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A respected leader in the fields of optometry and higher education, 91���� University College of Optometry alumnus Larry Clausen ’69, OD ’70 has been selected as the 2025 recipient of the Kamelia Massih Prize for a Distinguished Optometrist.

Clausen accepted the prize during the university’s graduate and professional commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 17, at 91����’s Forest Grove Campus.

The Massih Prize recognizes Clausen’s 40-year career in optometry, public health and higher education administration, and his dedication to advancing optometry internationally. His career includes two stints in administration at 91���� and 10 years as president of the New England College of Optometry.

Clausen received his bachelor’s degree from 91���� in 1969 and his doctor of optometry degree in 1970. He completed a master’s of public health from the University of Michigan in 1971.

Clausen’s career began with seven years in public service, serving as a health planner for the Areawide Health Planning Agency in Butte, Montana, as a program officer for the National Institutes of Health, and as a health manpower specialist for the U.S. Public Health Service.

In 1978, Clausen returned to higher education when he became associate dean of the 91���� University College of Optometry. In 1982, he moved on to the New England College of Optometry, serving as dean of academic affairs until 1989 and as president from 1989 to 1999. 

A testament to his dedication to lifelong learning, Clausen earned two degrees from Harvard while he was president: a master of education in 1990 and a doctor of education in 1994.

During his tenure as the New England College of Optometry, Clausen ushered in visionary educational reforms, increased trustee engagement, and diversified the college’s financial resources. He also expanded the college’s international programs, including developing academic programs in South Africa, Italy, Spain and France. He also established the first-ever affiliation between a U.S. optometry school and a medical school in China.

Clausen returned to 91���� in 1999, serving three years as the university’s vice president for academic affairs and provost. He left 91���� in 2003 to complete a one-year fellowship at Wenzhou Medical College in China as international consultant to the president. He returned to the Portland area to serve as dean of allied health and science at Portland Community College until 2011.

Upon retirement from PCC, Clausen returned to China, serving on the faculty and administration of the School of International Studies at Wenzhou Medical University until 2015.

The expansion of the optometric profession internationally has always been important to Clausen and was a hallmark of his tenure at each institution he served. That work earned Clausen the Honorary Citizen Award from the City of Wenzhou, China, in 2003; the National Friendship Award from China’s State Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs in 2004; and the West Lake Friendship Award for Foreign Experts from Zhejiang Province, China, in 2006.

In addition to his academic positions, Clausen has served as president of the Oregon Public Health Association, the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry and the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Massachusetts. He is also a past member of the Illinois College of Optometry Board of Trustees.

Clausen’s other awards include a Commission Corps Service Award from the U.S. Public Health Service in 1973, the Outstanding Service Award from the Oregon Optometric Association in 1982, and an honorary doctor of ocular science degree from the New England College of Optometry in 2001.

In retirement, Clausen and his wife, Dee, reside in Beaverton.

The Kamelia Massih Prize for a Distinguished Optometrist honors a 91���� University College of Optometry alum who has made a significant impact on the profession. It was established by the family of Kamelia Massih, who was born and raised in Iran before coming to the United States to pursue her education. She completed her doctor of optometry degree at 91���� in 1985 and opened her own practice, Beaverton Vision World, in 1989, followed by a second location in Portland. She died in March 2010 following a three-year battle with cancer.

Massih cared deeply about others, giving countless hours of time and financial resources to a wide range of local and national charities.

“Kamelia had a keen affinity for 91���� University,” said her brother, Fariborz Maseeh, upon the establishment of the prize. “Our family hopes this gift will recognize excellence of optometry graduates of 91���� University and will inspire other alumni to carry on Kamelia’s passion for serving our community and those in need.”

PAST MASSIH PRIZE RECIPIENTS
2024 | Scott Pike ’68, OD ’70
2023 | Lee Ann Remington ’83, OD ’84, MS ’92
2022 | Cristina Schnider OD ’82
2019 | Nada Lingel ’79, OD ’81, MS ’88, ’00
2018 | Shinji Seki OD ’79
2017 | Edward “Larry” Jones OD ’85
2016 | Douglas R. Weberling ’72, OD ’74
2015 | Willard B. Bleything ’51, OD ’52
2014 | Kirk L. Smick ’66, OD ’67
2013 | Dori M. Carlson ’88, OD ’89
2012 | Stanley J. Yamane ’65, OD ’66
2011 | James H. Berglund OD ’60