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TRIBUTE TO
CAPTAIN STANLEY H. FREED, MSC, USN (ret)
8 December 1942 – 3 June 2024
Earlier last month our profession lost one of our most impassioned advocates, servant leaders and mentors—Navy Captain Stanley H Freed. The Pennsylvania College of Optometry lost a standout alumnus and I personally lost a dear friend and confidant. Stan’s impact on the optometric profession, especially within the Navy and Federal Service, is immeasurable. His quiet, yet steadfast dedication to ensuring that Navy optometry operated at its highest levels has left an enduring legacy. His incredible Navy career, which took him all over the world, followed by a long stint as a civilian optometrist at the National Naval Medical Center Bethesda was second to none!
Stan served not just a mentor to me; he was a mentor to hundreds of military optometrists across all the Services. His influence extended far beyond the individuals he directly guided, shaping the careers and practices of countless professionals in the field. He worked tirelessly behind the scenes, ensuring that we could practice to our fullest potential and be rewarded for our contributions. He played a key role in ensuring optometry gained a Congressional mandated to receive specialty pay.
Personally, if it were not for Stan’s guidance and support, I would not have been able to achieve many of the milestones in my early career. He was a beacon of wisdom and encouragement, always there to offer advice and support. Many of my colleagues share this sentiment, acknowledging that Stan’s mentorship was pivotal in their professional journeys.
Stan’s dedication to the profession was not about seeking recognition or accolades. He was driven by a genuine passion for optometry and a commitment to excellence. His efforts ensured that Navy optometry, and Federal Service optometry as a whole, maintained the highest standards of practice and care. He advocated for us, championed our successes, and stood by us during challenges.
Stan’s legacy is one of quiet strength and unwavering commitment. He demonstrated that true leadership is not about being in the spotlight but about empowering others to shine. His influence will continue to be felt for generations, as those he mentored go on to mentor others, perpetuating the values and standards he upheld.
To honor Stan is to remember his dedication, his humility, and his profound impact on our profession. He has left an indelible mark on us all, and for that, we are deeply grateful. Let us continue to carry forward his legacy by striving for excellence, supporting one another, and practicing with the same integrity and passion that Stan exemplified.
Please join me in keeping Stan’s family in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. May Stan rest in peace. I know his legacy will live on in each of us who had the privilege of knowing you and being mentored by him.
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