Eye on Optometry

Photo by Jo McCulty
The Ohio State University

A Short Conversation with Dr. Karla Zadnik, ASCO President

Each July, ASCO swears in a new President to serve for the year. This year’s President, Dr. Karla Zadnik, sat down with ASCO’s Director of Communications to talk about the next twelve months.

At The Ohio State University College of Optometry for more than 20 years working up the faculty ranks, Dr. Zadnik was named Dean of the College of Optometry in 2014 and is also the Executive Dean of the Health Science Colleges at Ohio State. She is also the Glenn A. Fry Professor of Optometry and Physiology Optics at Ohio State and received a Distinguished Scholar Award in 2010 from the university. She received her OD and PhD degrees from the University of California, Berkeley School of Optometry, is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry, and served as the Academy’s President from 2011 to 2012.

ASCO: Dr. Zadnik, congratulations on being named ASCO President for fiscal year 2016-2017. What excites you the most and what do you think will challenge you the most this year?

Dr. Karla Zadnik: Thank you. I am looking forward to the challenge provided by the ASCO’s Presidency. What excites me the most as I look toward the upcoming year is working on the ASCO Strategic Plan. ASCO hasn’t had a new Strategic Plan in 14 years, and it’s time to attend to this important initiative and look ahead to and plan for the future. I am excited to lead the strategic planning process for the organization.

ASCO: What will be your main priorities this year?

KZ: We will play to our strengths and continue to work on projects we have already started. I like the idea that ASCO will help its Board members, who are Deans and Presidents of our 23 optometric institutions, become better Deans and Presidents, but I am equally excited at the thought of helping our institutions’ Chief Academic Officers become better leaders. We have initiatives, such as the Summer Institute for Faculty Development, that help new faculty gain knowledge and enhance the skills that will lead to a successful academic career. We also want to give other administrators the necessary training so they too are successful through workshops, webinars, tutorials, mentoring, onsite training, and leadership seminars. ASCO will help enrich its Board members and other members.

ASCO: How will ASCO staff help in implementing the Plan?

KZ: ASCO staff is vital to its successful implementation. The organizations I have led are different than my day job. Those on ASCO’s committees, task forces, and Special Interest Groups are volunteers. Even the simplest ideas by volunteers would be impossible to implement. We need staff to implement them. Staff is vital in any volunteer organization to really get the work done.

ASCO: Let’s talk about optometry and optometric education. Where did your passion for optometric education come from? What appealed to you about the field of optometry in general?

KZ: My story may be trite, but it’s true. My paternal grandfather was an optometrist. He died at 91, when I was 16. He practiced in Stow, Ohio in a practice in the basement of his house. After he died I declared I would also become an optometrist. After I graduated from high school, we moved to California, where I completed my undergraduate prerequisites and then went to UC Berkeley for optometry school.

I completed a rotation in specialty contact lenses during my fourth year at Berkeley Optometry that changed my career trajectory. After my rotation was over, the supervising optometrist asked if I would be interested in more hands-on learning in the Department of Ophthalmology at Stanford University. After fitting an aphakic baby with contact lenses in the operating room, I was hooked. When the same kind of position opened up at the University of California, Davis, I delivered direct patient care in the areas of specialty contact lenses, anterior segment, and low vision.

I loved the job at Davis but didn’t get bitten by the “academic bug” until after I published a paper or two and received encouraging feedback. I loved that I could perform some research, write a paper, a journal would publish it, and people would read it and learn something from it. I thought, “Oh, this is so cool.”

That is when I started to ramp up my academic activities and received invitations to speak at conferences and seminars. I became a fellow in the American Academy of Optometry and then a Diplomate in its Section on Cornea and Contact Lenses, but I was in a department of ophthalmology, and I was an optometrist, which limited my future. That’s when I applied for a training grant slot at Berkeley to work toward my PhD. Entering academia was the best decision I have ever made. The timing was right. I had a three-year old daughter when I started graduate school and had my second daughter while attending graduate school. My husband was extraordinarily supportive through it all; he still is.

People ask me how I balance it all. My response is: Somehow, you just do.

ASCO: What piece of advice would you give to a student who is interested in becoming a Doctor of Optometry or a student who has the aptitude but may not know about optometry?

