Remembering Jerald F. Combs, O.D.

As a man dedicated to paying respect to the past, connecting people in the present and setting a vision for the future of optometry, Jerald F. Combs, O.D., was truly a giant and unwavering advocate for the profession of optometry. It was with great sadness that the Kentucky College of Optometry noted his passing in December of 2021, but it is with hope that they look toward a future where doctors of optometry build on the foundation that he established.

Combs was a nationally-known optometrist whose influence was extraordinary. He is remembered for confronting and removing barriers, winning numerous awards, serving selflessly in leadership positions and mentoring and inspiring generations of students, academics, future leaders and change-makers.

As an innovative leader of vision-care in Kentucky’s optometric practice since 1983, Combs served as president of the Kentucky Optometric Association (KOA) from 1988-1989. He is also credited with changing the landscape for optometric practice in the Commonwealth of Kentucky with his push for in-office laser surgery.

Executive Director of KOA Dinah Bevington says Combs was a true pioneer in Kentucky optometry and for the profession across the nation.

“Dr. Combs knew the best way to help his patients was to provide the highest level of quality patient care and the best way to shape the future was to teach others about this importance,” said Bevington. “He mentored dozens of optometrists and tirelessly educated legislators on the critical role of optometry. Although he is tremendously missed, his impact will be felt for generations to come.”

Over a long and distinguished professional career, Combs practiced primarily in Martin, Ky., along with Hazard and Whitesburg, Ky. Former chair of the American Optometry Association (AOA) Advocacy Group Executive Committee, he was recognized with the AOA President’s Award for his exceeding commitment and service to advance the profession of optometry.

Among his honors is two-time KOA Optometrist of the Year and double KOA Distinguished Service Award. Combs served on the Kentucky Board of Optometric Examiners from 2003 to 2017, including four years as its president. He also was active with AOA advocacy, including 20 years with the AOA State Government Relations Committee and five years on the AOA Federal Legislative and Keyperson Committee.

Combsʼ connection to UPIKE began when his daughter, Elizabeth Combs Royse KYCOM ʼ10, enrolled and graduated from medical school. Combs began serving on the board of trustees and its executive committee in 2014. He relinquished his seat on the board to join KYCO as a faculty member in 2016. During that time, he became a clinical preceptor at two outlying clinics that optometry students used for rotations located in Eastern Kentucky.

“Dr. Combs lived a life of service to others and to the optometric profession. As a KYCO faculty member and a preceptor, he had a positive impact on students and alumni that will benefit them throughout their careers,” said Vice President for Advancement and Alumni Relations David Hutchens. “We are humbled that our eye clinic on campus, which provides access to vision care in our underserved region, bears Dr. Combs’ name.”

In 2019, KYCO hosted a retirement event in Combs’ honor. During the event, KYCO renamed its on-site optometry clinic that serves communities in Appalachia and provides a training ground for students, the Dr. Jerald F. Combs Eye Clinic. The distinction of renaming the clinic signified to Combs the advancement in optometry and strengthening of the community he was passionate about by providing specialty eye care for patients who do not have the resources or means to obtain eye care elsewhere.

“The KOA and AOA were in attendance, along with politicians from all over the commonwealth. KYCO renamed its clinic in his honor. It was a wonderful event and a great way to honor Jerald,” said Dean of KYCO Michael Bacigalupi, O.D., M.S., FAAO, FNAP. “Jerald had constant energy for the profession of optometry. I think that is what inspired so many people to follow in his footsteps and go into the profession. He lived and breathed optometry. Whenever you spoke to him, the conversation always turned to ways to improve and grow our profession.”

Dr. Combs touring KYCO's Jerald F. Combs Eye Clinic with KYCO Dean Michael Bacigalupi

Upon Combs’ retirement, the AOA hung a plaque in his honor at its St. Louis headquarters. It reads, “Let’s Win! In honor of Jerald F. Combs, O.D., of Kentucky, a caring doctor, a relentless champion of optometry’s essential and expanding role in healthcare and a highly-skilled advocate for health, vision and the future of his beloved profession.”

Retired optometrist, UPIKE Board of Trustees’ member and friend Ronald McCoy, O.D., believes Combs played an instrumental role in establishing optometry legislation throughout Kentucky.

“Jerald’s vision created a lasting imprint on the profession of optometry across the state,” said McCoy. “He was my colleague, friend and inspiration. He is greatly missed. I know that my fellow doctors of optometry and I will continue his efforts and bring to life a better future for the profession and patients.”

Former Kentucky Governor and UPIKE Chancellor Paul E. Patton says that Combs was instrumental in establishing KYCO and paving the way for future optometrists.

Dr. Combs with Former Kentucky Governor and UPIKE Chancellor Paul E. Patton

“Dr. Combs was trustworthy and one of the most influential optometrists in the commonwealth. While I was in office, he helped advance the groundbreaking action for the state to require early eye exams for preschool children,” said Patton. “As a result of his actions, Kentucky has the widest scope of practice than anywhere else in the United States. I credit Jerald for opening those doors.”

Combs’ niece and second-year KYCO student Hailey Caudill shares the same passion for optometry that Combs carried and applies the same work ethic on her journey to becoming an optometrist.

Hailey Caudill, second-year KYCO student and niece of Jerald Combs

I want to share this passion with him.

“Fond memories from my childhood rush back as I try to explain my desire to become an optometrist. I remember always looking forward to my eye exams because I knew I would get to play in Uncle Jerald’s wildcat-themed playroom at his office. As I grew older, I began to see further than that playroom,” said Caudill. “I was able to observe his passion and commitment to the field of optometry and witnessed how he genuinely cared for his patients and enjoyed his job, so much that it did not even seem like it was work to him. It was not until he passed that I truly understood his passion and all he had done for the profession, but now that I do, I want to share this passion with him.”

KYCO partnered with the KOA in 2019 to create the Jerald F. Combs Endowed Scholarship for future students. Those wishing to donate to the scholarship in his memory can do so by visiting upike.edu/giving.