SUNY College of Optometry Viewbook
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
VIEWB1OOK 2 Dear Friends, Optometry is an ever-changing and dynamic healthcare profession, and our goal at the State University of New York College of Optometry is to be innovative, bold and impactful in the ways in which we accomplish our mission. SUNY Optometry is dedicated to the education of optometrists, the advancement of eye and vision care through research and graduate education and the care of our community through comprehensive visual health services. The College is the only institution of its kind in New York State and the surrounding region. In fact, we’ve educated approximately 60% of all practicing optometrists in New York State. The University Eye Center (UEC), the College's patient care facility, supports about 75,000 patient visits each year. In addition to primary eye care, the UEC is renowned for its specialty clinical services, including traumatic brain injury, infant vision, pediatrics, visually-related learning disabilities, vision rehabilitation, ocular disease and imaging, vision therapy, specialty contact lenses and laser refractive surgery. Moreover, an extensive array of clinical satellites and extramural programs further broaden the scope and diversity of the patients we serve and, along the way, extend our reach to underserved populations while enhancing the clinical experiences of our students. A hallmark of SUNY Optometry is its commitment to leading the advancement of vision care through research. The College offers MS and PhD graduate degree programs, both independently and in conjunction with the Doctor of Optometry degree. Our Graduate Center for Vision Research (GCVR) oversees basic, translational and clinical research conducted by members of our faculty and professional staff—some of the leading optometric researchers working today. This commitment to research not only leads to breakthroughs in patient care, but also provides opportunities for our students—the next generation of cutting-edge researchers—to be directly involved in this important, often groundbreaking, work. Located in the heart of New York City, opposite the historic New York Public Library and beautiful Bryant Park, SUNY Optometry’s home is an 18-story facility whose historical facade serves as a graceful reminder of the past and the entrance into a contemporary and pioneering educational institution. Sincerely, David A. Heath, OD, EdM President TABLE OF CONTENTS 6 CAREER 14 EDUCATION 28 RESEARCH 30 FACULTY 32 CAMPUS LIFE SUNY College of Optometry The SUNY College of Optometry is contained in a single The Harold Kohn Vision Science Library is the largest vision 300,000-square-foot, 18-floor facility located at 33 West science library in the country. It contains approximately 40,000 42nd Street in midtown Manhattan. volumes and maintains a comprehensive website with links to electronic journals and databases, as well as a wide range of The Center for Student Life and Learning is at the heart of online reference, vision science and general health resources. the student experience. It is a three-floor, 20,000-square foot, state-of-the-art resource designed to enhance both the The University Eye Center, also located within the building, is educational and daily lives of our students. The Center has one of the largest optometric outpatient facilities in the nation, advanced learning spaces—including methods lab, seminar offering both primary and specialized vision care services. space and study rooms—equipped with modern technology, as well as a fitness center, TV lounge, game room and much more. CAREER A GROWING FIELD, A CARING PROFESSION The Field of Optometry OPTOMETRY A Doctor of Optometry is an independent primary healthcare provider who examines the visual system, the eye and associated structures, as IS A TOP 20 well as diagnoses, treats and manages related diseases and disorders. “BEST JOB IN Optometry is a growing field with numerous rewarding career paths, a satisfying work-life balance and an excellent salary. AMERICA,” as reported by CNNMoney. GROWTH OPTIONS CONTROL According to the Bureau of Labor There are multiple career options for Because optometrists usually have the Statistics, employment for optometrists students graduating with a Doctor ability to maintain more control over is expected to grow by 33% from 2010 of Optometry (OD) degree: private their careers than other healthcare to 2020, which is much faster than the practices, multidisciplinary medical professionals, they often enjoy a better average for all occupations. practices, hospitals, teaching institutions, work-life balance as a result. research positions, community health Optometrists will continue to be an centers and the ophthalmic industry. SALARY essential part of healthcare in the