News

NEW YORK, N.Y. (May 20, 2020) —It was an iconic 1969 novel that first introduced Alicia Jones to the profession of optometry. It was her desire to make a difference in patients’ lives, coupled with hard work and perseverance that led her to an OD degree from SUNY Optometry and this year’s Columbia Class of […]

May 20, 2020

SUNY Optometry VISIONARIES 2020: Alyssa Fortuna, Class of 2020

NEW YORK, N.Y. (May 20, 2020) —When she’s not caring for patients, Alyssa Fortuna enjoys exercising, baking and planning her next mission trip. She was lucky enough to provide eye care on a mission trip to Panama and looks forward to helping those in need as a new clinician. Recipient of the College of Optometrists […]

May 19, 2020

SUNY Optometry VISIONARIES 2020: Laura Karle, Class of 2020

NEW YORK, N.Y. (May 19, 2020) —From a young age, Laura Karle knew that she wanted to work in the healthcare field. Although she pondered many different professions, it was ultimately her hometown eye doctor that showed her the positive impact that an optometrist can make not only for patients in private practice but also […]

May 19, 2020

SUNY Optometry VISIONARIES 2020: Linh Chieu, Class of 2020

NEW YORK, N.Y. (May 19, 2020) —Growing up, Linh Chieu knew she didn’t want to be an ophthalmologist after seeing her mother’s cataract surgery. Ten years later, she’s ready to graduate as a doctor of optometry with hands not graceful enough for scalpels but strong enough to insert contact lenses into her patients’ eyes. She […]

May 19, 2020

SUNY Optometry VISIONARIES 2020: Julia Thi Mai, Class of 2020

NEW YORK, N.Y. (May 19, 2020) —As a child, Julia Thi Mai had her sights set on becoming an architect but grew fascinated with health and medicine after her first biology class in the 6th grade. Regular visits to the optometrist solidified her career choice. Although she did not pursue architecture as a profession, Mai […]

May 19, 2020

SUNY Optometry VISIONARIES 2020: Rachel Bojarski, Class of 2020

NEW YORK, N.Y. (May 19, 2020) —Growing up, Rachel Bojarski required glasses early on in her childhood, and ‘it was a source of insecurity’. At the same time, she knew that she wanted to pursue a career in medicine and gained initial exposure as a volunteer EMT. Ultimately her personal experience and professional aspirations came together […]

May 19, 2020

SUNY Optometry VISIONARIES 2020: Constadina Manettas, Class of 2020

NEW YORK, N.Y. (May 19, 2020) — Ask Constadina Manettas to describe the perfect day, and it would include a visit to the museum: “I’m an enthusiast, it’s the reason why NYC is my favorite city. I would go to at least one museum every weekend when I had time.” Time has been tight as a […]

May 19, 2020

SUNY Optometry VISIONARIES 2020: Abigail Anne Cash, Class of 2020

NEW YORK, N.Y. (May 18, 2020) —A Midwestern native with a passion for horseback riding, Abigail Anne Cash’s goal is to own a ranch someday. But before Abigail can make that dream a reality, she will ride off into the New York City sunset as a doctor of optometry and recipient of the Dr. […]

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