Honoring Dr. Sternberg
Dr. Aharon (Ronnie) Sternberg served on ANHC’s Board of Directors from 2010 to 2016 and was particularly influential during the planning and construction of ANHC's current facility.
ANHC recently dedicated an exam room in his memory and in recognition of the knowledge, guidance, and compassion he brought to this role and to the ANHC community.
Ronnie was born in Israel, studied in Alabama, and then moved north to Alaska where he found an agreeable climate. “I always wanted to go to a cold weather area. Although I’m not the typical Alaskan who goes hunting, fishing, and skiing all the time, I really love the cold and dry weather.”
After receiving his Doctor of Optometry in 1976, Ronnie joined Ophthalmic Associates in Anchorage. He was Ophthalmic Associates’ first Optometrist, growing the company to 5 Ophthalmologist as they saw a need in the community for Ophthalmic Board Specialists i.e. nero and orbits, pediatrics, cornea and glaucoma. In 2011, Ophthalmic Associates made a generous donation to ANHC’s new building fund.
Ronnie enjoyed practicing in Alaska where he practiced optometry with a healthy dose of psychology: “We do see people in the winter who develop cabin fever because it is so dark. We really have to think about some complaints as more psychosomatic and related to depression rather than a problem with the eyes.” His former colleagues often noted that he understood the importance of eyesight, treating patients who could not afford care for free and purchasing the necessary glasses for them.
Ronnie’s recognition of the importance of health care likely led him to join ANHC’s Board of Directors in 2010. Although friends like longtime ANHC provider Dr. Thomas Wood were surprised, Ronnie believed in ANHC’s mission. During his tenure on the board, he was instrumental in helping to secure funding toward the new building and ensuring ANHC had the right leadership. He provided the necessary medical voice on the board as well as getting dental care from ANHC’s Dr. Ringler. He left the board when he felt his mission was accomplished: “We finished the building and hired a competent Executive Director—now what is the board going to do.” He spent his remaining retirement years traveling with friends and enjoying Alaska.
Ronnie lived in Alaska for nearly 46 years. He passed away in May 2022. Family and friends have dedicated exam room 124 to him. So he has friends nearby, his room is next to one honoring Dr. Wood.
—Cindy Gilder, ANHC Board Member