of his life will be scheduled at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in William’s memory to: Williamsburg Landing Adult Day Center https://www.williamsburglanding.org/giving/ways-to-give or to Multiple District 22 Lions Vision Research Foundation, Inc. http://www.lionsvision.org/Donate/