KZ: For those who want to be an optometrist, the emphasis should be “academics first” as he or she moves toward optometry school. Being well grounded in the math and sciences opens all the doors, including the doors to optometry school. It makes the path to optometry school course work that much easier. There is NO substitute for hard academic work in the sciences for getting into optometry school.

For the latter, for people who are changing careers or majoring in something other than the sciences, I would tell them about all the opportunities they have to work with people. Math and science academic competence is required, but there is also the small business aspect to optometry as a career. If someone has an entrepreneurial spirit, I would suggest optometry as a career.

For both groups of people, those who are on the optometry track during college and those who discover it later in life, I tell them optometry is a happy profession. We can help most of the people most of the time. We are mostly fixers; people have things we can treat. Optometrists make a good living, and they make that living by helping people in a very significant way.

ASCO: On a more personal note, tell us about you a little. What was the last vacation you took? Last good book you read; any hobbies, etc.

KZ: My main hobby is quilting. I have been making large and small quilts and machine sewing them for 18 years. My favorite vacation spot is Nantucket, MA. It’s been an important place to my family ever since we celebrated my parent’s 50^th wedding anniversary there in 1989. Kurt, my husband, and I have been married for 37 years and we have two daughters, Andra and Nina. Andra just got married in California. We are a small family, but we are a deeply connected family.

Every other summer we host the Summer Research Institute, co-sponsored by the American Optometric Association and the American Academy of Optometry, and this year we had a lobster dinner in our backyard for 50 people. It was a magical night—perfect weather and literally hundreds of fireflies in the grass and the trees. I like to think the future of optometric research was eating lobster at my house.

ASCO: And lastly, I’d be remiss if I don’t talk about The Ohio State, specifically sports. Are you an OSU sports fan? How do you think the teams will do this year? Planning on going to any games? What is your favorite sport?

KZ: It is impossible to move to this institution and NOT be an Ohio State sports fan! Of course you think of the football team when you think of Ohio State and the Big Ten. We are, of course, fans of the football team, but we also hold season tickets to men’s and women’s basketball. People may be surprised how great the women are doing – check them out on the Big Ten channel. They are great fun to watch.

ASCO: Thank you for your time Dr. Karla Zadnik!

Recently Kim O’Sullivan, ASCO’s Director of Communications, sat down with Dawn Mancuso, MAM, CAE, FASAE, to discuss her recent appointment as ASCO’s Executive Director.

ASCO: What appealed to you about the position and what are you most looking forward to?

DAWN: Wow, I could go on and on with this question! There is so much good stuff going on at ASCO – and great opportunity to do more. I believe my communications background and experience working in associations, largely in the healthcare field, have prepared me in a very unique way for my position. When I met with the search committee and the Board of Directors, I detected a strong sense of comradery, of community, that is very attractive to anyone working within an association. On top of all that, I am excited to learn and be involved with a new (to me) set of public policy issues surrounding higher education.

ASCO: You started full time as ED on August 31^st. How has it been so far?

DAWN: It’s been a real whirlwind. Very exciting! In the first 10 weeks, there has been quite a bit of travel and a barrage of meetings: two board meetings, two Executive Committee meetings, one IOCCC meeting, and somewhere around 20 meetings of either committees or special interest groups. And, that doesn’t include a number of advocacy meetings here in D.C. But I’ve loved every minute of it…these meetings have been a great way for me to meet folks, get acquainted with our dedicated volunteers, and learn the issues facing the profession.

ASCO: What will you focus on during your first 90 days at ASCO?

DAWN: Well, those first 90 days are quickly coming to a close. I’ve really had to focus on the emergent things at hand – especially the preparation for and participation in all of the meetings I mentioned above. I have been working hard to “be a sponge” and learn as much as possible about the issues and challenges facing the profession as well as the educational institutions we represent. Thankfully, I have a phenomenal (and patient) group of board members and staff members supporting me and the organization during this time.

ASCO: ASCO’s previous ED retired after almost 25 years. That’s a huge accomplishment. How do you build on those past 25 years?

DAWN: I am very lucky to have inherited an organization as well run and in such a strong position as ASCO. I have worked in several “turn around” situations before, so I know just how much work it took my predecessor (Marty Wall) to put ASCO on such firm footing. It means that the staff and volunteers are now free to focus our attention on the future. So, we’ve committed to spending some time in the year ahead working on a new strategic plan for ASCO that will intentionally advance the ability of our member schools and colleges to meet the educational needs of the Doctor of Optometry profession tomorrow and beyond.

