Paul Harris, OD

Fellow of the College of Optometrists in Vision Development
Fellow of the Australasian College of Behavioral Optometry
Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry
Fellow of the National Academy of Practice

Southern College of Optometry, 1245 Madison Avenue, Memphis, TN 38104 USA

Paul Alan Harris, OD is a Graduate of the State University of New York, State College of Optometry. He is board certified as a Fellow in the College of Optometrists in Vision Development (COVD). He became one of only two US Optometrists to become certified as a Fellow in the Australasian College of Behavioral Optometry (ACBO) and also became a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry (AAO).

His series written for the Optometric Extension Program (OEPF) Unique Services and Your Success was given an award by the Optometric Editors Association for best series. He served as the Clinical Director of the Optometric Center of Maryland from 1987 to 1988, during which time he also headed a research program which published the JAOA article, "The Prevalence of Visual Conditions in a Population of Juvenile Delinquents." He has gone on to publish many articles in both the Journal of Behavioral Optometry (JBO) and the Journal of Optometric Vision Development (JOVD).

In 1991 Dr. Harris brought together a group of likeminded behavioral optometrists and founded the Baltimore Academy for Behavioral Optometry (BABO). The purpose was to facilitate the dissemination of the clinical expertise and skills that allows an optometrist to help his/her patients attain their goals in life. The idea proved to be a success and has grown tremendously over the years. Soon after the millennium celebration Dr. Harris became a board member of the Optometric Extension Program Foundation (OEPF) and the courses were brought into the OEPF and BABO was dissolved. The courses are now called the OEP Clinical Curriculum and Dr. Harris continues as an instructor for the courses as well as facilitating the constant updating of the curriculum. Dr. Harris is a vibrant speaker and enjoys sharing his knowledge.