Ruth E Manny

Dr. Manny was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana on May 17th, 1951. and lived in Houston since 1961.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Ben and Betty Manny, She is survived by her three brothers, Ben, Ted. and Roger Manny. She is also survived by her extended family of 7 Nephews and Nieces, and 10 grand Nephews and Nieces. The University of Houston, College of Optometry, 4401 Martin Luther King Blvd. Will be hosting a Celebration of Life for Dr. Manny on January 26th from 4:30-6:30 in the Texas State Optical Alumni Center. The celebration will be open to the public.

Dr. Manny had a remarkable career as a teacher, researcher and University of Houston faculty member. At her death Dr. Manny held the first Charles R. Stewart professorship of Optometry at the University of Houston and served on the executive committee of the faculty senate. She received BS degree in 1973 from the University of Texas at Austin. Followed by clinical doctorate in Optometry (OD) in 1975, an MS in Physiological Optics in 1979, and a PhD of Physiological Optics in 1981 all from the University of Houston.

She was a worldwide noted clinical researcher of pediatric eye care on infants and preschoolers. Dr. Manny has published over 130 research works in peer reviewed journals. Her publications were cited by her peers more than 7500 times, she was ranked 65 among all optometrists globally in research impact.

In 2021 she was name the 52nd most influential Optometry Researcher out of 200 by an Australian Optometry University. In 2022 she was recognized as one of the top 100 leaders in the profession over the past 100 years by the American Academy of Optometry.

Besides her academic achievements Ruth had a love for quilting that she shared with her sisters-in-laws and close friends. She donated many quilts and other handcrafted items to charity auctions. Others are cherished memories by her family and many friends.

Ruth was a favorite aunt and great aunt, although always camera-shy, she participated as a family member in many holidays and vacations lavishing attention and love upon her beloved Nieces and Nephews, her family always look forward to her engaging and fun visits.

Ruth lived a very frugal life, prioritizing the needs of others above herself. She knew who she was, why she was here, and where she belonged. She advanced our knowledge of pediatrics eye care and provided for its continual advancement by her teaching and providing in her estate for the Manny Family Optometry Scholarship Fund and Manny Family Endowed Professorship in Podiatric Optometry. She will truly be missed by all who loved her and by all who will benefit in the future from her significant contributions to Optometry.

Memorial gifts may be made to the University of Houston Manny Family Optometry Fellowship Endowment Fund: University of Houston, Gift Processing and Records, P.O. Box 867, Houston, TX 77001-0867.