VisionsALUMNI MAGAZINE Summer 2020

COVID-19 Impacts Optometry PAGE 10

Celebrating the Private Practice Telehealth and Class of 2020 Surviving COVID Optometry Page 4 Page 12 Page 16 ALUMNI MAGAZINE Summer 2020

PRESIDENT Lewis Reich, OD, PhD

VICE PRESIDENT FOR INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT George Miller, CFRE

DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS Jim Hollifield

SENIOR CREATIVE DESIGNER Susan Doyle

WEBSITE AND SOCIAL NETWORKING MANAGER Erin Jaffe

VISUAL DESIGNER Philip Tribble

CREATIVE SERVICES COORDINATOR Melissa Hansbro

BOARD CHAIR Ryan Powell, OD ’02

BOARD MEMBERS Prepared Amanda Brewer-Lord, OD ’97 David A. Cockrell, OD ’81 A half century ago, SCO Steven L. Compton, OD ’78 Anita Davis, PhD Mark Kapperman, OD ’87 opened its distinctive Jennifer Lyerly, OD ’11 Stacey J. Meier, OD ’84 11-story tower. It’s stood Carla D. Sanderson, PhD Dave Sattler Lynn T. Shaw, AWMA the test of time, just as the A. L. Spivey III, OD ’67 Stuart J. Thomas, OD ’84 institution has thrived for Leticia W. Towns, FACHE Terry L. Tucker, OD ’84 nearly 90 years. Thanks to Chris W. Wroten, OD ’02 FACULTY REPRESENTATIVE the foresight of previous Wilson McGriff, MPH, OD STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE generations, SCO worked in Tessa Lau, ’22 those subsequent years to Visions is a magazine for alumni, embrace good stewardship faculty, staff, and other friends of Southern College of Optometry. and planning for the future. It is published through the Office of Institutional Advancement. A digital version is available In this time of a global online at sco.edu/visions.

Please forward comments, address pandemic, being prepared changes, and contributions to: Institutional Advancement has made the difference to 1245 Madison Avenue Memphis, TN 38104-2222 SCO. To all our loyal alumni 800-238-0180, ext. 4 and friends, thank you. Your continued support sco.edu @SCOnews enables SCO to maintain its @southerncollegeofoptometry strength and replenish our southerncollegeofoptometry SCOedu resources to stay prepared

2 for future challenges.VISIONS [SUMMER 2020] SCO’s newly opened tower, circa 1970.  A MESSAGE FROM Our President the country, they’ve found Your support is more critical To each of you who has written, creative ways to celebrate, than ever. As you’ll read in emailed, or called over the past and we know that we will hold this issue, our reopening plans few months, we appreciate your commencement exercises for involve a significant amount of concern and encouragement. them when it’s safe to do so. Personal Protective Equipment Together, we will work to come and multiple cleaning protocols back stronger than ever. All of our students, faculty, and each day in order to keep staff have responded admirably. everyone safe, including If there’s a bright spot, this patient care. technology-savvy generation was the best prepared to ease A creative group of employees in The Eye Center took selfies for this collage as a into remote virtual learning message to share with our patients. This project showcased the dedication and care for their didactic instruction. that exemplifies our employees! LEWIS REICH, OD, PH.D Because we suspended As this issue of Visions goes operations late in the semester, to press, things are looking we calculated the amount of brighter for SCO. Like all of patient care accumulated by you, SCO was impacted by the our third- and fourth-year unprecedent modern public students and saw that SCO’s health crisis sparked by the reputation for outstanding COVID-19 pandemic. The clinical care gave them a great campus closed on March 15, advantage in this regard. but I know that our alumni join Our employees have carried me in expressing appreciation on working remotely. All of and pride in how well the SCO our faculty lecturers mastered community responded over the art of teaching in front these past few difficult months. of an empty lecture hall or Context is helpful when we from home via computer. Our view this chapter as one of employees have held mass many challenges that will group meetings, each from ultimately be conquered by the safety of their homes. the SCO community. SCO’s We created a daily digest of first decade of students came information to email them each to Memphis during the Great morning to help everyone stay Depression. The following connected and in the loop about decade brought WWII. Those the significant amount of rapid generations overcame their changes we’ve encountered. obstacles, and that’s how we’ve Through it all, we’ve seen viewed this crisis as well. positivity and flexibility. This Our Class of 2020, recruited smooth continuity was made several years ago with the possible by our alumni and unique expectation that they supporters and the support would become THE ODs to have you’ve given SCO through the graduated in year 2020 with years. Good stewardship has its special distinction, were been a goal at SCO for decades. impacted perhaps most of all. That philosophy has helped us Like other graduates across greatly over the past few years.

VISIONS [SUMMER 2020] 3 COMMENCEMENT SPOTLIGHT Celebrating SCO’s Class of 2020

It was a commencement season like no other as the difficult decision EXCELLENCE IN CLINICAL ACHIEVEMENT was made to postpone graduation exercises for the Class of 2020. SCO LUCY KATHERINE BONE ORGAIN AWARD is working with the Class of 2020 to hold its actual ceremony when Kira Winston circumstances improve and safety permits. Chawan Rasheed SOCIETY OF PROFESSIONAL OPTOMETRISTS OF GEORGIA Trevor Shealy Still, not even a global pandemic could rob this CHRISTINE AND GEORGE DUCOTE, OD ’40 SCHOLARSHIP year’s 134 graduates of the satisfaction that came Rachel Werner ESSILOR LABS OF AMERICA AWARD with successfully completing four years at one of Julia Reimold

the nation’s leading optometry colleges. EXCELLENCE IN CONTACT LENS BAUSCH & LOMB ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP Jacob Weber At the exact hour that would have marked this year’s commencement JOHNSON & JOHNSON AWARD OF ceremony, SCO held a remote Senior Awards ceremony for the Class of EXCELLENCE IN CONTACT LENS PATIENT CARE 2020. Joe Hauser, Vice President for Student Services, officiated from Jared Freedman GP LENS INSTITUTE CONTACT LENS the SCO campus, with remarks made by President Reich from a safe CLINICAL EXCELLENCE AWARD distance and different location. Carol Chou X-CEL CONTACTS OUTSTANDING GP FITTING AWARD Sixty-seven graduates were honored at SCO’s 35th annual Senior Alyssa Invergo

Awards Ceremony. Thanks to the generosity of our alumni and VALLEY CONTAX Dr. Mashburn Dr. Garner CUSTOM CUP AWARD friends, more than $65,000 in awards were presented in recognition of Torrie Garner Chawan Rasheed outstanding academic and clinical achievements. SOUTHWEST CONTACT LENS SOCIETY Callie Mashburn, OD ’20, was named valedictorian, and Torrie Garner, Meagan Miles OD ’20, was named salutatorian. KATENA/EAGLE VISION AWARD Kyle Klug Dr. Borgman Dr. Harville The class named Chris Borgman, OD, its Teacher of the Year and also KATENA/EAGLE VISION AWARD Olivia Reader recognized Drs. Betty Harville, Bernard Sparks, and Jennifer Snyder. KATENA/EAGLE VISION AWARD Jana Socey The Physical Plant’s Ron Jones was also honored, and additional appreciation was expressed to Blink Diner’s Melissa Williams and Glaze EXCELLENCE IN LOW VISION REHABILITATION Hardage, as the Blink Diner leaves campus to be succeeded by new Dr. Sparks Dr. Snyder NOIR MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIES LOW VISION AWARD proprietors. Jacob Conditt

ESCHENBACH OPTIK The ceremony was recorded and is available for viewing on SCO’s LOW VISION AWARD Victoria Long YouTube page, including the senior class video.

