Dr. Mark Swan, professor in the Michigan College of Optometry at Ferris State University,
has been named the 2016 Healthcare Champion for the American Diabetes Association
of Greater Michigan.
In addition to teaching at MCO, Swan works with student doctors in the pediatrics and binocular vision service at Ferris’ University Eye Center, on the Big Rapids campus, and the UEC Mercy Health Diabetes and Endocrine Center, on the Saint Mary’s campus. He is also director of Grand Rapids Clinical Services and serves as chief of the optometry service at Mercy Health Saint Mary’s campus, in Grand Rapids.
Swan was chosen for the award due to his many years of service in the care of and dedication to diabetic patients at the Diabetes and Endocrine Center. Dr. David Damari, dean of MCO, explained that patients with diabetes visit the center to receive dilated eye exams, which are critical to prevent blindness from the disease. He added, “I don’t think it would be an exaggeration to say that Dr. Swan has saved the sight of hundreds of diabetic patients, over the years, through the service Michigan College of Optometry provides at Saint Mary’s.”
“This is a great honor for any healthcare provider in our state and a huge victory for the College, Ferris State University, and the profession of optometry,” Damari said.
Swan earned his doctoral degree in optometry, at the MCO, in 1988. He also earned a master’s degree in reading disabilities at the University of California at Berkeley’s School of Education, in 1991.
Swan has served the profession of optometry at the national level having been appointed to several American Optometric Association positions. He was also elected to serve on the board of directors for seven years and was elected as president of the MOA and the West Michigan Optometric Association.
In Michigan, he has been active in the leadership structure of the Michigan Optometric Association as he has served on several committees: children’s vision care, environmental vision, legislative, Medicaid and industry relations. Swan was recognized by the Grand Rapids Lions Club as Visionary of the Year, in 2008; by the Michigan Optometric Association as Optometrist of the Year, in 2009; and by Ferris as distinguished alumnus, in 2010.
Swan earned his doctorate degree in optometry at the MCO. He also earned a master's degree in reading disabilities at the University of California at Berkeley School of Education. Additionally, Swan is a fellow of the American Academy of Optometry.
Swan will be honored Friday, June 17 at a dinner in Grand Rapids.
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PHOTO CAPTION: Dr. Mark Swan