A global servant: Remembering Bernard ‘B.J.’ Shannon, O.D.

Bernard "B.J." Shannon, O.D., was more than a doctor of optometry. He advocated for the profession as it evolved, serving as president of the Wisconsin Optometric Association, the North Central States Optometric Council and the AOA over the years. Dr. Shannon passed away on Sept. 17, 2026, at age 96.  

An all-American beginning 

Dr. Shannon was born in Minneapolis to Bernard Sr. and Theresa Murphy Shannon. After moving to Wisconsin, he excelled in sports and music, playing football, basketball and baseball and performing in the concert and marching bands. He was a proud Eagle Scout and took that drive and dedication to service to Marquette University, where he completed his undergraduate studies.  

After college, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy during the Korean conflict and earned his wings as an aircraft carrier fighter pilot. After serving his tour, he earned his Doctor of Optometry degree from the Illinois College of Optometry through the GI Bill.  

A heart for service around the world 

Dr. Shannon began his career practicing in Mauston and New Lisbon, where he and his first wife, Dalores, married and had their first son, Sean. Dalores passed away in 1960. In 1964, Dr. Shannon married Edie, with whom he shared the next 62 years and had two more children, Maurya and Erin.  

Although dedicated to patient care, Dr. Shannon also served the profession through presidential appointments and was the first doctor of optometry to serve on a state Title XIX Medical Advisory Committee. He also served on the WI Health Planning Committee and as a delegate to the National Health Council.  

This experience was supported by his continued education. Dr. Shannon attended the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania to study health management and used his business experience to lead global health industry companies worldwide.  

After retiring in 1995, Dr. Shannon and Edie spent the next 20 years volunteering with USAID; through their work, they helped developing nations learn the business essentials needed to thrive. President George W. Bush and President Barack Obama praised their efforts across more than 80 training programs worldwide.  

Dedicated at home and abroad 

Dr. Shannon had more than just an enviable passport stamp collection—he was admired by his peers at home and abroad.  

“Dr. Bernard ‘B.J.’ Shannon’s legacy holds a special place in Wisconsin optometry,” says Wisconsin Optometry Association Executive Vice President Peter J. Theo. “He helped give optometry a voice in health care policy as the first optometrist on Wisconsin’s Title XIX Medical Advisory Committee.” 

Dr. Shannon is remembered with gratitude, Theo says. “Wisconsin optometrists are proud that his dedication to patients and the profession carried him to the AOA presidency, where he continued to help shape optometry’s future,” he says.  

Dr. Shannon is survived by his wife, three children, five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Thank you for sharing Dr. Shannon with the optometric community.