White Coat Ceremony Ushers OD Students into Clinical Education

For the third year in a row the SUNY College of Optometry conducted a “white coat” ceremony for its incoming third year OD class in recognition of the transition that students traditionally make between their classroom and clinical studies. The event marked both “a point of celebration and also a point of responsibility,” according to SUNY Optometry’s president Dr. David A. Heath.

Dr. Richard Soden, the executive director of the University Eye Center, congratulated the students and welcomed them to this new phase of their education toward becoming optometrists. He was also quick to point out that they were beginning their clinical activities at one of the most distinctive moments in the history of health care in the United States with the enactment of the Affordable Care Act. “The health care system will look remarkably different,” Soden told the gathering of 76 students from the Class of 2015 (pictured above), along with many of their family members and friends as well as SUNY faculty, staff and others.

The white coat ceremony is a relatively recent phenomenon at professional health schools and colleges across the United States and around the world. Soden noted that the first white coat ceremony took place at Columbia University’s medical school in 1993 but it is a tradition that his quickly spread across the various health professions. SUNY’s ceremony was sponsored by both Allergan and Essilor, as well as by the Optometric Center of New York and the New York State Optometric Association (NYSOA). The NYSOA’s immediate past president, SUNY alum Dr. Denise Whittam, also addressed the students during the ceremony, telling them that they should be proud of their accomplishments and that the time had come for many of them to recognize the value and importance of advocacy groups like the NYSOA in a “legislated profession” like optometry.   

Dr. David Troilo, SUNY’s vice president and dean of academic affairs, noted that the student’s passage across the threshold into patient care is accompanied by great responsibilities and expectations. While Dr. Richard Madonna, SUNY’s chairman of clinical education, told the students that with these new expectations comes the need to be “proactive and responsible for your own education.”

Meanwhile, Dr. Jeffry Philpott, SUNY’s vice president for academic affairs, reminded the students that during their first two years at the College they had built strong relationships across the SUNY community that will only continue to grow during the remaining years of their education and beyond.

The ceremony, which took place on Friday, May 17 and lasted about an hour, was followed by a reception for the students and attendees in the College’s new Center for Student Life and Learning.

SUNY Presentations at ARVO 2013 Annual Meeting

Here is a complete list of the posters and presentations by SUNY Optometry faculty and students at ARVO 2013 (SUNY presenters are in bold):

Sherry J. Bass; Anna Wong; Jerome Sherman. (2013) The Dissociation Between the Ganglion Cell Analysis/Ganglion Cell Complex and Peripapillary Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Thickness in Hereditary Retinal Disease. The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO), Seattle, WA, USA 

Alexandra Benavente-Perez; Ann Nour; Luying Yan; Keisha Roden; Kathleen Abarr; David Troilo. Daily interruptions to hyperopic defocus can reduce induced eye growth in marmosets (2013). The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO), Seattle, WA, USA 

Ava K. Bittner; Jeff Gould; Collin Rozanski; Andy Rosenfarb; Marius R. DeJong; Alexandra Benavente-Perez; Gislin Dagnelie. (2013) Visual Function Improvements following Electroacupuncture for Retinitis Pigmentosa. The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO), Seattle, WA, USA 

Stewart A. Bloomfield; Tamas Atlasz; Bela Volgyi; Abram Akopian (2013) Secondary Cell Death of Amacrine Cells Under Excitotoxic and Ischemic Conditions is Mediated by Gap Junctions Formed with Neighboring Ganglion Cells. The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO), Seattle, WA, USA 

Kenneth J. Ciuffreda; Preethi Thiagarajan (2013).Effect of oculomotor rehabilitation on vergence responsivity in mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI.). The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO), Seattle, WA, USA.

Jennifer Gould; Kenneth J. Ciuffreda; Naveen K. Yadav; Preethi Thiagarajan (2013). Effect of Retinal Defocus on Simple Eye-Foot Reaction Time in Traumatic Brain Injury. The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO), Seattle, WA, USA.

Dorothy Hitchmoth; Jerome Sherman (2013). New Potential Biomarker of Neurofibromatosis Type I, discovered with Multi-Spectral Imaging (MSI) of the Retinal Pigment Epithelium (RPE) and Choroid. The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO), Seattle, WA, USA.

Jae-do Kim; Kenneth J. Ciuffreda (2013) Effective amblyopia treatment using near adds spectacle lenses alone. . The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO), Seattle, WA, USA 

Yuanbo Liang; Zhong Lin; Balamurali Vasudevan; Vishal Jhanji; Tieying Gao; Ningli Wang; Kenneth J. Ciuffreda . (2013) Outdoor activity exhibit protective effect for myopia in children having a moderate near workload. The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO), Seattle, WA, USA 

Diana P. Ludlam; Naveen K. Yadav; Kenneth J. Ciuffreda (2013) Effect of Simulated Octant Visual Field Defects on the Visual-Evoked Potential (VEP). . The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO), Seattle, WA, USA 

Sarah MacIver; Jerome Sherman; Natalie Hutchings. (2013) Clinical Utility of Thresholding Segmentation in Ultra-Widefield (Optos®) Fundus Autofluorescence Images. The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO), Seattle, WA, USA 

Jennifer M. Martinez; Hong Zhan Wang; Pallavi V. Mhaske; Caterina Sellitto; Miduturu Srinivas; Richard Z. Lin; Thomas W. White. (2013). Gap junctional conductance produced by Cx50, but not Cx46, is regulated by the PI3K signaling pathway in the lens. The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO), Seattle, WA, USA 

Shira Radner; Robert Ennis; Barry Lee; Mitchell W. Dul; Qasim Zaidi (2013). Adaptation abnormalities in Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma. The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO), Seattle, WA, USA 

Peter S. Reinach; Jacqueline F. Faustino; Monica Alves; Danilo Ribeiro; Jayter S. Paula; Eduardo M. Rocha. (2013) Clinical Correlations Among Dry Eye Tests, Physical And Metabolic Findings In Diabetes Mellitus Patients. . The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO), Seattle, WA, USA 

Jerome Sherman; Daniel Epshtein; Sanjeev Nath; Samantha Slotnick (2013). SD OCT Analysis of Retinal Zones Identified as Abnormal with Ultra-Widefield Autofluorescence. The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO), Seattle, WA, USA 

Samantha Slotnick; Daniel Epshtein; Catherine Awad; Sanjeev Nath; Jerome Sherman (2013) iVue® iWellnessExam™ Retains Highs Sensitivity & Specificity Among Novice Reviewers.  The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO), Seattle, WA, USA.

Preethi Thiagarajan; Kenneth J. Ciuffreda; Diana P. Ludlam; Neera Kapoor; Jose E. Capo-Aponte (2013) Effect of oculomotor rehabilitation on basic versional eye movements and reading in mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO), Seattle, WA, USA.

David Troilo; Li Qin Jiang; Alexandra Benavente-Perez; Xiangtian Zhou; Fan Lu; Jia Qu. (2013). Eye shape and peripheral refraction as predictors of myopia progression in a population of Chinese children. The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO), Seattle, WA, USA 

Kevin T. Willeford; Naveen K. Yadav; Kenneth J. Ciuffreda (2013).Effect of Test Duration on the Visual-Evoked Potential (VEP) and Alpha Wave Responses. . The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO), Seattle, WA, USA 

Naveen K. Yadav; Kenneth J. Ciuffreda (2013) Optimization of Check Size and Contrast on the Visual-Evoked Potential (VEP) in Visually-Normal Individuals. . The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO), Seattle, WA, USA 

Linxi Zhao; Mitchell W. Dul; Jose M. Alonso; Stanley J. Komban; Qasim Zaidi Darks are detected faster and more accurately than lights in normal subjects and patients with moderate glaucoma. The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO), Seattle, WA, USA

UEC partners with InfantSEE to promote pediatric vision care

    Dr. Ida Chung, chief of the UEC's pediatric unit, with Dr. Glen Steele, founder of InfantSEE

For much of the last decade InfantSEE, a public health program managed by Optometry Cares, the philanthropic arm of the American Optometric Association (AOA), has determinedly worked to help make eye and vision care an essential part of infant wellness. Through the program, participating optometrists provide a no-cost, comprehensive assessment to any infant between 6 and 12 months. According to Dr. Ida Chung, chief of the pediatric unit at the University Eye Center (UEC) and one of the organizers of a series of events at SUNY on April 26 designed to promote the program, the UEC has been a strong partner in the InfantSEE program since its inception in 2005. More broadly, Dr. Richard Soden, executive director of the UEC, estimates that the clinic has examined up to one million children during its more-than-four-decades of service to the community. Pediatric services are indeed a major component of the care that is regularly provided at the UEC today.

These two unique events, conducted as part of a four-year, Allergan Foundation-supported campaign to promote InfantSEE at the nation’s schools and colleges of optometry, were organized by members of the SUNY community in conjunction with InfantSEE and the AOA and held at the College’s Schwarz Theatre. A morning panel discussion, which was open to the public and attended by various health care providers, parents and caregivers from throughout the New York City region, focused on the importance of vision and vision-related issues during an infant’s development. InfantSEE founder Dr. Glen Steele, a professor of pediatric optometry at the Southern College of Optometry, began the discussion by highlighting the results of the program to date.

“InfantSEE is about changing lives,” Dr. Steele said, noting that in recent years the program has helped to reveal the startling fact that about one in six infants—and one in four minority infants—show signs of having some sort of eye-related issue.

Many of these issues, however, are able to be successfully treated while the child is still very young. Tim Angerame, a father of triplets from New Jersey who also participated on the panel, discussed how two of his three children had early eye issues that were diagnosed through InfantSEE assessments and ultimately treated by Dr. Andrea Thau, a fellow panelists and an associate professor at SUNY who also runs a successful midtown Manhattan practice. Dr. Thau is a passionate supporter of the program and of pediatric vision care in general.

 Dr. Chung provided pediatric-related statistics from the UEC to help better illustrate the kinds of issues that the clinic has been diagnosing and treating in children in recent years. And Dr. Jennifer Cross, a pediatrician from New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center, also participated on the panel and reinforced the notion that optometrists—along with pediatricians, dentists and other health care professionals—are integral members of the team of care givers that all children should have as they grow.

Rounding out the panelists was actor, singer, entertainer and author Tom Sullivan, a tireless supporter of the InfantSEE program who has been traveling with Dr. Steele to help promote the program, particularly to students at the schools and colleges of optometry across the United States. In the afternoon of April 26 Sullivan performed his unique program of songs and inspirational and often humorous recollections of his childhood growing up visually impaired. 

SUNY Alum Receives International Optometrist of the Year Award

SUNY alum Dr. Jillia Bird with Prof. Brien Holden at the award ceremony

SUNY Optometry graduate, Dr. Jullia Bird (Class '89) of Antigua, W.I., is the recipient of the World Council of Optometry's (WCO) International Optometrist of the Year award. The ceremony to present the award was held April 21, 2013 in Malaga, Spain.  Extremely active in the Caribbean's glaucoma awareness movement, Dr. Bird was also named president of the World Glaucoma Patient Association earlier this year.  She is also a board member of The Glaucoma Foundation in New York and Caribbean Coordinator for the World Glaucoma Week Committee.  Upon graduating from SUNY, Dr. Bird spent two years working with SUNY Stony Brook and later at Barbados Eye Studies in Bridgetown, Barbados before starting a private practice in Antigua.

“In 2007, Jillia founded the Antigua and Barbuda Glaucoma Support Group, a thriving patient support and advocacy group," said Nigel St. Rose in his nomination for Dr. Bird. "The group successfully lobbied Antigua’s government to recognize the public health threat that glaucoma poses to its predominantly African-origin population," he continued. "

“I am deeply humbled to be chosen by the WCO for this prestigious award," Dr. Bird said at the ceremony. "Sight is by far our most precious sense. Each of us holds the potential to raise the world's awareness of avoidable blindness, and in doing so, reduce the current unacceptable global blindness burden.”

Scholarly Activities

In early April 2013, SUNY vision scientist Dr. Kenneth Ciuffreda was the Behavioral Scholar-In-Residence at the New England College of Optometry's (NECO) annual program.  Dr. Ciuffreda lectured to the first, second and third year professional classes and provided CE on optometric vision care in Mild Tramatic Brain Injury (mTBI) and oculomotor rehabilitation in mTBI.  In addition, he participated in a panel discussion about concussions with fellow optometrists and neuropsychologists.

Dr. Ciuffreda received a plaque from NECO honoring his decades of work in vision therapy/neuro-vision rehabilitation in mTBI and related conditions.  This coincided with the 40th anniversery of his graduation from the Massachusetts College of Optometry, now NECO.

In late April, Dr. Ciuffreda was the keynote speaker at the Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation Association's annual meeting in San Diego.  He spoke on his research in mTBI, including oculomotor aspects, visual-evoked responses and a model of optometric vision care in mTBI.  He also received the"Advancement of Science Awarad" for his work in vision-related aspects of mTBI and lectured on how to write clinical research papers.

Later this month, Dr. Ciuffreda will have eight poster presentations on a range of topics, including amblyopia, myopia and mTBI.  His collaborators are from the United States, China and South Korea.

SUNY Optometry Completes VisionWalk

SUNY Optometry participated in the Foundation Fighting Blindness' fundraiser VisionWalk on Saturday, April 20, 2013. It was the largest and most successful New York City VisionWalk in its seven year history. Foundation Fighting Blindness is dedicated to funding research that will lead to the prevention, treatment and cure of hereditary retinal degenerative diseases. 

SUNY's team consisted of over 200 students, faculty, staff and family members--about one-third of the total number of participants at the event. The team raised nearly $9,000, one of the top fundraisers on the day, and took home the highly coveted award for "most team spirit."

The VisionWalk Student Committee worked very hard to make this year's VisionWalk such a great success and they wish to thank Chelsea Stewart, Maegan Sauer, Jenna Blechman, Lisa Lappan and Jen Gould. 

SUNY Optometry looks forward to next year where it expects to field yet another record-breaking team!

!     

We Share the Same Vision

We are a caring community.  That's why we do what we do.

Today, we ask you to share that spirit and help us care for people in our community who need your support...the homebound elderly, the working poor, glaucoma patients or students in financial need.

Your gift to the Optometric Center of New York, the philanthropic arm of the College, will touch someone's life in a meaningful way. You can make your tax deductible gift online.

Thank you in advance for your generosity and support of The Vision & The Promise:  The Campaign for SUNY College of Optometry.

CPE Holds Oral Pharmaceuticals Day at the College

On January 27, the Office of Continuing Professional Education (OCPE) held Oral Pharmaceuticals Day at the College.  Over 150 attendees were at the program which focused on oral pharmaceuticals in eye care.  A Glaucoma Symposium was held at the LaGuardia Marriott Hotel on February 10.  New topics in the diagnosis, therapy and management of glaucoma were emphasized and there were over 100 attendees.  March 7 & 8, the OCPE, in conjunction with the Office of Residency Education, sponsored the annual Residents' Day Program.  14 hours of continuing education credits were provided to over 300 attendees.

Upcoming CE programs include:  Breakfast & Learn on Sunday, May 5 at the College.  Dr. Leon Nehmad and Dr. Andre Stanberry will give a presentation on "Utilization of Imaging and fields in Glaucoma."  Four hours of CPE credit will be offered.  On Sunday, May 18 through Monday, May 20th,the OCPE, in conjunction with Optometry Board Certified, will hold "Essentials in Eye Care:  Comprehensive Board Certification Preparation Program."  Twenty hours of COPE-approved CE credit will be offered over a period of two and a half days at the College.  This program includes online and video access to all course materials, in addition to the on-site education.  For further information, please visit the OPCE website (http://www.sunyopt.edu/education/academics/continuing_professional_education) for further information and registration details.

