JENNIFER SMYTHE
DEAN, Professor of Optometry
O.D. Pacific University, 1993

Residency in Contact Lenses, Pacific University, 1994

M.S. Pacific University, 2000

Dr. Smythe serves as Dean for the College of Optometry.  She continues a career at Pacific that began as a student in 1989.  Since Smythe's residency in contact lenses in 1993, she has held various roles within the College, including Professor, Chief of Contact Lens Services and Associate Dean for Academic Programs.  In 2006, Smythe was named to Vision Monday's "50 Most Influential Women in Optical," and she brings prolific publication, service and education experience to her post. 

Dr. Smythe was in a private group practice in Beaverton, Oregon for twelve years.  She is a contributing editor for Primary Care Optometry News, Vice-President of Women of Vision, a Fellow in the American Academy of Optometry and a Diplomate in the Section on Cornea and Contact Lenses.  

Research interests:  Contact Lenses: correction of presbyopia; corneal and ocular response to contact lens wear

Born in South St. Paul, Minnesota, and raised in Kodiak Alaska, Dr. Smythe enjoys running, being a baseball & basketball mom, gardening and cooking.

What does she enjoy most about teaching at the College of Optometry?

"I truly appreciate the opportunity to get to know such a special group of people.  Our students are bright, down-to-earth, creative, caring and incredibly motivated to be the best optometric physicians possible.   Graduation is one of my favorite days of the year because it is an honor to watch them officially become my colleagues in the profession, and forever a member of the family of Pacific University and the College of Optometry."