Dr. Fraser Horn’s positive outlook for optometry is rooted in good reason. 

“We have heard how many other health care fields are experiencing a shrinking applicant pool,” he says. “However, we have seen an increase in optometry’s.”

Specifically, the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry, for which he is the president, recently reported a record number of applicants for the 2023 to 2024 application cycle, with 2,868 applicants, surpassing the previous high of 2,812 applicants during the 2015 to 2016 cycle.

Plus, Dr. Horn’s career highlight also focuses on optometric education.

“I think the most rewarding accomplishment has been making an impact on our students’ success at Pacific University,” says Dr. Horn, who serves as the dean of Pacific University College of Optometry. “The opportunity to make a connection with individual students and classes is an honor that I don’t take lightly. I find it so rewarding to see students who have had struggles, personally and academically, overcome these and go out to make a difference in their communities. For me to be a small part of their journey is an accomplishment I truly cherish.”