Optometrists can also build successful A survey by CNNMoney placed future as adults live longer lives; vision careers in the military, public health or optometrists among the 20 highest- problems occur more frequently later government service. paying occupations in the country. in life. A growing number of chronic diseases, such as diabetes, also affect Many optometrists also focus on specific According to 2010 data from the vision and will contribute to the need sub-specialties, such as pediatrics, vision American Optometric Association for optometrists. therapy, ocular disease, head trauma and Research & Information Center, other areas. optometrists in private practice reported a net income of $147,856, and optometrists employed by others reported a net income of $95,092. “Optometry is highly technical, but there’s also the altruistic aspect of helping people see. It’s the best of both worlds.” Rima Bakhru Optometry is such a versatile career choice. For one thing, my mind will stay sharp because I’ll be solving scientific problems, SECOND-YEAR OD STUDENT but on the other hand, I’ll be helping people who might not see as well as others. HOMETOWN Edison, New Jersey At the College, I’m getting excellent career preparation with my ALMA MATER integrative seminar; it pools scientific understanding with clinical University of Maryland decision making, professional ethics and everyday concerns like billing and coding. CAREER CAREER COMMITTED TO YOUR SUCCESS OPTOMETRY IS A GROWING FIELD WITH A SATISFYING WORK-LIFE BALANCE. Back row (l. to r.): Vito Cavallaro, Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs/Director of Financial Aid; Jeffrey L. Philpott, PhD, Vice President for Student Affairs; Francisco Lucio, Director of Career Development and Minority Enrichment; Guilherme Albieri, Director of Admissions and Marketing Front row (l. to r.): Sarah Didier, Student Affairs Assistant; Ellen Povitch, Admissions Assistant; Jacqueline Martinez, College Registrar The Office of Student Affairs Student Affairs partners with the academic and clinical divisions of the College to enhance student learning, personal development and satisfaction. Utilizing a wide variety of creative and innovative programs and activities, Student Affairs helps to drive the success of students, both while they are in attendance at the College and after they have graduated and started their careers. Through academic support, campus and civic engagement and personal and professional development, Student Affairs, and indeed the entire College community, is committed to the success of our students. “Optometry is the perfect combination of biology, entrepreneurship, patient interaction and a great salary.” Stefan Levay-Young The College's Annual Career Symposium was extremely SECOND-YEAR OD STUDENT helpful because it exposed me to the multifaceted career that is optometry. You hear a lot about private practice, but there are so many other ways I could take my career that I never even HOMETOWN considered. I originally didn’t want to do a residency, but after El Cerrito, California the Symposium, I’m considering it. I also learned about creating ALMA MATER a brand for myself, networking and other useful skills that I might University of Wisconsin, Madison not necessarily learn in class. CAREER CAREER PROFESSIONAL GUIDANCE FROM THE BEGINNING 33% JOB GROWTH IN OPTOMETRY FROM 2010 TO 2020 (Bureau of Labor Statistics) The Annual Career Symposium, organized by the CDC, assembles industry leaders to provide practical career advice to students and alumni. The Career Development Center (CDC) The CDC closely guides students, residents and alumni through key career decision points in their educational and professional development. The highly personalized services and programs include: Career counseling Individualized, outside-of-classroom issues and trends that are deemed Market research analysis with learning opportunities most relevant to ongoing career special attention on New York Mock interviews development State opportunities Preparation for CV/résumé, cover Students also have opportunities to Practice opportunities/placement letter and letter of intent writing develop leadership skills during retreats and Networking meetings Family of Mentors: a mentoring summits and through collaboration with organizations like the American Optometric Organized optometry functions program designed to engage all in a dialogue about careers in optometry Student Association and the New York Liaison between corporate entities State Optometric Association. See page and student organizations Special sessions/workshops and 32 for more of these organizations. short-course series addressing topics, Lectures and guest speakers “I was amazed at all the career options that were available to me.” Barbara Mendoza FIRST-YEAR