4 VISIONS [SUMMER 2020] DESIGNS FOR VISIONS, INC. OUTSTANDING WILLIAM FEINBLOOM CLINICIAN AWARDS LOW VISION AWARD Kelci Glover Diana Cartwright Meagan Miles OPTELEC EXCELLENCE IN Madelyn Mullally LOW VISION AWARD Callie Mashburn Lindsey Butler Laila Brown-Aijala DR. LEWIS REICH LOW VISION Katie McGee ENDOWED AWARD Kaitlin Philipsen Alison Moore Cori Jones TO HONOR A Conner Kapperman GRADUATE’S Rebecca Weisbrot COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE IN ADULT PRIMARY CARE PURSUING PRIVATE ALCON CASE STUDY PRACTICE OPTOMETRY SCHOLARSHIP AWARD Elyse Rayborn EXCELLENCE IN STUDENT RESEARCH DR. SIDNEY EDELSTEIN BURNETT ENDOWED AWARD ENDOWED AWARD SOUTHERN COUNCIL OF FOR STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT IN Matt Meredith OPTOMETRISTS CLINICAL RESEARCH EXCELLENCE AWARD Cori Jones WINSTON FAMILY Callie Mashburn Jacob Boehme ENDOWED AWARD Julia Reimold DR. BERNARD L. KAHN EMORIAL Annie Wester ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP TOM AND LOUIS HYDE Al’Tiana Carter SCHOLARSHIP Steven Su HOYA LENS OF AMERICA AWARD FOR COMMITMENT OF SERVICE Melissa Pongratz TO THE PROFESSION OF OPTOMETRY WILLIAM DICKERSON, JR. OD AND THE COMMUNITY AT LARGE SCHOLARSHIP NATIONAL VISION, INC. AWARD SUSAN GRISSOM MEMORIAL Angelica McIntyre A.J. Barbiero ENDOWED AWARD DR. FRED H. MOTHERSHED Alyssa Invergo ENDOWED AWARD Christy Alfano EXCELLENCE IN OCULAR DISEASE SECO PAST PRESIDENTS ENDOWED AWARD HALPERN FAMILY DR. MOHAMMAD RAFIEETARY Kailey Soileau ACADEMIC AND CLINICAL ENDOWED AWARD EXCELLENCE AWARD BEAU WILLIS Torrie Garner Stephanie Ross ENDOWED AWARD DR. JAMES D. SANDEFUR Christy Alfano ENDOWED AWARD DR. DAVID P. SLOAN Sagar Desai EXCELLENCE IN PEDIATRICS AND MEMORIAL AWARD VISION THERAPY SPIVEY FAMILY ENDOWED Aaron Tollett SCHOLARSHIP GOOD-LITE AWARD Ben Carden Kelci Glover BAYS FAMILY ENDOWED SERVICE AWARD EUROPA EYEWEAR AWARD Prital Mehta COLLEGE OF OPTOMETRISTS IN Blair Solomon VISION DEVELOPMENT EXCELLENCE IN VISION THERAPY OPTOMETRY ENDOWED AWARD MARCHON EYEWEAR PRACTICE Michaela Sasse Catherine Leeney MANAGEMENT AWARD Colin Hunsaker GLEN T. STEELE, OD AND L. ALLEN OPTOMETRIC LEADERSHIP FORS, OD DEVELOPMENTAL VISION EXCELLENCE AWARD DR. W.C. MAPLES AWARD SCHOLARSHIP Cassie Croy Christy Alfano Brittany Murrell CLASS OF 1967 MEMORIAL STEREO OPTICAL CO., INC. OPTOMETRIC EXTENSION ENDOWED AWARD PROGRAM CLINICAL CURRICULUM Haley Vasilko Logan Michael AWARD Brianna Miskowski MARK J. MURPHY ENDOWED AWARD Abigail Donigian

SPARROW, EVANS, AND WAYMON ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP Cori Jones

VISIONS [SUMMER 2020] 5 Graduates Follow in Family Footsteps The Class of 2020 included a number In recent years, SCO of SCO and other optometric legacy families. Ordinarily, our legacy graduates gather before commencement for has hosted military a group photo with their OD parent or grandparent, so here are graduates following in their families' footsteps. commissioning ceremonies for new graduates during our commencement activities.

Because of the COVID-19 outbreak, the U.S. Army held its first ever nationwide virtual commissioning

Alex Arnett, OD ’20, and his mother, Britton Bugg, OD ’20, and his Corey Burr, OD ’20, and her Conner Kapperman, OD ’20, and ceremony. Two SCO Kimberly Arnett, OD (IU ’88). father Alan Bugg, OD ’82. grandfather, Chris Moshoures, OD ’72. his father, SCO Board member Mark Kapperman, OD ’87. graduates were among those who took their oath to enter the military as ODs: Samantha Macchio, OD ’20, and Frank Parr, OD ’20.

Brian Metzger, OD ’20, and his father, Paul Moreno, OD ’20, and his father, Erin Neal, OD ’20; her mother is Rachel Newland, OD ’20, and her William Metzger, OD (ICO ’90). Alvaro Moreno, OD (UAB ’89). Tona Neal, OD ’02. father, Craig Newland, OD (UHCO ’90); her grandfather, Dale Newland, OD (ICO ’55) is not pictured.

Congratulations to these two graduates for serving their country through their profession of optometry. Anachristina Petrovich, OD ’20, John Phifer, OD ’20, and father, Haylee Taylor, OD ’20, and her mother, Emily Taylor, OD and her mother, Maria Casas, OD John Phifer, OD ’82. ’88, and grandfather, John M. Brown, OD (ICO ’67). (PCO ’88).

6 VISIONS [SUMMER 2020] VISIONS [SUMMER 2020] 7 MEET OUR GRADUATES

Rebecca Adams Brandon Alderton Christy Alfano Alexander Arnett Anthony Barbiero Matthew Barnes Jacob Boehme Taylorsville, KY Cumberland, MD Apopka, FL Union, KY Salt Lake City, UT West Helena, AR West Liberty, IA MAGNA CUM LAUDE SUMMA CUM LAUDE Presenting the Class of 2020

During their four years Katherine Casadaban Brodie Cates Sarah Cherian Carol Chou Rachel Christie Jason Chu Tanya Chugh Elick Combs III Metairie, LA Rocky Top, TN Fort McMurray, AB,CAN Chatham, IL Waterville, KS Memphis, TN Burr Ridge, IL Sevierville, TN CUM LAUDE CUM LAUDE CUM LAUDE at SCO, this year’s graduates worked with The Hayes Center for Practice Excellence Karen Ezelle Caitlin Follansbee Jared Freedman Anna Fuller Torrie Garner Kelci Glover Kristen Green to explore placement Shreveport, LA Memphis, TN Plantation, FL Ruston, LA James Creek, PA Wichita, KS McCook, NE MAGNA CUM LAUDE MAGNA CUM LAUDE SUMMA CUM LAUDE SUMMA CUM LAUDE MAGNA CUM LAUDE opportunities at sco.

edu/placementservice. Alumni are invited to post practice opportunity Katelyn Keefer Michael Killingsworth Kyle Klug Jeffrey Kuck Tony Lam Rachel LaPlena Catherine Leeney Ariel Lenning Fort Wayne, IN Russellville, AR Hartington, NE Alpharetta, GA Greeneville, TN Rochester, MI Houston, TX Seattle, WA information on our site CUM LAUDE SUMMA CUM LAUDE MAGNA CUM LAUDE SUMMA CUM LAUDE CUM LAUDE for students or young alumni as well. Contact The Hayes Center at

[email protected] to Matthew Meredith Bryan Metzger Logan Michael Meagan Miles Brianna Miskowski Alison Moore Lauren Morales Louisville, KY Ft. Wright, KY Morgantown, WV Waco, TX Clarkston, MI Memphis, TN Baton Rouge, LA SUMMA CUM LAUDE CUM LAUDE MAGNA CUM LAUDE learn more.

Congratulations to the Class of 2020!