April FY Eye - Recent Scholarly Publications

Chang, A, Cohen, A.H., Kapoor, N "Top-down visual framework for Optometric Vision Therapy for those with Tramatic Brain Injury, Optometry and Visual Performance: Vol. 1, Issue 2 

DeVivo, A.J, Scheid, T "Anti-inflammatories in Ocular Allergy Treatment," Review of Optometry: February 15, 2013

SUNY Set to Host Event to Promote Pediatric Vision Health

College Announces Speaker and Honorary Degree Recipient for 2013 Commencement

SUNY College of Optometry has announced that Dr. Melvin Shipp (pictured at left) will be the speaker for the 2013 commencement this June. Dr. Shipp has been the dean of The Ohio State University College of Optometry since 2004. In 2011, he was named president of the American Public Health Association (APHA), the first optometrist to lead the world’s oldest, largest and most diverse organization of public health professionals. Prior to his arrival to OSU, Dr. Shipp was a member of the faculty and the assistant dean for clinical services and director of clinics at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UABSO). Dr. Shipp has served as a consultant, panelist and reviewer for several federal institutions notably: the Food and Drug Administration, Health Resources and Services Administration, and National Eye Institute (NEI) of the National Institutes of Health. Dr. Shipp served on the NEI National Advisory Eye Council and was a member of the NEI Planning Committee for the National Eye Health Education Project (NEHEP). Dr. Shipp is also a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry (AAO), and a Diplomate and former Chair of the Public Health and Environmental Optometry Section. Dr. Shipp’s research interests include: the evaluation of the impact of vision related public policy and traffic safety, the reduction of racial and ethnic eye and vision health disparities, and relationships between blood homocysteine levels and premature presbyopia. Dr. Shipp received the Doctor of Optometry (OD) from Indiana University, the Master of Public Health (MPH) from Harvard University, and the Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) from the University of Michigan. Dr. Shipp is only the second optometrist to receive the DrPH degree; he is the first to do so through the highly competitive Pew Health Policy Doctoral Fellowship Program at the University of Michigan.

Dr. Jia Qu (pictured at left), Professor and President of the Wenzhou Medical College (WMC) in Wenzhou, China, will received the honorary degree of Doctor of Science at June's commencement. Dr. Qu has been an intellectual leader in vision research and a visionary in the development of eye care services in China. Dr. Qu’s work, while wide ranging, has focused on myopia development and the genetic basis of ocular diseases including Leber’s Optic Neuropathy and Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Dr. Qu was recognized in 2005 by Zhejiang Province receiving its most “Outstanding Scientist Award”. 

Under Dr. Qu's leadership over the past twenty-five years, WMC has emerged as an intellectual leader nationally and internationally in optometry and ophthalmology. The WMC program has multiple international partners in both the research and education realms and it has been recognized broadly in China not only for its scientific contributions, but also for its innovative efforts to enhance the quality of eye care in China. Dr. Qu currently serves as the Vice-Chair of the Chinese Society of Ophthalmology.

Grants Will Help SUNY Provide Care to New York City’s Homeless Through Unique Partnership

The SUNY College of Optometry is looking to establish a unique partnership with the Bowery Mission in New York City to provide regular vision care for members of the city’s homeless population and two new grants will assist in helping to get the project off the ground.

The Lydia Collins deForest Charitable Trust and The Chatlos Foundation have both provided valuable funding recently to the Optometric Center of New York (OCNY)--the philanthropic arm of the College--which is hoping to gain more support to help build on an existing, volunteer collaboration between faculty and students at the College and the Bowery Mission. Currently student volunteers from the College, coordinated through the Fellowship of Christian Optometrists and supported by an organization called Hope for New York, make regular trips to the Bowery Mission in lower Manhattan on a volunteer basis to provide eye exams and other services, including dispensing eyeglasses free of charge to people who are served by the Mission. These vital services often help many people fulfill their personal goals, often enabling them—thanks to improved eyesight—to peruse job training or computer classes that will put them onto a path toward recovery and steady, gainful employment.  In addition, some patients at the Mission are found to suffer from a variety of sight-threatening conditions such as glaucoma or macular degeneration. Once the team detects these diseases, the patient is usually able to obtain appropriate treatment for their condition.

The OCNY has been actively seeking support to help the volunteer project grow into a regular, College-sanctioned program, as well as to provide equipment and other assistance.

The Lydia Collins deForest Charitable Trust was established in 2002 and generally supports projects in New Jersey although, because of the merits of the Bowery Mission project, they made an exception and decided to offer their support.

The Chatlos Foundation was established by builder and philanthropist William F. Chatlos  and since its founding in 1953, has awarded over $100 million in grants to nearly 7,000 non-profit organizations around the world.

Since its founding in 1956, the OCNY has had an ongoing commitment to the New York community and to the community-at-large. The foundation has stood as a shining example of what cooperation among visionary community leaders in education, business and philanthropy can accomplish. The OCNY’s enduring mission is to sponsor and support professional scholarships and fellowships, vision science research and vision care for those who cannot afford it.

Doing Our Part to Care for Our Community

On March 21 the University Eye Center (UEC) held a glaucoma screening and a patient educational session, free of charge, for anyone in the community.  A large group of New Yorkers took advantage of the opportunity to be examined by UEC doctors and interns and to learn more about this damaging, yet often undiagnosed, disease through a presentation by Dr. Andre Stanberry.

This was just one of the dozens of screenings and educational programs, both within the clinic and throughout the community, that the UEC hosts each year as part of its ongoing commitment to providing care and education to as many people as possible.

"The University Eye Center has had a long-standing dedication to serving the people in our community,” said the UEC’s chief operating officer Liduvina Martinez-Gonzalez. “Our vision screenings and other educational programs demonstrate our strong desire to increase public health awareness about the importance of proper eye care and how the UEC can serve as a resource for their eye and vision care needs.”

In addition to vision screenings, the UEC provides a variety of support groups, including those for people with low vision or individuals who have sustained a traumatic brain injury. There are also support groups that are designed to serve family members of people with low vision or who have sustained brain injuries as well. Educational talks and discussions are also offered on subjects as wide-ranging as learning disabilities, sports vision and pediatric vision health, all done in an effort to educate the community about vision and vision-related health issues--part of the core mission of the institution.

“In addition to being a vital health care facility for the community, we’re also a teaching facility,” said Dr. Richard Soden, the UEC’s executive director. “And we take that commitment to education very seriously. Not only do we want to educate our students and residents but we also want to educate our patients and our community.”

SUNY Optometry In the News: Setting the Stage for Optical Industry Honors

VisionMonday covers OCNY's 2013 "Eyes on New York Gala"

The College Celebrates Opening of the Center for Student Life and Learning

A large crowd was on hand as the SUNY College of Optometry celebrated an historic milestone in its 42-year history on March 14. After more than five years of planning and design—and two years of construction—the three-floor, 20,000 square-foot, state-of-the-art Center for Student Life and Learning officially opened its doors ushering in a new era for students, faculty and staff at the College and the community that it serves.

With SUNY Chancellor Nancy L. Zimpher and Chairman of the SUNY Board of Trustees H. Carl McCall in attendance, SUNY Optometry’s President David A. Heath welcomed the assembled crowd on the third floor, with its vistas of a sun-drenched Bryant Park and Empire State Building, to what he called “a symbol of the SUNY College of Optometry’s commitment to professional excellence and the long-term success of our students."

The Center, which has a sleek, contemporary design, includes a large pre-clinical procedures lab (pictured at left) on the second floor that is designed to prepare students for the latest technological advances in optometry. Each station in the lab contains a fully automated refracting lane as well as instruments that produce digital images of both the front and back of the eye that can be viewed either in real-time at the exam station or stored for later use.  In addition to the lab, the Center contains classroom and study space, as well as a large seminar room and lounges (pictured at right) on the second floor. The Center also includes a major new event and recreation space on the third floor as well as a fitness center on the mezzanine above the third floor.

Chancellor Zimpher noted that the Center creates a “vibrant community” that will not only serve the College well but that also aligns itself perfectly with the “Power of SUNY,” the university system’s strategic plan. Chairman McCall also recognized that the Center will help the College’s doctors and students continue to serve the people of New York as they have for more than four decades.

As part of the event, entrepreneur, philanthropist and artist Gordon Gund unveiled “Dance,” a bronze sculpture that he created and donated for permanent display at the Center. Gund, who is visually impaired, told the gathering that he was proud to have one of his creations housed at the Center, calling it “a great environment for learning and sharing” that will continue to nurture the development of important and vital work related to eye and vision health for generations to come.

Optometric Center of New York Has its Most Successful ‘Eyes on New York’ Gala

“It just keeps getting better every year.”

That is how Dr. David A. Heath, president of the SUNY College of Optometry, described the 10^th Annual ‘Eyes on New York’ gala on March 15 at Cipriani 42^nd Street in midtown Manhattan. It was the largest gathering that the Optometric Center of New York (OCNY), the philanthropic arm of the College, has ever had in its decade-long history of doing the marquee fundraiser.

This year’s honorees, John Carrier, president and CEO of Essilor of America, and Jim Murphy, vice president and general manager of US Vision Care at Alcon Laboratories, elicited a particularly strong presence from the ophthalmic community which had descended on New York for the annual Vision Expo East, an international meeting and exposition.

The camaraderie was particularly evident during the gracious, yet humorous, introductions of each honoree by each event co-chair. When Marc Ferrara, CEO of the Information Services Division of Jobson introduced John Carrier, Ferrara noted Carrier’s love of the outdoors and an active lifestyle, he then joked that he must have a body-double who actually spends time at the Dallas headquarters of Essilor given his ability to accomplish so much in both his career and with his family. Meanwhile, co-chair David Plogmann, senior vice president at Luxottica Retail, offered teasing remarks about what a revelation it was for honoree Jim Murphy to get his first contact lens in high school. The playful banter had the gathered crowd chuckling but there was clearly a deep respect for both of these distinguished professionals.

Both honorees focused their remarks on the ophthalmic industry’s ultimately altruistic purpose. “We have so much more opportunity to help people,” Carrier said during his acceptance speech, noting that everyone in the room that evening plays some unique role to help achieve that goal.

Referring to a six-minute video—produced by OCNY and shown at the gala—highlighting some of the ways in which OCNY, SUNY College of Optometry and its University Eye Center (UEC) help the community, Jim Murphy said that “the video really speaks to why we are all here.”

Richard Feinbloom, the president of OCNY, offered his gratitude to his fellow trustees as well as members of the greater ophthalmic community. In addition, he thanked the faculty, staff and doctors at the College and the UEC for their work in educating vision health professionals and caring for the community.

Check out some of the photos from the night below:

SUNY Optometry To Participate in VisionWalk

Vision Walk 2013 will be held Saturday, April 20, in Central Park at 9 AM.  The organizers of the SUNY Optometry team are looking to set a record for the largest team ever in VisionWalk's history.  More than 288 people are needed to achieve this feat.  Anyone interested in participating can click here to sign up and purchase a student-designed T-shirt to walk with the team. 

If you have any questions, contact Dr. Susan P. Schuettenberg, Associate Clinical Professor at 212-938-4161.

FT Eye Newsletter

Recent Issues

http://us6.campaign-archive1.com/home/?u=cf0dfda9f23d312aa2b16caf1&id=01dd204c94

Past issues

http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs059/1101825906496/archive/1101915784248.html

A Visitor to New York City Finds Relief at the UEC

Dawn K. was visiting New York City for the weekend from the Midwest last January when she started to feel as if she’d gotten something in her eye. The sensation and irritation continued to get worse as the night wore on.

“I cannot tell you how many times I got up during the night trying to flush my eye out,” she said. “I woke up the next morning with my eye swollen, red and in pain.”

Dawn and the concierge at her Times Square hotel went to work that Saturday morning trying to find an eye doctor with an available appointment. At the height of flu season, Dawn was hesitant to go to the hospital emergency room and wait for hours. She was hoping to see a specialist.

“Then I remembered that when I was walking around the area I had seen the SUNY College of Optometry,” she said. “I called and they said that the clinic was open but fully booked.”

But when Dawn explained to the University Eye Center (UEC) employee on the other end of the phone that she was from out of town and was at a loss as to where to go or what to do about her worsening condition, the UEC was able to be accommodated with an appointment an hour later.

Dawn, like all patients at the UEC, was given the highest level of care. After receiving a thorough exam by one of the doctors she was diagnosed and received a prescription for her condition. She was even directed to the nearest pharmacy only a couple of blocks away. The UEC doctor also took the time to write a letter to Dawn’s own optometrists back home to explain her diagnosis and the treatment plan that was prescribed.

“The help, patience and consideration I was shown [at the UEC] must be commended,” Dawn said after she returned home from her trip to New York grateful for the prompt and professional care she received at the UEC.

SIVR Colloquia

Redirecting...

A Culinary Vision

Calling all cooks!  Please start collecting your favorite recipes for inclusion in the first SUNY Optometry Faculty/Staff cookbook, A Culinary Vision.  Stay tuned for information about how you can submit recipes for this fund-raising effort in support of The Vision and the Promise Campaign. Contact Associate Director of Development, Pamela Lederman (plederman@sunyopt.edu) for more information.

SUNY Professor Receives Support for Major Research Project

Alexandra Benavente-Perez, MCOptom, PhD is conducting a $1.6 million five-year research project, supported by funding from Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc. (JJVCI) to do experimental research on contact lens designs for myopia control.  Dr. Benavente is an Assistant Clinical Professor at the College and an investigator in the Clinical Vision Research Center. 

“We are very excited to be collaborating with SUNY on this project” said Dr Noel Brennan, Emerging Technologies Platform Lead for Myopia Control at JJVCI.  “This research group is held in the highest esteem and we look forward to seeing this research contribute to our history of groundbreaking new products”. 

SUNY's Vice President and Dean for Academic Affairs, David Troilo, who will oversee and consult on the project, adds, “SUNY Optometry is pleased to be partnering with Johnson & Johnson Vision Care on this important project.  We are happy to be a part of JJVCI's concerted efforts to reduce myopia and control its progression around the world.”

SUNY Alum Named Dean of the Michigan College of Optometry

Dr. David Damari, (SUNY class of 1988), was recently been appointed dean of the Michigan College of Optometry at Ferris State University (MCO), effective on March 28. Damari had previously served as chair of the Department of Assessment and professor at Southern College of Optometry (SCO) in Memphis, TN. Since 1995, he has been a national consultant on visual disabilities. He is the former chair of the Department of Optometry at SCO where he received the President’s Special Recognition Award.

Prior to joining SCO, Damari worked in private practice in New York and served as an Assistant Clinical Professor at SUNY. He also completed a residency at SUNY in 1989.

“Dr.Damari has passion for the profession of optometry and a keen awareness of the changes that will occur in heathcare and healthcare education over the next few decades,” said Fritz Erickson, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs at MCO. 

To see the latest issue of FocalPoint, the SUNY Optometry Alumni Association newsletter, click here

March FY EYE - Recent Scholarly Publications

Bevacizumab “Loaded Polyurethane Subconjunctival Implants: Effects on Experimental Glaucoma Filtration Surgery,” J Ocul Pharmacol Ther: 2013 Feb 7.

Richdale K, Bailey MD, Sinnott LT, Kao CY, Zadnik K, Bullimore MA. “The Effect of Phenylephrine on the Ciliary Muscle and Accommodation,” Optometry and Vision Science: 89(10)1507-1511.

Richdale K, Sinnott, LT,  Bullimore MA, Wassenaar PA, Schmalbrock P, Kao CY, Patz S, Mutti D, Glasser A, Zadnik K. “Quantification of Age-Related and per Diopter Accommodative Changes of the Lens and Ciliary Muscle in the Emmetropic Human Eye,”  Investigative Ophthalmology and Vision Science: 54(2)1095-1105.

Rocha EM, Paula JS, Reinach PS. “Punctal occlusion in Sjögren's syndrome needs clarification,” Nature Reviews Rheumatology: 2012 Dec, 8(12):752.

Yang Y, Yang H, Wang Z, Okada Y, Saika S, Reinach PS. “Dependence of corneal epithelial homeostasis on transient receptor potential function,” The Ocular Surface: 2013 Jan: 11(1):8-11. doi: 10.1016/j.jtos.2012.09.001. Epub 2012 Sep 10.

Yang Y, Yang H, Wang Z, Mergler S, Wolosin JM, Reinach PS."Functional  TRPV1 expression in human corneal fibroblasts," Exp Eye Res. 2013Feb, 107:121-9.

Yang Y, Yang H, Wang Z, Varadaraj K, Kumari SS, Mergler S, Okada Y, Saika S, Kingsley PJ, Marnett LJ, Reinach PS, "Cannabinoid receptor 1 suppresses transient receptor potential vanilloid 1-induced inflammatory responses to corneal injury.” Cellular Signalling: 2013 Feb;25(2):501-11. doi: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2012.10.015. Epub 2012 Nov 8.

SUNY Student Develops Blind Art Project for UEC Patients

Shaista Vally, (SUNY class of 2015), was recently awarded a grant from the Optometric Center of New York to fund a proposed blind art program. The program will consist of four free art workshops, focused on touch and texture, for visually impaired adults. Sighted volunteers will be paired with each participant to act as artist assistants and aide in tasks that require vision, but the assistants will not impose on the creative process.

