Today is a special day. For Optometric Physician it’s a day of many “firsts.” This is the first time that I’ve run a “best of” Off The Cuff—something I don’t expect to do again. This is the first time I’ve written about the same person on four separate occasions. It’s not the first time I’ve recognized a colleague for their contributions to the profession or their kindness as a person, but it is the first time I’ve written an editorial to wish someone a happy birthday.

For the grumpy among you, I know this is a powerful platform and trust that I don’t take that lightly. But today is Uncle Frank Fontana’s 95th birthday, and that makes it a very special day indeed.

Of the pieces I’ve written about Frank, I think “Uncle Frank Day” best captures how those of us lucky enough to know him best and love him the most feel about him. Still practicing and still attending meetings, Frank is an essential part of our family and our profession’s history. He is the uncle we think about the most. The father whose voice still guides us through life’s twists and turns, and a constant reminder that we can remain active and valuable as long as we want to.

Happy 95th birthday Uncle Frank —Your Nephew Artie

Uncle Frank Day (originally published March 14, 2016)

If I could have one wish, I would make today Uncle Frank Day. It would be a national holiday that we would celebrate every year. Uncle Frank Day would remind us of the value of friendship, the importance of caring and the rewards of dedication. Those are just some of the things I learned from Uncle Frank. For those of you who don’t know Frank Fontana, let me tell you about my Uncle Frank.

Long before many of you were born, before anyone even thought of the words “key opinion leader,” Uncle Frank was a KOL—perhaps the very first. As a volunteer for our profession, Frank was tireless. As a consultant, mere mention of his name would open doors. Frank had, and still has, many friends in high places. He paved paths that many of our most respected colleagues still walk today.

Frank served in Europe during WWII. He began practicing optometry in 1950 after completing his education under the GI Bill. I relish some of the war stories he’s shared with me over the years—some more than once. As a pioneer in contact lenses, Frank spent a good part of his career on the podium educating others. I had the good fortune of speaking with him several years ago in Chicago. It was a highlight of my career. I like to think I’ve followed in Frank’s footsteps. Frank co-founded the AOA Contact Lens Section in 1981, and I served as chair of the Contact Lens and Cornea Section 25 years later. I had the honor of being sworn in by Frank.

If you’re wondering why everyone calls him Uncle Frank, as it turns out, we're all part of Frank’s family. Each of us is a niece or a nephew, or we might as well be. I’m not kidding. Frank is the only person I’ve ever met who carries pictures of other people’s kids in his wallet.

Over the years, Frank (and Frankie, Jr., who looks after his dad) has become family to many of us. The man holds a most special place in our profession and in our hearts. I thought it fitting to take a moment and share a little about my dear friend with you. After all, it’s Uncle Frank Day!

Arthur B. Epstein, OD, FAAO Chief Medical Editor artepstein@optometricphysician.com