Sad to announce...

Complete Story

06/02/2026

Sad to announce...

The passing of Dr. Mike Pattison

We are deeply saddened to report the passing of
past AFOS President and Life Member,
Dr. Michael Pattison, OD, CAPT, USN (Ret.)

In Memory of Captain Mike Pattison

Life is much too short, and often unforgiving. Earlier yesterday I learned that optometry and our world lost one of the kindest, gentlest, most talented, funniest, and most dedicated people I have had the privilege of knowing over many years of friendship and professional association. Captain Mike Pattison passed away following a valiant battle with esophageal cancer.

In addition to his beloved family, Mike leaves behind a remarkable legacy of leadership, innovation, mentorship, and service that will continue to shape military optometry for years to come.

An ardent supporter of our profession, Mike often led the way in developing innovative approaches to ensuring our nation’s warriors were vision-ready and protected from the many threats they face, both natural and kinetic. His impact on optometry, particularly within the Navy and throughout Federal Service is immeasurable. Whether aboard USNS Comfort during humanitarian missions or later through his work at the nation’s Vision Center of Excellence, Mike helped ensure that decisions concerning disease management, traumatic brain injury, and ballistic and laser protection were grounded in evidence and focused on outcomes. His unwavering commitment to excellence left an enduring mark on the profession he loved.

When I was selected to become the Commanding Officer of the Naval Ophthalmic Support and Training Activity (NOSTRA) in the 1990s, my first choice as Executive Officer was Mike Pattison. Why Mike? Because I knew he would help right the ship, move us forward, and be an outstanding partner—and he did all three. His deep understanding of interservice relations, combined with his contagious optimism, diplomatic skill, and genuine concern for others, helped make possible initiatives such as the Frame of Choice Program and the Optical Fabrication Enterprise, both of which continue to benefit service members today.

But Mike’s accomplishments tell only part of the story.

Mike was a force of nature, in the very best sense of the phrase. He possessed a rare ability to make people feel welcome, valued, and appreciated. He taught me and I am certain many others countless lessons about leadership, relationships, optometric politics, and life itself. When he learned I was being assigned to Okinawa, he made sure I knew how to properly order and enjoy sushi. At a meeting in Tampa, he introduced my wife to mojitos. Those may seem like small moments, but Mike understood something important: relationships are built through small acts of kindness, generosity, humor, and friendship.

That was Mike. He was brilliant, but never arrogant. Accomplished, but always humble. A gifted tactician and leader who never forgot that people mattered most. His huge smile, infectious laugh, quick wit, and genuine kindness made every room brighter and every team better.

Mike Pattison made a difference in our profession, in our military, and in the lives of countless friends and colleagues who were fortunate enough to know him. I know he certainly made a difference in mine.

I will miss him greatly. I know many of you will as well.

Please join me in keeping Julie and their children, Nate, Alex and Charles Lewis, in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

Michael H. Mittelman, OD, MPH, MBA, FAAO, FACHE
President
Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences
RADM, USN (Ret.)