Sarah Orahood Francis Parr III Vishal Patel Anacristina Petrovich John Phifer Kaitlin Philipsen Jhaleil Phillips Melissa Pongratz Englewood, OH Nashville, GA Suwanee, GA Miami, FL Monroe, NC Des Moines, IA McDonough, GA Burleson, TX MAGNA CUM LAUDE SUMMA CUM LAUDE SUMMA CUM LAUDE MAGNA CUM LAUDE

NOT PICTURED

Erin Neal Plymouth Meeting, PA Luke Ploessl Dubuque, IA CUM LAUDE Trevor Shealy Jacob Smith Jana Socey Kailey Soileau Blair Solomon Hannah Stimson Alyssa Strumpfler Cordele, GA Athens, AL Springfield, TN Ville Platte, LA Brentwood, TN Dumas, AR Palm Harbor, FL Elisa Puerto MAGNA CUM LAUDE SUMMA CUM LAUDE MAGNA CUM LAUDE Fort Myers, FL Jason Thomason Alabaster, AL Tu-Anh Vu New Orleans, LA Justin Zachary Denham Springs, LA

Haley Vasilko Rachel Wakefield Mary Kate Walters Jacob Weber Midland, MI Lafayette, TN Brenham, TX Milford, NE SUMMA CUM LAUDE

8 VISIONS [SUMMER 2020] John Bollich Laila Brown-Aijala Britton Bugg Curtis Burnley, Jr. Corey Burr Lindsey Butler Benjamin Carden Al'Tiana Carter Diana Cartwright Alexandria, LA Morning Sun, IA Union City, TN Pine Bluff, AR Ocean Isle Beach, NC Waynesville, GA Jackson, TN Savannah, GA Fort Worth, TX MAGNA CUM LAUDE MAGNA CUM LAUDE CUM LAUDE CUM LAUDE

Jacob Conditt Kyle Craw Cassandra Croy Abid-Alhamid Sagar Desai Abigail Donigian Jordan Dravitzki Robert Duncan Belinda Duong Taylor Epp Newport, AR McCook, NE Lisle, IL Dahnoun Bossier City, LA Fremont, NH Stromsburg, NE St. Louis, MO Charlotte, NC Plymouth, NE CUM LAUDE CUM LAUDE Raleigh, NC CUM LAUDE SUMMA CUM LAUDE MAGNA CUM LAUDE

Katelyn Hardy Darion Horner Colin Hunsaker Alexandria Hutzell Alyssa Invergo Lauren Johnson Troy Johnson Cori Jones Conner Kapperman Sedalia, MO Overland Park, KS Tremonton, UT Crescent City, CA Peotone, IL Plainview, TX Tupelo, MS Cheney, KS Chattanooga, TN CUM LAUDE CUM LAUDE CUM LAUDE CUM LAUDE SUMMA CUM LAUDE MAGNA CUM LAUDE

Maci Lewis Heaven Lilliman Victoria Long Samantha Macchio Callie Mashburn Timothy McDonald Destiny McDuffie Katelyn McGee Angelica McIntyre Prital Mehta Conway, AR Houma, LA Bridgeport, WV Redding, CT Sweetwater, TN Yucaipa, CA Winterville, NC Counce, TN Hattiesburg, MS Troy, OH SUMMA CUM LAUDE CUM LAUDE MAGNA CUM LAUDE SUMMA CUM LAUDE CUM LAUDE

Alvaro Moreno Christopher Muegge Madelyn Mullally Brittany Murrell Kristin Nelson Tyler Nelson Rachel Newland Annie Nguyen Duy Nguyen Petal, MS Chattanooga, TN Le Mars, IA Ellsworth, KS Naperville, IL Topeka, Kansas Parsons, KS St. Louis, MO Olive Branch, MS CUM LAUDE SUMMA CUM LAUDE CUM LAUDE MAGNA CUM LAUDE

Brian Post Kristen Purdy Chawan Rasheed Elyse Rayborn Olivia Reader Julia Reimold Stephanie Ross Michaela Sasse Trevor Schramm Emily Scully Tallahassee, FL Solon, IA Memphis, TN Boise, ID Corinth, MS Paris, TN Nokomis, FL Gaylord, KS North Platte, NE Batavia, IL SUMMA CUM LAUDE CUM LAUDE CUM LAUDE MAGNA CUM LAUDE SUMMA CUM LAUDE MAGNA CUM LAUDE SUMMA CUM LAUDE MAGNA CUM LAUDE

Katie Stuckey Steven Su Graham Taylor Haylee Taylor Tyler Thill Mallory Thompson Aaron Tollett Mallory Troyer Barbara Van Ruston, LA La Habra, CA Memphis, TN Madisonville, KY St. Louis, MO Deville, LA Nashville, AR Haven, KS Madison, MS MAGNA CUM LAUDE MAGNA CUM LAUDE MAGNA CUM LAUDE CUM LAUDE CUM LAUDE

Rebecca Weisbrot Rachel Werner Andrea Wester Rachel Willcoxon Hannah Williams Kira Winston Wellington, FL Maple Valley, WA Cleghorn, IA Lawrenceville, GA Camden, SC Snellville, GA SUMMA CUM LAUDE SUMMA CUM LAUDE CUM LAUDE CUM LAUDE

VISIONS [SUMMER 2020] 9 SCO’S MISSION CONTINUES

Catherine Hogan, OD ’17, lectures from an empty classroom to more than 130 students watching safely from their homes.

“ Like most COVID-19’s of the country, Impact on SCO we’ve really had to The COVID-19 crisis made its At first, SCO responded by in a lecture hall safely each day, presence known quickly in encouraging social distancing as well as complicating the large rethink or healthcare settings and college with students in our lecture patient volume we see daily,” said campuses. Just a week after halls and labs. Stringent cleaning President Lewis Reich, OD, PhD. reinvent protocols were implemented SCO’s Spring Break and the SECO Students were advised to around campus and in our how SCO meeting in Atlanta, cases began shelter in place as practices and patient care settings. As the crisis popping up around the country. businesses began to close when conducts worsened, SCO’s leadership team One of the first in Memphis the gravity of the crisis became made the decision on March 15 to most of more apparent. SCO’s Externship involved an individual who had suspend campus operations. our daily returned from Mardi Gras to his and Residency Program spent job blocks away from the SCO “When the CDC noted that this countless hours working to make was a highly contagious disease in sure that participants in these business…” campus in the heart of the city’s large group gatherings, it became programs were safe and secure medical district. — DR. REICH apparent that it would be difficult around the country. to gather more than 130 students

10 VISIONS [SUMMER 2020] SCO’s Clinical Programs began ensure that its mission continued: • Diplomas were mailed to the From wearing masks on campus contacting thousands of patients Class of 2020 by mid-May. to setting up thermal temperature • Student Services successfully who had scheduled appointments screening stations at various finished a recruiting cycle and filled at The Eye Center, FocalPoint Protocols began to be made for checkpoints, safety has been this fall’s incoming class. at Crosstown Concourse, and ways that instruction and clinical the top priority. COVID-19 University Eyecare on the • The Hayes Center for Practice delivery could resume by a June testing was arranged, and University of Memphis campus. Excellence developed online 15 target. Patient care and clinical social distancing measures are Several faculty members resources for alumni and students lab guidelines were developed by being required around campus, volunteered to assist with about student loans or Small Clinical Program leaders. including staggering schedules emergency patient care, adopting Business Administration funds. for employees to minimize the “Protecting our faculty and layers of personal protective amount of people on campus. • Campus-wide meetings were held interns, as well as patients, is no equipment when needed. remotely via Microsoft Teams as the small undertaking,” said James “Our faculty and staff really are Didactic lectures moved administration shared information E. Venable, OD ’89, SCO’s Vice to be commended for keeping immediately online. Faculty and answered questions from President for Clinical Programs. a positive attitude during this members received rapid training students, faculty, and staff. “We’ve adopted rigorous Personal crisis,” said Dr. Reich. “We Protective Equipment standards in the art of lecturing and playing • SCO’s Board of Trustees met recognize that these sacrifices will for clinical settings, including TV host and recording booth remotely for the first time in April enable our clinical care and lab procuring more than 40,000 technician at the same time. as plans were made to deal with instruction to proceed as we work masks alone.” to minimize exposure to “Because SCO adopted video the new reality of a virus without an the virus.” lecture recording capabilities effective treatment or vaccine. By May 18, the summer semester several years ago, the experience • Graduates were featured in online began with didactic instruction For the rest of the summer, ultimately went more smoothly posts sharing their post-graduation resuming online. Third- and patient care appointment numbers than I think anyone might have plans and a favorite memory of fourth-year students were asked have been reduced to 50% expected,” said Bart Campbell, their time at SCO. to travel back to Memphis so they capacity to accommodate the OD ’87, SCO’s Vice President for could be safely in place two weeks safety protocols involving masks, Academic Affairs. • A Senior Awards ceremony was before on-campus labs and clinical shields, and other protective held virtually with outstanding care resumed on June 15. equipment. With the CDC advising no graduates recognized. gatherings of more than 50 “Like most of the country, we’ve people for the following eight really had to rethink or reinvent weeks, SCO’s Spring CE and how SCO conducts most of our Commencement exercises were daily business,” Dr. Reich added. canceled. Students who had “Our mission remains the same, diligently studied for National though, because we’re committed Boards saw those exams to providing the best optometric postponed along with planned education possible, as well as out- mission trips. standing patient care and a safe campus atmosphere for us all.” “We knew how upsetting it would be to postpone commence- ment,” said Dr. Reich. “It was one of the hardest decisions we faced, because these students Although it was taken on a represented the Class of 2020. stunningly beautiful spring Just their graduation year alone day, this aerial photo captures always held a special connotation what the campus looked like for them.” on a Monday with no cars in the parking lot as the campus Still, the college demonstrated remained closed. flexibility and found ways to

