Richard P. Mills, MD, MPH

Dr. Richard Mills, whose impact on ophthalmology as a physician, teacher and leader were immeasurable, died on May 9, 2020 from complications of COVID-19. He was 76.

For more than 3 decades, Dr. Mills was an integral part of Academy leadership, most notably as EyeNet Magazine chief medical editor, EyeCare America chair and Academy president. His 14 years of EyeNet columns were legendary, with a total of 148 opinion pieces that combined medicine, music, philosophy, lexicography and mythology with pop culture references—all the while shedding light on important issues facing ophthalmology. He was the honoree of the Foundation’s Orbital Gala in 2016.

Academy CEO David W. Parke II, MD, referred to Dr. Mills’ contributions to the Academy as protean. “He believed fervently that every ophthalmologist had a responsibility to serve others, rather than (as he referred to it) ‘hitchhike’ on the contributions of others,” said Dr. Parke. “His laugh was unmistakable, and his comments were pithy and humorous. Dick was one of the good guys—the best guys. We will miss him.”