Overview of the Collection
Medical Heritage Center
Newcomb, Robert D.
Robert D. Newcomb, OD, MPH Papers
15 Liner feet
The Robert D. Newcomb OD, MPH Papers (15 linear foot) contains documents, editorials, and articles written by Newcomb for various publications, and personal communications that span his career, including photographs, books, personal memorabilia and oversized objects.
SPEC.202501.NEWCOMB
The records are in English
English
1970-2019
Biography
Robert D. “Buckeye Bob” Newcomb (b. 1947) was born in Middletown, Ohio, but raised in Franklin and Carlisle, Ohio. He earned his BS in 1970 and his OD degree in 1971 from The Ohio State University. Dr. Newcomb served in the U. S. Navy as an optometry officer from 1971 to 1974. He was stationed in Mayport, Florida. In 1975 he earned his Masters of Public Health from the University of Alabama Birmingham (UAB) where he taught at the UAB School of Optometry and at the Birmingham Veteran Administration Medical Center from 1976 to 1980. In 1980 he returned to Columbus to establish the first optometry clinic at the VA Outpatient Clinic on Kenny Road, through which Ohio State optometry students and residents would rotate for their clinical experiences in medical and geriatric vision care.
He retired from federal service in 1997 and accepted a faculty position at The Ohio State University College of Optometry as a Professor of Clinical Optometry and the inaugural Vision Service Plan (VSP) Chair for the Advancement of Professional Practice. He retired in 2012 as a Professor and VSP Chair Emeritus. He maintains ties to Ohio State by serving on the "BuckEYE Optometry Alumni Magazine" editorial board and as a board member of the Optometry Alumni and Friends organization. In 2011 Bob established a new endowed fund for the college’s White Coat Ceremonies, a defining moment for optometry students. In 2013 he won the Neal Bailey medal, an award for philanthropic generosity reaching the level of $50,000 or more to the College of Optometry. His book titled "Our History in focus: the first 100 years of The Ohio State University College of Optometry" was released in 2014.
He resides in Worthington with his wife Pam, and they have one child.
Scope and Content
The Robert D. Newcomb OD, MPH Papers (15 linear feet) contains documents, editorials, and articles written by Newcomb for various publications, and personal communications that span his career including photographs, books, personal memorabilia and oversized objects.
Related Collections
Collections related to the Robert D. Newcomb, OD Papers in the Medical Heritage Center holdings are listed below:
The Ohio State University College of Optometry Centennial Time Capsule Collection, Spec.202401.OSU Optometry
Our History in focus: the first 100 years of the Ohio State University College of Optometry, 2014
Statement of Arrangement
This collection is arranged in three series:
- Series I: Media
- Series II: Professional
- Series III: Objects and Oversized
Series I: Media (2 boxes) contains photographs of Robert D. Newcomb over the course of his life and career, including graduations, award ceremonies and photographs from his time at the University of Alabama Birmingham. There are also photographs of family and friends.
Series II: Professional (2 boxes) contains a variety of materials related to Robert D. Newcomb’s correspondence both professional and personal, articles, editorials, research findings, certificates, awards, Dossier, books, The Ohio State University College of Optometry alumni directories and optometry curriculum.
Series III: Objects and Oversized (9 boxes) consists of plaques, awards, White doctors coats, personal nicknacks, personalized name plates, placards, wood signs, graduation certificates, certificates of service and recognition, The Ohio State University momentos, personalized gifts, posters, and large photographs.
Restrictions on Access
The collection is open to the public and is available for viewing in the Medical
Heritage Center. Materials do not circulate and must be used in the supervised
reading room. Restrictions, including copyright, may exist and some materials may be
too fragile to photocopy or digitize. The MHC charges for duplication services,
which must be performed by staff.
Preferred Citation
[Identification of item],Robert D. Newcomb, OD, MPH Papers,Spec.202501.Newcomb, Medical Heritage Center, Health Sciences Library,
The Ohio State University.
