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Robert Carroll Allen, M.D.
November 18, 1950 – March 24, 2005
Robert Carroll Allen, MD, 54, of Richmond, former Chairman of the MCV Department of Ophthalmology, died Thursday evening at his home in Richmond of complications from eye cancer. Dr. Allen leaves behind a lasting legacy as an esteemed ophthalmologist, researcher and educator; father of three; and loving husband. Throughout his prodigious career, he touched countless lives with his warm servant spirit, his sharp wit, and his passion for invigorating the lives of everyone around.
“Dr. Bob” is survived by his wife of 27 years, Janice Rosser Allen of Hampton; three sons, Grant Rosser Allen, 26, of Washington, DC, Matthew Barratt Allen, 21, and Robert Connor Allen, 18; his mother, Pat, of Fort Pierce, FL; two brothers, Dr. Richard Allen and his wife Barbara of Fort Pierce, FL, and Scott Allen and his wife Lynn of Atlanta; his in-laws, Dois and Shirley Rosser of Hampton, Burt and Cindy Higgins of Greensboro, and Gary and Pam Minter of Newport News; numerous nieces and nephews; and his energetic vizsla, Ginny.
Born in Baltimore, MD to Patricia Minor Allen and the late Orville Albert Allen, Jr., Bob attended Duke University and the University of Virginia School of Medicine, where he graduated in 1975. He completed his internship at Bowman Gray School of Medicine, his residency at University of Florida , and fellowships at the Wilmer Institute at Johns Hopkins, and Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary at Harvard Medical School in Boston, as well as the Howe Laboratory at Harvard Medical School.
Dr. Allen has held faculty appointments at a number of academic institutions, including Emory University, the University of Virginia, and, most recently, Medical College of Virginia in Richmond, where he was Professor of Ophthalmology, Pharmacology & Toxicology, and Ophthalmology Department Chairman from 1994 to 2003.
Dr. Allen was a prolific academic writer and speaker, authoring a multitude of papers and reference research works, and speaking at nearly one hundred ophthalmology and glaucoma conferences. He helped lead a number of professional societies and Boards, was an Initial Member of the American Glaucoma Society and examiner for the American Board of Ophthalmology, and has been actively involved with multiple international medical mission trips including stints teaching aboard the ORBIS plane, a flying hospital. Dr. Allen frequently served as an expert in ophthalmology-related legal matters and is the recipient of the American Academy of Ophthalmology's Honor Award and Senior Achievement Award.
Beyond his professional achievements, Bob devoted vast energy to his community and personal life. He is a member of Third Presbyterian Church and a drummer in their worship band, former member of Trinity Presbyterian Church in Charlottesville , former Chairman of the Board at The Covenant School in Charlottesville , member and past President of Westwood Club, and a volunteer for the Crossover Clinic, a downtown Richmond free clinic. He was a brother of Sigma Nu Fraternity and a member of University of Virginia 's Raven Society.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made through the Ocular Melanoma Foundation, the non-profit cancer advocacy organization founded by Dr. Allen, either online at www.ocumel.org or by mail to OMF, P.O. Box 29261 Richmond , VA 23242.
Special thanks to all of our dear friends and family who have offered their enduring love and support throughout his courageous five-year battle.
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