AUSTIN, Texas – Dr. Fred Farias III, a Rio Grande Valley native, has been named president of the Texas Optometric Association.
The Texas Optometric Association represents more than 3,000 Doctors of Optometry in Texas.
TOA issued a news release that included biographical details on Farias:
Dr. Farias graduated from The University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor of Science in Speech Communication in 1980. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a Minor in Physics in 1985 and his Doctor of Optometry degree in 1987 from the Southern College of Optometry in Memphis Tennessee.
After graduating from optometry school Dr. Farias worked with Bausch and Lomb in the professional services division. He lectured internationally on contact lenses and contact lens solutions.
He opened his own practice in 1988 in his home town of McAllen, Texas and has practiced optometry in the same location for over 26 years.
Farias served on the Texas Optometric Association Board of Trustees from 1994 to 2001. He was awarded the TOA Young Optometrist of the Year Award from TOA in 1998.
In 2001, Texas Governor Rick Perry appointed him to the Texas Optometry Board where he served with distinction for seven years and also served as Chair of the Licensing and Administration Committee.
In 2002, Farias was awarded the University of Texas at Austin Young Alumni of the Year Award.
He earned a fellowship in the American Academy of Optometry in 2012.
Farias has served as President of his local society, Rio Grande Valley Optometric Association. He is a current member of the American Optometric Association Sports Vision Section and serves on the 2014-2015 AOA Federal Legislative Advocacy Committee. Farias is also a provider for the InfantSEE and Vision USA public health programs.
Farias’s is committed helping his community. He is on the McAllen Chamber of Commerce’s Board of Directors and currently serves as chairman of the Chamber’s Governmental Affairs Council. He has served on the American Cancer Society Board of Directors as well as the Arthritis Foundation Board, Lions Club, McAllen Boys and Girls Club and various other organizations.
This year Farias was named the University of Houston College of Optometry Volunteer of the Year and was selected by the University of the Incarnate Word Rosenberg School of Optometry as the 2014 Commencement Speaker.
Farias will serve as president of the TOA until February, 2015.
