Dr. Court Wilkins was named Utah Optometrist of the Year 2023 by the Utah Optometrist Association (UOA). Dr. Wilkins exemplifies excellence in his field as a practicing optometrist, philanthropist, and Assistant Dean of Clinical Affairs for the College of Optometry at Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions (RMU) in Provo.
“For two months, Dr. Wilkins would not tell me that he’d been awarded Utah’s Optometrist of the Year because he was afraid I’d brag about him,” said Dr. Adam Hickenbothem, Dean of the College of Optometry at RMU. “That is the kind of person he is. Always serving people but never wanting to be noticed for it.”
The Optometrist of the Year is awarded to someone who has demonstrated commitment to the advancement of optometry in Utah by serving the profession and making a difference. “Dr. Court Wilkins was nominated because he is an amazing doctor who works hard and is involved in so many things,” said Chanae Landeen, UOA Executive Director. “He’s done a lot for the state, for the profession, and the school. We really appreciate all he has done for optometry in the state of Utah.”
Dr. Wilkins has more than 30 years of optometric experience and is a proud veteran serving over 23 years in Military Service. His military experience has sent him worldwide, serving military personnel and their families as one of the top-rated Optometrists.
Philanthropy is a core value for Dr. Wilkins and he made an enormous impact on both patients and students. He is the Utah Director for the Special Olympics “Opening Eyes” program. He works with other organizations to utilize RMU faculty and students in providing free vision care for communities and populations in need. Most recently, he played a role in the opening of the Parkview Vision Clinic, a pro-bono clinic in Salt Lake City offering vision care to the community.
“When I first met Court, he was serving as the President of the Utah Optometric Association. I asked him if he was interested in building the first College of Optometry in Utah at Rocky Mountain University. He was very excited by the idea,” said Dr. Hickenbotham. “As the Dean of Clinical Affairs, he is now setting up clinical rotations throughout the region to train hundreds of new eye doctors. The amount of people this will help will be innumerable.”
Dr. Wilkins was recognized for this achievement at the UOA Annual Conference this past June at the UOA Annual Congress in Midway, Utah.
