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We invite underrepresented and economically disadvantaged students from across New York State who aspire to pursue careers in optometry or other healthcare fields to join us for our annual CSTEP Symposium: Train to Go Pro on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, from 1:00–4:00 PM EST (registration begins at 12:30 PM).
Join SUNY Optometry’s esteemed faculty, staff, CSTEP scholars, and OD students for a dynamic afternoon of exploration and inspiration. Modeled after the discipline and preparation required of athletes training to go pro, this event highlights the dedication needed to thrive in a healthcare career.
Participants will gain valuable insights into the optometry school experience and application process, learn how to develop a professional mindset, and hear from our inspiring keynote speaker.
Dr. Deborah Wang grew up in the suburbs of Portland, Oregon and she eventually attended the University of Oregon. There, she majored in Human Physiology at the Robert D. Clark Honors College. Afterwards, she moved to New York City to complete her graduate studies at the SUNY College of Optometry.
Upon graduating, she began working at an ophthalmology practice in Brooklyn, NY, where she played a pivotal role as the first hired doctor, contributing significantly to the establishment and growth of the practice. In 2024, she transitioned from clinical care to the role of Director of Career Development at SUNY College of Optometry.
Dr. Wang believes in the importance of being involved with her professional network, holding the position of immediate president of OSCONY (Optometric Society of the City of New York). Additionally, she has served as the co-chair of the NYSOA (New York State Optometric Assocation) Young Advocates Committee in the NYC/LI region, chair of the Continuing Education Sub-Committee and is a member of the Brand, Communications and Outreach Committee, as well as the Annual Innovation Vision Conference.
Outside of work, Dr. Wang enjoys reading and exploring the bountiful NYC food scene, writing reviews as Yelp Elite for the past 8 years.
Joy Harewood, OD, FAAO, Dipl ABO is a graduate of the UC Berkeley School of Optometry and completed a residency in ocular disease at the SUNY College of Optometry. She has achieved Fellowship of the American Academy of Optometry and is a Diplomate in the American Board of Optometry. Dr Harewood has extensive experience in hospital-based eye care and the first was the first fulltime optometrist performing inpatient consults at Northwell Health’s Staten Island University Hospital campus. This is a position she held for 6 years. Dr. Harewood then worked as a faculty member in the Department of Ophthalmology at BronxCare Health System. There, she taught optometry and ophthalmology residents in a clinical and didactic setting, and provided direct patient care. She currently serves on the UC Berkeley Council for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB). She was named the inaugural Director for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging at SUNY College of Optometry in 2020, along with being appointed as an Associate Clinical Professor. She is a leading voice in the push to increase diversity in the optometric field.