James L. Abbott O.D.

Dr. Abbott, an Arizona native, grew up in Mesa. He graduated with honors from Westwood High School, where he participated in Band and National Honor Society. As a youth he earned the rank of Eagle Scout and received the OA Vigil honor with troop 257 in Mesa. He was in Men's Honorary at Mesa Community College and graduated with distinction. Following graduation from the University of Arizona in Tucson with a degree in psychology, he continued his education at Southern California College of Optometry, graduating in 1980. He has been practicing Optometry in Mesa since 1980.

Dr. Abbott served ten years on the Board of Directors for Vision Service Plan of Arizona, and is a past president of Central Arizona Optometric Society. He was honored in 2004 by his alma mater, SCCO, as a Centennial Honoree for establishing a perpetual scholarship fund for Arizona Optometric Students. For several years he has donated his services on the Blue Cross Blue Shield Safari van, providing eye exams for needy school children. He has also donated time to the Give a Day program through the American Optometric Association. He has continued as a member of the Arizona Optometric Association and the American Optometric Association for more than thirty years.

Dr. Abbott was an Assistant Scoutmaster for Boy Scout Troop 451 in Mesa for ten years. He also served on the Board of Directors for Tonto Rim Christian Camp near Payson, serving as Chairman for three years. He is currently a member of the Water Committee for the Whispering Pines homeowners near Payson, working to establish a Domestic Water Improvement District.

Dr. Abbott and his wife Linda have four children and four grandchildren.