Dr. Essence Johnson, is a part-time associate professor in the RMU College of Optometric Medicine. Dr. Johnson is an “HBCU made,” residency trained community and correctional health optometrist. She earned her Doctor of Optometry degree from the Pennsylvania College of Optometry at Salus University and completed a residency in Ocular Disease at Omni Eye Services of Atlanta. She is also a Fellow in the American Academy of Optometry and a Diplomate in the American Board of Optometry. A champion for diversity, equity and inclusion, Dr. Johnson received certificates in this area from Cornell University and the University of South Florida Muma College of Business. Dr. Johnson is passionate about advancing healthcare through innovation, diversity, equity and inclusion, community awareness and student and corporate engagement. To that end, Dr. Johnson serves on the Transitions Optical Diversity Advisory Board, Women In Optometry Advisory Board, and the Association of Clinicians for the Underserved Vision Services Committee. She is an active member of the National Optometric Association and the inaugural recipient of the Dr. Edwin C. Marshall Emerging Leader Award.
