For Dr. Tommy Lucas ('06), the journey to optometry began close to home.

Growing up in Deer Park, just a few miles from the University of Houston College of Optometry, he was introduced to the profession by his next-door neighbor, Dr. Charles Collard ('94). That connection sparked an interest that would eventually shape the course of his life and career.

"He was graduating from UHCO as I was entering high school, and it spurred me to look into becoming an optometrist," Dr. Lucas said. "He also prescribed contact lenses to me for the first time. I had been living life pretty blurry for a while, before finally admitting to my parents that I could not see the board at school anymore."

More than three decades later, Dr. Lucas has become one of optometry’s most influential leaders. He leads a multi-location practice, champions legislative advocacy and serves as a mentor to countless eye care practitioners. Last year, he was appointed by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott to the University of Houston System Board of Regents, a role that is helping shape the future of higher education. 

When reflecting on the beginning of his journey at UH Optometry, Dr. Lucas said the most meaningful moments came from the people with whom he spent the most time.

"Our close-knit class of 2006 became the first basis of my professional network,"  he said. "I owe my classmate, Dr. Blake Hughes (‘06), credit for helping me land my first associate position that eventually led to the purchase of my original practice in Killeen, Texas.”

That opportunity eventually grew into multiple locations, guided by a network of optometrists who helped Dr. Lucas develop as a clinician, business owner, and leader. He points to mentors and colleagues such as Dr. Tom Ballard (’85), Dr. Kim Castleberry ('83), Dr. Donald Bockin ('80), Dr. Austin Ruiz ('81), Dr. Joe DeLoach ('81), Dr. Steve Nguyen ('97), Dr. Jenn Deakins ('10), and Dr. Larry Kocian ('17) as instrumental in that journey.

“Optometry really is a big family,” Dr. Lucas said. “I couldn’t have made it to this point in my career without them.”

The spirit of mentorship and collaboration also fuels Dr. Lucas’ passion for advocacy, which he strongly believes is integral to the future of optometry.

“Advocacy is everything in our profession,” he said. “We must advocate for our patients not just in the exam room, but also in political and policy arenas that are just as important to the successful delivery of eye care.”

Dr. Lucas said optometrists must continually communicate their value to patients, policymakers, and the broader health care system, and he encourages students and those new to the profession to define their own future by becoming involved early and remaining connected to the organizations that strengthen the profession.

“In Texas, those institutions are the University of Houston College of Optometry and the Texas Optometric Association,” he said.

As technology continues to transform health care, advocacy will also play a significant role in the future of  UH Optometry. As the college advances education, research, and clinical training, it will require new facilities that will support optometry's integration into the broader health care system. Dr. Lucas encourages every UH Optometry graduate to have a stake in that future, a message he highlighted during his commencement address to the Class of 2026.

“Our current spaces, developed during a time when optometry looked different, are now limiting our scope of training and even our creativity,” he said. “We need to modernize our facilities to advance our training and our profession. UHCO is the best optometry program in the nation, and my hope is for it to remain that way through the hard work and contributions of the faculty, administration, students, and alumni.”

As the college prepares to celebrate its 75th anniversary in 2027, Lucas remains focused on the future – both professionally and personally. He is quick to credit those who have helped make his accomplishments possible, especially his wife and fellow optometrist, Dr. Mary Kate Walters (’17), who currently serves as adjunct faculty and Benedict Professor in Practice Management, after previously serving as clinic director of the Northside Eye Care Center, one of UHCO's community clinics in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.

“Mary Kate gives our family so much strength and stability while also making an impact by educating future generations of optometrists,” Dr. Lucas said. “We also recently welcomed our first child, Beth, who is more fun than I could ever imagine.”

Whether embracing his role as a husband and a father, advocating for the profession, or helping guide the future of the University of Houston System, Dr. Lucas is committed to service and that extends beyond optometry, and he remains steadfast in the belief that great progress comes when individuals contribute their talents to shape what’s next. 

“Let's work together to create our future,” he said. “And of course – Go Coogs!”