Dr. Mark Joseph Forster

Dr. Mark Joseph Forster, age 57, of Buford, Georgia, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, May 3rd after a courageous battle with ALS. Mark was preceded in death by his parents and his older brother, Steven. Born on May 15, 1967, in West Allis, Wisconsin, Mark was the beloved son of Donald Joseph Forster and Marcia Krueger Forster. He was raised in Gwinnett County and graduated from Dacula High School in 1985. Mark continued his education at the University of Georgia and went on to earn his Doctorate with Honors from the Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, Tennessee.

Mark began practicing optometry in Lawrenceville, Georgia, in 1993 and, in 2001, founded Forster Eyecare. He served his patients with unwavering dedication and compassion for more than two decades. Throughout his career, Mark built lifelong friendships and earned the deep respect and affection of his colleagues, patients, and community.

Mark was the president of the Gold Key International Optometric Honor Society and a recipient of the Ciba Vision Contact Lens Achievement Award. He was also a four-time recipient of the Southern College of Optometry Outstanding Clinician Award. Dr. Forster was board certified by the American Board of Optometry and was a member of the American Optometric Association, the Georgia Optometric Association, and the American Academy of Orthokeratology and Myopia Control. In 2022, Mark was recognized by Newsweek as one of the Top Eye Doctors in America.

Mark will be fondly remembered for his intelligence, quick wit, determination, unwavering strength, and, above all, his kindness and generosity toward others. A lifelong sports enthusiast, he found joy in playing, coaching, and mentoring young athletes. He also enjoyed a good round of golf, traveling, and spending quality time with the people he loved most.

He is survived by his loving wife, Lena Paul Forster of Buford; his sister, Judy (Mike) Owens of Social Circle; his brothers, Dan (Jennifer) Forster of Social Circle and Duke (Michele) Forster of Winder; grandsons, Jake and Sam, as well as many cherished nieces, nephews, extended family members, and close friends.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Flanigan Funeral Home with Reverend Duke Forster officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday, May 9, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.

To express condolences, please sign our online guest book at www.flaniganfuneralhome.com. Arrangements By: Junior E. Flanigan of Flanigan Funeral Home and Crematory, Buford, GA (770) 932-1133.