Vally hopes to make art accessible to the visually impaired community by teaching them how to express themselves and communicate with others through tactile media. While she attended the University of California at Berkeley as an undergraduate student Vally worked as a teaching assistant for a course called, “Art, Medicine, and Disability” which inspired her and provided her with the opportunity to research and design a unique art program for the visually impaired. Vally then piloted the curriculum at the Hatlen Center for the Blind in California.

Following her success at Hatlen, Vally was eager to implement a similar class at SUNY.  The workshops are expected to take place on Saturdays this June and participants will be able to register for the program beginning in April.

An accomplished artist herself, Vally’s work is currently on display at SUNY’s Harold Kohn Vision Science Library as well as at Park Slope Eye in Brooklyn. Vally will also be giving a lecture on her artwork, as well as her involvement in the visually impaired community, and her new blind art program on March 22, 2013 at noon in Room 206 at the College.

For more information r volunteer, please contact Shaista Vally at svally@sunyopt.edu.

SUNY Optometry’s next Open House will be held on Thursday, May 30th

SUNY Optometry's next Open House will be held on Thursday, May 30, 2013, from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. (registration begins at 9 a.m.). Please RSVP to Admissions@sunyopt.edu with your name and email address and your number of guests. There is a limit of 2 guests per person.

SUNY Optometry Signs Agreement with Empire State to Develop Unique OD/Graduate Business Program

In a first-of-its-kind agreement, the SUNY College of Optometry and SUNY Empire State College, a statewide Institution that focuses on nontraditional teaching and learning, have signed an agreement to jointly develop and deliver an advanced graduate certificate in optometry business management. The 18-credit, six-course certificate will be fully applicable to the MBA program offered through SUNY Empire State College’s School for Graduate Studies. 

(L-R) Empire State Acting President Meg Benkey, SUNY Chancellor Nancy Zimpher and President David Heath at a recent event

Development of this new joint program is a response to an increased interest from optometry students in recent years for an advanced business education that will complement their clinical training and help them prepare for the demands of managing organizations or working with corporations and government agencies on health care-related issues. 

While dozens of medical, dental and other professional clinical educational institutions in the United States have introduced joint clinical/business education programs over the last decade, this partnership between SUNY College of Optometry and SUNY Empire State College would create the first such joint program to be offered by a school of optometry in the United States. 

“While it’s clear that there is a growing demand from incoming students for a business education that will complement the clinical education that they receive here, the timeliness of such a program is even more fortuitous given the acceleration of healthcare reform on the horizon and what that will mean in terms of the practical application of optometry,” said Dr. David A. Heath, president of SUNY College of Optometry.   

“Working together to promote high-quality graduate education creates connections among the two college’s faculty, greater access and opportunity for students and sets out a path for possible future collaboration,” said Meg Benke, acting president of SUNY Empire State College. “Development of a new joint graduate certificate, fully applicable to an MBA, is an example of sharing resources and it’s what SUNY “systemness” is really all about.” 

SUNY College of Optometry, which offers one of the most competitive optometric education programs in the country, currently graduates approximately 75 ODs each year and this new joint program represents the continued commitment of the college to the career development of its graduates. Recently the college established the Career Development Center specifically designed to help students and graduates achieve their career goals.  

SUNY Empire State College’s School for Graduate Studies offers nine graduate certificates, six of which are applicable to the college’s MBA program. This joint program would be the seventh. Four of the six courses would be delivered to College of Optometry students online by Empire State College and two will be from SUNY Optometry's OD curriculum. SUNY Empire State College’s non-centralized, statewide campus system and its commitment to online instruction, helped to make it an excellent fit for a partnership with SUNY Optometry’s busy students. 

"The new certificate program will leverage the strengths of both institutions and makes effective use of the existing SUNY resources," said Tai Arnold, acting dean of SUNY Empire State College's School for Graduate Studies. "I commend the College of Optometry's leadership and Empire State College's graduate business faculty for creative collaboration that will meet the needs of SUNY Optometry students and alumni." 

“The teaching models at Empire State provide our students with a lot of flexibility,” said Dr. David Troilo, the SUNY College of Optometry’s vice president and dean for academic affairs, who played a key role in establishing the agreement between the two institutions. “For students like ours with clinical training that involves such rigorous time demands we needed to partner with an institution that could offer the learning options that Empire has available.” 

Once the certificate program has been developed, it will be submitted to the SUNY Board of Trustees and, if approved, the program then will be reviewed by the state Department of Education.

SUNY Alum Receives Prestigious Award

Dr. Jillia Bird, (SUNY Optometry, Class of 1989) is this year's recipient of the World Council of Optometry's (WCO) International Optometrist Award which will be announced next month at the WCO Annual Congress in Malaga, Spain. The International Optometrist Award recognizes doctors who make outstanding contributions to the development of optometry worldwide as well as within their own communities.

With a thriving practice in her native Antigua, Dr. Bird is extremely active in the Caribbean's glaucoma awareness movement. Earlier this year Dr. Bird was named president of the World Glaucoma Patient Association. She is also a member of the board of trustees for the Glaucoma Foundation in New York, as well as the Caribbean Coordinator for the World Glaucoma Week Committee.

“I want to tell the nation and the Caribbean at large that glaucoma is our problem, glaucoma is a silent disorder that people do not realize they suffer from until very late in the disease,” Dr Bird told the Antigua Observer in an article recently published by the newspaper.

Clinical Vision Research Center Celebrates its Opening

Surrounded by key administrators and faculty members from both the College and the University Eye Center, as well as trustees from the Optometric Center of New York foundation, the Clinical Vision Research Center (CVRC) officially opened its vibrant new facility on the evening of February 13, 2013.

“Nowhere do the missions of our institution—education, research and patient care—come together so clearly than at the CVRC,” said David Troilo, SUNY Optometry’s vice president and dean for academic affairs, during the event.  The CVRC’s mission is to provide a dynamic, patient-based research environment where advanced treatments can be rapidly tested and applied to enhance patient care. The Center will partner with industry, government and foundations to help fund the research that it carries out and will help shape future practice.  The Center’s core research team will be responsible for securing, initiating and overseeing clinical research within the College and making certain that studies are implemented and executed according to current research guidelines. The CVRC will also take a lead role in mentoring faculty, students and staff who are interested in conducting clinical research.

SUNY Optometry president David Heath noted that the presence of the CVRC will help to raise the profile of research being conducted at the College. “Research is a priority of this institution—part of our mission,” he said. “And I have no doubt that the early successes that we’ve had in this area will become greater successes in the future thanks to the CVRC.”

Kathryn Richdale, who was officially named the Founding Director of the Clinical Vision Research Center, offered her sincere gratitude to the entire College community for their strong support in helping to make the CVRC possible.

“It is clear to me,” Richdale said, “that clinical research is a priority here at SUNY.”

Meanwhile, Sara Meeder, the clinical research manager who will handle the day-to-day operations of the CVRC, introduced a unique aspect of the new space: a revolving art exhibit.

“The purpose of the exhibit is to help get the community involved with our research,” Meeder said. The initial exhibit, which will run through June, is by Arlene Gale Milgram, a painter and mixed-media artists from Trenton, NJ. In her exhibit, Milgram has included pieces that were created prior to and after cataract surgery. Meeder noted that all artists exhibited at the CVRC will have had direct experience with eye and vision-related issues.

The CVRC, which is located on the eighth floor of the SUNY College of Optometry building, in the heart of the University Eye Center, has hit the ground running. The Center is already hard at work on several studies, including contact lens and amblyopia research for children and adults.

For more information about the CVRC and its current studies visit: http://www.sunyopt.edu/cvrc   

Faculty & Staff Campaign reaches 44 percent!

As of the end of 2012, the Faculty/Staff Campaign has reached 44 percent participation, with a total of $59,123.33 contributed by the members of the faculty and staff at the SUNY College of Optometry. Thanks to everyone who helped us reach this significant milestone.  This number includes 11 faculty and staff who support the campaign through payroll deduction.  If you are a member of the faculty and staff and wish to contribute to this valuable and important campaign, please feel free to contact Ann Warwick’s office at ext. 5600 to ask about this increasingly popular way to give. Stay tuned for interesting projects and ways to give in 2013.

Thank you to our donors!
 

Scholarly Publications - December/January

Nolan, Ann, Delshad, Rebecca, Sedgwick, Harold, A.  "Compression of Perceived Depth as a Function of Viewing Conditions."  Optometry and Vision Science, December 2012, 89, 12: 1757-67.

Lin, Zhong, Vasudevan, Balamurali, Liang, Yuan Bo, Zhang, Yi Cao, Qiao, Li Ya, Rong, Shi Song, Li, Si Zhen, Wang, Ning Li, Ciuffreda, Kenneth, J. "Baseline Characteristics of Nearwork-Induced Transient Myopia." Optometry and Vision Science, December 2012, 89, 12: 1725-33.

Soroka, M. and Heath, DA.  "Planning for the Supply of Optometrists." Optometry, Vol 83(6) 263-277, June 2012

(SUNY authors are underlined)

SUNY students and faculty make a difference in Rwanda

Fourth year OD student Julia Canestraro recently returned from a Student Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity (SVOSH) volunteer trip to a refugee camp in Rwanda along with fellow student Quy Nguyen and SUNY alum and faculty member Dr. Andre Stanberry. Read Julia’s first-person account of the trip below: 

As our plane landed onto African soil, I was overcome by a sense of excitement and uncertainty. This was my first time in Rwanda and I hadn’t the slightest idea as to what I should expect. My uncertainties were soon alleviated as we were greeted by a group of volunteers smiling and waving at us, holding a SVOSH-ARC sign. At our welcome meeting, we were informed that we were going to be involved in a groundbreaking venture! This was the first time that any VOSH-related organization would be entering a refugee camp and our new partnership with the ARC (American Refugee Committee) made this a possibility. The ARC is responsible for providing shelter and sanitation, among other essentials, to refugees around the globe and they were equally excited to be partnering with VOSH for this trip.

The next day, we headed one hour north of Kigali to the Gihembe refugee camp located in the mountainous terrain of Rwanda. We pulled into the camp and saw thousands of clay homes topped with metal roofs, which house approximately 13,000 refugees. Children began to chase our van, screaming and waving with excitement. Everyone turned to watch us enter as they had been expecting us for weeks. We started the clinic right away and with 6 other eye care professionals and 20 volunteers, we were able to see approximately 3,850 patients in six days of hard work. We met and worked alongside many wonderful people, all of whom who had been affected by the genocide in Rwanda and the current conflicts in the Democratic Republic of Congo. We brought thousands of pairs of glasses and over $150,000 worth of medications to distribute to the community. We were even able to fund surgical procedures for 30 patients who were at risk for losing their sight. Working alongside my peer, Quy Nguyen and our mentor Dr. Andre Stanberry, I learned a tremendous amount and it is an experience that every optometrist should have the opportunity to partake in. The week was physically and emotionally draining but I would do it one hundred times over if it meant making a difference in the lives of thousands. 

UEC becomes even more accessible

As a result of a three-year effort from a collection of people within the SUNY community, the New York City government as well as the tireless work of long-time UEC patient and advocate Luda Demikhovskaya (pictured), the University Eye Center is now more accessible for its patients with mobility issues.

Three years ago a traffic light and crosswalk were installed on 42^nd Street, between Fifth and Sixth Avenues, between Bryant Park and the UEC. However, individuals in wheelchairs, or with mobility issues, often had difficulty gaining access to the UEC at this location due to the fact that there was no curb ramp on the north side of the street. Demikhovskaya, in her role as board member of Disability in Action, an organization that has worked on behalf of people with disabilities in New York City for more than four decades, went to work. After contacting a range of individuals from city government and SUNY, Demikhovskaya was able to draw attention to the issue and get it resolved.

“Many New York City residents and visitors with mobility and vision disabilities will now be able to cross the street safely,” said Demikhovskaya. “Without the help of the SUNY community, this project would not have gone so smoothly.”

SUNY student earns prestigious AAO fellowship

Fourth year OD student Joanne Malek recently earned one of fewer than 200 Student Fellowships from the American Academy of Optometry (AAO). This new fellowship program, now in its second year, was established by the AAO as a way of provide motivated optometry students with the opportunity to fully experience the organization’s annual meeting and all of the benefits that it offers to gain knowledge and insight through lectures, workshops, posters and networking.

To achieve this fellowship, Joanne attended a variety of continuing education, scientific talks and poster, plenary sessions, section/SIG symposiums and even the business meeting. Joanne also presented results from her research on stereo acuity, conducted in Dr. Ben Backus's lab, at the AAO meeting.

For more information on the AAO Student Fellowship please click here. 

In addition, at the AAO annual meeting last October, two SUNY professors, Dr. Rebecca Marinoff and Dr. Hadassa Rutman, became fellows of the Academy.

For a complete list of SUNY presentations at the 2012 annual Academy meeting please click here.

Endowed Scholarship Established for Dr. Harold A. Solan

Thanks to the generosity of the family, friends and colleagues of Dr. Harold A. Solan, a new endowed scholarship has been established in his memory at the SUNY College of Optometry.

With gifts exceeding $25,000—including a large gift from the family of Dr. Solan—the inaugural Harold A. Solan Memorial Scholarship will be awarded by the Optometric Center of New York, the foundation of the SUNY College of Optometry, to a third-year student at the College next fall. The scholarship will focus on students who have a financial need and demonstrate proficiency and compassion in working with children, as well as a strong desire to practice pediatric optometry after graduation.

Dr. Solan, who passed away last summer at the age of 90, was “a giant in optometry,” according to his long-time friend and fellow Distinguished Service Professor Emeritus at SUNY, Dr. Irwin Suchoff. “His research brought functional/development vision to the level it is today.”

During Dr. Solan’s long and productive career he helped to identify functional vision as an important but generally unrecognized factor in academic performance and encouraged vision therapy as an effective means of correcting such functional vision problems.

Joining the SUNY College of Optometry faculty in the 1980s, Dr. Solan was the director of the College’s Learning Disabilities Unit for 11 years beginning in 1981. He formally joined SUNY’s research program in 1988, allowing him to turn his attention nearly full time to studying developmental vision and spreading the word about vision therapy to both eye care practitioners and educators. Dr. Solan continued to conduct research and education programs on developmental vision until well after his official retirement.

Dr. Solan was inducted into the National Optometry Hall of Fame in 2003. The SUNY College of Optometry named him a Distinguished Service Professor in 1994. He was a fellow of the American Academy of Optometry and College of Optometrists in Vision Development as well a life member of the American Optometric Association.

“My father devoted much of his life studying the relationship between the eye and brain in order to help children overcome difficulties in learning,” his son Lawrence Solan said in a statement about the new scholarship. “Our family is proud to initiate this scholarship as a way of providing some assistance to optometric students who show a similar commitment.”

For more information, or to make a contribution to the Solan Memorial Scholarship fund, contact Ann Warwick, Executive Director of the Optometric Center of New York at 212.938.5600 or awarwick@sunyopt.edu

SUNY College of Optometry Career Symposium Emphasizes Emerging Trends

Despite a severe snowstorm that struck the region, more than 150 optometry students, residents, alumni, faculty and others gathered at the SUNY College of Optometry on Sunday, February 10, for the 2^nd Annual Career Symposium: Emerging Trends and Practices in Optometry.

The sessions and talks at the day-long symposium, which was organized by the College’s Career Development Center, focused sharply on the theme of new developments within the optometric industry.  Attendees were urged to advocate for their profession and engage in greater collaboration with their colleagues across the healthcare spectrum as a way to help ensure a prominent future for the profession. This idea was reinforced strongly by the symposium’s keynote speaker, Dr. Melvin Shipp (pictured at left), Dean of The Ohio State University College of Optometry and the Immediate Past President of the American Public Health Association (APHA), the first optometrist to head the preeminent organization for public health professionals in the country.

“Optometrists are part of a healthcare team,” Dr. Shipp said in his speech, but “unfortunately, as a young profession, optometry is not well understood.” He then implored the audience to take it upon themselves to educate and inform members of the broader healthcare community by advocating for optometry and demonstrating the value that optometrists provide for their communities.

SUNY College of Optometry President, Dr. David Heath noted during his opening remarks that optometrist can no longer afford to think solely about optometry. Instead optometrists must integrate their work into the broader healthcare system.

Meanwhile, SUNY’s Vice President for Student Affairs, Dr. Jeffrey Philpott stressed the importance of community in his remarks at the symposium. “As you move through this day,” he told attendees that morning, “I would like you to be very mindful of the intersection that exists between your individual career and your professional community.”