Detailed Description of The Collection
Series I: Media
1940s-1991
1
1
VHS Cassette- Retirement Party
undated
1
2
VHS Cassette - VA Eye Clinic while Dr. Newcomb is away - Residents Dinner 1991
1991
1
3
VHS Cassette – Ohio Optometric Association Testimony Rehearsal
April 7,1989
1
4
VHS Cassette – American Academy of Optometry Living History Dr. Robert Newcomb interviews: Dr. Glenn Fry
January 10,1989
1
5
VHS Cassette - American Academy of Optometry Living History Dr. Robert Newcomb interviews: Dr. Frederick Hebbard
January 10,1989
1
6
DVR - American Academy of Optometry Living History Dr. Robert Newcomb interviews: Dr. Frederick Hebbard
January 10,1989
1
7
DVR - American Academy of Optometry Living History Dr. Robert Newcomb interviews: Dr. Glenn Fry
January 10,1989
1
8
Notes: American Academy of Optometry Living History Dr. Robert Newcomb interviews: Dr. Glenn Fry
January 10,1989
2
1
Photographs – Assorted personal and professional spanning Dr. Newcomb’s career
1940s, undated
Series II: Professional
1940s-1991
3
1
Book: Ocular Assessment, The Manual of Diagnosis for Office Practice
1981
3
2
Book: Vision Screening for Elementary Schools, The Orinda study
1959
3
3
Ohio State University College of Optometry 50th Reunion Celebration Certificate
2021
3
4
The Presidents Club of Ohio State University recognition award in the Bevis Society
1997
3
5
The Presidents Club of Ohio State University recognition award for Philanthropic Leadership
2019
3
6
Ohio State University, The Robert D. Newcomb White Coat Fund Certificate
2013
4
1
Book: Public Health and Community Optometry Second Edition – Dedication to parents inside
1990
4
2
Book: Clinical Ocular Pharmacology
1984
4
3
Book: History of the Academy of Optometry
1987
4
4
Book: School of Optometry University of Alabama at Birmingham 25th Anniversary Photographic History
1994
5
1
Book: Public Health and Community Optometry Second Edition
1990
5
2
Book: Optometry: Professional, Economic, and Legal Aspects
1948
5
3
Book: History of the American Academy of Optometry
1987
5
4
Book: Optometric Practice Management Second ed
2003
5
5
Book: Yearbook: Ohio State University College of Optometry Class of 1983: In Focus
1983
6
1
Book: Public Health and Community Optometry
1980
6
2
Book: Public Health and Community Optometry
1980
6
3
Book: The Optometric Profession
1968
6
4
Book: The Story of Optometry
1965
7
1
Newsletter: American Academy Optometry
Spring 1996
7
2
Manual: Compact Acuity Projector Reference Manual
undated
7
3
Directory of American Academy of Optometry
2001-2002
7
4
Program: Founders Day Banquet
1950
7
5
Newsletter: House Call
undated
7
6
Pamphlet: Light and Vision
1925
7
7
Thesis: Prevalence of Undiagnosed Eye Disorders Among Patients Seen at the Veterans Administration Hospital Birmingham, Alabama
1975
7
8
Article: Prevalence of undiagnosed eye/vision disorders in a VA Hospital
1976
7
9
Ohio State University College of Optometry 2014 Alumni Directory
2014
7
10
Ohio State University College of Optometry 2014 Alumni Directory
2014
7
11
Ohio State University College of Optometry 2001 Alumni and Friends Directory
2001
7
12
VA Optometry Report
1977
7
13
VA Optometry Report
1977
8
1
Article: 100 Years of Great Vision
2014
8
2
Editorial: 1981 International Year of Disabled Persons Guest Editorial
1981
8
3
Article: A descriptive epidemiological study of optometry services in the Birmingham Veterans Administration Hospital
1976
8
4
Article: Article: Adverse Systemic Effects of Ocular Drug Therapy
undated
8
5
Article: “Affirm Thy Friendship” Campaign Special Edition Vol. 3, Issue 4
undated
8
6
Article: Applied genetics for the practicing optometrist
February 1977
8
7
