Milestone Conference Recognizes Five Legacy Honorees and Brings Together SUNY Alumni and Faculty to Advance Professional Education & Patient Care
New York, NY — SUNY College of Optometry is celebrating the 25th anniversary of Envision NY, its annual continuing education conference, this weekend, recognizing the educators and professional leaders who helped establish the program and its enduring contributions to optometric education.
The 25th Annual Envision NY Conference, held October 21 and 23-25, brings together optometrists and educators for four days of continuing professional education, combining virtual and in-person programming. A special anniversary celebration on Saturday, October 24, at SUNY College of Optometry will honor five individuals whose vision, leadership and contributions helped shape the conference's history and legacy.
The Envision NY Legacy Honorees are Dr. Joe Boorady '93, Dr. Richard Madonna '85, Mr. Phil Pivnick, Mr. Matthew Platarote and Ms. Ann Warwick. The celebration will recognize their contributions to the development and growth of Envision NY, which held its inaugural conference in 2002.
“A lot has changed in optometry over the last 25 years, and that’s why continuing education is so important. Since its inception, Envision NY has reflected SUNY Optometry's commitment to advancing the profession through education, innovation, and patient care,” said Dr. David Troilo, President of SUNY College of Optometry. “This anniversary is an opportunity to recognize some of the individuals who had the vision to establish this program and whose leadership helped make it a lasting resource for optometrists. We congratulate our honorees and thank them for their contributions to the continued education of thousands of eye doctors who have benefited from Envision NY.”
The anniversary conference features a special return of presenters from the inaugural 2002 program, offering attendees an opportunity to reflect on how optometric practice, technology, and patient care have evolved over the past quarter-century. In another highlight of the milestone year, every conference speaker is a SUNY Optometry alumnus, faculty member or both, demonstrating the depth of expertise within the College's professional community.
The conference offers up to 25 hours of continuing education, with courses delivered virtually and in person across four days. The program reflects Envision NY's longstanding commitment to providing practicing optometrists with opportunities to expand their clinical knowledge, develop new skills, and stay current with advances in eye and vision care.
“What makes Envision NY special is the community of educators, clinicians, and alumni who have contributed their expertise year after year,” said Dr. Melissa Trego, Vice President and Dean for Academic Affairs at SUNY College of Optometry. “This anniversary celebrates not only 25 years of outstanding educational programming, but also the commitment to lifelong learning and professional excellence that will carry the program into the future as our profession evolves.”
The Envision NY Legacy Honorees are:
Dr. Joe Boorady '93
A veteran of the eye care, medtech, biotech and health IT industries with more than 25 years of experience, Dr. Boorady currently serves as CEO of Advanced Ophthalmics. His career has included executive leadership roles at Euclid Vision Group, Johnson & Johnson Vision, TearScience and Zeiss Meditec. A 1993 graduate of SUNY Optometry, he previously served as Vice President for Clinic Affairs and Executive Director of the College's University Eye Center, bringing together experience in clinical care, education, innovation and industry leadership.
Dr. Richard Madonna '85
Professor Emeritus at SUNY College of Optometry, Dr. Madonna served in a variety of academic and administrative leadership roles, including Director of the Office of Continuing Professional Education, Chair of the Department of Clinical Education and Chief of the Ocular Disease and Special Testing Service. An internationally recognized lecturer on glaucoma and ophthalmic imaging, he has dedicated much of his career to clinical education, professional development, and preparing future generations of optometrists.
Mr. Phil Pivnick
With more than four decades of experience in the eye care industry, Mr. Pivnick serves as Senior Surgical Academic Manager for Alcon's U.S. Surgical division, covering New York and Long Island. During more than 30 years with Alcon, he has worked closely with leading optometry and ophthalmology institutions, fostering professional education, innovation, and collaboration. His longstanding relationship with SUNY Optometry reflects his commitment to strengthening partnerships between the eye care industry and academic institutions.
Mr. Matthew Platarote
A former Director of the Office of Continuing Professional Education at SUNY College of Optometry, Mr. Platarote served on the College's administrative staff for 18 years, helping advance continuing education programs and professional training. He played an important role in administering courses supporting Therapeutic Pharmaceutical Agents certifications and state licensing requirements. In recognition of his contributions to the profession, he received the New York State Optometric Association's Arthur M. Gottlieb Leadership Award in 2009. He later served with the National Board of Examiners in Optometry, supporting administration of its clinical skills examination.
Ms. Ann Warwick
A longtime SUNY Optometry leader in institutional advancement and philanthropy, Ms. Warwick spent more than three decades strengthening the College's relationships with alumni, industry leaders, and supporters. As Vice President of Institutional Advancement and Executive Director of the Optometric Center of New York, she helped elevate the College's profile and established its signature Eyes on New York fundraising gala, supporting scholarships, patient care, and institutional initiatives. Her contributions have been recognized through numerous professional honors, including the New York State Optometric Association's Arthur Gottlieb Leadership Award.
The anniversary celebration will be held in conjunction with SUNY Optometry's 2026 Alumni Awards Ceremony, recognizing outstanding graduates for their accomplishments in patient care, leadership, mentorship, and service. The evening will conclude with an alumni reunion, bringing together graduates, faculty, colleagues, and friends to celebrate the College's history and professional community.
Envision NY is organized by SUNY Optometry's Office of Continuing Professional Education, which provides educational programs designed to help optometrists maintain clinical excellence and respond to advances in the profession. The annual conference remains an important part of the College's commitment to supporting optometrists throughout their careers and translating new knowledge into better patient care.
***
About SUNY Optometry
Founded in 1971 in New York City, the State University of New York College of Optometry is the only school of optometry in the state and a nationally recognized leader in optometric education, vision research and patient care. The College prepares the next generation of eye care professionals through its Doctor of Optometry program, residency programs and advanced graduate degrees in vision science, including MS and PhD programs. As an academic health center in optometry dedicated to advancing eye and vision care, SUNY Optometry conducts a robust portfolio of basic, translational and clinical research focused on improving diagnosis, treatment and understanding of visual disorders. Beginning in fall 2027, the Doctor of Optometry degree will be offered in both New York City and Syracuse, providing students the opportunity to choose where they live and practice.
###