The symposium’s sessions were divided into three distinct areas of focus: research and technology, practice and career development and policy. From the implications of the Affordable Care Act and sorting out the maze of professional and regulatory organizations, to providing important knowledge about establishing and promoting a practice through social media and creating a fresh CV, each session was filled with practical information that that attendees could use to help establish, and continue to develop, their careers now and into the future.

“As a First Year student it was a great opportunity to learn about different modes of practice and different things that I might want to think about as I go through my years here,” said Sandhya Ramsook. “It was a very useful experience.”

Dr. Diane Russo, a 2010 graduate of SUNY and one of the presenters at this year’s symposium, also found the experience useful for her own career development. “There was a lot of relevant information today for me and my career,” she said.

“The annual symposium is our way of demonstrating how committed we are to helping our students and alumni be successful in their careers,” said Francisco Lucio, J.D., SUNY Optometry’s Director of Career Development and Minority Enrichment who spearheaded the organization of Sunday’s Symposium.

***

To watch video reactions from the symposium visit: http://youtu.be/J8eom1GtCN4 and http://youtu.be/qEX6-RCMUS4.

Top Students Awarded Merit Scholarships

Thanks to the generous support of two foundations that have a longstanding relationship with the College, ten exceptionally talented First Year OD students received scholarships at a luncheon presentation in the president’s suite on Tuesday, November 27.

For many years the two philanthropic organizations—the Adolph and Ruth Schnurmacher Foundation and the Charles and Mildred Schnurmacher Foundation—have provided financial assistance to a variety of organizations that focus on enhancing and improving the lives of people throughout the United States. The College has been a long-time recipient of their generosity, part of which is used to provide $1,500 merit scholarships to 10 high-achieving students from each OD class. The luncheon was designed to specifically recognize the First Year students and acknowledge their outstanding accomplishments. “These two foundations have been a regular source of support for the College for a long time,” said Ann Warwick, Vice President for Institutional Advancement and Executive Director of the Optometric Center. “We’ve had a fruitful partnership that has really benefited our students for many years.”

Noting that the group of eight female and two male students had arrived at the College from a wide variety of geographical locations, Dr. Jeffrey Philpott, Vice President for Student Affairs, recognized that it was this geographical diversity that helps to make SUNY a standout institution. “We are a collection of the best and the brightest students from everywhere,” he said.

College president Dr. David Heath remarked that that grants and scholarships like the ones offered by the Schnurmacher foundations, at least in part, help to make SUNY graduates some of the least indebted among their peers at optometry schools across the nation.

“Our hope is that in twenty years or so, when you’re all very successful in your careers, that you’ll remember back to your days as an optometry student and repay the favor with your own valuable support to the next generation of students,” Heath said.

In addition to their ongoing grant support to students, the Schnurmacher foundations have also assisted in facilitating research efforts at the College. Nearly three decades ago they helped to establish the Adolph and Ruth Schnurmacher Institute for Vision Research which engages in a wide variety of projects including coordinating a colloquium series and supporting a range of innovative vision science research projects. Dr. David Troilo, Vice President and Dean for Academic Affairs, reminded the scholarship recipients about the legacy that the Schnurmacher’s have with the institute and invited them all to attend the colloquia and the other events it regularly offers.

With their scholarships in hand, Philpott urged these exceptional students to build on their success at the College and work hard to become future leaders in optometry and the vision sciences. “By doing this,” he said, “you will become the best representatives of SUNY that we could ever hope for.”

SUNY Presentations at the 2012 Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Optometry

This year the College had a broad number of faculty, residents and students participate in the 2012 Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Optometry.  Last month's issue highlighted those students and the title of their presentations who received travel fellowships to attend the Academy.  Below is a listing of faculty who participated through papers, presentations and/or posters:

Rapp, J.  "Nutritional and Biochemical Implications in Systemic Disease"

Wagner, H. and Richdale, K.  "Age-Related Differences in Behavior, Environmental Factors and General Health Status of Contact Lens Wearers".

Richdale, K.  "Development of a Contact Lens Risk Assessment Survey."

Bass, S.J., Wong, A. and Sherman, J.  "The Dissociation Between the Ganglion Cell Complex/Analysis and Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Thickness in Hereditary Retinal Disease".

Nehmad, L. and Appel, J.  "Evaluation of a New Clinical Education Training Program for 3rd Year Optometry Students".

Vasudevan, B. and Ciuffreda, K.  "Nearwork-induced Transient Myopia (NITM) among School Children and Parental Refractive Error".

Rosenfield, M. and Saa, G.  "Reading from an I-Pod versus Hardcopy Text".

Ciuffreda, K., Gould, J., Yadav, N. and Thiagarajan, P.  "Retinal Defocus and Eye-Hand Reaction Time in Mild Traumatic Brain Injury".

Chung, I.  "A Model of Inter-Institutional Collaboration using Technology for Schools and Colleges of Optometry".

Swanson, W. and Dul, M.  "Baseline Data from a Multi-Center Longitudinal Glaucoma Study".

Epshtein, D., Nath, S., Yusup, E. and Sherman, J.  "VEP and Objective Pupillary Testing Correlates".

Stiles, N. and Dul, M.  "Differences in Non-neural Component of Superior Temporal and Inferior Temporal Sectors of Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer".

Lee, Y., Woi, V., and Libassi, D.  "Pediataric APHAKIC Contact Lens Fitting for Lowe Syndrome".

Kochurova, O., Portello, J. and Rosenfield, M.  "Is the 3X Rule Appropriate for Computer Users?"

Dul, M.  "Optimizing Contrast Sensitivity Perimetry for Clinical Use:  Reducing Age".

MacIver, S., Slotnick, S., Bass, S.J. and Sherman, J.  "Clinical Utility of Panoramic Autoflourescence in Patients with Reduced VA".

Appel, J.  "Mumps Induced Corneal Endothelitis:  Public Health Issue?"

Kahen-Kashi, S., Kwong, K. and Canellos, H.  "Chromosome 18P Deletion Syndrome:  A Case of Blepharo, Facial and Laryngeal Spasm".

Madonna, R.  "Diagnosis Patterns and Prevalence of Diabetic Macular Edema:  Results from the 2005-2008 National Health and Nutrition Exam".

MacIver, S. and Sherman, J.  "Quantification of Areas of Hyperflourescence in Ultra-Wide Field AutoFlourescence Images in Normal and Diseased Eyes".

Pikus, O. and Canellos, H.  "Neurodegenerative Disease:  Cause for Chronic Red Eye".

Lam, A., Troilo, D. and Richdale, K.  "Ocular Dimensions of Adults with Different Refractive States".

Epshtein, D. and Sherman, J.  "Exploring Correlates in Fundus Auto Flourescence and SD-OCT".

Sherman, J., Nath, S., Yusup, E. and Epshtein, D.  "Comprehensive Posterior Segment Imaging in a Case of Neurofibromatous with Multi-Spectral and Ultra-Widefield Imaging".

Malek, J.  "Stereoacuity Learning in Children and Adults".

Heath, D.  "Evolution of Competency:  Post-Licensure Assessment (Symposium)".

2012 Annual Envision New York Held

The 11th Annual Envision New York program, which returned to the College as its venue, was held October 20 - 22, 2012.  Sponsored by the Office of Continuing Professional Education, the program offered a broad array of courses that included more than 40 CE hours.  Many notable faculty and invited speakers were featured, including Dr. Melton and Dr. Thomas who were on a symposium entitled "The State of Therapeutics in Eye Care" led by the Ocular Surface Society of Optometry and a New York State Low Vision Certification course.  For the first time, on-line registration was available.  457 doctors representing 22 states, Bermuda and Puerto Rico attended Envision.

Upcoming CE programs include: 

• Annual SUNY Orals Day on January 27, 2013 at the College;
• the Annual Glaucoma Symposium on February 10, 2013 at the LaGuardia Marriott, and,
• the Annual Residents' Program. March 7-8, 2013 at the College.

SUNY Optometry Administration Attend 100th Anniversary of China Affiliate

November 17, 2012 marked the 100th Anniversary of the founding of Wenzhou Medical College in Wenzhou, China.  President Heath and Dr. Heiberger, Director of International Programs, represented SUNY Optometry at the event, entitled "2012 International Cooperation Forum".

The Wenzhou Medical College takes great pride on its affiliations with institutions outside of China.  The event also celebrated 20 years of affiliation with the New England College of Optometry and the fifth year of its affiliation with the SUNY College of Optometry.

During the past five years, SUNY and Wenzhou Medical College have achieved successful funding of two major projects.  A three-year grant for the establishment of a Center of Excellence in Low Vision and Vision Rehabilitation at Wenzhou Medical College was received from the Lavelle Fund for the Blind in 2009 and a second three-year grant to enhance low vision services at Wenzhou, as well as to disseminate to other locations in China educatiaon in the provision of low vision and vision rehabilitative services.  SUNY Optometry also has been receiving funding for the past three years for a Confucius Institute at the College in New York City with Wenzhou Medical College being the partner institution in China.  Confucius institutes are funded worldwide by the Chinese government to promote Chinese language and culture.

The celebratory event included speakers from the China Ministry of Health, Wenzhou Medical College, Burapha and Chiang Mai Universities in Thailand, as well as, from institutions in France, Sweden and the US.  President Heath moderated a panel discussion on the first day of the conference and also delivered a major presentation entitled, "Innovation Through Collaboration:  The Wenzhou Medical College and the State University of New York College of Optometry".  Dr. Heiberger also gave a presentation entitled "Educational and Cultural Aspects of An International Affiliation".

The Vision and the Promise Campaign Needs Your Support!

If you have not already done so, please consider making a year-end gift to support The Vision and the Promise Campaign.  You can direct how your donation will be used.  Funds can be unrestricted, which means they are used where there is the greatest need, or you can restrict your donation to a particular program area.  Please feel free to contact Ann Warwick's office at 212-938-5600 with any questions.

Special thanks to recent donors:

• The Charles and Mildred Schnurmacher Foundation:  $30,000 in scholarship support, plus $10,000 for Canadian scholarship match;
• The Adolph and Ruth Schnurmacher Foundation:  $30,000 in scholarship support, plus $10,000 for Canadian scholarship match;
• The Gordon and Llura Gund Foundation:  $10,000 in unrestricted support;
• The Hugoton Foundation:  $5,000 for equipment - in memory of Wallace Gilroy, and
• Ms. Nadine Lee:  $500 in unrestricted support.

SUNY Faculty and Son Does Mission in Peru

Dr. Paul Galstian, an Assistant Clinical Professor at the College and an Associate Doctor at Ophthalmic Consultants of Long Island, and his teenage son, Andrew, recently returned from a Medical Mission in Peru.  The mission was organized and run by Stony Brook Medical School.  Dr. Galstian and Andrew were joined by 18 medical students, a pediatrician and an internist.  The group examined patients throughout the Sacred Valley of Peru in orphanages and classrooms at elevations as high at 18,000 feet above sea level.  A Long Island ophthalmologist performed 36 cataract surgeries the week before.  Dr. Galstian performed the post-operative visits, as well as many other exams while supervising medical students.  Andrew helped his father in the eye clinic with fitting children with hundreds of shoes donated by Tom's Shoes.  The trip was a rewarding experience to help poor people and to see a beautiful country in a ways that few tourists have the opportunity.  The group is looking for two optometrists for next July's [2013] Mission.  Further information on this mission can be found at www.apromisetoperu.com.

Letter from the President

The Thanksgiving holiday takes on a new meaning this year.  In the past month, the New York metropolitan area was transformed by damages associated with Hurricane Sandy and the "nor'easter" that followed shortly thereafter.  With record tide surges and wide-spread damages, the economic cost could exceed $50B while the impact on the lives of thousands of New Yorkers is incalculable.  Fortunately, most in our College community only experienced extended power outages; but several remain dislocated as a result of flooding.  During, and after, the storm the campus served as a resource and refuge to several members of our community.

While our campus was closed for several days by order of the Governor, the facility fared well, but our communication system was out for nearly two weeks compromising our ability to serve our patients.  The University Eye Center has since reached out to our patients, offering support and assistance in ensuring their eye care needs are met.  Many of our students and our faculty have since volunteered their time working with the ophthalmic industry using mobile vans to provide eye care to those in areas affected by the storm.

I am proud of our community as everyone came together during this challenging time to lend support to one another and to those impacted by Sandy.  But, while the devastation has been great, we should give thanks that all members of our community are safe and secure.

David A. Heath, OD, EdM
President
 

A message to our loyal patients

Redirecting

SUNY Optometry’s Class of 2016 Does ‘Dialog in the Dark”

In October, the Class of 2016 attended "Dialog in the Dark" as part of their first year Integrative Seminar Class.  The exhibit is co-sponsored by the Lighthouse International at the South Street Seaport.  The event provides first hand experience of navigating blindly through New York.  As their web page states, it is "An unforgettable experience, the Dialog in the Dark exhibition bring you face-to-face with New York City landmarks -- in complete darkness...you'll discover a new way to "see" New York by its unique sounds and smells, textures and temperatures.  And here's the twist - your guide is visually impaired."

Each student was taught to use a cane and was guided trhough a mock up of Central Park, Fairway Market, the New York City subway, and, Times Square.  At the end of the hour-long tour, the participants were able to see their visually impaired tour guide and ask questions about their visual impairment, what life is like for them, how they navigate the world, etc.  Each student was asked to write a reflection on their experience.  Here are just a few quotes:

"The experience gave me an incredible appreciation for the sense of sight and how the other senses take over when vision is lost.  The experience was unforgettable and I have the utmost admiration for all those who go about their everyday lives without being able to see."

"I walked away realizing how important communciation is to being a good clinician."

"The experience really increased my appreciation for vision.  I also recognize how important it is to preserve the vision of my patients.  The guide provided some insight into how current technology has progressed to aid the blind.  It sparked some ideas in me on possible improvements."

Unfortunately, the Dialog in the Dark exhibit experienced storm damage from Hurricane Sandy and is currently closed.  There are plans to reopen.  This is the second year that SUNY Optometry's students participated in the event.  The Class of 2015 participated last year.  It's become a tradition for the first year class to attend as it teaches many important lessions to the future optometrists.

Major League Baseball and SUNY University Eye Center Partners at the East Coast Pro Showcase

Dr. Arnold Sherman, Director of the Sports Vision Center and Mr. Tim Osbourne of the Major League Scouting Bureau, arranged and scheduled a vision screening for 154 of the best high school baseball players on the East coast of the US.  The showcase was attended by over 300 scouts from all major league teams.  In recent years, the showcase produced many current baseball stars including Josh Hamilton, Justin Verlander, David Wright, Mark Teixeira, Brian McCann and the current American League batting leader, Mike Trout.  

The screening team consisted of SUNY students Clint Sugnet, Mikilyn D'Angelo, Kathleen Maloney, Lamess Alshawkani, Chelsea Ashlaw, Charles Bong and faculty members Dr. Bob Byne, Dr. Brian Rodriguez and Dr. Arnold Sherman.  Tests included visual acuity, eye health, oculomotor, fusion and stereopsis as well as dynamic abilities; focus speed from far to near, convergence in batting stance, eye hand coordination, proaction and reaction speed and accuracy, and speed and span of perception.  According to Dr. Sherman, all the players had binocular visual acuity of 20/20 or better; most were superior with 20/15 or better without any eye disease.  Approximately 15% of the players wore contact lenses.

The dynamic tests were more productive in differentiating players vision skills; 19 players scored low on these tests.  A detailed analysis of the data and the relationship to baseball performance will be forthcoming.  The East Coast Pro Showcase was held at Alliance Bank Stadium, Syracuse, New York, August 2-3, 2012.

College in Process of Developing a New Strategic Plan

The College's most recent five-year strategic plan, A Shared Vision, was launched in 2008.  The successful implementation of this plan has allowed the College to make substantial strides in key areas, including education, patient care, research and community service.  These accomplishments are documented in the State of the College reports which can be viewed at:   http://www.sunyopt.edu/about/state_of_the_college_reports and also in Factbook at http://www.sunyopt.edu/offices/institutional_research/factbook.

Building on these successes, the College has embarked on development of its next five-year strategic plan.  The process, coordinated by the Institutional Research Planning Committee (IRPC), will be an inclusive and broad-based effort that involves all segments of the College community.  Dr. Steven Schwartz, Director of Institutional Research and Planning, chairs the committee.

The new strategic plan will be a road map that describes how the College will allocate its resources and efforts over the next five years.  Its implementation will be carefully monitored to ensure that the College meets the goals and objectives that are developed.