Article: Applied genetics for the practicing optometrist part 2
May 1977
8
8
Report: A Public Health Orientation Is Essential in Optometric Management
1981
8
9
Article: Applied Epidemiology and Diagnosis
undated
8
10
Program: ASCO 50 Years Celebration- Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry
1991
8
11
Article: Assessment of Visual Acuity Using a Mailed Questionnaire
1994
8
12
Biographical Information
1997-2015
8
13
Seminar: Brown Bag Seminar
November 1985
8
14
Magazine: BuckEYE Optometry Alumni
Summer 2012
8
15
Business Cards
undated
8
16
Article: Cataract Surgery in a VA Ambulatory Setting
May 1991
8
17
Certificates and Awards
1972-1997
8
18
Article: Clinical Investigation of the Foveal Light Reflex
December 1981
8
19
Article: Cone-Rod Dystrophy A Case Report
December 1978
8
20
Article: Data Collection and Record Keeping for Optometrists
1995
8
21
Article: Diagnostic outcomes of optometric referrals in the VA Medical Center Parts 1-2
1979-1981
8
22
Article: Dissimilar Contact Lenses for a 16-D Anisometrope: A Case Study*
February 1997
8
23
Program: Doctoral Convocation
2019
8
24
Dossier For Robert D. Newcomb
September 1989
8
25
Dossier Outline Introduction
1989
8
26
Dossier Tab A
undated
8
27
Dossier Tab B
1995
8
28
Dossier Tab C
1994
8
29
Dossier Tab D
1994
8
30
Dossier Tab E
1993
8
31
Dossier Tab F
undated
8
32
Dossier Tab G
undated
8
33
Dossier Tab H
1994
8
34
Dossier Tab I
1989
8
35
Dossier Tab J
1990
8
36
Dossier Tab K
1991
8
37
Dossier Tab L
1991
8
38
Dossier Tab M
1993
8
39
Dossier Tab N
1994
8
40
Dossier Tab O
1994
8
41
Dossier Tab P
1984
8
42
Article: Genetic Disorders of the Eye for Optometrists
April 1976
8
43
Article: GLCPR* in the VA -*Graduation, Licensure, Credentials, Privileging, Re-privileging
July1994
8
44
Article: Health Education for Diabetic Patients
undated
8
45
Article: History of the VA
2013
8
46
Article: VA History in Brief
2019
8
47
Report: History of VA Optometry
1977
8
48
Article: How to Write an Abstract of A Paper or Report to Be presented at the Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Optometry
December 1982
8
49
Article: Icon: Remembering Dr. Richard Hill
undated
8
50
Manual: Improved Micromatic Ophthalmoeter
1935-1936
8
51
Article: Initiating an Ophthalmic Laser Program for VA Outpatients
1995
8
52
Journal: Journal of the American Optometric Association
1979
8
53
Journal: Journal of the American Optometric Association
April 1994
8
54
Journal: Journal of the American Optometric Association
August 1993
8
55
Journal: Journal of the American Optometric Association
November 1993
8
56
Article: Military Medicine
January 1994
8
57
Newspaper Clippings
1976 - 1980
8
58
Article: Nursing Home Survey of Ohio Optometrists
undated
8
59
Article: Ocular Pharmaceutical Use in Veteran Outpatients
Winter 1989
8
60
Ohio State vs. Virginia Tech 100 Years College of Optometry Special Event
September 6, 2014
8
61
Ohio State University Oral History Program Interview with Dr. Frederick Hebbard Q and A
2002
8
62
Notes: Optometry Building
1951
8
63
Magazine: The O-EYE-O
1949
8
64
Article: Optometric Monthly
May 1981
8
65
Article: Optometry Curriculum
1993
8
66
Article: Optometry Curriculum Part 1 - 2
1993
8
67
Article: Optometry Curriculum Part 3 - 4
1993
8
68
Article: Optometry Curriculum Part 5 - 6
1993
8
69
Article: Optometry Curriculum Part 6 - 7
1993
8
70
Article: Optometry Curriculum Part 8 - 9
1993
8
71
Article: Optometric Education
1993
8
72
Report: Optometry and the Department of Veteran Affairs: A Synergistic Relationship
2013
8
73
Article: Optometry and genetic counseling the first lines of defense against blindness
April 1976
8
74
Article: Optometrists in America: Not Enough? Just Right? Need More?
