Kathleen Thomas OD ’22 Earns 2022 Drs. Dennis L. Smith and Nada J. Lingel Award for Excellence in Systemic Disease and BSK Silver Medal Award

Kathleen Thomas OD ’22 is the Pacific University College of Optometry Class of 2022 valedictorian and the recipient of the Beta Sigma Silver Medal Award.

Thomas also earned the 2022 Drs. Dennis L. Smith and Nada J. Lingel Award for Excellence in Systemic Disease. The award recognizes and honors a student’s hard work, skill and dedication to understanding systemic disease and providing comprehensive health care to their patients. 

Thomas, who hails from Edmonton, Alberta, knew that she wanted to become an optometrist early in high school. During her time at Pacific, she served as president of the Beta Sigma Kappa Honor Society, fundraising coordinator for Amigos Eye Care, a teaching assistant for the second year of visual perception and ocular disease class, and as a tutor for the vision therapy course. She plans on starting her career in the rural community of Peace River, Alberta. 

The College of Optometry prepares tomorrow’s doctors of optometry, while also serving the vision needs of the local community and advancing research in the ophthalmic industry. The college offers bachelor’s, master’s and PhD programs in vision science, as well as a doctor of optometry degree.