ASCO: How will you ensure your priorities and the Board of Directors’ priorities are implemented?

DAWN: Implementation is the primary responsibility of any Executive Director. Our goal is to build a strategic plan that it a living, working document. It should and will drive priority initiatives, annual work plans and budgets for the Association. Once the plan is developed, I’ll be working closely with the rest of the staff and the committees/special interest groups to design reporting mechanisms that help us measure our progress as well as ways to communicate that progress to a wide variety of audiences.

ASCO: Where did your interest for association management come from?

DAWN: That’s a long story! I’ve been doing association management work since 1982, so over 30 years. Most people are surprised when I tell them that. I’m hoping it’s because they think I look younger than I am. [laughs] Truth be told, I accidentally got involved in the field. I worked my way through undergraduate university doing editorial work, and worked on the school paper, so I had developed sufficient writing skills to get a job at a newspaper upon graduation. Unfortunately, it was an afternoon daily paper that, like all afternoon dailies, was facing real economic hardships due to changes in how the public got their news. When the paper folded, I helped close down the office and started looking everywhere for my next job – which turned out to be an editorial position with my first association, a professional society in the healthcare field. I didn’t really understand what an association did, and I certainly didn’t know anything about the profession represented by the association. But, I loved it; every day was different, I got to be nosy about what other people did for a living, and I got to help people do what they do better. You get to work with the best, the brightest, the most dedicated volunteers in the profession. I was hooked, and never looked back…and have been thankful ever since that I was so lucky. I eventually went on and got my Master’s degree in Association Management from George Washington University, and attained the Certified Association Executive credential from the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE), which has since named me as a Fellow. Several years back, I was asked to serve on the ASAE Board of Directors, which was such an honor, a learning experience without parallel, and a great way to give back to the profession I have continued to enjoy for so many years.

ASCO: Has anything surprised or intrigued you about optometric education that you didn’t know before?

DAWN: The theory behind association management is that the best associations are successful because of a strong partnership between the members, who are the content experts, and the staff, who are the operational experts. So, I came to ASCO clearly appreciating that I am far from an expert on optometric education. That said, I am interested and intrigued in learning as much as possible about it, as well as the educational approach that other health professions take. Sometimes the best ideas will come from an organization in a parallel field.

ASCO: On a more personal note, tell us about you a little. What was the last vacation you took? Last good book you read? Any hobbies? Etc.

DAWN: I love to travel, especially internationally. (My undergraduate degree was in international relations.) I’ve visited about 20 different countries so far. I love to read, too, and usually have 3 or 4 books going at the same time, although one book is always my “primary” read. I try to alternate the kind of book that it is – a novel, then business management/non-fiction, then back to a novel. I also do volunteer work. I’m a devoted animal lover, so I’ve married that interest with my volunteer work and currently serve on the Board of Directors for a small non-profit in the D.C. area that tries to help people in need with therapy dogs and other animals. I’m a trained strategic planning facilitator, so I’ve consulted with other non-profits in managing their strategic planning processes. I’ve just started dabbling in genealogy in an attempt to put together my family tree. I’m also an avid gardener – and like to cook with the bounty of vegetables and spices. I’ve been known to make a mean pesto!

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Recently ASCO’s Director of Communications sat down with Dr. David Heath to discuss his role as ASCO President.

Dr. Heath has been the President of the SUNY College of Optometry in New York City since 2007. Prior to joining SUNY, Dr. Heath served as vice president and dean of academic affairs at the New England College of Optometry. Dr. Heath has a Doctor of Optometry from The New England College of Optometry and a Masters in Education from Harvard University.
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ASCO: Dr. Heath, you were ASCO President for fiscal year 2012-2013 and now you’re President again this year. Welcome back. What changes have you seen in optometric education in these past years?

Dr. Heath: First let me say that I am honored that I was asked to serve a second stint as ASCO’s President. I’ve been involved with ASCO throughout my career and believe strongly in the leadership role it plays in the advancement of our profession.

It’s actually only been two years since I finished my first term, but there have been changes. The changes are more within our healthcare and educational environments, than within optometric education per se. With the continued evolution of health care reform, expanding scopes of practice, the expectations for Interprofessional Practice (IPP) and emerging technologies, the future practice of optometry will be fundamentally different from what it is today. It is incumbent upon ASCO and its member institutions to anticipate those changes and educate our students for future practice – I think our Deans and Presidents are more than ready for the challenge.