November 8, 2018
8
75
Article: Pathology or Disease
1994
8
76
Article: Philosophy of Optometry
1977
8
77
Article: Prevalence of asteroid bodies in VA optometry clinic
January 1980
8
78
Programs and Pamphlets
1984 - 2022
8
79
Professional Correspondence (RESTRICTED)
1989 - 2016
8
80
Personal Correspondence
1984 - 1990
8
81
Report: Public Health Optometry and the Veterans Administration Medical System
1989
8
82
Magazine: BuckEYE Optometry Alumni Magazine
Spring 2007
8
83
Magazine: BuckEYE Optometry Alumni Magazine
Autumn 2006
8
84
Magazine: BuckEYE Optometry Alumni Magazine
Fall 1991
8
85
Article: Systemic Effects of Ocular Drugs
undated
8
86
Manual: The Epsilon Psi Epsilon Pledge Manual -The National Fraternity of Professional Optometry
1949
8
87
Magazine: The O-EYE-O Epsilon Psi Epsilon
2007 - 2008
8
88
Magazine: The O-EYE-O
Summer 1970
8
89
Magazine: The O-EYE-O
Winter 1952
8
90
Magazine: The O-EYE-O
Spring 1950
8
91
Magazine: The O-EYE-O
Winter 1950
8
92
Magazine: The O-EYE-O
Autumn 1947
8
93
Editorial: The first 20 BuckEYE editorials
2000
8
94
Magazine: The Ohio State University Bulletin
1990 - 1991
8
95
Magazine: The Ohio State University Bulletin
1989 - 1990
8
96
Magazine: The Ohio State University Bulletin
1924 - 1925
8
97
Manual: Space Eikonometer Manual
1951
8
98
Article: Symposium: Optometry in the Veterans Administration
1981
8
99
Article: Techniques, Instruments, Cases
April 1976
8
100
Article: The Case pf blindness in Children: A review of the literature
April 1977
8
101
Article: The Council on Clinical Optometric Care (CCOC): The American Optometric Association’s Institutional Practice Review 1967-1993
1994
8
102
Correspondence: University of Alabama Personal Records
1975 - 1987
8
103
Magazine: Southern Journal of Optometry
April 1976
8
104
Article: Total quality improvement (TQI) for Optometric practice in the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA)
1993
8
105
Article: Vision Care for the Nation’s Elderly: A Plea for Policy Direction
Spring 1981
8
106
Article: Vision health education: An idea whose time has come
October 1979
8
107
Article: Women Are Veterans (And Unique Patients) Too!
Autumn 1989
8
108
VSP and Ohio State University
1995
8
109
Manual: Why the Refractionist Should Take Blood Pressure
1992
8
110
Curriculum: Minutes of the Ohio Optical Association Convention 1909
1978
Series III: Objects and Oversized Textiles
1972 - 2014
9
1
White Doctors Lab Coat
undated
9
2
White Doctors Lab Coat
undated
9
3
White Eye Chart Apron
undated
9
4
Buckeye Bob Poster OSU Football Game Tribute
2014
9
5
Norman Rockwell "The Optometrist" - May 19,1956 Unframed Print
1972
10
1
Hanging Wooden Dr. Robert Newcomb Optometrist Sign
undated
10
2
Wooden Name Plate with pen holder
undated
10
3
Autographed Retirement Poster
undated
10
4
University of Alabama Masters degree of Public Health
1975
10
5
OOA Award plaque
1996
10
6
AAO Executive Council plaque
1991 - 1992
10
7
Epsilon PSI Epsilon Herbert G. Mote Award
2012
10
8
State of Ohio State Board of Optometry Diploma
1971
11
1
Framed Service Award Certificate from the VA
1981
11
2
Plaque of Appreciation from the National Academies of Practice
2004 - 2006
11
3
OD An Optometrist Oath Wooden plaque
undated
11
4
Framed National Board of Examiners in Optometry Certificate
1972
11
5
Ohio State College of Optometry O-H-I-O with Brutus poster
undated
12
1
4 Oversized Photographs
undated
12
2
Framed Special Recognition Award from the Ohio General Assembly 3rd District
