Dr. Ruth Williams becomes new AAO president

San Francisco-Ruth D. Williams, MD, has begun her term as the 115th president of the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO).

“Ophthalmologists take pride in our ability to innovate to meet evolving demands. Today, we offer our patients treatments that are more effective than ever for improving and protecting their vision,” she said.  “At the same time, health-care reform presents uncertainties and challenges to our profession and our patients; however, I am confident that we can continue to provide excellent patient care even as we improve efficiencies.”

The new president served on the AAO Board of Trustees for the past year as president-elect, as secretary for member services from 2005 to 2010, and as trustee-at-large from 2000 to 2004. She also led the organization’s young ophthalmologist program.

“The [AAO] welcomes Dr. Williams' leadership strengths and talent for building community among physicians of diverse backgrounds,” said David W. Parke II, MD, chief executive officer of the AAO. “She brings invaluable strategic insight on key issues, such as how ophthalmologists can best position eye-care services in relation to integrated health systems.”

Dr. Williams, a glaucoma specialist, is president of the Wheaton Eye Clinic, which has four locations in suburban Chicago with a combined number of annual patient visits exceeding 130,000. She earned her medical degree at Rush Medical College in Chicago; interned at West Suburban Hospital Medical Center, Oak Park, IL; and completed a residency in ophthalmology at California Pacific Medical Center, San Francisco. Dr. Williams also completed glaucoma fellowships at the University of California, San Francisco, School of Medicine and at Shaffer Associates in San Francisco.

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