VISIONS [SUMMER 2020] 11 COVID-19 AND PRIVATE PRACTICE — BY CHRIS WROTEN, OD ’02, BOND-WROTEN EYE CLINIC, DENHAM SPRINGS, LA

“ Let’s attack every day and each new Lessons challenge with the mindset of how can we get this Learned done and how It will only happen once. Ever. Through population. SCO’s fourth year can we do it all of history, there will never be another students would be the envy of better.” calendar year designated “2020 A.D.”(aren’t most of us for having “Class of 2020” — DR. WROTEN we all glad now!?!) Last year, though, its forever inscribed on the diplomas significance to those of us in eye care was hanging in their offices! For the rest certainly anticipated and appreciated of us, it would at least be the “Year of the more than in any other Eye Exam” – a once-in-forever opport- sector of the unity to capitalize on the public relations bonanza of the calendar subtly reminding the public every day throughout the year of the importance of vision and eye health. Yet in a cruel twist of fate, there will likely be less eye care provided in 2020 than at any time in the past half century thanks to a novel microbe “going viral.”

Whether its herpes simplex, herpes zoster, or the host of relatively benign yet still troublesome adenoviruses that can directly affect the eye and its adnexa, or the many other viruses with ophthalmic manifestations, these obviously aren’t new foes for optometry. And though our individual experiences may differ with this family of pathogens, we’ve all diagnosed and treated countless patients with viruses over the years. Remember the first dendritic keratitis you saw and both the excitement and apprehension that accompanied the diagnosis and treatment, and the relief and satisfaction involved watching it resolve? I also recall writing a paper and presenting

12 VISIONS [SUMMER 2020] Chris Wroten, OD ’02, Sarah Wroten, OD ’03, and their children, Ben and Emily

a lecture on the ocular ones, among others, these effects will linger in practice in this country who doesn’t owe complications of Hepatitis-C for decades. Like many of you, I’ve had these organizations our lifelong membership and its treatments during my numerous patients develop COVID-19, and and support for all they’ve done and are residency at the Memphis unfortunately have had several succumb. A continuing to do for us during these Veterans Affairs Medical Center. cousin of mine, a healthy nurse in her late difficult times. Memories are also still fresh from 20’s, also contracted it early on (presumably • I’m thankful for & highly appreciative of PPE administering flu vaccines to staff and from providing care to those affected), (but still loathe having to wear it!). colleagues in years past, not to mention the was put on a ventilator, and then tragically • Our optometry family is truly amazing! I’ve myriad of other headline-grabbing viruses passed away. One of our doctors on staff has seen colleagues reach out to encourage – HIV, SARS, MERS, Ebola, Swine Flu/ lost six family members to the virus to-date, one another, share tips and best practices, H1N1, Avian Bird Flu, numerous strains with a seventh in the hospital with double- provide urgent and emergent care of Influenza, Zika, and on and on, which pneumonia. You may recall the original throughout the pandemic to keep patients undoubtedly led to virus fatigue and created whistleblower in China, a healthy 33-year- out of overburdened and higher risk a false sense of security for many of us when old ophthalmologist, reportedly contracted a emergency rooms and urgent care clinics, reports of a novel coronavirus first started fatal case of COVID-19 from an asymptomatic accept referrals from other health care leaking out of China. glaucoma patient he was treating. This virus providers, and even directly care and its disease was literally in our face in for COVID-19 patients. What an honor Soon the “Year of the Eye Exam” brought it is to be part of a profession with clinic, not to mention front and center in our the new virus to our doorstep. It’s an colleagues such as these! collective psyche. understatement to say we’ve all be impacted • There’s plenty of blame and credit to go by SARS-CoV-2, more commonly Through it all, I’m continually trying to learn around, and while it’s inevitable, it’s still called the COVID-19 virus and grow, and have come to realize several disappointing to see how much politics (among a host of other things… unprintable names!). Whether • The return to care has been therapeutic, it’s the impact we’ve seen on our reminding me how much I still love caring patients, the stress of potentially for patients! contracting this highly contagious virus in • My, oh my, where would our profession be the provision of care (or worse, being the without organized optometry! The AOA and vector for infection to our family and friends our state optometry associations have risen at home), the financial havoc wreaked on to the occasion to advocate on behalf of the health of our practices and the economy our profession and our patients like never at large, or the impact it’s had on our loved before. There’s not a Doctor of Optometry LESSONS LEARNED (CONT.)

has dominated the discussion Financial Considerations surrounding the pandemic. Yet More practically speaking, in general our office has also frozen non-essential spending, deferred debts, despite our individual differ- initially reduced staff while altering office procedures to improve efficiency, and added appointment ences and our collective flaws times to get through these challenging times. Our office applied for and received both an Emergency as a nation, I’m extremely EIDL Grant and funding from the Paycheck Protection Program, which allowed us to rehire staff and thankful to live in the greatest family members as we resumed full care in mid-May, after only seeing urgencies and emergencies the country in the world. Policy prior two months. In addition to consulting your CPA, business consultants, and/or financial planners, can be debated, but I sincerely all Doctors of Optometry would be well-served to watch the AOA’s webinars on these pandemic-specific appreciate the bipartisan efforts our government is federal assistance programs (aoa.org/coronavirus) to take full advantage of what’s available. SCO’s Hayes making to assist the recovery. Center for Practice Excellence (sco.edu/covid-19) also continues to be a great resource for best practices, Nowhere else in the world consults, tips and advice, as well. Further, it’s also incumbent on all of us to do our part by joining with has the government been so the AOA and our state optometry associations to advocate for our patients and our profession’s priorities engaged in trying to kickstart with our state and federal Senators and Representatives. Such efforts can (and already have) made a the economy of the private huge difference, so remain engaged, as there’s more work to be done. sector while still protecting After a catastrophic flood several years ago that destroyed our office and our home, we recovered against the pandemic. (thanks in no small part to the overwhelming generosity of the SCO family and my wife and my • Personally I’ve found it helpful classmates in the Classes of 2002 and 2003) but saw many in our decimated community not make it to intentionally approach each back. The vast majority of those who didn’t recover had panicked, accumulated unnecessary new debt, day with a positive attitude and made hasty decisions. None of us have been in the situation we find ourselves in today, but take and to embrace the changes comfort in the fact that you’re not alone, and make wise, timely decisions based on what others are forced upon us as just another doing, and avoid any rash decisions that may put your practice at unnecessary risk. challenge to overcome. It should also be mentioned that for those in a solid financial position and willing to accept some short-term • Spending more time with my risk for potential long-term gain, times like these can provide great opportunities to hire new employees family has been a blessing! from the deep pool of talent now available, for favorable terms on equipment purchases, and even for I’m eternally grateful for being practice expansion and acquisition, as sellers are typically willing to negotiate more favorable terms than forced to slow down and normal. Just proceed with caution and do your due diligence with your advisors before making any re-focus on faith, family, and large purchases. friends (just wish it could’ve come about without such a As we’ve ramped back up, we’ve also adopted new office protocols in several areas, including: steep price for so many). Screening Everyone Entering the Building • Temperature and Symptom Checks We use a contact-less thermometer to assess and record the temperature of all staff, patients, doctors, and visitors (as summer temps rise, be aware that infrared thermometers can give falsely high readings if patients are sunburned or wait for an extended period of time in a hot car, so consider having them cool off first). We also verbally screen everyone for COVID-19 symptoms, and anyone answering yes to the symptom questionnaire, or whose temperature is >100.3°F, is rescheduled to a later date.