ASCO: What will be your main priorities this year and how have they changed and evolved since 2012?

Dr. Heath: This year is ASCO’s 75^th Anniversary. Anniversaries serve as milestones and often cause us to look back and reflect. In ASCO’s case, our 75^th coincides with a significant transition of leadership within the organization and, while mindful of our past, it will serve as a catalyst to look forward. I like to believe that ASCO has changed significantly in the last several years; becoming far more proactive and demonstrating leadership both within our profession and outside of it through developing relationships with other health profession organizations.

During the coming year, while continuing the many programs we already deliver, we will be conducting a comprehensive strategic planning process which will set the stage for ASCO’s future. This process, combined with the assimilation of our new Executive Director into the organization, pretty much fills the plate for the year ahead. That said, I would highlight one event in particular. We will be tackling an issue that has really emerged over the past few years and that is the challenge of preparing our students for collaborative, team-based care through interprofessional education (IPE). Dr. Jenny Coyle, now our immediate past-president, has been a leading voice for ASCO’s involvement with IPE and she will be leading a Summit on Interprofessional Education that will take place in Fullerton, California in early February. I think it’s going to be a terrific program and it is very timely.

ASCO: How will ASCO staff help in implementing your priorities?

Dr. Heath: First it is important to recognize that the staff in any association that depends upon volunteerism is absolutely essential in advancing the organization. We’re very fortunate to have a top-notch staff at ASCO who have done a fabulous job. We couldn’t do what we do without them.

As the coming year will include the first change of Executive Directors in nearly 25 years and the initiation of the strategic planning process, changes will occur and priorities will shift.   While change can sometimes cause angst, it can also open up tremendous opportunities for our organization and those who serve it. The ASCO staff can be most helpful, first by continuing to do what they have been doing so well, but also by embracing change and the opportunities that can come with it.

ASCO: Speaking of ASCO staff, we’d be remiss if we didn’t bring up a very big change in the ASCO administrative office. After nearly 25 years, Executive Director Marty Wall is retiring and Dawn Mancuso has been appointed Executive Director. She will begin her tenure with ASCO on August 31. Tell us a little bit about Ms. Mancuso and why she was chosen as ED.

Dr. Heath: I was so pleased when I heard that Dawn had accepted the position of ASCO Executive Director. She brings a real depth of experience as an association executive along with a strong background in strategic planning and experience with the healthcare sector. During the interview process, Dawn seemed to naturally connect with the entire community. It was very easy to see that she would fit in well. Interestingly as happenstance would have it, I’ve crossed paths with a couple of association executives who knew of Dawn from the American Society of Association Executives; both shared (unsolicited) that we had found a terrific ED. I’m really looking forward to working with her during the coming year. You should do one of these with her!

ASCO: What are you looking forward to the most this year?

Dr. Heath: I am honored at being asked to serve as President for a second go round. That said, I believe my role is to lead during a period of significant transition and to set the stage for the future by working with and, indeed, supporting the entire organization in the strategic planning process. What am I looking forward to? I’m looking forward to looking back and seeing that we have accomplished what we set out to do.

ASCO: Where did your passion for optometric education come from?

Dr. Heath: I’m not sure I can point to a specific source of inspiration, but I do know that being involved in optometric education and serving in leadership roles allows me to merge a lot of interests while knowing that I can make a significant impact in advancing the profession. Over my career I’ve had many roles, but I’ve always been able to positively affect patients, students, faculty and others both on an individual level and by effecting improvement at the programmatic and the institutional level as well. As President of the SUNY College of Optometry, I get to do it all, it’s a real joy.

ASCO: What piece of advice would you give to a student who is interested in becoming an optometrist? Or a student who has the aptitude but may not know about optometry?

Dr. Heath: Obviously, I think optometry is great profession and I would encourage anyone interested in the health professions to consider it. The one recommendation that I would emphasize for anyone considering a health profession as a career is to research, research and do more research about the future of health care and specifically about the field they are interested in. Most candidates for admission do visit practices and shadow the doc to get a sense of “a day in the life” of the optometrist. The reality though is that what they see today may not be what they are getting tomorrow, so it is important that they try to understand future trends and how those trends may impact the future delivery of care. That’s actually a tall order for someone in the middle of their college years. Optometry is a fantastic profession, but they do need to be prepared for ever present change.

