11 As the scope of practice expands in South Africa, the nation’s optometrists must acquire 600 clinical hours in addition to completing a comprehensive didactic program in order to be licensed to prescribe ocular therapeutics. SUNY Optometry has partnered with the University of KwaZulu-Natal in Durban to provide clinical opportunities as a part of its program for South African optometrists. The first of these trainees, Dr. Lynette De Smedt of De Smedt Optometrists in Pretoria, received hands-on training during her clinical rotation at the University Eye Center this summer. Dr. De Smedt is also one of more than 200 South African optometrists to complete SUNY Optometry’s therapeutics course through KwaZuluSUNY Optometry Hosts South African Optometrist Natal’s Department of Optometry. The College’s work in South Africa and around the globe has been led by the Office of Student Affairs. Beyond Our Borders A Visit from ‘Rising Stars’ of China’s Eye Care Community Dr. Lynette De Smedt College Welcomes Global Health Leadership Development Program SUNY Optometry hosted a dozen members of China’s optometric and ophthalmological community in April for the Rising Stars program. Designed to cultivate leadership and further develop vision care in China, the College collaborated with its established partner, Wenzhou Medical University, for the weeklong experience. Workshop topics included evidencebased care, change management, communication skills, and the U.S. health care system. Ten students from Wenzhou Medical University visited SUNY Optometry in late July as part of the second annual Global Health Leadership Development Program. During the four-week joint program with the New England College of Optometry (NECO), students participate in lectures and workshops to broaden their global health care perspectives and leadership skills. Two weeks are spent in Boston at NECO; two weeks are spent in New York City at the College observing specialty clinics at the University Eye Center, private practices, and community facilities, including The Bowery Mission in lower Manhattan.
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