14 VISIONS [SUMMER 2020] their car to be called back (our techs take history and screen for COVID-19 symptoms over the phone, too), which has been very well received.

• Increased Exam Time Allocation We’ve spaced patients farther apart on the schedule to minimize how many patients are in the office at any given time, and to allow adequate time to disinfect the room between patients, while at the same time adding some new appointment times to increase revenue.

• Telehealth As appropriate, we’ve taken advantage of the relaxed requirements for providing telemedicine visits by utilizing free video chat services such as FaceTime, Zoom, Facebook Plexiglass panels provide safety for patients and staff alike during this nationwide pandemic. Live, and Skype. The AOA’s coding and billing webinars have been critical to understanding reimbursement options. Personal Protective COVID-19. Masks are replaced when soiled or Equipment (PPE) torn, or after about five individual uses. • Social distancing Closing staff break rooms, creating one way • PPE Supply • Surface Cleaning office flow, separating dispensing tables and We discovered our state Department of We’ve found 1:10 diluted household bleach waiting room chairs, and reminding patients and Health/Office of Emergency Preparedness in spray bottles to be a readily available and staff to maintain a safe distance in the office is was offering health care providers a limited extremely cost-effective cleaning option for also essential (but a challenge!). Additionally, amount of PPE at no charge, and so far high touch surfaces that are amenable to patients are discouraged from having visitors have received hundreds of masks, face bleach. Equipment and other surfaces can with them, but if absolutely necessary, are shields, gloves, and bottles of hand sanitizer. be cleaned with 70% alcohol, hypochlorus limited to no more than one). Be sure to take advantage of any similar acid, or Clorox wipes (which don’t contain opportunities in your state. bleach). We also use an ultraviolet sanitizer There will undoubtedly be some lasting • Masks/Eye Protection/Gloves to disinfect frames in our optical. changes to the way we practice, but I also We require patients, staff, and doctors to • Avoiding Fogging think the status quo will return to a much wear masks, and all clinical staff in close Since it’s still recommended that we use larger degree than some with a vested contact with patients must also wear eye goggles or face shields in the provision of interest might like us to believe. Time will protection (e.g. face shields or goggles). care, it can be helpful to use a piece of gauze tell, but regardless, we have to be willing to Gloves are available for staff, but not tape over the bridge of the nose to better adjust, and as challenging as it’s been for required as long as proper hand hygiene seal the mask and prevent fogging. This can our practices, I couldn’t be prouder of SCO recommendations are followed (i.e. frequent also be used for patients to prevent fogging hand washing with soap for 20 seconds or of phoroptor lenses and handheld diagnostic and how well the administration, faculty, use of 70% alcohol-based hand sanitizer, lenses. In lieu of tape for patient masks, and staff have led the College through and not touching the face/nose/eyes with using the ring finger of the hand holding the these times. unclean hands). diagnostic lens to gently press the top of the Here’s to everyone’s continued success, • Optimizing PPE Supply patient’s mask against their cheek during and let’s just remember that our attitude is Our doctors and staff use a different mask examination is also effective in minimizing (N95/KN95 for those in close contact with fogging of diagnostic lenses. vital to maximizing what we achieve, so let’s patients, surgical masks for everyone else) attack every day and each new challenge Limiting In-Person, with the mindset of “How can we get this for every day of the week, storing them in In-Office Contact individual bags with the employee’s name done?” and “How can we do it better?” • and with the day of the week on them, and Parking Lot Waiting Room If we do, better days are definitely ahead! re-using them seven days later, by which time For several months, we’ve had patients the mask has essentially self-sanitized against call or text when they arrive, then wait in

VISIONS [SUMMER 2020] 15 Can Telehealth Help Optometry Thrive? — Mike Rothschild, OD ‘97

Technology continues I have been interested in tele- So in 2019, I opened a new practice provided on behalf of our patients. to introduce many optometry for many years now. from scratch with the intention Some optometrists make more opportunities and I have been actively investing in in of exploring the opportunities clinical decisions based on data threats to our world and optometry pushing its limits and studying how available through teleoptometry. than direct patient observations. is certainly no exception. As new we can best use emerging technol- I joined the American Telemedicine Optometrists always technologies arise, we carefully ogy to expand optometry’s reach to Association and attended their need to utilize clinical study them and debate the benefits more people who need us. annual meeting. Then, I partnered judgement. that they can eventually bring to My primary motivation in with a provider of all digital Any teleoptometry solution that our patients. Some adopt early and exploring the best way to practice comprehensive eye exams with removes the clinical judgment from others hold off to weigh out the teleoptometry was to find a way a distance provider and I opened an optometrist simply cannot be pros and cons until we know what to bring high quality eye care to the door. Together, we have been accepted. We have to judge the we are dealing with. those in our country who don’t have working to make the experience quality of the data and the ability Telehealth in optometry (teleop- access. There are a lot of factors better for the patient, ensure quality of the patient to comprehend and tometry) is one of those disruptive that contribute to the growing care that is responsible, legal and constantly adjust to endless factors. technologies that is being tested numbers of people in America who accurate. I call this “Rule #1”. right now. Some companies are do not have access to eye care. In response to the COVID-19 taking advantage of easy access Patient connection is My primary caution in this endeavor pandemic, I worked with my to data and looking for ways to actually better. has been to protect the sanctity technical team at Leadership OD leave the optometrist out of the Previously, I mentioned that we of the profession. I am a fourth and quickly developed TheTeleOp. equation all together. At the same are using great data already. These generation optometrist, I feel a com, a free online tool that time, access to quality care is images, measurements and test special responsibility to always do converted scheduled appointments continuing to decline in many results are often printed on a what I can to honor all of those who to Virtual At-Home Visits (VAHoV). parts of the country. computer screen in the exam room. came before me and make Even though almost no OD’s were So many of us are looking at this it better for those who providing VAHoV’s, we had to do computer screen while we talk to come after me. something right away for the sake patients. Our backs are literally to of our patients and our practices. our patients. While connecting to I have learned a lot and realize that patients through a webcam, we can there is still a great deal to learn, look at the data WHILE the patient to discuss. 2020 was shaping up sees us looking directly at them. to be a year with teleoptometry as a I was most concerned about this primary topic. But the COVID-19 ability to connect with patients. I pandemic has thrust the subject have been surprised to find that it is into the spotlight and the benefit actually better because of this. of a long, casual debate will be postponed. Now is the time to There are a lot of lessons yet to do what we can – together. be learned in the delivery of care to our patients. I am committed The technology to fostering lively, respectful and is here. thoughtful conversation on the We have continued to enhance topic. I look forward to hearing optometry with more and more what you think, contact me via technology. We have adopted these email at mrothschild@ advancements to varying degrees LeadershipOD.com. but we all embrace the information

16 VISIONS [SUMMER 2020] SCO Residents Assist with NYC COVID-19 Response SCO HAD AT LEAST TWO 2019 GRADUATES, DRS. SHELBY KRUSE (L) AND LAILA TAWFIK (R), WHO WERE COMPLETING THEIR RESIDENCIES IN A NEW YORK CITY HOSPITAL WHEN THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC DEVASTATED THE REGION. IN THIS REPORT SHARED DURING THE HEIGHT OF INITIAL SPIKE, DR. TAWFIK WROTE ABOUT THE CHALLENGES AND REMARKABLE EXPERIENCE THAT THEY ENCOUNTERED.

