William Joseph Benjamin Jr.

UAB School of Optometry Professor Emeritus, William J. “Joe” Benjamin Jr., OD, MS, PhD, has died. His life’s work positively impacted optometric education as well as the lives of many optometric professionals and patients.

During his tenure at the School of Optometry in Birmingham, Alabama, Dr. Benjamin served as associate dean from 2013 to 2014 and interim chair of the Department of Optometry from 2011 to 2014. He was a senior scientist in the Vision Science Research Center from 1995 to 2014 and served as the director of the Clinical Eye Research Facility from 1996 to 2005.

Dr. Benjamin had great impact at UAB and beyond. He gave more than 100 lectures, received numerous prestigious awards, and was extensively published. Of note, he edited and served as co-author of one of optometry’s bedrock textbooks, Borish’s Clinical Refraction (2nd ed.).

A clinically oriented researcher and a clinician in contact lens practice and primary care, Benjamin was a key player in the standardization of contact lens materials. He became internationally recognized as an authority on the measurement of a constant that describes the ability of a contact lens material to pass oxygen to the eye. He served 15 years as chair of several contact lens committees of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and served on the Z80 committee on Ophthalmic Products of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). He was past chair of the American Optometric Association (AOA) Commission on Ophthalmic Standards.

His research received sponsorship from companies and associations in 13 different countries and 16 different states in the US and has given presentations or conducted meetings in 25 countries and 27 states.

Most recently, Dr. Benjamin served as president of Material Performance Assessments, LLC.

All of Joe's academic degrees are from The Ohio State University. He earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Physiological Optics in 1977, his Doctor of Optometry Degree in 1979, and his Master of Science Degree in 1979. Three years later in 1982, he earned a Doctor of Philosophy Degree

Joe was an avid historian, with a particular passion for World War II history and the Lewis and Clark expedition. He loved to take trips with his wife Pat and son Daniel, while always pausing to learn about historical landmarks. He loved baseball and had fond memories of playing high school baseball and later carrying on the tradition with Daniel.

Joe is survived by his loving family: His wife of 43 years, the former Patricia Ann Cassidy; his parents, Martha and William Benjamin; son, Daniel; and daughter-in-law, Jaclyn.

The family will greet friends from 10-11 a.m. on Tuesday, March 29, 2022 at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church, 2061 Patton Chapel Road, Birmingham, AL 35216, followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. The gravesite committal service will be private.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at William Joseph Benjamin Jr.'s memorial page at www.SouthernHeritageFunerals.com for the family.