Diné optometrist named New Mexico’s Young Optometrist of the Year
Submitted
Dr. Shane Benally holds his 2026 Young Optometrist of the Year award, presented by the New Mexico Optometric Association, recognizing his work serving patients in Santo Domingo Pueblo and Santa Fe.
SANTA FE
Dr. Shane Benally, a Diné optometrist who splits his practice between Santo Domingo Pueblo and Santa Fe, has been named 2026 Young Optometrist of the Year by the New Mexico Optometric Association.
The award goes annually to an optometrist with fewer than 10 years in practice who has shown leadership and service in the field. Benally sees patients at Kewa Pueblo Health Corporation in Santo Domingo Pueblo and at Ultimate Eye Care in Santa Fe.
Benally is one of a small number of Diné optometrists. He has presented to the University of New Mexico Optometry Club and shared his experience with students.
“I feel honored to be able to represent my fellow Indigenous people and encourage Native students to pursue a career in eye care,” Benally said. “I want Native health profession students to know that they belong because their representation leads to better care in Indigenous communities.”
Outside the clinic, Benally volunteers as a cross-country coach with the Notah Begay III Foundation, which supports Native youth through outdoor activity and wellness programs. He also serves on the foundation’s Healthy Hydration Advisory Board.
Get instant access to this story by purchasing one of our many e-edition subscriptions HERE at our Navajo Times Store.
Highway 264,
I-40, WB @ Winslow