Dr. Ronald Gilbert graduated from the Ohio State College of Optometry in 1955 and then served as an Optometry Officer in the U.S. Air Force for three years. He then went into private practice in Dayton, Ohio with Dr. Charles Thomas, who started the practice in 1939. Dr. Gilbert participated in many optometric activities such as the Miami Valley Society of Optometrists, the Ohio Optometric Association, the American Optometric Association, the American Academy of Optometry, and Vision USA. He was joined in practice by his two sons and has a grandson at the college. He was a key man for several Ohio and national legislators receiving the Ohio Key Man award in 2004. His other achievements include the Ohio Optometric Association’s Warren G. and Ruth P. Morris Optometrist of the Year Award in 1967 and President of the OOA in 1977-78.
Some of his local activities and awards included eye care provision for the Dayton VA, Chairman of the Montgomery County Health-a-Rama, President of the Lions Club, Chairman of the Provider Board of CareSource Health Plan, Sunday school teacher, member of the Board of the Dayton Interfaith Forum, and an active participant in the Greater Dayton Jewish Federation.
He retired at the end of 2012 after 57 years of practice. His son, Dr. Heath Gilbert, also served as President of the OOA. His wife, Shirlee, served as President of The Women’s Auxiliary to the OOA.