Black History Spotlight: Dr. Bess Francis Coleman, OD

If you know one name in optometry history this month, make it Dr. Bess Francis Coleman (Bess “Bessie” Anderson Francis Coleman) — recognized as the first documented African American woman licensed to practice optometry in the United States.

Not a “fun fact.” A foundation.

Who she was (the receipts, not the rumors)

Dr. Coleman was born in Harrodsburg, Kentucky in 1893, and she started her career as a public school teacher before her path in optometry took shape.

She later became part of the wave of Black professionals who built care, community, and upward mobility—often while navigating systems designed to exclude them.

Why her milestone mattered (and still does)

Becoming “the first” in a healthcare field isn’t about winning a trophy. It’s about changing the rules of who gets to:

• deliver care,

• be trusted as an expert,

• and expand access for communities that were underserved on purpose.

Dr. Coleman’s place in history is repeatedly cited as a first documented milestone—meaning her achievement is supported by record-based historical research, not just oral tradition.

“Unknown” details people don’t post enough

Here are a few specifics that make her story feel real, not generic:

• She and her husband were connected to the economic engine of Black Chicago—Bronzeville, including involvement in a chain of pharmacies there, according to historical research on her life.

• She’s also recognized in optometry media as an early Black graduate/leader connected to optometric education history (including references to her schooling and professional “first” status).

(Translation: she wasn’t just practicing—she was moving inside the infrastructure of Black health, business, and community.)

The bigger picture: Black pioneers in optometry

Dr. Coleman’s legacy also sits within a longer timeline of Black excellence in the profession. For example, UC Berkeley Optometry highlights Dr. William Lawson (1912) as the first Black optometrist in the U.S. and Canada—context that shows how early Black pioneers were present and pushing forward, even when the profession didn’t make room.

What her legacy means at Liberated Eyewear

At Liberated Eyewear, we don’t treat eye care like a basic commodity. Dr. Coleman’s story is a reminder that precision, access, and dignity should be the standard.

That’s why we build the modern version of “being seen,” including:

• AI-powered virtual try-on to reduce guesswork and increase confidence

• a precision-first approach to the eyewear experience

• luxury design that doesn’t sacrifice performance for aesthetics

Because the future of vision shouldn’t belong to only a few people with the “right” access. Dr. Coleman proved that a long time ago.

Closing

Dr. Bess Francis Coleman didn’t just make history—she made room. And now it’s on us to keep building.

Black History Spotlight means more than posting names. It means raising the standard.

www.liberatedeyewear.com

#liberatedeyewear#blackownedeyewear#besscoleman#blackhistory