we're healthy enough to floors whenever they need "We've been doing our best physician. be there. additional help. to shelter in place whenever On May 18, they were we're not working or on "Thankfully, we're still "Finally, the family medicine "As I mentioned, living in given the go-ahead to call. It's very strange to see doing okay and just taking floors of our hospital have New York presents with its return to routine patient the city that never sleeps it one day at a time. Things understandably been own set of challenges due care with a number of suddenly fall quiet." have definitely been crazy overwhelmed with COVID to the density of the city. adjustments. They’re here, and New York comes patients. They've called Because so many people After the initial devastat- required to wear full PPE with its own set of chal- upon us for backup to help rely on public transpor- ing wave of the highest while seeing patients, lenges in terms of the virus. wherever we can, so one tation to get around, it's numbers of COVID-19 in including N95 masks, face As optometry residents in day per week we're each 'on virtually impossible to the U.S., Drs. Tawfik and shields, and gowns in some a hospital setting, we're call' for the family medicine social distance. Kruse transitioned to tele- situations. considered essential and medicine calls with patients “We’ve limited the number we're required to go in and determining whether of patient seen per day to each day in case of ocular or not patients needed to allow for enough time to emergencies. be seen for emergencies. disinfect rooms between "It's definitely been a For about six weeks, each patients and to enforce learning curve adjusting to resident was assigned to social distancing as much the new normal for a while. answer phone calls for the as possible in our waiting For our routine patients, family medicine depart- rooms,” Dr. Tawfik said. we switched to telemedicine ment one day per week. for the time being, and the Because no visitors were She added that New York hospital is working dili- allowed in the hospital, seems to develop a sense gently to implement video family medicine was of cautious optimism as calls for our patients. We bombarded with phone the number of new cases created makeshift breath calls from loved ones in the city per day steadily guards for when we do see wanting updates on family declines and people began patients, and of course, members who were either venturing outdoors for we wear masks and gloves COVID positive or admitted activities and to break up while examining them. for other reasons. the monotony.

"When we're on call for Drs. Tawfik and Kruse “Once the city fully emergency patients, we were in charge of provid- reopens, much like the can now triage over the ing status updates and rest of the country, it’s up phone in terms of severity, taking messages for family to each member of this whereas previously we medicine patients who community to do their part were required to go in for needed medication refills or to continue preventing the every call. Nurses check our patients who were experi- spread of this virus,” Dr. temperature, once, some- “ As I mentioned, living in New York presents with its own encing new symptoms and Tawfik added. times twice, per day while set of challenges due to the density of the city. Because wanted to discuss them we're at work to ensure so many people rely on public transportation to get with a family medicine around, it's virtually impossible to social distance.” VISIONS [SUMMER 2020] 17 LIFE OUTSIDE OF SCO

Jonathan Shrewsbury, OD, was named OD of the South at this year’s SECO meeting in Atlanta.

Terry Wood, OD, and his niece, Miranda Maynard, OD ’08, were recently profiled in a newspaper story about their practice together in Pontotoc, Mississippi.

1983 Stephen Kepley, OD, was reappointed 1947 The late Robert Koetting, OD, was 1974 Len Brown, OD, received the Southern to a four-year term on the Florida Board one of the inductees into this year’s Council of Optometrists’ Distinguished of Optometry. Optometry Hall of Fame. His grand- Service Award at SECO. Douglas Scruggs, OD, recently daughter is Cecelia Koetting, OD ’12. Walt Megown, OD, reports that he purchased the longtime practice of 1950 C. Wayne Shearer, OD, recently retired a year ago. He and his wife, Sara, fellow classmate Don Lemon, OD. completed his 36th and final World War have been married 45 years. They will Max Raynor, OD, was installed as II article for the Chattanooga newspaper welcome their first great-grandchild 1985 SECO president during the House of as part of an ongoing series that he in August. Delegates meeting held in Atlanta on plans to publish as a book recounting 1975 Ray Atanasoff, OD, retired from his March 7 his experiences. practice in Michigan earlier this year. William T. Reynolds, OD, was 1962 Bob Sams, OD, attended his 59th Robert Cress, OD, recently retired after installed as AOA President during a straight SECO this year and hopes to 44 years of practice in South Carolina. virtual ceremony held in June. Dr. make it 60 in a row next year. Reynolds is the 14th SCO alumnus to 1977 Lonnie Randolph, OD, was recently 1969 Larry Moomey, OD, recently retired serve as AOA President. inducted into the Richland One Hall of after practicing in Lexington, Nebraska Fame by the Richland County School SCO Board member Mark Kapperman, since 1972. He will be moving to 1987 District One in South Carolina. OD, and his partners, Troy White, OD, Milliken, Colorado. and Robert McGarvey, OD ’08, and 1980 Wes Garton, OD, of Wichita Kansas, 1971 Steve Shum, OD, his son, Andrew associate Megan Kortum, OD ’13, were was elected as President of the Board Shum, OD ’16, and Eleanor Null, recently honored with their practice of Directors of the Heart of America OD ’15, received the 2020 Small being named one of CooperVision's Eye Care Congress at its 59th annual Business Award of the Year. The award 2020 Best Practices. meeting in Kansas City, MO. Dr. Garton was bestowed by the Germantown is a Fellow of the American Academy Garry Collins, OD, has organized a (Tennessee) Chamber of Commerce for 1990 of Optometry and a Diplomate of the number of Zoom online video meetings their practice, the Optical Boutique. American Board of Optometry. He has for classmates in recent months during served on the Heart of America’s Board the COVID-19 shutdown. of Directors and as President of the Kansas Optometric Association.

1981 Kenneth R. Lord, OD, reports that he retired in May 2019 after 38 years of practice in Tucson.

18 VISIONS [SUMMER 2020] 1996 David Wichnoski, OD, Scott Phillipe, 2006 Greg Loose, OD, lost his wife, Tana, in 2012 Adam Ramsey, OD, recently appeared OD ’88, and Courtney Dryer, OD a January automobile accident that also on West Palm Beach's WPTV newscast ’11, were named among the "5 Best injured one of their sons. to discuss dry eye symptoms and Optometrists in Charlotte" by a North treatment options. He is also one of Carolina blog. Megan Lott, OD, has the co-founders of Black Eyecare authored a new book about Prospectives, and was featured in a 2003 Chris Stansbury, OD, visited the White amblyopia for children. video interview about the organization's House in April as part of an update Available on Amazon, work to cultivate and foster relationships about small businesses. “My Eye…the Bully” was between African Americans and the inspired in part by Dr. Lott’s eyecare industry. 2004 CDR Emily J. Sprague, OD, was recog- son’s experience with vision therapy nized as Navy Medicine's Senior and includes art that pays tribute to WC 2014 Whitney Cansler, OD, recently married Optometrist of the Year Maples, OD ’68. Drs. Lott and Maples Keith Head, OD ’12. for 2019. She is currently practice together at Belle Vue Specialty stationed at Fort Belvoir Eye Care in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Community Hospital where she serves as 2010 Amanda Blakely Kirk, OD, recently the Director for Clinical joined Lighthouse Optical of Tennessee Support Services, leading in Cookeville. a team of more than 500 personnel across Radio- 2011 Jason Hair, OD, opened a new practice logy, Pharmacy, Pathology, Public in Washington state right before the Health, Medical Readiness, and Virtual COVID-19 pandemic hit. Health service lines.

2005 Rob Szeliga, OD, accepted the U.S. Eyecare Practice of the Year Award from Transitions Academy for his practice, 2013 Janelle Driedger, OD, recently opened her new practice, View PointeVision + Style, in Spring Hill Eyecare. Last November, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. Dr. Driedger writes: “I opened my own private practice, a cold his practice was named second runner start, with the help of The Williams Group. After 5+ years of working in another practice, I am up in Review of Optometry's Office excited to bring my dream of practice ownership to life.” Design Contest. Last year the practice also received an honorable mention by Invision Magazine for the America's Finest Optical Retailers category.

