Sam Pierce, OD, Class of 1988, has been named executive director of the Alabama Optometric Association (ALOA). With an extensive history of service to the optometric profession, locally, statewide, and nationally, Pierce is well-prepared for this opportunity, which marks a full-circle moment in his career.

“Over the course of my 37 years as a doctor of optometry, I have spent over 80 percent of that time also serving in a volunteer capacity in a multitude of ways,” he said.

Pierce’s first leadership role came in 1996 when he served as president of the Birmingham Area Optometric Society. From 2003 to 2006, he was a member of the Southeastern Congress of Optometry Board of Trustees. In 2009, he was elected to the American Optometric Association (AOA) Board of Trustees, later serving as its president in 2018. He currently chairs AOAExcel, a subsidiary of the AOA that provides member benefits such as student loan refinancing, a career center, cyber insurance, and retirement plans.

Long before his national leadership roles, Pierce was elected to the ALOA Board of Directors in 1996 and served on the Executive Director Search Committee that selected Amanda Buttenshaw, the outgoing executive director, 26 years ago. He later joined the Executive Committee and became president in 2002—the same year Jim McClendon, OD, became the first optometrist elected to the Alabama legislature.

“This appointment, in a way, brings me full circle in my professional journey,” Pierce said. “One of the first chapters of my career was my volunteerism with the ALOA, and now this next chapter brings me back to serve the profession as its executive director.”

A former private practice owner, Pierce brings a clear vision for the future of the ALOA—the only entity in Alabama solely focused on the optometry profession and advocating for patients.

“We will continue to advocate for the right to practice contemporary optometry to the fullest extent of our education and training. We will continue to advocate for patient access to the eyecare provider of their choice. And we will continue to advocate for our participation in state and federal healthcare programs as primary care physicians,” Pierce said.

Under his leadership, Pierce has outlined three key priorities:

1. Lobby the State Legislature to expand the scope of practice for optometrists in Alabama, enabling them to better serve their patients.
2. Promote the value of ALOA membership to every doctor of optometry in Alabama.
3. Support new graduates from the UAB School of Optometry with the tools they need to thrive in an evolving healthcare landscape.

Pierce is a leader who understands the experiences of both current and future optometrists. His dedication to the profession is unwavering.

“I love this profession and what it means to the people of Alabama,” he said. “Every day, doctors of optometry perform eye exams across this great state—not only helping patients see their best but also diagnosing and treating conditions that can have a devastating impact on their lives.

“This must happen without restraints from outdated legislation, insurance panel restrictions, or coverage discrimination. I not only want to—but need to—do all I can to make optometry the best it can be in Alabama.”