ASCO: On a more personal note, tell us about you a little. What was the last vacation you took? Last good book you read; any hobbies, etc.

Dr. Heath: I probably don’t take vacations as often as I should, but your timing is great. My wife, Jeannine and I just took two weeks in early May to go to Italy. We hit the key cities of Rome, Florence and Venice and it was wonderful. Unfortunately our last big vacation was four years before that. I have to admit that I don’t have much time for hobbies, but I grab rounds of golf whenever I can and junk mystery novels are my airplane vice.

A letter written by ASCO President, Jenny Coyle, to the Mexican Congress has positively affected the state of optometry in Mexico.

On March 17, 2015 the President of Mexico signed into law a modification that adds optometry to the list of health professions that require a university degree in order to practice.

In the letter written by President Coyle she states, “We support the view of the World Council of Optometry that the inclusion of optometry in the Health Bill [will benefit] … the population in terms of provision of higher quality eye and vision care. Universities in Mexico have been educating optometrists for more than 60 years; therefore requiring optometrists to attain a university level degree in order to practice in an excellent first step in establishing the highest standards of eye and vision care that the population deserves.”

June 10, 2014 — Jointly launched by the American Optometric Association (AOA) and the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (ASCO), the National Eye Care Workforce Study is based on the most current survey and health sector data, along with a computer model developed by the Lewin Group, a firm widely recognized for its health care policy research.

The just completed study was designed to help answer critically important questions about how America’s eye health needs will be met over the next decade and beyond.

“The results clearly point to a supply of eye doctors – optometrists and ophthalmologists – that is adequate to meet the current and future eye health and vision care needs of the American people,” said Steve Loomis, O.D., vice president of the AOA Board of Trustees. “The study also demonstrates the opportunities for optometry to further expand its role in the delivery of medical eye care services for seniors, working adults and children.”

Highlights of the study findings include:

• There appears to be an adequate supply of eye doctors, optometrists and ophthalmologists, inclusive of projections of new doctors, to meet current and projected demand for eye care services through 2025.

• Demographic trends as well as public health and policy factors, including growth and aging of the U.S. population, an increased prevalence of Type 2 diabetes, expansions in health insurance coverage and the designation in federal law that coverage for eye health and vision care is essential for children are all projected to contribute to an increasing demand for optometric services through 2025.

• The data collected indicates that with increases in productivity, optometrists currently view themselves as able to accommodate much of the expected increase in demand. Responding optometrists reported that they could see an average of 19.8 additional patients per week if completely booked without adding hours to their practice schedule.

• The trend of optometrists to provide an increasing number of medically necessary eye care services correlates closely with projections for an increasing demand for these services, especially among senior citizens and those at risk for Type 2 diabetes.

Jennifer Smythe, O.D., M.S., ASCO President said, “While the study offers a snapshot of the workforce at this moment in time, one of the most important aspects of this project is that the Eye Care Workforce computer model will allow for continued analysis of the eye care market as external factors affecting both supply and demand change or are introduced.  Workforce studies often generate as many new questions as they answer, and we can see some intriguing new avenues for investigation as we seek to advance optometry’s ability to meet the demand for services.”

AOA and ASCO organized the study project for which funding was provided by ophthalmic industry sponsors, including Alcon, Essilor, HOYA Vision Care, Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc., Luxottica, TLC Vision, and Transitions Optical.

Mitchell T. Munson, O.D., AOA President, said, “Without a doubt, this is the most ambitious, comprehensive and forward-looking study of eye care supply and demand ever undertaken. It fully recognizes both optometrists and ophthalmologists as providers of the eye health and medical services, including diagnosis, treatment and management of an array of diseases and disorders, which will be increasingly needed by Americans in the years to come.”

To get all three documents from the National Eye Care Workforce Study go to AOA.org/Marketplace.

• National Eye Care Workforce Study: Supply and Demand Projections Executive Summary
  Digital Copy:
  Members:  Included in membership ($0)
  Non-members charge is $15

• Report on the 2012 National Eye Care Workforce Survey of Optometrists
  Printed Book:
  Members:  Included in membership ($0)
  Non-member charge is $125
• National Eye Care Workforce Study: Supply and Demand Projections Final Report
  Printed Book:
  Members:  Included in membership ($0)
  Non-member charge is $625

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About ASCO
The Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (ASCO) is a non-profit association representing the interests of optometric education. Founded in 1941 and headquartered in Rockville, Md., ASCO is committed to achieving excellence in optometric education and to helping its member institutions prepare well-qualified graduates for entrance into the profession of optometry. Its membership encompasses the schools and colleges of optometry in the 50 states and Puerto Rico. A number of optometry schools outside the United States are affiliate members.

