Mark Swanson, OD, MSPH, FAAO, professor in the UAB School of Optometry, has been named the American Optometric Association's 2018 Educator of the Year.

A faculty member in the School of Optometry since 1986, Swanson has written and/or co-written more than 45 papers in his 30-year tenure and most recently was awarded the UAB President's Teaching Award for Optometry. An accomplished researcher, he has participated in more than a dozen clinical investigations and FDA trials.

Beyond the School of Optometry classrooms, Swanson has presented more than 200 continuing education classes to optometrists. Swanson is an active member of the Alabama Optometric Association and the American Academy of Optometry and contributes his time and services locally to organizations including Camp Seale Harris' Vision Service Project for diabetic children, Cahaba Valley Health Care and Project OASIS, a statewide vision rehabilitation program for the elderly.