VisioNYC

Monday evening, October 22, 2012

A meeting for greater New York vision scientists

SUNY College of Optometry
33 West 42nd Street
New York NY 10036

6:00-6:30  Arrival and refreshments (3rd floor reception area)
6:30-8:00  Talks (2nd floor)

Cell/molecular talk:
JONATHAN DEMB, Yale University
Synaptic mechanisms for visual computation in retinal circuitry

Systems talk:
JITENDRA MALIK, UC Berkeley
Shape estimation, lightness/color constancy and illumination from a single image of an object

8-9  Light supper, drink, and conversation (3rd floor reception area)

Directions to SUNY College of Optometry

The entrance to SUNY is at 33 W 42nd street, midway between 5th and 6th avenues, opposite Bryant Park.

Subways:

B or D train to 42nd street and exit at Bryant Park
4, 5 or 6 train to 42nd street and exit at Grand Central Station
1 or 2 train to 42nd street and exit at Times Square

You will need to present a photo ID to obtain a visitor pass at the entrance to the college.

Join the VisioNYC mailing list.

11th Annual Envision New York update

Early registration for SUNY College of Optometry's 11th Annual Envision New York conference will end on Wednesday, October 10th at 5:00pm. Any registrations received after October 10th after 5:00pm are subjected to a $50 late fee. To see the conference brochure and register on-line click on the following link:

http://envisionny2012.eventbrite.com

Traditional paper or fax registration is also still available.  The registration sheet can be found within the brochure. 

Partners for Sight Foundation Renews Support for SUNY Homebound Program

The Reader’s Digest Partners for Sight Foundation has awarded the Optometric Center of New York, SUNY College of Optometry’s campus-related foundation, a renewed $30,000 grant for its Homebound Projects. This support is critical for the continuation of homebound eye and vision care to residents of the borough of Queens, and to providing lamps, eyeglasses and low vision devices to Manhattan homebound patients. This is the fifth grant from the Foundation. 

Vision loss puts individuals at increased risk for a variety of dangers including falls, fractures, depression, and mistakenly taking the wrong medications, all of which can result in earlier admission into nursing homes and increased costs to the health care system. The Homebound Program offers much-improved quality of life for patients, enabling them to perform the tasks of daily living while remaining safer at home.  The renewed grant will offer access to essential services for homebound populations particularly at risk, including  older adults, people with multiple disabilities and/or other health conditions (e.g., stroke, cancer, obesity, paralysis and dementia), which can make it challenging, if not impossible, to access available health services in the community.  A portion of the funds will be allocated toward the purchase of lamps to address issues in the home like proper lighting, and will also be used for eyeglasses and low vision devices.

“We are delighted to renew our partnership with the Reader’s Digest Partners for Sight Foundation. The Foundation’s continued generosity will enable us to provide essential patient care in local communities,” said Dr. Richard Soden, Vice President Clinical Affairs, and Executive Director of the University Eye Center at SUNY Optometry.

Kathryn Richdale Appointed To Dr. Alden N. Haffner Innovation Chair

Kathryn Richdale, OD, PhD, has been appointed to the Dr. Alden N. Haffner Innovation Chair at the State University of New York College of Optometry.  The Haffner Chair is a partially endowed position named for Dr. Alden N. Haffner, the founding President of the College.  The Chair has been generously endowed by Richard Feinbloom, President of the Optometric Center of New York, the College’s foundation; along with generous donors as part of a challenge grant.  This is the College’s first endowed chair.

The “Innovation Chair” provides supplemental support to attract talented and promising young faculty to the College in tenure-track positions.  The Chair is held for a maximum of five years or until tenure is earned, whichever occurs first.

“Endowed chairs are established to recognize and retain outstanding faculty who have distinguished themselves through their research and scholarly activity.  We are delighted that Dr. Richdale is appointed to the first Dr. Alden N. Haffner Innovation Chair”, said Dr. David A. Heath, College President.

Dr. Richdale is an Assistant Professor and the Interim Director of SUNY Optometry’s Clinical Vision Research Center.  She received her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Notre Dame, and OD and PhD from The Ohio State University.  Dr. Richdale completed an Advance Practice Fellowship in Cornea and Contact Lenses at The Ohio State University.

She joined SUNY Optometry in 2011.  Dr. Richdale’s primary research interests are presbyopia and contact lenses.  She is the Principal Investigator for a NIH/NEI K23 grant for the project: In Vivo Evaluation of Presbyopia.

“I am honored to receive this award and would like to thank the OCNY Board and Mr. Feinbloom for their support.  As a young faculty member, this award is invaluable, as it ensures dedicated time to continue my interests in clinical research.  As the first Innovation Chair, I will work hard to represent SUNY Optometry’s goals for excellence in service, teaching and research,” said Dr. Richdale.

SUNY Optometry Welcomes the Class of 2-16

On august 16th and 17th, SUNY Optometry welcomed the Class of 2016 to the College's professional (OD) program and to New York City.  The Class has an enrollment of 88 students consisting of 65 female and 23 male students.  The average undergraduate GPA is 3.53 with the average total science OAT score being 346.

President Heath began the two-day orientation program with a warm welcome to the students and congratulations on their entrance to SUNY Optometry and to the profession of optometry.  He noted ..."You are entering a profession that is challenging, satisfying and dynamic.  By the time you graduate in four years, the profession will have changed and grown in remarkable ways."  Dr. Philpott, Vice President for Student Affairs, reassured them that they ahd come to a welcoming organization and explained that ..."Each one of you has been carefully selected by our Admissions Committee and [thus] we fully expect each one of you to be successful.....and in the profession of optometry".

Suny College Of Optometry Receives Grant To Expand Clinic In China

The  SUNY College of Optometry recently received a three-year $421,160 grant from the Lavelle  Fund for the Blind to expand the  clinic at the Center of Excellence in Low Vision and Vision Rehabilitation at the Wenzhou Medical College in China.

Established in 2008 with an initial three- year Lavelle Fund grant , the low vision clinic will expand  to include new patient populations so that it will achieve full sustainability within three years. As part of the grant, a new computer-based system of data collection and analysis will be implemented.

“Over the past three years, the Center of Excellence has broken new ground in China, developing educational programming and providing services for the benefit of the visually impaired community. With the generous support of the Lavelle Fund for the Blind, we look forward to continuing our efforts to develop a self-sustaining model for vision rehabilitation services in China,” said Dr. David Heath, College President.

Dr. Michael Heiberger, project director, noted that the grant will fund a training program at the medical college for faculty and staff from other locations throughout China.

“With this generous support, this model for the delivery of low and vision rehabilitative care  can be replicated throughout China.  Rehabilitation has recently been made a priority of China’s central government which bodes well for future support of low vision services,” he said.

New Associate Dean Named at SUNY Optometry

Stewart Bloomfield, Ph.D has been appointed Associate Dean of Graduate Programs and Research and will also serve Director of the Graduate Center for Vision Research beginning January 2013. Stewart brings more than 30 years of experience in research and graduate education to the college and an outstanding record of internationally recognized research on retinal neurophysiology.

He is a graduate of SUNY Stony Brook and received his Ph.D from Washington University in St. Louis. The NIH’s National Eye Institute, has funded his research on retinal amacrine cell function since 1988. He has had other grants from NIH and the National Science Foundation and consistently translates his research to address a variety of clinical applications, particularly those involving neuronal loss such as in Alzheimer’s and Huntington’s disease, diabetic retinopathy, ischemic retinopathy, retinitis pigmentosa, and glaucoma.

Stewart currently holds the rank of professor in the Department of Physiology & Neuroscience and the Department of Ophthalmology at New York University( NYU) Medical School where has been honored for excellence in medical education. He also served as director of the medical school’s Graduate Program in Neuroscience and Physiology since 1999 and he has coordinated the Integrated Program in Neuroscience since 2009. He was the Principal Investigator and ran the medical school’s institutional doctoral and post-doctoral training programs in neuroscience funded by NIH.

Fourth Annual Faculty & Staff Recognition Awards

The Fourth Annual Faculty & Staff Recognition Awards were held on Friday, August 10th in the Schwarz Theater.  Members of the faculty and staff were honored and recognized for 40, 30 and 25 years of service; community spirit; the President's Award for Merit and Excellence, along with the 2012 Recipient for the Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Professional Service.

Dr. Jeffrey Cooper and Dr. John Picarelli were recognized for their 40 years of service with the College.  Mr. Guy Bergere, Mr. Michael Gomez, Dr. Sander Levine, Dr. David Libassi, Dr. Rochelle Mozlin and Dr. Rodolfo Rodriguez were recognized for 30 years of service, and Dr. Gregory DiSanto and Dr. Steven Levy for 25 years of service.

The President's Merit in Excellence Award was awarded to Mr. Robert Pellot; Ms. May Ellis was the recipient of the Community Spirit Award for Staff; Dr. Harriette Canellos received the Community Spirit Award for Faculty and Mr. Samuel Blankson received the Unsung Hero Award.

You Can Restrict Your Campaign Gift to a Special Project

Restricting your gift is one of many giving options available to support the Campaign.  There is an array of specific patient care, education and research projects that your contribution can support.  For example, the Homebound Program:

"I was happy with the visit because I am 98 years old and can't walk.  He is a wonderful doctor who helped me very much.  He brought everything with him except his chair."  -- Homebound Patient

The demand for vision care among elders is increasing and will continue to increase as the number of Americans over age 65 doubles over the next 20 years.  Older adults with impaired sight are at an increased risk of falls and fractures, depression and difficulty identifying medications, which can lead to serious drug-related errors, among other dangers.  With medical advances enabling all of us to live longer, eye health becomes an important factor in maintaining personal safety and enhanced quality of life.

The Homebound Program provides more than 200 patient visits to individuals throughout Manhattan and Queens, annually.  New patients are connected with the program each year, enabling access to a compassionate and highly comprehensive eye exam that assesses them for medical conditions such as glaucoma, as well as for eye glasses that help them recognize the faces of loved ones and add a measure of reassurance and safety in their surroundings.  To those who cannot leave their homes due to frailty, illness or other issues, the impact of the Homebound Program can never truly be measured.

To learn more about the Homebound Program, or other projects in need of support, please contact Ann Warwick or Pam Lederman at ext. 5600, or stop by the Institutional Advancement office on the 18th Floor.

Letter from the President

The summer has passed quickly and, on August 15th, we welcomed 88 new students into the Doctor of Optometry degree program as our Class of 2016.  This year's class represents the first step in the College's 2020 Enrollment and Deployment Management Plan.  Using workforce analysis data, this plan was developed to meet the eye care provider needs of New York State in the years ahead.  In doing so, our admissions department has been able to expand this fall's enrollment by ten without compromising quality.  The Class of 2016 is exceptional with an average GPA of 3.50 and average admission test (OAT) scores of 350 -- averages virtually identical to last year and which reflect our continuing status as a top tier institution.

Our faculty, administration and staff has been preparing mightily for this expansion over the past several months.  As you will see in this month's FY EYE, our facility renovations have continued over the summer, including upgrades to one of our lecture halls, the completion of the fitness center (opening October 1st), the build-out of our new Clinical Research Center and, upgrades to patient care waiting areas in the University Eye Center.  The second phase of construction of the Center for Student Life and Learning continues on schedule with a February 2013 completion date.

You will also notice some new additions to our faculty and administration, completing the reorganization of Academic Affairs.  It has been a busy summer, indeed, and SUNY Optometry has never been better prepared to guide our entering students in achieving their academic and professional dreams.

David Heath, O.D., Ed.M.  
President

NIH K23 Grant Awarded to Dr. Cristina Llerena

Dr. Cristina Llerena was granted a K23 Mentored Patient-Oriented Research Career Development Award from the National Institutes of Health (NIH).  These awards are very competitive and difficult to receive as the grant provides up to five years of salary and research support for the development of clinician scientists committed to patient-based research.  This is a great accomplishment for  Dr. Llerena and her research mentor, Dr. Benjamin Backus, who collaborated with her on the development of the research proposal and the program.  Together, Dr. Llerena and Dr. Backus will research "Binocular Approaches to Perceptual Learning in Adult Amblyopia".

Dr. Llerena's award is the third K23 grants at the College. Dr. Kathryn Richdale has a K23 grant as does Dr. Tracy Nguyen who will join the faculty January 2013.

Stewart Bloomfield, Ph.D. Named New Associate Dean for Graduate Programs and Research

Dr. Stewart Bloomfield has been named the new Associate Dean for Graduate Programs and Research and the Director of the Graduate Center for Vision Research.  He will hold the faculty rank of Professor.

Dr. Bloomfield brings more than 30 years of experience in research and graduate education to the College and an outstanding record of internationally recognized research on retinal neurophysiology.  The NIH (National Institutes of Health), through the NEI (National Eye Institute), has continuously funded his research on retinal amacrine cell function since 1988, as well as other grants from NIH and NSF (National Science Foundation).

His extensive experience in academics and administration will be valuable in his role as Associate Dean.  He currently holds the rank of Professor in the Department of Physiology and Neuroscience and the Department of Ophthalmology at New York University School of Medicine.        

SUNY Researcher Awarded Prestigious NIH Grant

Cristina Llerena,O.D., Assistant Clinical Professor at the SUNY College of Optometry, was recently awarded a  Mentored Patient-Oriented Research Development Award  in the amount of $721,350 from the National Institutes of Health.

This award provides up to five years of salary and research support for Dr. Llerena’s innovative research in Binocular Approaches to Perceptual Learning in Adult Amblyopia in collaboration with her mentor, Benjamin Backus,Ph.D..

“Dr. Llerena’s grant brings to three the number of K awards grant recipients at the College including  Dr. Kathryn  Richdale and Dr. Tracy Nguyen, who will join the faculty in January. These grants recognize the important clinical research being conducted at the College,” said Dr. David Troilo, Vice President and Dean for Academic Affairs.

Sports Vision Center Focuses on Amateur and Pro Athletes

A  state- of- the-art new Sports Vision Center has recently opened at the SUNY College of Optometry’s University Eye Center and will offer professional and amateur athletes the opportunity to test and to  improve  vision skills necessary for maximum sports performance through vision training.

According to Dr. Arnold Sherman, Director of the Center, “Vision is the signal that directs muscles of the body to respond. Sports performance success depends upon speed and accuracy of eye movements, dynamic visual acuity, precise eye/hand/body coordination, depth perception and stereopsis. These skills allow the athlete to know where and when to act and react”

In addition to individual training for children and adults, the Center will offer workshops for sports trainers and coaches that demonstrate vision training and vision calisthenics techniques for sport success.  The Center’s staff will also conduct vision screenings for area sports teams and will include tests that are sports specific, for example , basketball “ up gaze” and “down gaze”.

Dr. Sherman is the former Director of Vision Enhancement and Training for the United States Olympic Committee and consultant to their Elite Athlete Program. He is a former consultant to the NY Jets, NY Rangers, and NY Knicks as well as to the US Tennis Association Junior Development Program. He was a founder of the Sports Vision Section of the American Optometric Association ( AOA) and given its Outstanding Sports Vision Optometrist  1991.

For additional information about the Sports Vision Center call 866-697-9222.

New Department Chair Named at SUNY College of Optometry

After an extensive national search, Suresh Viswanathan, BSc Optom, MS, PhD  has been appointed  Chair of the Department of Biological and Vision Sciences at the SUNY College of Optometry. He will begin January, 2013. 

Dr. Viswanathan is currently a tenured Associate Professor at the Indiana University School of Optometry. He received a BS degree in Optometry from the Elite School of Optometry in Madras, India; a MS degree from Pacific University College of Optometry and a PhD from the University of Houston.

 His research uses electrophysiological in vivo imaging and histology to examine the events contributing to neuronal cell death in glaucoma.

"Dr. Viswanathan has had extensive teaching and administrative experience in biomedical and vision sciences providing an outstanding frame of reference to oversee the department’s curriculum. His teaching experience includes anatomy, systems physiology, general pathology, neuroanatomy, and neurophysiology of the visual system." said Dr. David Troilo, Vice President and Dean for Academic Affairs.

Rose M. Badgeley Residuary Charitable Trust Awards Increased Grant

The Rose M. Badgeley Residuary Charitable Trust has awarded the Optometric Center of New York (OCNY) an increased, $10,000 grant for general operating support. The generosity of the Trust will enable the SUNY College of Optometry to continue to provide high quality eye and vision care to the most vulnerable New Yorkers; play a key role in training the next generation of knowledgeable and compassionate eye care providers; and help advance the body of research knowledge in the field, facilitating ‘lab to bedside’ collaborations between basic and clinical research scientists. This is the fourth grant from the Trust.

