Michael Burton, partner and owner of 1st Eye Care in Dallas, received his bachelor’s degree in microbiology from UTA in 1980 and his doctor of optometry degree from the University of Houston College of Optometry.

Dr. Burton has practiced as an optometrist with 1st Eye Care for 17 years. He regularly speaks at school and community events and is often heard on local radio talk shows.

He was honored as a UTA Outstanding African-American Alumnus in 1996. The current president of the UTA Alumni Association Board of Directors, Dr. Burton has been active in the organization for more than five years and is a lifetime member.

He was born in Longview the 10th of 13 children and attended Longview public schools. He and his wife, Dorothy, have been married 18 years and have a 15-year-old daughter, Jessica. They live in Duncanville. Dorothy earned both her bachelor’s (’82 journalism) and master’s (’89 urban studies) degrees from UTA.

Dr. Burton and his family are members of Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship, where he serves as a deacon.