Amanda Tompkins, OD, wrote an article about preventing contact lenses patient dropout for Review of Optometry.

VISIONS [SUMMER 2020] 19 LIFE OUTSIDE OF SCO

CLASS NOTES (Cont.)

Meredith Yingling, OD, and Josh Natalie McIntosh, OD, was selected Parmelee, OD, have announced their as the one-year trustee for the North engagement. Carolina Optometric Society on June 13 at its Spring Congress. 2016 Dani Gretz Chambers, OD, and her husband welcomed a daughter, Rosalyn 2017 Tindall Morrison, OD, was voted Marie, born May 2. Woman of the Year and Starkville's Best Eye Doctor in the Best of Alumni Drs. Linh Hong, Stephanie Starkville 2020 awards. Veilleux, Amy Combs, Annie Hao, Bradley Richlin, OD, wrote about Jacque Short, Jeanne Chen, Tina the safety protocols implemented at Phan, and Kim Orr are also using Zoom his California practice in an article for video conferencing to keep in touch with Review of Optometric Business. each other. 2018 AJ McCleary, OD, recently joined the Carissa Chambers, OD, was joined 2015 faculty at the University of the Incarnate by a number of classmates for her Word's Rosenberg School of Optometry. recent wedding to George Garland in Jonesborough, Tennessee. 2019 Mary Chivetta, OD, Jessica Jankiewicz, OD, and Laila Tawfik, OD,

presented posters at this year's Heart of Anthony Fioravanti, OD, married America Eye Care Congress. Each poster Brittney Angelo, OD, on February 22 was awarded a 1st Place Blue Ribbon as in Raleigh, North Carolina. A number a Scientific Poster Award Winner. of fellow alumni were in attendance,

including Drs. Trent Gaasch, Daniel Brigham, Logan Oliver, and Stephen Ellison from the Class of 2016 as groomsmen, and as bridesmaids, Whitney Seltman Kooden, OD ’16, and Elizabeth Fioravanti Ellison, Amanda Radeke Geary, OD, and OD ’15. Daniel Geary, OD, welcomed their first child, Levi James, on April 9. Hannah Jarrard, OD, and her husband, Blake Jarrard, OD ’14, welcomed a daughter, Nora Rose Jarrard, on March 14.

Aaron Neufeld, OD, wrote about how the COVID-19 pandemic is changing

practice growth projections an article for Review of Optometric Business.

20 VISIONS [SUMMER 2020] Arkansas Hosts Virtual Spring Meeting

Jeff Netzel, OD ’02, was recently sworn in as President of the Arkansas Optometric Association during the association's virtual spring meeting. Other alumni officers include President Elect Joe Sugg, OD ’09, Vice-President Melia Robertson, OD ’10, Secretary/Treasurer James Hertzog, OD ’06; new Director Justin Beavers, OD ’07, and returning Directors Rusty Simmons, OD ’83, Alex Bell, OD ’09, and Katie Brown, OD ’12.

Arkansas Optometric Association alumni award recipients included: Optometrist of the Year Belinda Starkey, OD ’04, Creighton Simmons, OD ’90, as recipient of the Myron Shofner Award; and as recipients of the Special Service Awards: Creighton Simmons, OD ’90, Matt Jones, OD ’09, Belinda Starkey, OD ’04, Chev Ergle ’04, Bryan Armstrong, OD ’00, and Joe Sugg, OD ’09.

Matthew Lorson, OD, is engaged to 2020 Class of 2020 graduates announced Brittany Murrell, OD '20. They have for SCO's 2020-21 residency programs set a wedding date of August 8th. include: Drs. Jacob Boehme, Lindsey (Holcomb) Butler, Torrie Garner, Callie Mashburn, Matthew Meredith, Alison Moore, Annie Nguyen, Vishal Patel, John Phifer, Jhaleil Phillips, Chawan Rasheed, Elyse Rayborn, Julia Reimold, and Mallory Troyer.

Vishal Patel, OD, is newly engaged to Lona Patel from The University of Tennessee School of Pharmacy. Joel Saslawsky, OD, has joined MyEyeDr. in Memphis. Kira Winston, OD, Taylor Wrege, OD, married Zac became engaged on June Williamson, OD, on February 29, 2020. 14 to Cameron Janz.

Anna Fuller, OD, and AJ Barbiero, OD, were married earlier this month in Salt Lake City. The couple met and started dating while in Memphis attending SCO!

VISIONS [SUMMER 2020] 21 LIFE OUTSIDE OF SCO

CLASS NOTES (Cont.) 2007 Graduate Reaches 50-State Marathon Mark Many of our alumni enjoy sports Arkansas, which is an active or other athletic events to help community with an expansive keep active and healthy, including running and biking trail system. running. Derrick Pierce, OD ’07, I completed the 50 states goal throughout the decade of my 30s, recently completed his goal of rerunning marathons in states running a full marathon in all which I had run prior to 2010. 50 states! In celebration of this milestone accomplishment, here’s Favorite state from the 50? It’s hard not to say Hawaii or Alaska because the scenery is unlike anything I regularly see, but the course of the Horse Capital Marathon in Lexington, Kentucky through miles and miles of manicured horse farms was so picturesque. The rolling hills were lined with endless white fences and these beautiful horses, who seemed equally interested and confused by all the runners. I guess I should also divulge that I have family ties to Kentucky, which helps make it a favorite. Favorite marathon that you'd a Q&A featuring some of his like to run again? observations from competing in The Niagara Falls International Marathon starting in Buffalo, every state in the nation. New York and ending at the First, tell us about Niagara Falls Overlook in Ontario, your practice. Canada was so cool! My wife I opened Bentonville Eye Care took up running after we met in April 2012 in Bentonville, and ran the half-marathon. We I also really enjoy experiencing far or often. I did manage to run Arkansas, which is where the also took one of the boat tours new places so this goal seemed one marathon, the Go! St Louis home office of Walmart is located. to the foot of the falls, which was like a perfect fit. Marathon, during my second year of optometry school. What was the first full exhilarating…and very wet. Any other feats or goals you marathon you completed? What got you started? have planned? Favorite memory of 2002 Country Music Marathon in I have a strong family history of I registered to compete in time at SCO? Nashville when I was a senior in heart disease on both sides of a full Ironman triathlon in Building friendships! It seems that undergraduate. my family and lost my dad at the May of this year, which was challenging times have a way of Which one made it #50 age of 51, after multiple open delayed to November due to bringing people together, and for you? heart surgeries including a heart COVID-19. A full Ironman my classmates built a solidarity 2019 Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas transplant. While recovering from consists of a 2.4 mile swim, a 112 and comradery during optometry Marathon in Las Vegas, which one of his surgeries, he asked mile bike ride, and a 26.2 mile full school that still exists today. I happened to be my 40th birthday! me to promise to take care of marathon. often meet up with classmates when I travel to run races in How long did it take to myself physically and mentally Were you running as reach 50? to prevent a similar unhealthy a student? different parts of the country. Running became more of a prior- future for myself. Yes I ran some, but my spare ity once I settled into Northwest time was too limited to run very

