News

The State University of New York (SUNY) College of Optometry hosted a virtual “send-off” for 96 graduating members of the Class of 2020 on Thursday, May 21. The newly minted Doctors of Optometry represent the 49th group of students to become alumni of the College which opened its doors in 1971. “The Class of 2020 […]

May 21, 2020

SUNY Optometry VISIONARIES 2020: Nicole Mercho, Class of 2020

NEW YORK, N.Y. (May 21, 2020) —Soon-to-be-alumna Nicole Mercho’s advice to the next class of SUNY Optometry students is something she clearly took to heart: when opportunity knocks, say yes! And so not surprisingly, she graduates as a class president who has served in a host of other community-focused positions. The recipient of the Dr. […]

May 21, 2020

SUNY Optometry VISIONARIES 2020: McKenzie Symons, Class of 2020

NEW YORK, N.Y. (May 21, 2020) —McKenzie Symons grew up in upstate New York thinking she was going to be a professional ballerina until many optometrists in her life convinced her otherwise. While shadowing before optometry school, she observed Dr. Robert Fox, who primarily does vision therapy. At that time, she had no idea of […]

May 21, 2020

SUNY Optometry VISIONARIES 2020: Mariya (Maria) Klyuzner, Class of 2020

NEW YORK, N.Y. (May 21, 2020) —Born in Russia and raised in Brooklyn, Maria Klyuzner’s interest in optometry began with some eye-focusing issues experienced during her sophomore year of college. Her visit to the optometrist provided more than help for her vision problem, it peaked her passion for the profession. “The doctor was a SUNY […]

May 21, 2020

SUNY Optometry VISIONARIES 2020: David M. Spengler, Class of 2020

NEW YORK, N.Y. (May 21, 2020) —People and experiences can shape who we are and what we aspire to be and do in life. For David Spengler, it was helping in his grandfather’s business of making gravestones. “He taught me the value of hard work. He was the hardest working man I’ve known.” And admiring […]

May 20, 2020

SUNY Optometry VISIONARIES 2020: Samuel Louis Stack, Class of 2020

NEW YORK, N.Y. (May 20, 2020) —The timeless idiom, “the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree,” is clearly the case for Samuel Stack whose parents are eye doctors and proud alum of SUNY College of Optometry. In keeping with optometric family tradition, he also plans to marry fellow graduate and award recipient, Laura Karle. […]

May 20, 2020

SUNY Optometry VISIONARIES 2020: Gabrielle Aminova, Class of 2020

NEW YORK, N.Y. (May 20, 2020) —Before taking the plunge to become an eye doctor, Colorado native Gabrielle Aminova decided to test the waters of the profession by working as an optometric technician. “It inspired and fostered my love for optometry, there is always so much to learn and so much for patients to gain,” she said. […]

May 20, 2020

SUNY Optometry VISIONARIES 2020: Simrit Virk, Class of 2020

NEW YORK, N.Y. (May 20, 2020) —As a high school student, Simrit Virk had aspirations to be an English teacher after volunteering during school trips to India. She desired to impart her love and knowledge of literature and writing. It was during the visits that Virk would connect with her extended family and interact with her […]

…