“We are delighted to continue our partnership with the Rose M. Badgeley Residuary Charitable Trust in support of a variety of projects that enhance patient care, education and research efforts at the College”, said Dr. David A. Heath, President of the SUNY College of Optometry.

The Optometric Center of New York is the allied and endowing foundation of the State University of New York, State College of Optometry, and is the primary source of private support for its patient care facility, the University Eye Center, providing grants for projects such as a Homebound Initiative, Indigent Care Project and Scholarship Fund, among others.

Trust Awards Indigent Patient Grant

The Allene Reuss Memorial Trust awarded a $25,000 grant to the Optometric Center of New York, the foundation of the SUNY College of Optometry, to support the College’s indigent patient program.

This is the fifth year that the Trust has supported this community funding which provides vision care to New York City’s underserved.

“We are very grateful to the Trust for its ongoing generous support of this program which ensures that needy patients will have access to quality primary eye care and specialized services that will help them live productive lives,” said Dr. Richard Soden, Vice President for Clinical Affairs.

New York State Optometric Association (NYSOA) Pledges for Support of the Development of the new Care

The New York State Optometric Association (NYSOA) has pledged $50,000 over the next five years to support programming at the new Career Development Center (CDC) of the SUNY College of Optometry.  The CDC, which began operations this past February, provides innovative programs and services for SUNY's students, residents and alumni to assist in career explorations and deliberations.  The CDC's goal is to ensure that 90% of alumni are in positions of choice within five years after graduation.

In addition to the funding, the NYSOA is providing time and energy with the appointment of three liaisons to serve on the Center's Advisory Board and to participate in CDC program activities.  Dr. Susan Fisher, Dr. Denise Whittam and Dr. Mitchell Horowitz, who will serve as NYSOA liaisons for the coming year, met with President Heath and NYSOA Executive Director, Jan Dorman at the AOA Meeting in Chicago to discuss future plans for the collaboration.

SUNY Optometry Names Director of New Career Development Center

Francisco A. Lucio, a 2006 graduate of St. John’s University School of Law, has been named Director of Career Development and Minority Enrichment at the SUNY College of Optometry effective July 19.

This is a new position at the College and one that will help students identify career options and assess and understand their personal and professional competencies. The Director is also responsible for recruiting and selecting under- represented minority students for the College’s C-STEP internship and summer academic programs.

Mr. Lucio is the former Program Director at the Manhattan-Staten Island Area Health Education Center where he was responsible for overseeing nine heath career programs for more than 200 underserved students a year.

“Francisco comes to the College with a unique background in career development, minority enrichment, and healthcare law. He is the right person to advance the College’s strategic goals of student career development and satisfaction and the diversification of our highly talented student body.”

— Dr. Jeffrey Philpott,
    Vice President for Student Affairs

A graduate of San Diego State University where he received a BA degree in Political Science, he is a member of the National Association of Medical Minority Educators where he serves as National Legislative Affairs Chair.

University Eye Center (UEC) Launches New Electronic Health Record System

The University Eye Center has been using an electronic health record system for many years and will be updating it with a new and more advanced system that is not only capable of better serving its patients, educating students and assisting faculty, but also allows for a "patient management system".

The VersaSuite Integrated Health Care solutions system was found to be the best suited for the UEC operations and is being designed to meet the needs of the UEC. A few advantages of the new system are:

•     Greater reliance on electronic data input and the need for less paper (helps make the UEC more GREEN);
•     Improved quality of care for patients by enabling providers to have greater and immediate access to relevant clinical information at the time of patient encounter;
•     Improved opportunity for clinical teaching;
•     Enhanced communication between providers who will have greater access to data and documentation, along with clinical alerts and monitoring of patient outcomes;
•     Information on vital signs (i.e., blood pressure and intra-ocular pressure) can be analyzed over the course of many years in countless ways -- graphically and statistically;
•     Improved patient education instruction sheets and handouts can be easily printed and given to the patient;
•     Provides and enhanced practice management system to better communicate with patients (i.e., billing, scheduling, etc.);
•     Provides the monitoring of patient reminders for upcoming visits, missed visits and new treatment options;
•     Improves the identification of patients for clinical research.

The new Electronic Health Record and Patient Management System is state-of-the-art.  With the dramatic change in health care, UEC must be prepared with updated systems.  The new system will be launched by August 2012.  The UEC administration welcomes any and all feedback on the new EHR. 

An Enduring Way to Honor a Loved One

Endowing a scholarship is a wonderful way to ensure that qualified SUNY Optometry students with financial need and academic merit will be able to complete their education.  It is also a wonderful way to honor or remember a loved one.

Dr. Richard Soden, Vice President for Clinical Affairs, has generously provided a $25,000 endowed scholarship in memory of his aunt and uncle, Samuel and Mary Gurkin.

Samuel was a violinist with the New York City Opera and Mary was an English teacher in Manhattan.  "I didn't want their names to be forgotten", said Dr. Soden.  "Endowing a scholarship in memory of Sam and Mary, who had no children, will ensure that their names live on.  Being able to do that for them, while supporting students at the College of Optometry helped me satisfy two very important goals.", he added.

The endowed Samuel and Mary Gurkin Memorial Scholarship will provide funds annually to deserving students into the future.  The gift will be made over five years and, in the end, only the interest is awarded as a scholarship.  The principal remains untouched in perpetuity.  Named scholarships will be listed in the College publications.  The gift is also tax-deductible.

To discuss how you may create an endowed fund, or provide another type of gift to the Vision & the Promise Campaign, please feel free to contact Ms. Ann Warwick or Ms. Pam Lederman in the Office of Institutional Advancement on the 18th floor or at ext. 5600.

Dr. Richard Madonna Receives SUNY Optometry’s Alumnus of the Year Award

On June 3, 2012 at the 38th Commencement of SUNY College of Optometry, Dr. Richard Madonna received the “Alumnus of the Year” award.

Dr. Madonna enrolled at the College in 1981, after receiving a Master of Arts in Biology from SUNY College at New PaltzOn June 3, 2012 at the 38th Commencement of SUNY College of Optometry, Dr. Richard Madonna received the “Alumnus of the Year” award.

He has been a member of the faculty since graduation.  He was recently appointed Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Clinical Education.  He also holds the title of Director of Continuing Professional Education directing successful Continuing Education courses throughout the year including one of the most popular programs in the Northeast “Envision New York.”   He is known nationally and internationally as an outstanding author and lecturer.

Dr. Madonna has been recognized and honored many times receiving such prestigious awards as NYSOA Optometrist of the Year and the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching, among others.

The Wallace Fox Foundation Awards Grant

The Wallace Fox Foundation has awarded the Optometric Center of New York (OCNY) a $5,000 grant for general operating support.  This is the first grant from the foundation. 

The generosity of The Wallace Fox Foundation will enable the SUNY College of Optometry to continue to provide high quality eye and vision care to the most vulnerable New Yorkers; play a key role in training the next generation of knowledgeable and compassionate eye care providers; and help advance the body of research knowledge in the field, facilitating ‘lab to bedside’ collaborations between basic and clinical research scientists.

“We are pleased to partner with The Wallace Fox Foundation to provide leadership in patient care, education and research,” said Dr. David A. Heath, College President..

The Optometric Center of New York is the allied and endowing foundation of the State University of New York, State College of Optometry.

SUNY College of Optometry Holds 38th Commencement

On Sunday, June 3, 70 graduates received Doctor of Optometry degrees at the SUNY  College of Optometry’s 38th Commencement in the Hudson Theater. In addition, one Ph.D. degree and 5 O.D – M.S. degrees were awarded.

Dr. Dori M. Carlson, the first female President of the American Optometric Association, was the Commencement speaker.  Dr. Joseph Anthony Movshon and Dr. William Thomas Newsome, III internationally recognized research scientists, each received honorary degrees. Dr. Movshon is the Silver Professor of Neural Science and Psychology at New York University and   Dr. Newsome is a Professor of Neurobiology at Stanford University School of Medicine. 

 Dr. Richard J. Madonna ’85 received the Alumnus of the Year Award for his leadership and dedication to students and to the profession of optometry. Dr. Madonna is the recently appointed Chairman of the Department of Clinical Education. 

Dr. David Heath, College President, presided over the ceremonies and congratulated the graduates on choosing a career path that will call upon their knowledge, skills and compassion and will bring them not only professional satisfaction, but great personal satisfaction as well.

Transitions Optical,  Inc. Awards Healthy Sight Grant for Homebound Program

Transitions Optical, Inc. has awarded a $5,000 Healthy Sight Grant for SUNY Optometry’s Homebound Program.  The grant will offer access to essential services for people with impaired sight who are at risk for increased falls and fractures, depression, and difficulty identifying medications, which can lead to serious drug-related errors among other dangers.  Homebound populations particularly at risk include older adults, people with multiple disabilities and/or other health conditions (e.g., stroke, cancer, obesity, paralysis and dementia), which can make it challenging, if not impossible, to access available health services in the community. 

“We are delighted to partner with Transitions Optical, Inc. to support high quality eye and vision care to the homebound population.  Transition’s generosity will enable us to provide essential patient care in local communities,” said Dr. Richard Soden, Vice President Clinical Affairs, and Executive Director of the University Eye Center at SUNY Optometry.

The Optometric Center of New York is the allied and endowing foundation of the State University of New York, State College of Optometry, and is the primary source of private support for its patient care facility, the University Optometric Center, providing grants for projects such as a Homebound initiative, Indigent Care Project and Scholarship Fund, among others.

The Arthur and Phyllis Milton Foundation Renews Support for SUNY Manhattan Homebound Program

The Arthur and Phyllis Milton Foundation has awarded the Optometric Center of New York (OCNY) a $5,000 grant in support of the Manhattan Homebound Program.  The initiative will provide much-needed vision care to underserved patients throughout the borough in the coming year.  This is the third grant from the Foundation.

For those who are homebound with serious multiple health problems, difficult choices must often be made about the nature and frequency of care received, and may even determine if a vision problem is addressed at all.  Vision issues may be viewed as less critical than other health conditions, putting people at increased risk for impaired sight, or even blindness from eye conditions that may be fully preventable or treatable.  The Manhattan Homebound Program offers critical services to homebound elders, regardless of their ability to pay.

“Proper eye care is essential for older adults with vision loss to live independently.  The Arthur and Phyllis Milton Foundation’s generosity will help us bring a high standard of care, as well as an improved quality of life to a seriously underserved population,” said Richard Soden, Vice President, Clinical Affairs, and Executive Director of the University Eye Center at SUNY Optometry.

The Optometric Center of New York is the allied and endowing foundation of the State University of New York, State College of Optometry, and is the primary source of private support for its patient care facility, the University Optometric Center, providing grants for projects such as a Homebound initiative, Indigent Care Project and Scholarship Fund, among others.

Honorary Doctorate Lectures

Graduate Center for Vision Research
SUNY College of Optometry

"A new look at gating: selective integration of sensory signals through network dynamics"

William T. Newsome, Ph.D.
Professor
Howard Hughes Medical Institute & Department of Neurobiology
Stanford University

"Development and maldevelopment of the visual motion sense"

J. Anthony Movshon, Ph.D.
University Professor
Center for Neural Science & Department of Psychology
New York University

Monday June 4th, 2012
11:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.

Schwarz Auditorium
33 West 42nd Street
New York, NY 10036
(between 5th and 6th Ave.)

SUNY Participates in Foundation Fighting Blindness’ VisionWalk

On Saturday, April 21st, SUNY Optometry's faculty, residents, staff, students, family and friends participated in the Foundation Fighting Blindness' signature fundraiser, VisionWalk.  SUNY had a team of 197 participants who did the 5K walk of the lower loop of Central Park.  They raised over $8500 which will help fund research of hereditary retinal disease such as RP and macular degeneration.  Kudos goes out to Dr. Sarah Harbove and her VisionWalk committee (Dr. Saysha Blazier, Dr. Susan Schuettenberg, Dr. Jolia Appel, Dr. Tom Wong, Dr. Isadora Ritter, Jennifer Gould, Julia Canestraro, Chelsie Stewart, Kim Poirier, Clarissa Kum, Beena Patel, Jessica Scherer, Julia Ingolia, Yulia Bababekova, Rebecca Pietrasik and Katherine Woo) for their hard work to make the event a success!  They are looking forward to next year's VisionWalk.                        

Center for Student Life and Learning Opens on 3rd Floor

  On April 26, 2012, Phase I of the new Center for Student Life and Learning opened for business.  Located on the College's 3rd floor with fabulous views of Bryant Park, the Empire State Building and the New York Public  Library, Phase I, provides the College community with first-class multi-purpose space, a TV lounge and game room, among other areas. 

Demolition began on the Center for Student Life and Learning one year ago.  Pictures from the start of the renovation (April 2011 FY EYE) and during the renovation were shared in several past issues of FY EYE and on the College's website.  When completed, the Center for Student Life and Learning will include a fitness center on the 3rd floor mezzanine and new teaching/conference facilities on the 2nd floor.  The fitness center will open in August and 2nd floor completion is anticipated in early 2013.

An official dedication of the is being planned for March 2013.

Eyes on New York Gala 2012

Click the following link to view the 6-minute video, which was presented at the Eyes on New York Gala this year. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HyShW-E9s8g&feature=youtu.be

VisoNYC

VisioNYC

A meeting for Greater New York Vision Scientists

Tom Reh
University of Washington, Seattle
  "Stem Cell Approaches For The Treatment Of Blindness"
Room 206

Jonathan Horton
UCSF
"Seeing Double:  How The Brain Prevents It"
Room 206

Monday Evening, May 21, 2012
6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Light Supper, Conversation (8:00 - 9:00):   3rd Floor Reception Area

6:00 - 6:30    Arrival and refreshments
      6:30 - 8:00    Talks                                 
                   8:00 - 9:00    Light supper, drink, and conversation

Graduate Center for Vision Research
SUNY College of Optometry
33 West 42nd Street
New York, NY 10036   
(between 5th and 6th Ave.)

2012 Commencement Awards

The following students are the recipients of the specified academic and clinical awards that will be given out at the College's 2012 Commencement on June 3, 2012 at the Hudson Theater in New York City:

Academic Awards

BETA SIGMA KAPPA AWARD

Academic Excellence:    

Joanna Lynne Wen

DR. FREDERICK W. BROCK MEMORIAL AWARD

for Outstanding Clinical Performance in Vision Training:

Joseph D. Schwartz

COVD AWARD

Excellence in Vision Training:

Chung Toan To

COLUMBIA CLASS OF 1936 AWARD

for Academic & Clinical Achievement in Ocular Disease:

Joanna Lynne Wen

CLASS OF 1991 PACE SETTER AWARD

for Excellence in Primary Care:

Joanna Lynne Wen

Michael T. Montenare

DR. STANLEY EISENBERG MEMORIAL AWARD

for Excellence in Practice Development and Administration:

Jonathan R. Hamilton

DR. WILLIAM FEINBLOOM MEMORIAL AWARD

for Outstanding Clinical Proficiency in Low Vision:

Johathan R. Hamilton

IRA GOLDFARB MEMORIAL AWARD

for Outstanding Clinical Proficiency in Low Vision:

Matthew Williams

DR. LOUIS HERRMANN MEMORIAL AWARD

for Outstanding Compassion in Patient Care:

Daryanna Smirnova

MR. AND MRS. IRVING UNGER GRADUATION AWARD

Excellence in Optometry:

Joanna Lynne Wen

ESTER J. WERNER MEMORIAL AWARD

for Academic Excellence:

Divya Nandwani

SPECIAL RECOGNITION

Chancellor's Award for Student Excellence:

Sara Beth Jones

Andrea H. Olson

Service Awards

DR. MAX COHEN MEMORIAL AWARD

for Volunteer Commitment to Community Service:

Joanna Allissa Albert

Joanna Lynne Wen

MORTON L. KIMMELMAN MEMORIAL AWARD

for Student Leadership in Organized Optometry:

Sara Beth Johes

Christine Wing Wah Ng

BILLIE M. LYONS MEMORIAL AWARD

for Distinguished Service the the College Community:

Kaira Kwong

Stephanie Catherine Van de Ven

NYSOA AUXILIARY AWARD

for Outstanding Service to the Class of 2012:

Dominique Jeesun Ha

Professional Distinction

ALCON AWARD

for Outstanding Case Report on the use of an Alcon Product:

Christine Wing Wah Ng

GP LENS INSTITUTE CLINICAL EXCELLENCE AWARD

Outstanding Clinical Proficiency in Contact Lenses:

Olga Pikus

DR. WILLIAM M. EISENBERG MEMORIAL AWARD (sponsored by Alcon)

Excellence in Ocular Disease:

Ayala Lannon

ESCHENBACH AWARD

for Excellence in Low Vision:

Rachel Melissa Holzman

MARCHON AWARD

Excellence in Practice Management:

Joseph D. Schwartz

MIRA-MED 20/20 VISION AWARD

Excellence in Optometry:

Pamela Carol Malchoff

VISION SERVICE PLAN

Excellence in Primary Care and Commitment to Enter Private Practice:

Johathan R. Hamilton

Joanna Lynne Wen

VISTAKON EXCELLENCE AWARD

Excellence in Clinical Contact Lenses Patient Care:

Olga Pikus

Special Award

Resident Award

DR. MARTIN H. BIRNBAUM MEMORIAL AWARD

Given to a Vision Therapy Resident who demonstrated outstanding knowledge and skills in Behavioral Optometry:

Dr. Kelly A. Chajka

Expanding Technology Can Help in the Detection and Prevention of Eye Diseases and Disorders

There are many eye and vision problems that have no obvious signs or symptoms.  Therefore, a yearly comprehensive eye and vision exam is the optimal way to maintain a lifetime of healthy vision and healthy eyes.  The doctors in the University Eye Center (UEC) have access to the latest technologies to diagnose and treat patients.  This month, we will concentrate on the various ways high-tech tests and procedures performed by optometrists during an eye exam can benefit a patient.