About the AOA
The American Optometric Association, a federation of state, student and armed forces optometric associations, was founded in 1898. Today, the AOA is proud to represent the profession of optometry, America’s family eye doctors, who take a leading role in an individual’s overall eye and vision care, health and well-being. Doctors ofoptometry (ODs) are the independent primary health care professionals for the eye and have extensive, ongoing training to examine, diagnose, treat and manage disorders, diseases and injuries that affect the eye and visual system, providing two-thirds of primary eye care in the U.S. For information on a variety of eye health and vision topics, and to find an optometrist near you, visit www.aoa.org.

On Oct. 30, more than 900 prospective applicants and representatives from optometry institutions participated in ASCO’s first optometry virtual fair.

The fair was an opportunity for students to ask questions from the comfort of their own computers as they consider if optometry is the right profession for them. For those who are currently involved in the OptomCAS application process, it allowed them to ask specific questions about their applications to the schools and colleges they are considering.

Comments from the participants as well as schools and colleges representatives were overwhelmingly positive.

A sampling of comments is below:

“I LOVE IT!” Potential student

“I like how you have multiple representatives from each school. It has allowed for a variety of questions to be answered.” Potential student

“I particularly enjoyed talking to current students.” Potential student

“It was also helpful to see what questions others were asking, as some have asked questions I didn’t think of myself.” Potential student

“[I liked] the quick feedback to my specific questions.” Potential student

“Representatives were very welcoming and informative.” Potential student

“… it has been nice to connect at once with all the schools I’ve been researching for so long!” Potential student

“I’ve been impressed with the depth of the answers given to me by some of the representatives.” Potential student

“It [is] a fantastic way to get better understanding of the schools and programs.” Potential student

“Going well. Busy in the chat room. I like it a lot. It allows us to reach more students in a cost effective way.” School or College of Optometry representative

“It’s great – love being able to connect with so many students from across country all at once.” School or College of Optometry representative

“Going great – we are having a blast. Well organized and has been constant.” School or College of Optometry representative

“On average we had about 47 students per school and college of optometry participating during the fair,” according to Paige Pence, ASCO’s Director, Student and Residency Affairs. “Our hope is to offer future fairs and build on this momentum and continue educating students about the wonderful profession of optometry.”

If you’re interested in ASCO’s schools and colleges of optometry or wish to be notified of future fairs, please email ppence@opted.org.

Download ASCO’s True Stories brochure here.

Jennifer Smythe. Dean of the College of Optometry. Pacific University.

Recently ASCO’s Director of Communications sat down with Dr. Jennifer Smythe to discuss her role as ASCO President.

ASCO: What will be your main priorities this coming year?
Dr. Jennifer Smythe: We have great momentum with the marketing campaign we have been working on and we will continue to promote the optometric profession and to achieve our goal of increasing the applicant pool to our 21 schools and colleges of optometry. We want the world to know we’re optometry and this is what we do.

Interprofessional education is also important to me because collaborative care is the future. We need to be thinking about what health care will look like and how it will evolve while continuing to enhance the overall wellbeing of the patient.

I also hope to learn what all of our schools and colleges are doing and what unique experiences we can share with our faculty and students of optometry. We need to keep on top of the changing technology and tools in the field of optometric education as well as ways to best communicate with our students. I will support all of our member institutions in any way I can and offer resources including my time and the talents of our faculty, committees and board of directors. Allocating resources for a grant program and other important initiatives are in ASCO’s future.

ASCO: How will ASCO help in implementing your priorities?
JS: We have so much expertise! We don’t have to necessarily look outside ourselves for resources. We will continue tapping into member institutions as well as ASCO staff. Establishing an IPE task force is on the forefront and staff at ASCO headquarters will be vital in making this group cohesive and functional.

ASCO: What are you looking forward to the most during this coming year?
JS: Hearing from all the institutions about their programs and ideas and what is working for them and what is not. I’m a lifelong learner and I am looking forward to learning from my colleagues. Such as: learning what barriers our schools and colleges have overcome; what opportunities are offered to our schools and colleges; what issues other health professions are facing; what can I learn that will benefit my institution, and so on.

