The theme of reflection was also present in Dr. Heath’s opening remarks, starting with a quote from his inauguration in 2008: “I commit to you that our community – through dedication to our students, to education, to the pursuit of research and discovery, and to providing general and specialized vision care services – will serve the growing needs of the people of New York State and beyond.”
This statement from 2008 still resonated as Dr. Heath reflected on the past 16 years as he noted the increased class sizes, renovations to the campus, the increase in diversity from the students to the faculty as well as many other significant changes and growth. Some of these changes and growth included first in the nation optometric programming like micro-credentials, an MBA in optometric business management and a combined residency/graduate degree program. This was all coupled with a look ahead to the future, An Evolving Vision, that included updates on the pending Upstate Extension Program in Syracuse in 2025 which is undergoing accreditation review. Dr. Heath concluded the address with a nod to the various individuals and groups within the larger college community as well as a special thanks to his President’s Council. The links to the 2023 Annual Report and 2024 State of the College Address are available to view online.
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About SUNY Optometry
Founded in 1971 and located in New York City, the State University of New York College of Optometry is a leader in education, research, and patient care, offering the Doctor of Optometry degree as well as MS and Ph.D. degrees in vision science. The College conducts a robust program of basic, translational and clinical research and has 65 affiliated clinical training sites. SUNY Optometry is regionally accredited by the Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools; its four-year professional degree program and residency programs are accredited by the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education of the American Optometric Association. All classrooms, research facilities, and the University Eye Center, which is one of the largest optometric outpatient facilities in the nation, are located on 42nd Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues in midtown Manhattan. To learn more about SUNY Optometry, visit www.sunyopt.edu.
Contact: Rob Rosiello, communications@sunyopt.edu