Patients typically associate a visit to the eye doctor with the eye chart test.  While this procedure to measure visual acuity (traditional), along with pupil dilation, continues to be used as a standard of care, new advances in eye care technology are becoming more prevalent in optometrists' offices.  Corneal topography, retinal imaging and tear film analysis are just a few examples of the new high-tech tolls optometrists are incorporating into their practices.

The cornea is the most significant structure used by the eye for refractive power.  To detect corneal irregularities due to disease, trauma or other factors that may result in distortion of vision, a new device -- corneal topography -- is used.  This system evaluates the shape and regularity of the front surface of the eye.  Not only are these devices faster and more compact than ever before; but, they are also more robust and more affordable, making them available for routine patients; not just the patients with corneal issues.  Topography, in addition to being used as a diagnostic tool, is often used for those patients wearing contact lenses to assist in the initial fitting of contacts and for the detection of potential contact lens complications.

Several types of retinal imaging systems are used to give optometrists a view of the retina.  These progressive technologies provide wide-angle views of the retina to help detect macular degeneration, glaucoma, retinal holes or detachments, as well as, systemic diseases such as diabetes, stroke and high blood pressure.They may also be used during pupil dilation which give the doctor more area of the eye to assess at one time.

Dry eye is one of the most common eye conditions characterized by insufficient tears to lubricate and nourish the eye.  New advances in tear film analysis technologies, including computerized analysis of the tear lipid layer, allow optometrists to detect the cause of dry eye and to identify the best course of treatment for a patient.

The American Optometric Association's (AOA) guidelines for receiving comprehensive eye exams begin early in life.  The AOA urges parents to bring infants, six - 12 months of age, to their local optometrist for an assessment and then again for an exam at age three and and at age five before entering kindergarten.  Children and adults should receive yearly comprehensive eye exams, unless otherwise advised by an optometrist.

There are many other ways to promote "good vision and healthy eyes".  A good starting place is scheduling a comprehensive eye examination.   At the College's clinic, University Eye Center, the optometry staff diagnose and treat patients with the most up-to-date equipment and technology.  To schedule an appointment at the UEC you may call 212-938-4001.

SUNY Students Participate in the AOA 2012 Congressional Advocacy Conference In Washington, DC

On April 1-3, 2012, a record number of optometrists and optometry students traveled to Capitol Hill in Washington, DC to help raise awareness of the optometry profession and the advances being made by the profession, as a whole, with the assistance of the American Optometric Association's (AOA) goals and policies.  Over 700 people, including representatives from the National Optometric Association (NOA) and the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (ASCO) gathered in DC. Three hundred of the attendees were students from the schools and colleges of optometry across the country of which 87 students were from SUNY College of Optometry (more than any other optometry school in the country).  The Conference began with a reception for students and doctors that allowed for networking and getting to know one another.  The second day was filled with informative and interactive lectures and speeches.  The big day was Tuesday and students were matched with optometrists from around the country and spent the day on Capitol Hill speaking to congressmen about two very important bills for optometry.  Some of the topics on the agenda were:

1.     Access to Eye and Vision Care
2.     Children's Vision
3.     Medicare
4.     Patient Access/Provider Competition
5.     Military and Veterans' Health Care
6.     InfantSEE

All in all, the trip was an amazing experience for all involved.

The College Will Bestow Two Honorary Degrees at its 2012 Commencement

On Sunday, June 3rd, the SUNY College of Optometry will award, on behalf of the University and the SUNY Board of Trustees, two honorary degrees.  Dr. William T. Newsome, III and Dr. J. Anthony Movshon, prominent researchers who collaborated on research of how the brain functions and  converts signals from the eye into images, will receive the degree of Doctor of Science, honoris causa.

Dr. Newsome is an internationally renowned researcher in the field of visual neuroscience.  He is a professor in the Department of Neurobiology at Stanford University School of Medicine and Director of the BioX Neuro Ventures at Stanford.  In addition, he is an investigator at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. 

Dr. Movshon is the Silver Professor of Neural Science and Psychology at New York University and an Adjunct Professor of Physiology and Neurology at Yale University School of Medicine. Dr. Newsome and Dr. Movshon are the co-recipients of the 2010 Champalimaud Vision Award, the most prestigious award in the field of vision science.

AOA President, Dr. Dori Carlson, 2012 Commencement Speaker

The first female President of the American Optometric Association (AOA) will be the College's commencement speaker on June 3rd.  Dori Carlson, O.D. became President of the AOA in the Summer of 2011.

A graduate of Pacific University College of Optometry, Dr. Carlson has private practices in Park River, North Dakota and Grafton, North Dakota.  She serves on the North Dakota's Blue Cross Blue Shield Advisory Committee and was chair of North Dakota's Managed Care Committee, Hospital Privileges Committee and Mentoring Committee.  In addition, she was featured on the cover of Women in Optometry in June 2011.

2012 Summit Forum on Low Vision and Vision Rehabilitation held in China

  The SUNY College of Optometry (SUNY) and Wenzhou Medical College (WMC) sponsored the 2012 Summit Forum on Low Vision and Vision Rehabilitation on March 28-29.  The Forum  was held on the campus of the School of Optometry and Ophthalmology at Wenzhou.  Over 180 practitioners from China, including 30 from WMC, attended the event which was one of the largest low vision meetings ever held in China.

The Summit was the culmination of a three-year project which, with generous funding from the Lavelle Fund for the Blind, a New York-based charitable foundation, established a Center of Excellence in Low Vision and Vision Rehabilitation at Wenzhou Medical College's Eye Hospital.  SUNY faculty were instrumental in advising on various aspects of the Center's development including facility design, equipment, diagnostic and treatment procedures and administration.

Welcome remarks were given by Wenzhou Medical College's President, Qu Jia and SUNY's President, Dr. David Heath.  The speakers represented agencies of the Chinese government and spoke about the importance of vision rehabilitation in the current plan of the country and described the network of rehabilitation centers that are being established in each of the provinces of China.  Emphasis was given to the importance of pioneering work to develop a model for the delivery of services to the visually impaired at Wenzhou.  This includes children currently enrolled in schools for the blind who could benefit by the use of low vision devices and rehabilitative writing.

Participants from SUNY faculty included Dr. Richard Soden, Dr. Rebecca Marinoff and Dr. William O'Connell.   They were joined by faculty from Wenzhou's Center of Excellence in Low Vision and Vision Rehabiltation in presenting three simultaneous workshops that focused on administration of a low vision rehabiltiation program, advanced low vision techniques and vision rehabilitative procedures.

Mr. Richard Feinbloom, President of the Board of Trustees of the Optometric Center of New York (OCNY), the affiliated foundation of the SUNY College of Optometry, and President of Designs For Vision, Inc., also attended the Forum.  He reported that this was one of the largest  and most impressive low vision conferences in the world.

Getting Ready for Spring and Allergy Season

Spring is officially in the air!  Along with this season come mold spores, dust, pollen, and a host of other allergens that cause eye problems.  Many individuals will experience red, itchy and watery eyes. If you experience these symptoms, it is important to remember that there are many options available to help reduce the effects of eye allergies.

The Spring season can be particularly hard on contact lens wearers.  But, ocular allergies can make non-contact lens wearers miserable, too.  When allergy symptoms kick in the allergy sufferer usually visits the local drugstore to pick up a systemic antihistamine for relief.  While these medications can clear up systemic symptoms like runny noses, sneezing and coughing, they can make ocular symptoms worse by reducing the quantity and quality of tears.

People who experience dry eye and ocular allergy problems during this season need to know that optometrists have a number of very effective medications.  Treating ocular allergy symptoms does not take a one-size-fits-all approach.  There are many factors that go into getting the right treatment for your symptoms.  It is important for you to accurately describe your symptoms so that your optometrist can prescribe a topical medication that safely and efficiently relieves your symptoms.

Allergy sufferers can also help themselves by controlling their environment.  Keeping the windows closed during the worst seasons and washing your eyes after being outside may limit the severity of symptoms.
It is also important for wearers of contact lenses to be mindful of the "surface environment" that contact lenses create.  Extended wearing times, infrequent replacement of lenses, and use of potentially irritating contact lens care products can significantly exacerbate the symptoms.  Proper lens care is an important part of keeping the eyes safe and comfortable.

Eye allergies can be curtailed and, sometimes even prevented, by following these recommendations from the American Optometric Association:
• Don't touch or rub your eyes;
• Wash hands often with soap and water;
• Wash bed linens and pillowcases in hot water and detergent to reduce allergens;
• Avoid sharing, and in some cases, wearing eye makeup;
• Never share contact lenses or contact lens cases with anyone else.

Beyond discussing allergy relief with your optometrist, the doctors at the University Eye Center also recommend that you have eye exams.  Based upon an individual's eye health and the severity of their eye allergies, the eye doctor may recommend more frequent visits.
The University Eye Center diagnoses and treats patients with ocular allergies.  Its clinics have the most up-to-date equipment and technology.  You are urged to schedule an appointment with your eye practitioner or, if you would like, you can make an appointment at the University Eye Center by calling 212-938-4001.  You do not have to endure the Spring season with eye allergies.  Have your eyes examined and enjoy the season free from eye allergy symptoms!
 

Getting Ready for Spring and Allergy Season

Spring is officially in the air!  Along with this season come mold spores, dust, pollen, and a host of other allergens that cause eye problems.  Many individuals will experience red, itchy and watery eyes. If you experience these symptoms, it is important to remember that there are many options available to help reduce the effects of eye allergies.

The Spring season can be particularly hard on contact lens wearers.  But, ocular allergies can make non-contact lens wearers miserable, too.  When allergy symptoms kick in the allergy sufferer usually visits the local drugstore to pick up a systemic antihistamine for relief.  While these medications can clear up systemic symptoms like runny noses, sneezing and coughing, they can make ocular symptoms worse by reducing the quantity and quality of tears.

People who experience dry eye and ocular allergy problems during this season need to know that optometrists have a number of very effective medications.  Treating ocular allergy symptoms does not take a one-size-fits-all approach.  There are many factors that go into getting the right treatment for your symptoms.  It is important for you to accurately describe your symptoms so that your optometrist can prescribe a topical medication that safely and efficiently relieves your symptoms.

Allergy sufferers can also help themselves by controlling their environment.  Keeping the windows closed during the worst seasons and washing your eyes after being outside may limit the severity of symptoms.
It is also important for wearers of contact lenses to be mindful of the "surface environment" that contact lenses create.  Extended wearing times, infrequent replacement of lenses, and use of potentially irritating contact lens care products can significantly exacerbate the symptoms.  Proper lens care is an important part of keeping the eyes safe and comfortable.

Eye allergies can be curtailed and, sometimes even prevented, by following these recommendations from the American Optometric Association:
• Don't touch or rub your eyes;
• Wash hands often with soap and water;
• Wash bed linens and pillowcases in hot water and detergent to reduce allergens;
• Avoid sharing, and in some cases, wearing eye makeup;
• Never share contact lenses or contact lens cases with anyone else.

Beyond discussing allergy relief with your optometrist, the doctors at the University Eye Center also recommend that you have eye exams.  Based upon an individual's eye health and the severity of their eye allergies, the eye doctor may recommend more frequent visits.
The University Eye Center diagnoses and treats patients with ocular allergies.  Its clinics have the most up-to-date equipment and technology.  You are urged to schedule an appointment with your eye practitioner or, if you would like, you can make an appointment at the University Eye Center by calling 212-938-4001.  You do not have to endure the Spring season with eye allergies.  Have your eyes examined and enjoy the season free from eye allergy symptoms!
 

New Jersey Academy of Optometry Renews Scholarship

In a long history of supporting optometric education, the New Jersey Academy of Optometry (NJAO) presented David Heath, O.D., Ed.M. F.A.A.O. a check for $7,500 at their annual meeting on March 14th.  The New Jersey Chapter of the American Academy of Optometry (AAO) has continued giving a scholarship grant to the SUNY College of Optometry for students from New Jersey that are attending SUNY.  The scholarship to SUNY students began four years ago and the donations given to date total over $20,000.

The presentation of the scholarship grant to the College is made every March.  Clark Chang, O.D., F.A.A.O., Secretary of the chapter, presented the donation.  The scholarship is distributed to the students through an endowment in the Optometric Center of New York (OCNY). 

NJAO also provides travel scholarships to students and optometry residents from the State of New Jersey who attend the annual meeting of the AAO.  SUNY has been a long supporter of the efforts of the New Jersey Academy of Optometry by helping to provide quality lecturers for the continuing education needs of the optometric community of New Jersey.

Annual Gala Honors Two Leaders

Michael E. Sneed (l), Dave Brown, Dr. David Heath

More than 325 people attended the Eyes on New York Gala, March 23 at Cipriani 42nd St. to benefit the Optometric Center of New York, the campus-related foundation of the State University of New York (SUNY) College of Optometry.  The event paid tribute to two prominent leaders, Dave Brown, President,  Johnson and Johnson Vision Care, and Harold Wilshinsky, Chief Executive Officer, KAP Planning, Ltd. and an OCNY Trustee. The annual fundraiser supports vision care for the homebound elderly and indigent, as well as scholarships and vision research.

Michael Mariani, Managing Director and Deputy General Counsel Fidelity Trust Co, and Michael E. Sneed, Vice President, Global Corporate Affairs, Johnson & Johnson served as co-chairs.

Among those attending the benefit were Dr. Dori Carlson, President of the American Optometric Association and Dr. Thomas Landry, President of the New York State Optometric Association.

“Ours is a community of talented people with giving hearts who possess an extraordinary spirit created by our foundation’s more than 55 years of service. We are very proud of our legacy. And we are strengthened by it,” said Dr. David A. Heath, College President

Click here to view more photos

Join the SUNYO team for VisionWalk on April 21st

Please join the students and the SUNYO team on
Saturday April 21st in Central Park (@Bandshell 72nd st)
8am-12 noon

The Foundation Fighting Blindness sponsors this fund raising walk to raise money
for research in degenerative retinal disease.

Come walk with the SUNYO team or make a donation at:

http://www.fightblindness.org/goto/SUNY

The SUNY College of Optometry Gets A Permanent Home

  Columbia University closed its Department of Optometry in 1956.  The same year, the Optometric Center of New York (OCNY) was founded to continue providing clinical vision care services to the New York City community.  With the assistance of the New York State Optometric Association (NYSOA), the leadership of the Optometric Center was able to convince the State of New York, as well as the State Department of Education, to establish a college of optometry within the State. At the time, Optometric Center was located on East 25th Street and was faced with finding a home for the college.

In 1971, the State University of New York, State College of Optometry opened its doors and admitted its first class at its new facilities on 100 East 24th Street. The College rented non-contiguous floors. The fiscal crisis of the State of New York in the 1990s emphasized the need for the College to look for a permanent home. In 1998, the Graduate Center of the City University of New York announced that it would be moving out of its facilities on 33 W. 42nd Street and into the newly renovated B. Altman building at E. 34th Street and 5th Avenue.  The building on 42nd Street was the old Aeolian Hall that manufactured pianos.  It also housed the auditorium where Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue" was first played.  This was seen as an opportunity to acquire a permanent home for the College.

