Partnership Welcomes New Contributing Partner
Contact:
Martin A. Wall
CAE, Executive Director
mwall@opted.org
301-231-5817
The Partnership Foundation for Optometric Education Welcomes The Heart of America Contact Lens Society (HOACLS) as a Contributing Partner
David Loshin (center) President of the Partnership Foundation receives the 2007 HOACLS contribution from Ellis Potter (left) and Larry Davis (right) members of the HOACL Education Committee
ROCKVILLE, MD, November 9, 2007 — The Partnership Foundation for Optometric Education welcomed its newest Contributing Partner, The Heart of America Contact Lens Society, this month at its Board of Directors meeting in Tampa, Florida. HOACLS joins fifteen national, regional and state contributing partners, the 17 schools and colleges of optometry, and corporate partners in the Partnership Foundation, whose goal is to provide financial support for the advancement of optometric education and related special needs of the profession. Contributing partners donate one dollar per hour to the Foundation for each optometrist registered to receive paid continuing education.
Heart of America President Roy Roberts stated, “HOACLS scholarships have assisted currently enrolled and graduating students over the years and we are committed to continue those opportunities. We believe that our investment in the foundation complements those endeavors by establishing resources to be used by the next generation of students and educators.”
Partnership Foundation President David Loshin describes HOACLS’s commitment to optometry education as “an unwavering constant and positive force in an era of economic uncertainties.” Loshin continues, “The Partnership Foundation welcomes the dedication and support that a market leader such as HOACLS brings to the profession’s future.”
The Heart of America’s first contribution was presented by Education Committee members Dr. Larry Davis and Dr. Ellis Potter. The Partnership Foundation for Optometric Education was established in 1996 by the Association of Schools and
Colleges of Optometry (ASCO) and the American Optometric Association (AOA) to ensure the continued viability and promise of the profession of optometry. The next generation of practitioners will be the primary beneficiaries of the Foundation’s success,
through financial support of the professional optometry degree programs (O.D.) and related special projects. Its assets are approaching $4 million.
The Heart of America Contact Lens Society was founded over forty-five years ago with 40 original members. The annual HOACLS Congress, held each February, provides outstanding continuing education in primary care optometry and contact lens care.
