Healio/Primary Care Optometry News Editorial Board remembers Art Epstein
Author, lecturer, researcher and clinician Arthur B. Epstein, OD, FAAO, FABCMO, DPNAP, passed away on Sept. 27, 2022.
Epstein will be fondly remembered as a champion for the optometric profession who also relentlessly pursued the latest and best alternatives for patient care.
A native New Yorker, Epstein co-founded Phoenix Eye Care with his wife, Shannon Steinhauser, OD. He served as director of clinical research for the practice’s dry eye and ocular disease center.
Epstein was a well-known global lecturer, researcher, clinician and author. A contributor to Healio and Primary Care Optometry News, he was best known for his Optometric Physician email newsletter.
In Newsweek’s America’s Best Eye Doctors in 2021, Epstein was ranked No. 1.
Here, Healio/Primary Care Optometry News Editorial Board members pay tribute to Epstein.
Jeff Anshel, OD: “Whenever Art and I got together as speakers on the circuit, we had great, engaging discussions. He was both a respected authority and a formidable adversary, in the best of terms. I just loved engaging with him.”
Lou Catania, OD: “Such sad news. Optometry has lost a dedicated and caring doctor and, far more, a good soul. My deep sympathy to his wife and family.”
Walter Choate, OD: “Art was a friend and mentor in my very successful dry eye practice. He challenged my thinking, even when I might disagree. His love of Lagavulin scotch will forever mystify me. Rest in peace, dear friend.”
Michael D. DePaolis, OD: “So sorry to learn of Art’s passing. We’ve lost a good friend, respected colleague and a great ambassador for our profession.”
Milton Hom, OD: “I’ve known Art for years. Back then, we were both young, enthusiastic KOL wannabes, with heads full of dreams. I almost like to say we grew up together. Even back then, I knew he was going to make his mark in optometry; his brilliance was undeniable.
"His knowledge of anterior segment at the time was unmatched. He spent many hours commuting, sometimes an hour each way, to Eric Donnenfeld and Hank Perry’s practice, just to learn more as an unpaid volunteer. Whatever he learned there, he applied in his own practice, as evidenced by his massive anterior photo collection and his writings.
"Whenever a new contact lens was released, Art would be the first to try it out. No matter what the cost was, he would almost instantly have 20 to 30 patients using the lens, giving him firsthand knowledge before anyone else. I was amazed. His motto was to always stay one step ahead. Art was colorful, as well as controversial.
"They say there are two types of genius: One type evolves as time goes by (ie, Cezanne type); the other breaks all the rules, creates controversy and changes everything (ie, Picasso type). Art was a Picasso. When we first met, I remembered asking Art what his personal goals were in our great profession. He pointed upwards and said he was reaching for the stars. Art didn’t reach for the stars, he became one.”
Monica Johnsonbaugh, OD: “I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to work with Art. He made everyone feel like a friend and he shared knowledge without hesitation. It is a blessing to have been impacted by his extraordinary life. His legacy will continue to shape our industry for generations to come.”
Jerome Legerton, OD: “Art will be missed as a friend and a colleague who served as a consistent stabilizing force and champion for an ever-advancing profession.”
John A. McCall Jr., OD: “Art and I spoke often about working together on a dry eye program. Sometimes life gets you so busy that you regret that the chance to work with a good friend now will never happen.”
Doug Rett, OD: “Whenever Art Epstein was lecturing, it was must-see. His is a career to emulate, and I'll miss his presence very much.”
Jerome Sherman, OD: “When Art graduated SUNY Optometry in 1977, he expressed his desire to expand his knowledge in ocular disease and special testing, but no residency existed at the time. So, what did Art do? He helped create one at SUNY and he became my first-ever resident and, arguably, not to my surprise, one of the most successful over the past 4 decades.
Art did fail to meet his primary goal during his residency: To discover a novel retinal disorder — Epstein’s disease — but this resulted in turning Art’s attention to the anterior segment with eventual myriad contributions. Art, we will miss you, Rest in peace, you deserve it.”
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