In 1999, the University approved the move of the College from 100 East 24th Street to 33 West 42nd Street. After major renovations to floors 5 - 8 to accommodate the University Optometric Center, the College and its clinic was moved to its current location in May 2000. Since then, several floors have undergone renovations for faculty offices, the relocation of several departments, the Laser Center, Alumni Commons and the Schwarz Theater.

2007 began a new chapter in the history of the College. Dr. David A. Heath was appointed the third President of the SUNY State College of Optometry upon the retirement of Dr. Alden N. Haffner.

Today, as part of Dr. Heath’s Master Plan, the College is undergoing a reorganization of its clinic and academic programs and taken on a new logo that identifies the three areas of the institution - the College, the University Eye Center, and research. It is currently in the midst of a five-year major gifts campaign -- The Vision and the Promise -- to raise $10 million and as of today, the College is over the halfway mark.

Dr. William Feinbloom Low Vision Unit Re-dedicated

On Wednesday, February 15, the College re-dedicated the William Feinbloom Low Vision Unit.  The event was attended by Mr. & Mrs. Richard Feinbloom, his son and daughter-in-law, family, friends, College administrators, staff and students.  A small reception was held after the ceremony in the Alumni Commons on the 18th floor of the College.

March is “Save Your Vision” Month

The doctors and staff at the University Eye Center (UEC) would like to remind everyone about the importance of good vision and healthy eyes.  Seeing clearly and maintaining healthy eyes are important.  Vision is a sense that allows a person to see clearly and helps towards work efficiency.  One needs to be aware of their vision and age-related eye diseases.  Several factors contribute to the onset of vision problems with a main factor being the computer.

Sitting in front of a computer for long periods of time often encounters a variety of uncomfortable symptoms (headaches, neck strain, backaches, wrist pain, etc.).  But, the most prevalent symptoms of prolonged computer use are blurred vision and dry eye.  These symptoms are often overlooked.  In fact, eye and vision problems are the most frequently reported health care problemls among computer users.  They contribute to computer vision syndrome which the American Optometric Association (AOA) defines as "the complex eye and vision problems related to near work that are experienced during computer use."  sitting at a computer generally causes a person to look sstraight ahead for prolonged periods of time; work in a dry office or home environment and, to blink less often than usual.  These factors can lead to vision problems.  Additionally, computer use requires specific vision skills which add further demands to the visual system and contribute to eye and vision discomfort -- such as, a) the ability of the eyes to move invarious positions (ocular motility); the baility of the eyes to focus clearly at various distances (accommodation); and, the ability to move the eyes in (convergence) or out (divergence).  In essence, working with a computer creates various demands on our visual system.

As the month of March is "Save Your Vision" month, here are a few tips regarding "Healthy Vision at the Computer", as well as some of the factors that may affect your vision while using a computer.

• Screen resolution - Better resolution offers greater clarity and usually leads to improved comfort.  Adjust the resolution to the highest resolution your monitor will support.  If the increased screen resolution makes items too small, try increasing the font size (DPI) to compensate.
• Screen contrast - Adjust the contrast between the characters on the monitor and the background so the letters are easily read.  Adjust the brightness of the monitor to an intensity that is comfortable to your eyes -- not too bright, not too dim.  Adjust both brightness and contrast for the best clarity.
• Screen glare and reflections - Minimize reflected glare on your monitor by using window treatments, dimmer switches on lights and glare reduction filters.  Look for glare reduction filters that have received the American Optometric Association (AOA) Seal of Acceptance.  Proper adjustment should eliminate any reflected images from the monitor screen.  To reduce glare, eliminate bright light sources from your peripheral vision and position your monitor perpendicular to windows or other bright light sources.
• Image refresh rates and flicker - A higher refresh rate for your monitor is best.  The image on the screen should not flicker at all.  (This is not a concern with LCDs.)
• Working distances and angles - It is important to work at a distance that is comfortable for you and where the image on the screen is clear.  Having to move your head to an awkward angle to see the screen clearly suggests that your prescription may need an adjustment.
• General eyeglass prescription may not be adequate - Computers are usually further and higher than a typical reading task.  Glasses for most people wearing bifocals are not adjusted for this new distance or angle and, therefore, are often not adequate for using the computer.
• Repetitive and stressful tasks - Difficult tasks are challenging.  Don't forget to take occasional breaks and let the eye look far away while resting.

There are many ways to promote "good vision and healthy eyes".  A good start is to schedule a comprehensive eye examination with your eye practitioner.   The University Eye Center (UEC), the College's clinic, uses the most up-to-date equipment and technology to diagnose and treat patients.  Regular comprehensive eye exams ensures that your eyes are healthy and provide you with the correct pair of eyeglasses or contact lens prescription (if necessary).   Be certain to inform your eye practitioner of all computer work you may do.  If you would like to schedule an appointment at the UEC, please call 212-938-4001.

VisioNYC

VisioNYC
A meeting for Greater New York Vision Scientists

Tiansen Li
National Eye Institute
"The Role Of Tubby-Like Proteins In Ciliary Transport"
Room 206

James DiCarlo
MIT
  "Unified Neuronal Population Codes Fully Explain Human Object Recognition Performance"
Room 206

Monday Evening, March 5, 2012
6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
2nd floor

6:00 - 6:30    Arrival and refreshments
      6:30 - 8:00    Talks                                 
                   8:00 - 9:00    Light supper, drink, and conversation

Graduate Center for Vision Research
SUNY College of Optometry
33 West 42nd Street, 2nd floor
New York, NY 10036   
(between 5th and 6th Ave.)

The first President’s Donor Appreciation Event

The first President's Donor Appreciation Event was held on January 26, 2012 in Dr. Heath's office.  More than fifty donors to the Faculty/Staff Campaign attended.  The goal for the Faculty/Staff Campaign is 100%, no matter the size of the gift.  We are currently at 31%.  Donor Appreciation events will be held periodically throughout the year to thank faculty and staff for their support of the Campaign.  We hope to see you there next time!

SUNY Optometry Career Center Announced

(Dr. Peter Shaw-McMinn( L), keynote speaker, and College President David A. Heath at symposium.)

More than 200 students, residents and young alumni attended the SUNY College of Optometry’s first Career Symposium on February 12, 2012.

In his welcoming remarks, College President, Dr. David A. Heath announced that the day-long program was the first step in the establishment of the College’s new Career Development Center which College officials feel will break new ground in programming and services for students. The Center will offer highly personalized and purposeful services to students, residents and alumni by involving them in their own career explorations and deliberations in ways that are uncommon at most American colleges of optometry. It is a goal of the Career Center’s strategic plan to ensure that 90 % of alumni are in positions of choice within five years after graduation.

“The establishment of the SUNY Career Development Center has been an important goal of our five-year strategic plan, "A Shared Vision".  The Center represents a heightened institutional commitment to students and alumni by proactively synchronizing co-curricular opportunities with key career decision points throughout their educational and professional development. The effectiveness of this innovative effort can only be measured by our students’ professional success,” said Dr. Heath.

Students attending the inaugural symposium were presented with a variety of career options ranging from private practice, VA hospitals and research, to positions in industry, academe and community centers.
                                        

“Optometry is listed as one of the most popular, dynamic and profitable careers in America today,” said Peter Shaw-McMinn, O.D., keynote speaker, national consultant and assistant professor at the Southern California College of Optometry.  He added,” This Career Symposium is unique. To my knowledge, no optometry school or college offers this experience to their students.  It gives the SUNY students a competitive advantage over students in other schools.  I salute SUNY for hitting a homerun.”
                                          
The three - track program included sessions on leadership skills, financial planning and debt management, practice options , work – life balance and developing a personal brand. 

According to Dr. Jeffrey Philpott, Vice President for Student Affairs and the person responsible for the Center’s creation, “The process that we went through to develop this symposium proved to be every bit as valuable as the event itself.  What impressed me most was the way the entire College community came together to assess the need for career development and to respond by creating such a high caliber event.”

Chinese Cultural Optometric Student Association Celebrates Lunar New Year

The SUNY College of Optometry Chinese Cultural Optometric Student Association (CCOSA) celebrated the incoming Year of the Dragon on Monday, January 30th.  The event included a Lion Dance performance, prizes and a wide variety of Chinese dishes traditional for the Chinese New Year!

The Lion Dance was performed by the Wan Chi Ming Hung Gar Institute's Dragon and Lion Dance Team.  The Institute is a Lion Dance and martial Arts troupe located in Chinatown in lower Manhattan that specializes in traditional martial arts in conjunction with Chinese Dragon and Lion Dance performances.  The Institute, founded in 1973, is dedicated in the preservation of and perpetuating Chinese culture and folk art through education and presentation.

The program was held in the College's Alumni Commons on the 18th floor.

Faculty/Staff 2011 Charitable Contributions

As of December 30th, 2011, we have reached 29% participation of faculty and staff toward the goal of 100% for the Vision & the Promise: The Campaign for the SUNY College of Optometry.  Thank you goes out to the following donors who helped bring the campaign to this milestone.  Special thanks from the Campaign Committee goes to Mr. Robert Pellot and Ms. Vicki Vitug for generously contributing their holiday party raffle cash to the Campaign.

With your continued support, the Campaign goal will be met!

Diane Adamczyk, O.D., Mr. Oladapo Adurogbola, Mr. Guilherme F.C. Albieri, Jose Manuel Alonso, M.D., Ph.D., Mrs. Erin Angarola, Julia J. Appel, O.D., Kathy A. Aquilante, O.D., Ph.D., Ms. Aubrey Assim, Ms. Ellen Baberadt, Benjamin Backus, Ph.D. , Dr. Carl Schaper, Mr. Luisito Bacosa, Peter S. Bae, O.D., Ms. Barbara (Xu) Bai, Sherry Bass, O.D., Jaclyn A. Benzoni, O.D., Mr. Jamal D. Bilal, Marie Irene Bodack, O.D., Mr. David A. Bowers, Ellen J. Brand, O.D., Roberty Byne, O.D., Tanya L.Carter, O.D., Mr. Marcel Catafago, Mr. Wayne Chen, Ida Chung-Lock, O.D., Allen Cohen, O.D., Jay M. Cohen, O.D., A.J. Contento, O.D., Jeffrey Cooper, O.D., Mr. Roger Cruttenden, Mr. Igor Demburg, Gregory DiSanto, O.D., Mr. Joseph Dubreil, Robert Duckman, O.D., Mitchell Dul, O.D., Ms. May Ellis, Ms. Letisha Farrell, Jerome M. Feldman, Ph.D., David E. FitzGerald, O.D., Mr. Tom Flagg, Ms. Teresa Florenda, Benjamin M. Freed, O.D., Harold Friedman, O.D., Paul R. Galstian, O.D., Ms. Irma Gomez, Deborah Goodman, O.D., Israel Greenwald, O.D., Sidney Groffman, O.D., David A. Heath, O.D., Ed.M., Michael H. Heiberger, O.D., Ms. Ilana Hyman, Mr. and Mrs. Kale, Evan Kaplan, O.D., Neera Kapoor, O.D., Harry Koster, M.D., David M. Krumholz, O.D., Ms. Martha Lain, Ken Landesman, O.D., Ms. Pamela Lederman, Mr. Boris Levin, Mr. Francisco Lomparte, Teresa Lowe, O.D., Ms. Diana P. Ludlam, Ms. Alla Lyubomudrova, Richard J. Madonna, O.D., Ms. Nikita Martin, Ms. Liduvina Martinez-Gonzalez, Mr. Dwayne Moore, Scott I. Morrison, O.D., Mr. Muhammed Nasiru, Leon Nehmad, O.D., William F. O'Connell, O.D., Dr. Eleanora Zusman-Orloff, Dr. Eugene Orloff, Ms. Jean Pak, Ms. Yodania Paulino, Mr. Robert Pellot, Jeffrey L. Philpott, Ph.D., Ms. Ramola Poonai, Joan K. Portello, O.D., M.P.H., M.S., F.A.A.O., Mrs. Savitri S. Ramnarine, Kathryn Richdale, O.D., Ph.D., Scott Richter, O.D., Steven Ritter, O.D., Stuart M. Rothman, O.D., Mr. Douglas Schading, Ms. Denise Schliefer, Steven H. Schwartz, O.D., Ph.D., Christy A. Sell, O.D., Steven Shaby, O.D., Mark Sherstinsky, O.D., Mr. Kennard Singh, Richard Soden, O.D., Harold A. Solan, O.D., Chung Song, O.D., Mort Soroka, O.D., Audra Steiner, O.D., Barry Tannen, O.D., Andrea P. Thau, O.D., F.A.A.O., Ms. Bethshally Torres, Ms. Nicole Totans, David Troilo, Ph.D., Ms. Victoria Vitug, Ms. Yue Wang, Joel H. Warshowsky, O.D., Ms. Ann Warwick, Catherine Pace Watson, O.D., Ms. Elaine Wells, Tom Wong, O.D., Michael J. Yellen, O.D. and Ms. Katy Zhang.

Cold and Flu Prevention - Focus on Handwashing

Nobody wants to get the flu as it can make you feel miserable. So, what can we do to avoid the flu? Getting a flu vaccine is one way to prevent the possibility of getting the flu, but there are many more. These include the following:

1. Try to Keep away from germs. This may be as simple as avoiding hand shaking with someone who is sick as many germs are spread mostly through hand contact.

2. Eat Healthy Foods - you may want to consider eating foods that have lots of vitamins and immune boosting properties. Foods that are high in antioxidants have been reported to keep you healthy.

3. Always Keep your Hands Clean. We’ve all heard that washing your hands several times a day can help you avoid getting sick during cold and flu season. Soap acts as a vehicle to trap the germs (i.e. viruses, bacteria) that are loosened by the act of rubbing your hands together under water. These germs can then be rinsed away by the water.  Contact with other people throughout the day and by touching contaminated surfaces like doors and computers can cause a variety of cold-causing germs to accumulate on your hands. Then by touching your eyes, nose, and mouth you can infect yourself if you don't wash your hands often enough.

The Best Way to Wash Your Hands

Hand-washing to prevent colds includes using soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, a cleanser you can use without water.  If your hands are really dirty and greasy, using warm to hot water will do a better job.
The type of soap also does not typically matter as long as it lathers and spreads over the hands sufficiently to trap the germs.  5 Steps to Proper Hand-Washing:

If using soap and water for hand-washing, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the following five steps to prevent the spread of colds:

• Wet your hands with clean water — warm, if available and apply soap.
• Lather by rubbing hands together; be sure to cover all surfaces.
• Continue rubbing hands together for 15 to 20 seconds
• Thoroughly rinse hands under running water to ensure the removal of residual germs
• Use paper towels or an air dryer to dry hands and then, if possible, use a paper towel to turn off the faucet.

Alcohol-based hand sanitizers make a good substitute for hand-washing when soap and water is not available.  If you're using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, apply product to one palm, rub your two hands together, making sure to reach all surfaces, and continue rubbing until hands are dry.  Preventing a week or two of misery from the common cold or flu will be well worth those 20 seconds spent with soap and water.

Phyllis Milton Renews Support for SUNY Manhattan Homebound Program

Phyllis Milton has awarded the Optometric Center of New York (OCNY) a $5,000 grant in support of the Manhattan Homebound Program.  The initiative will provide much-needed vision care to underserved patients throughout the borough in the coming year.  This is the second grant from Mrs. Milton, who is President of the Arthur and Phyllis Milton Foundation.

For those who are homebound with serious multiple health problems, difficult choices must often be made about the nature and frequency of care received, and may even determine if a vision problem is addressed at all.  Vision issues may be viewed as less critical than other health conditions, putting people at increased risk for impaired sight, or even blindness from eye conditions that may be fully preventable or treatable.  The Manhattan Homebound Program offers critical services to homebound elders, regardless of their ability to pay.

“Proper eye care is essential for older adults with vision loss to live independently.  Mrs. Milton’s generosity will help us bring a high standard of care, as well as an improved quality of life to a seriously underserved population,” said Richard Soden, Vice President, Clinical Affairs, and Executive Director of the University Eye Center at SUNY Optometry.

The Optometric Center of New York is the allied and endowing foundation of the State University of New York, State College of Optometry, and is the primary source of private support for its patient care facility, the University Optometric Center, providing grants for projects such as a Homebound initiative, Indigent Care Project and Scholarship Fund, among others.
 

1st Annual SUNY Optometry Career Symposium