MEET OUR DOCTOR
Dr. Beth Summers, OD, MS, FAAO, FSLS
Custom Contact Lens Specialist
Dr. Beth Summers is a highly specialized optometrist dedicated to the most complex arenas of contact lens practice. She graduated from SUNY College of Optometry, a top tier optometry school, with Beta Sigma Kappa honors, a distinction reflecting her exceptional academic performance and dedication to clinical excellence. While studying for her Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree, she also chose to pursue a Masters in Vision Science (MS). Combining an elite academic background with premier clinical experience from New York City to her faculty appointment at UT Southwestern Medical Center, she delivers highly customized, evidence-based visual solutions. Her clinical expertise focuses exclusively on rehabilitating vision utilizing advanced lens designs—including custom scleral, rigid gas permeable (RGP), hybrid, and piggyback lens systems—for irregular corneas, advanced keratoconus, pellucid marginal degeneration, and severe corneal scarring.
Beyond complex corneal care, Dr. Summers specializes in post-surgical fittings for post-transplant and post-refractive patients, as well as the intricate design of restorative prosthetic lenses to reconstruct a natural appearance following ocular trauma, severe inflammation, or surgical complications. As a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry (FAAO), Dr. Summers is part of an elite group of eye care professionals recognized for meeting the highest standards of clinical competence. She is also a Fellow of the Scleral Lens Education Society (FSLS), an elite global designation awarded to a select group of specialists recognized for advanced expertise in custom scleral contact lenses. Rounding out her professional affiliations, Dr. Summers is an active member of the American Optometric Association (AOA), the Texas Optometric Association (TOA), and the North East Texas Optometric Society (NETOS), reflecting her ongoing commitment to advancing the profession and staying at the forefront of eye care both nationally and within her local community. These credentials ensure that patients with even the most challenging visual conditions receive the highest level of specialized, life-changing vision care available.
Accreditations
Clinical Fellowships Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry (FAAO) and the Scleral Lens Education Society (FSLS).
Academic Faculty Former Adjunct Assistant Clinical Professor and Externship Coordinator at SUNY College of Optometry.
Honors Society Beta Sigma Kappa International Optometric Honor Society.
Professional Memberships Active member of the American Optometric Association (AOA), Texas Optometric Association (TOA), and North East Texas Optometric Society (NETOS).
Publications
Featured Curriculum Author of “Fitting the Surgically Compromised Cornea” for the Review of Cornea and Contact Lens.
National Research National Eye Institute T35 Clinical Research Fellow funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
Vision Science Master of Science (MS) in Vision Science thesis on advanced healthcare screenings.
Lectures & Continuing Education
Provider Education COPE-Approved Continuing Education Speaker, lecturing to audiences of over 200 licensed optometrists.
Guest Lecturer Invited speaker at SUNY Envision and SUNY Grand Rounds on interprofessional medical management.
National Presenter Scientific data presenter at the American Academy of Optometry annual meeting.