Prior to attending the College of Optometry Dr. Chlebowski earned a degree in religious studies from Missouri State University. Since 1989 he practiced in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He was a pioneer in the development of silicone hydrogel contact lenses by serving as a clinical investigator in numerous clinical trials. He was a respected lecturer in different areas of optometry ranging from contact lenses to systemic disorders affecting the eye. He also researched alternative cures for melanoma having survived stage four melanoma for more than four years. Classmate Alan Branson OD (’89) remembers him well: “Dean was gifted in so many ways. He had a brilliant mind and a quick wit. He pursued excellence in all he did, and knew how to make it fun and enjoyable for those of us fortunate enough to be with him. He was ALWAYS first of our class to leave after a test. It's difficult to believe he was the first of our class to leave the earthly classroom. But, I can smile knowing he aced his final exam, just like he did all those others he took at the University of Missouri-St. Louis College of Optometry.”