Skip to Content

Remembering Jay Enoch

Gerald Westheimer reflects on Dr. Enoch’s legacy as a visionary leader in research, education, and the future of the school.

Dr. Gerald Westheimer, a member of the Optometry Hall of Fame and one of the most respected figures in vision science history, has written a heartfelt tribute to former Dean Jay M. Enoch (1929 – 2025), published in Optometry and Vision Science. In this personal reflection, Dr. Westheimer looks back on Dr. Enoch’s extraordinary career as a retina researcher, educator, and advocate for the profession.

Dr. Enoch played a key role in shaping modern optometry, from helping establish the National Eye Institute to leading the charge to keep our school rooted in Berkeley during a time of uncertainty. Dr. Westheimer, who describes Enoch as having “virtually unlimited energy” and “an unrivaled capacity to put a positive spin on any situation,” captures the spirit of a leader whose influence is still felt today. You can read the full tribute at the link below.

Read the Tribute