Ophthalmology Foundation Emeritus Director, Bradley Straatsma, MD, JD, passed away on April 16, 2026 at 98 years of age. He is survived by his children, Derek, Cary, and Greer, and predeceased by his wife Ruth Campbell.
He was a founding Director of both the Ophthalmology Foundation and our predecessor organization, the International Council of Ophthalmology Foundation (ICOF). In fact, Dr. Straatsma was a main contributor in establishing the ICOF through creation of bylaws and stewarding its incorporation and nonprofit status. Dr. Straatsma was a consistent and enthusiastic supporter of the Ophthalmology Foundation’s mission to improve global ophthalmic education and access to eye care, and his absence will be felt.
Dr. Straatsma graduated from Yale University School of Medicine, completed residency at Harkness Eye Institute of Columbia University, and pursued fellowships at the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology and the Wilmer Ophthalmology Institute at Johns Hopkins University. He served in the U.S. Navy’s Underwater Demolition Team, an antecedent to the S.E.A.L. Teams.
In 1959, he commenced appointment as Associate Professor and Chief of the Division of Ophthalmology at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). He was appointed Professor in 1962, the first Director of the Jules Stein Eye Institute in 1964, and the first Chairman of the Department of Ophthalmology in 1968.
He served as the first secretary for continuing education at the American Academy of Ophthalmology 1969–74, and with Dr. Bruce Spivey launched the Academy’s Ophthalmology Basic and Clinical Science Course (BCSC).
In 1994, he transitioned Professor Emeritus in the Department of Ophthalmology at UCLA and subsequently earned a Juris Doctorate degree from University of West Los Angeles School of Law.
Expanding focus on global ophthalmology and education, he worked in collaboration with the Africa Eye Foundation towards the establishment of the Magrabi ICO Cameroon Eye Institute at Yaoundé, Cameroon. Dr. Straatsma additionally established the ICOFoundation, the predecessor organization of the Ophthalmology Foundation. He continued to serve as a founding Director, and subsequently Emeritus Director at the OF. He aided in the establishment of the Retina Research Foundation’s Helmerich International Fellowship with Dr. Alice McPherson and was was a champion of these unique training opportunities for young ophthalmologists.
Dr. Straatsma served in leadership roles in many ophthalmic organizations over his life, including as President of the Academia Ophthalmologica Internationalis, American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Ophthalmological Society, Association of University Professors of Ophthalmology, Pan-American Association of Ophthalmology; as well as Chairman, American Board of Ophthalmology and Editor-in-Chief, American Journal of Ophthalmology.
Concentrating on retinal disease and ophthalmic oncology, he presented over 50 distinguished lectures and over 575 scientific publications. He was the recipient of more than 80 medals and awards from universities, societies and associations, and non-profit organizations.
Dr. Straatsma’s impact as an advisor, mentor, and friend strengthened many leaders, organizations, and individuals. Always willing to share his knowledge and experience, his steady support will endure and continue to influence ophthalmology into the future. The Ophthalmology Foundation expresses our deep gratitude to Dr. Bradley Straatsma and our sorrow at his passing. We are honored to have benefited from his support and leadership, and will continue to support his legacy in our work towards enhancing ophthalmic education globally.
I have known Brad for over 40 years and had the pleasure and privilege to work closely with him for decades. We worked together on the boards of the International Council of Ophthalmology, the ICO Foundation, the Academia Ophthalmologica Internationalis, the Ophthalmology Foundation, and watched him lead the AAO, the AOS and the PAAO. What a great man, friend, leader, mentor, supporter, and contributor, he was and the list goes on. He made so many contributions in academic ophthalmology, research, education, leadership development, and global eye care. It was always a pleasure to be with him. He was so kind, friendly and welcoming. He will be sorely missed.
–Hugh Taylor, AC, MD, OF Board Director
We lost a giant. An amazing person. May his family be surrounded with love during this sad time.
–Susan MacDonald, OF Board Director
Goodbye, Brad. You will forever remain in my mind as one of the greatest role models I have met in this life: as a professional, an achiever, a beautiful human being, and a loving husband. Most of all, I will miss your warm, friendly smile every time we met.
–Eduardo Mayorga, MD, OF Board Director