undated
12
3
Framed Neal J. Bailey Medal
2013
12
4
Wooden plaque – The Ohio State University Doctor of Optometry Certificate
1971
12
5
Framed State of Florida Board of Optometry License
1973
12
6
Framed Distinguished Practitioner Award from the National Academies of Practice
undated
13
1
Gold and brown name plate Dr. Robert Newcomb
undated
13
2
Dr. Robert Newcomb President American Academy of Optometry name plate and card holder
undated
13
3
“Everyday is an exciting day at the VA with Chief Newcomb” pen holder
undated
13
4
Plastic bag with two Dr. Newcomb name tags
undated
13
5
Dr. Robert D. Newcomb VSP Chair wall stickers
undated
13
6
Red music box OSU Football souvenir
undated
13
7
White ceramic ball with painted eye
undated
13
8
Mini wooden football OSU Rose Bowl souvenir with stand
1997
13
9
Distinguished Practitioner Medal
1981
13
10
Distinguished Practitioner Medal
1981
13
11
2 College of Optometry Ohio State 1914 patches
undated
13
12
Neil J. Bailey Medal
undated
13
13
American Academy of Optometry Medal
undated
13
14
Stone Dr. Robert D. Newcomb In Recognition name plate and pen holder
undated
13
15
Dr. Robert Newcomb Chief Optometry Service name plate
undated
13
16
“Optometry is never having to say you’re blurry” button
undated
14
1
Wooden plaque Ohio Optometric Certificate
1994
14
2
Distinguished Service Award in Public Health and Vision Care
1993
14
3
OOA Warren G. and Ruth P. Morris Optometrist of the Year Wooden plaque award
2002
15
1
I-Test vision screener device in original box
undated
15
2
Plastic bag with 15 Dr. Newcomb name tags
undated
15
3
Curved glass AOA Award Membership Appreciation
2017
15
4
Wooden “Who in Medicine and Healthcare 2nd ed Award
1999 - 2000
15
5
VA Thank you for your service award
undated
15
6
Wooden AOA Speaker Award name plate and pen holder
undated
15
7
1971 Ohio Sate Ceramic Stine (cream color)
1971
15
8
Red gift box with glass drink ware engraved with Newcomb and OSU
undated
15
9
Gavel and mallet with Inscription to Robert Newcomb AOA President
2002
15
10
Clear acrylic name plate Dr. Robert D. Newcomb O. D.
undated
15
11
Multi-colored glass Kaleidoscope
undated
15
12
Hand Held Eidolon slit lamp with black case containing blue filter attachment Model 501L
undated
16
1
Framed photograph of Dr. Newcomb with an American flag at an award ceremony
undated
16
2
American Public Health Association Vision Care Section Outstanding Project Award
1982
16
3
In Appreciation for Outstanding Service Vision Center Board of Trustees
1994 - 1999
16
4
AOA 25 Year Member Appreciation Award
1993 - 2004
16
5
Distinguished Alumnus Award Ohio State College of Optometry Alumni Society
2019
16
6
OOA Special Merit Award
1996
16
7
American Academy of Optometry Foundation Henry B. Peters Memorial Award
2018
17
1
Department of Veteran Affairs Commendation Award
1994
17
2
Framed photograph of PhD graduation ceremony from Frederick W. Hebbard
2013
17
3
American Academy of Optometry Fellow of the Academy Award
2013
17
4
Association of Military Surgeons United States Optometry Outstanding Service and Recognition Award
1997
17
5
Robert Newcomb President of National Association of VA Optometrist plaque
1976 - 1983
17
6
Appreciation for Outstanding Service Vision Center of Ohio Award
1998
17
7
Outstanding Achievement Award
2002
17
8
AOA 40 Year Member Appreciation Award
2002
17
9
AOA Eminent Service Award
2006
Wide Span Shelf
1
Farewell Framed Photo Class of 2015
2015