I’m also looking forward to connecting with students and keeping communication fresh and current.

ASCO: Will your duties as Dean of Pacific University, College of Optometry change during your presidency?
JS: My role will not change. The time to be ASCO President came at a great time. Timing is everything. This is my sixth year as Dean of Pacific University, College of Optometry. I know my role and the needs of the position and it allows me to carve out time for ASCO while still being involved with optometric education. I have an extremely supportive team and am supported by our Provost and President.

ASCO: Where did your passion for optometric education come from?
JS: My story is probably similar to many. I grew up in a small town in Alaska — Kodiak, Alaska. I worked for a Pacific alumnus because my original aspiration was to join his practice in pediatrics. However, during my second year in optometry school, my contact lens professor, Cristina Schnider, influenced me and I wanted to learn more from her. She got me involved in research. I was her teaching assistant and her second contact lens resident.

I love academia because every day is different. I am constantly challenged. It is one thing to know it. It’s another thing to convey the information to students. Being able to use research to validate clinical anecdotes was fun for me. Research is fascinating because you may have a theory in your mind but you need to go out and find if that theory is true or not.

ASCO: What piece of advice would you give to a student who is interested in becoming an optometrist? Or a student who has the aptitude but may not know about optometry? A parent? A current optometrist or mentor?
JS: This is very apropos. My son is a junior at Pacific and is pre-optometry. To a student or potential student I’d say to shadow as many optometrists as you can and learn about the specialty areas in optometry so you have a broad understanding of what optometrists do, and what opportunities are available. I’d also tell the student the curriculum is very challenging. Success starts with not only identifying what you want to do but also WHY you want to do it. That is why shadowing an optometrist is so important. I would encourage a potential student of optometry to seek out alumni from various schools and colleges to learn about which institution is best for them.

We need to do a much better job at sharing information about our profession to high school and college students, not just with pre optometry and health advisors. Being a doctor of optometry positively impacts someone’s life almost instantly. Applying a contact lens to someone is amazing. It’s like painting leaves on the trees. The profession is rewarding, you help people and you’re constantly learning. We also play important roles in managing the overall health of our patients.

As a parent I’m absolutely thrilled my son has decided to enter a profession where he’ll thrive. There are so many opportunities for him. I have great pride when I think of his future. It requires a significant investment but there’s a significant demand for optometrists. I’d encourage parents to educate their children about the field.

To current optometrists I say, “We need you!” We need optometrists to send us students. Roll up your shirt sleeves and open your doors to students and have honest conversations about the profession. Talk to them about what they do on a daily basis. What rewards they gain by being an optometrist. Doctors of optometry are the most influential group to the entering class of optometry students. Not their health advisors or college professors, but current doctors of optometry.

ASCO: Congratulations on being the first female president of ASCO. Would you care to comment?
JS: I’m happy and proud to be the president of ASCO and proud to be the first female president. I feel this is an organic natural reflection of the changing demographics of the student population.

Can I brag for a moment? The first female president of the American Academy of Optometry, Joan Exford, Dori Carlson the first female president of the American Optometric Association, and I all received degrees from the Pacific University, College of Optometry!

ASCO: Speaking of Pacific University, College of Optometry, this is your opportunity to “plug” your institution. Tell us something about Pacific that we may not know.
JS: We are a really vibrant and unique community. Our university is very diversified. There are ten  other health profession programs at our institution. As a college of optometry we have done a wonderful job expanding the scope of practice in Oregon and using that in our curriculum.

We focus on behavioral optometry and are very loyal to our roots. When we see a patient, we learn how we can enhance that patient’s life by improving their vision and health. That is behavioral optometry. It’s a privilege to work with an individual and help him or her become more functional and successful through their eyes and vision. That is Pacific’s fundamental core.

ASCO: On a more personal note, tell us about you a little. What was the last vacation you took? Last good book you read; any hobbies, etc.
JS: I took a vacation to France his summer. It fed my interest in history. Paris is the most amazing city on the planet. That was my last true vacation. I like to read a lot. I enjoy historical fiction and I’m in the middle of Maeve Binchy’s latest book. She writes about people in interesting ways and develops characters you want to get to know better.

I also enjoy cooking. I would consider myself a foodie and love trying new restaurants. My family and I enjoy playing games, especially my 16 year old daughter, and when I can I also garden.

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