San Diego Optometrist Philip B. Smith, O.D., '68, is the SCCO Alumni Association's Distinguished Alumnus of the Year for 2010. Dr. Smith was recognized during the College's May 21 Commencement Exercise by SCCO President Kevin L. Alexander, O.D., Ph.D.

San Diego Optometrist Philip B. Smith, O.D., '68, has been honored by the Southern California College of Optometry (SCCO) Alumni Association as its Distinguished Alumnus of the Year for 2010. Dr. Smith, a 1968 graduate of the College, was selected for this special recognition based on his service to his alma mater, leadership within the profession, and achievement in community service.

"Dr. Smith joins a select group of 30 graduates of the College who have received this honor in recognition of their dedication and support on behalf of their alma mater, profession and community," noted SCCO President Kevin L. Alexander, O.D., Ph.D. Dr. Smith was honored during the College's Commencement Exercise on Friday, May 21, in Fullerton, CA.

Following his 1968 graduation from SCCO, he served two years in the Army as an optometrist and then joined another SCCO Alumnus, Jerome Lieblein, O.D., '58, in practice in San Diego. They practiced together for 26 years with Dr. Lieblein retiring in 1998.

Dr. Smith actively participates in professional and community organizations. For more than 30 years, he has been a Key Person for local, state and national legislators. He was president of the San Diego Optometric Society, 1988, and served for eight years on the California Optometric Association's Board of Directors, including serving as president of the 5,000-member organization, 1995–96. His leadership was instrumental in passing California optometry's first therapeutics bill in 1995.

Within the San Diego community, Dr. Smith helped establish the Lions Optometry Clinic in 1973. This facility provides vision care services to families on marginal income or with no insurance. Activities also include participation with St. Vincent de Paul's Center for the Homeless and service as a vision consultant to many school districts in San Diego. He and his wife, Kenda, both recipients of Masters Degrees in Family Counseling and Therapy, formed the San Diego Family Therapy Foundation, where family counseling services are provided.