[visionlist] Remembering Ruth Manny

Mon Jan 12 11:47:26 -05 2026

Dear visionlist,

I write with a heavy heart to share some very sad news about the passing of Dr. Ruth Manny, a great mentor, collaborator, and friend to many of us. In the two years I got to know her working at UHCO I have been fortunate to experience what a tireless champion and supporter she has been for junior faculty. It is impossible to communicate how deeply her wit and presence are missed in these halls.

Below, please see a message from our Dean Michael Twa remembering Ruth's impact, as well as information about the memorial service that will be held in her honor on Jan 26 from 4:30-6:30 CT for those who can join us (in-person or virtual).

Sincerely,
Kim

Kimberly Meier, PhD

Assistant Professor

College of Optometry

University of Houston

________________________________

Subject: Remembering Ruth Manny

Dear Colleagues and Friends,

As many of you may know by now, Dr. Ruth Manny passed away unexpectedly on the morning of January 3rd, 2026. In consultation with the family, the college has agreed to host a memorial service for Dr. Manny on January 26th from 4:30 to 6:30 pm at the University of Houston College of Optometry in the Texas State Optical Alumni Auditorium. For those of you who are unable to attend in person but wish to join us, we will stream this event live as well. The live-stream link will be posted on the college website prior to the event here: https://www.opt.uh.edu/

Ruth and her family established the Manny family endowment years ago to provide scholarship support for optometry students. If you would like to make a gift to honor Dr. Manny's memory, you can do that here: https://giving.uh.edu/gift by selecting the College of Optometry and choosing the College of Optometry Fund for Excellence. Please indicate that this gift is in memory of Dr. Ruth Manny.  Any additional inquiries on giving can be directed to our college development director, Ms. Nsen Buo  (nfbuo at Central.UH.EDU<mailto:nfbuo at Central.UH.EDU>).

Please feel free to distribute this communication to all others who may be interested in participating.

Very Sincerely,

Michael Twa

Remembering Ruth Manny (May 17, 1951 – January 3, 2026)

Ruth Manny devoted her life to caring for others, especially children, and to making the world a little clearer—literally and figuratively—for generations. For more than fifty years, she served as a clinician, scientist, teacher, mentor, and advocate, always guided by a deep sense of responsibility to her patients, her students, and her community.

Ruth began her career as an optometrist in 1975 and never stopped learning or serving. While working in private practice, she earned advanced degrees culminating in a PhD, becoming a clinician-scientist at a time when few women followed that path. Her professional home for her entire career was the University of Houston College of Optometry, where she taught, conducted research, and cared for patients until the final days of her life.

At the heart of Ruth’s work was her care for children—especially infants, preschoolers, and children with developmental or physical challenges. She believed every child deserved the chance to see the world clearly and to reach their full potential. She co-founded a specialized clinic for children with differing abilities, creating a welcoming and respectful space for families who were often underserved elsewhere. Parents trusted her not only for her expertise, but for her kindness, patience, and ability to truly listen.

Ruth’s research changed how pediatric eye care is practiced around the world. She helped lead large national studies that improved the diagnosis and treatment of childhood vision problems such as amblyopia (lazy eye), strabismus (eye misalignment), and myopia (nearsightedness). The findings from these studies are now part of everyday clinical care, benefiting countless children she never met. Even on the day she passed away, new scientific papers bearing her name were published—quiet proof of a lifetime of sustained impact.

Yet Ruth was humble and never measured success by titles or accolades. What mattered most to her was helping others grow. She mentored dozens of graduate students, young researchers, and clinicians, many of whom credit her with shaping their careers and their values. She was known as a demanding but deeply fair mentor—someone who pushed people to do their best because she believed they could. Her former students now serve patients, teach, and lead programs across the country, extending her influence far beyond her own work.

Ruth also gave generously to the broader scientific and professional community. She reviewed hundreds of research papers and grants, served in leadership roles for national research groups, and worked behind the scenes to ensure that science was rigorous, ethical, and focused on real-world benefit. She believed that good science was a form of service—one that required honesty, discipline, and humility.

Despite her global professional impact, Ruth remained grounded and unassuming. She showed up every day for her patients, her students, her colleagues, and her family. She cared deeply about fairness, access, and doing things the right way. Those who knew her best remember not only her intellect and commitment, but her steadiness, warmth, dry humor, and unwavering integrity.

Ruth Manny leaves behind a legacy that cannot be measured only in publications or honors. It lives on in children who can see better, in clinicians who practice more thoughtfully, in scientists who approach their work with rigor and compassion, and in all those who learned from her example that service to others is life’s most meaningful work.

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