22 VISIONS [SUMMER 2020] In Memoriam

Denson Smith, OD ’50 Roger F. Shaw, OD ’48 SCO Professor Emeritus • Setting up an in-office lab with culturing, cytology, Eugene R. Cantwell, OD ’49 Denson Smith, OD and monoclonal antibody testing, ’50, passed away in his • Building a relationship with co-management William R. Walker, OD ’49 sleep of natural causes centers led to regular ophthalmology services Lawrence E. Creek, OD ’50 at age 90 on January including laser services on campus, and 28, 2020. • Providing for the education of students in the Kenneth Hebron, OD ’52 treatment of eye disease well before the passage Dr. Denson Smith spent 23+ years in the Isaac A. Maxwell, OD ’54 of enabling legislation. U.S. Navy Medical Service Corps before he Harry L. Woodall, OD ’55 joined SCO's faculty. He served as Chief of the “Some of these accomplishments may Pathology Clinic and retired after 18 years of seem trivial by today’s standards but were Leland Den Hartog, OD ’56 teaching. extraordinary feats to accomplish in a period of Neill Edwin Clark, OD ’57 great animosity between rival professions,” Dr. Dr. Smith received SCO's Lifetime Achievement Fuller observed. Grover Curry, OD ’60 Award in recognition of his contributions to Edwin Schoenfeld, OD ’60 optometric education by helping to lead the “Consider, he graduated well before the training of the first generation of therapeutic optometry was a four-year doctoral level Francis G. Ballard, OD ’61 optometric physicians. program and in a period when the profession was limited to measuring the refractive and binocular Richard A. Carver, OD ’64 “Dr. Smith, or DL to those of us who were status of the vision system. We now consider Ronald Gurin, OD ’64 privileged to know him, are greatly saddened the management of eye disease a routine part of by his passing,” said SCO faculty member and Gary Hodges, OD ’64 optometry because that is what he believed. colleague Dan Fuller, OD. “His indelible impact Bill Sutherland, OD ’66 on the college, his colleagues, and the expansion “He served his country, profession, students, and of scope of practice in Tennessee and beyond patients with a commitment to excellence. Those Larry Davis, OD ’73 cannot be understated.” of us privileged to have worked under him, were William (Bill) Thomas Byars, OD ’74 encouraged to become the best diagnosticians Dr. Fuller cited numerous contributions made by and practitioners we could be. David F. Miller, OD ’78 Dr. Smith during his faculty career: • Ushering in the first use of biomicroscopes “From one former Naval officer to another, Fair Billy Michael Beecham, OD ’81 winds and following seas. Your legacy lives on in at the college, David S. Hill, OD ’84 those you trained and those who were better for • Building in-office collaboration between interns knowing you.” Larry Womack, OD ’84 and residents and an faculty Internist, • Integration of ears, nose and throat exams into the Michael J. Ennis, OD ’86 assessment of “red eyes” and physical diagnosis, John C. Myers, OD ’89

Alyce Miles, OD ’01

SCO Professor Emeritus Richard Hazlett, OD, PhD, died May 4. He earned his MS and PhD in Physiological Optics from the University of Indiana. A pioneer in the contact lens field, he was a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry. Dr. Hazlett retired in 2003 after serving several years on SCO’s faculty. Adedayo Olympio, OD '83, SCO's first female African-American graduate, passed away on April 16. Jordan Rothlisberger, OD ’15, died in May at age 34 not long after being diagnosed with Stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer. A Student Ambassador during his time at SCO, he left behind his wife, Jen, and four children, all under the age of 10. Earl Schmitt, OD, served on the faculty from the late 1960s through the early 1980s before accepting a position at the Oklahoma College of Optometry, where he spent 16 years on faculty and another 14 as adjunct faculty. He served in several roles at SCO, including as Dean of Students.

VISIONS [SUMMER 2020] 23 CAMPUS NEWS Faculty Spotlights

Marie Bodack, OD, co-authored Drs. Jason Duncan ’96, Paul “Binocular Vision Problems” Harris, and Chris Borgman, Faculty Promotions Announced in the January 2020 Review of recently lectured for SCO's Faculty promotions effective July 1, 2020, include: Optometry. series of Virtual Live Continuing — Brian Knight, OD ’14, from Instructor to Assistant Professor Education Events. — Jennifer Jones, OD ’06, from Assistant Professor Marie Bodack, OD, and Marc to Associate Professor Taub, OD, recently delivered Dan Fuller, OD, and Lily Wang, — Wil McGriff, OD, MPH from Assistant Professor to I Heart VT 2020 series lectures OD, pictured, were awarded third Associate Professor along with Glen Steele, OD ’69. place for their poster at the Global Specialty Lens Symposium in Dr. Taub also remote lectured article about Vision Therapy Las Vegas. Chris Lievens, OD, Catherine Hogan, OD ’17, contri- for the Kansas Optometric for Optometry Times. Dr. Taub MS, was awarded second place. buted a recent dry eye article to Association and contributed also provided the introduction Dr. Fuller also became the new Primary Care Optometry News. literature reviews of articles in the editorial for the newest edition of secretary for the Scleral Lens journal that he edits with Pam Chris Lievens, OD, was lead Optometry & Visual Performance. Education Society. Schnell, OD ’01, Optometry & author on an article, “Optimal Visual Performance. methodology for lid wiper in Jim Venable, OD ’89, SCO's Vice epitheliopathy identification,” President for Clinical Programs, Chris Borgman, OD, recently published in Contact Lens & was appointed to a new taskforce delivered an online OEP Anterior Eye. established by the Tennessee Foundation lecture as part of a State Board of Optometry. The Neuro Grand Rounds series. Beth Sparrow, OD ’98, joined Scope of Practice Taskforce will students on a winter RAM trip review the current scope of to Knoxville, where the group Patricia Cisarik, OD, Lindsey practice for ODs in Tennessee and saw almost 600 patients and Brise, OD ’19, and Greyson Rachel Grant, OD, welcomed establish new rules and/or rule prescribed more than 400 pairs Ramos, ’21, authored an article, a daughter, Adeline, born on revisions for the determination of glasses. “Anisocoria assessment in subjects January 15, 2020. of procedures that fall within the with dark irides – Custom-built scope of practice moving forward. Glen Steele, OD ’69, has delivered infrared screening device vs. Alicia Groce, OD, recently a number of online lectures in millimeter ruler” in Journal of received her Fellowship in the recent months. He was inter- Optometry. College of Optometrists in Vision Development. viewed by AOA News for a story about ODs communicating well Halie Cottrill, OD ’16, and Tyler Paul Harris, OD, authored with patients during COVID-19. Kitzman, OD ’16, are expecting “Clinical Refraction Tips and He has also given a number of their first child later this fall. Drs. Tricks” in Review of Optometry. recent interviews about the need Cottrill and Kitzman met and later He also wrote a sidebar on for parents to watch for signs of married at SCO. "Myopia Control" in the same digital-related eyestrain as kids issue. Dr. Harris also recently work from home. Lisa Wade, OD ’84, was inter- contributed a chapter to a new Dr. Steele recently conducted viewed by Women in Optometry book, Groupthink in Science. a Q&A Session on Infant and about her beekeeping hobby after Toddler development with a the publication noticed photos Mary Hoang, OD ’14, authored specific emphasis on vision. shared to SCO’s social media "Routine eye exam reveals account. distinctive macular lesion" in Marc Taub, OD, Chief of Vision Dr. Wade shared how she first Therapy and Rehabilitation Primary Care Optometry News. learned about beekeeping from Services, recently authored an her grandfather when she was

24 VISIONS [SUMMER 2020] growing up in West Virginia. GSLS | LAS VEGAS Jennifer Jones, OD ’06 Blair Holden, OD ’19 (resident), et al. Her interest was rekindled in Pattern Dystrophy vs. Age-related Confounding Findings in a Patient with Yueren Wang, OD and Macular Degeneration PTEN Gene Mutation recent years as bees began to Daniel G. Fuller, OD suffer catastrophic hive failures Safety and Efficacy of Scleral Lenses for Aleen Kaltakdjian, OD (resident) Sara Isley, OD (resident), et al. Keratoconus caused by invasions of varroa Lapse in Anti-Retroviral Therapy Results Rare Objective Inner Retinal mites or hite beetles. in Secondary Anemic Retinopathy in a Trans-synaptic Degeneration S/P Chris Lievens, OD, MS, et. al. Patient with HIV Traumatic Brain Injury She and her husband, Martin, Contact Lens Discomfort Decreases Visual began their own beekeeping Quality of Life Abagail Kirk, OD (resident) Aleen Kaltakdjian, OD (resident) about two years ago in their Rapid Glucose Reduction Leads to Confirmatory Value of Macular Imaging in backyard. Dr. Wade is an active Uncommon Ocular Complication a Patient with Posterior Staphyloma and High Suspicion of Glaucoma member of the Memphis Area Kerri Lyons, OD (resident) Bee Keepers Association along ARVO ONLINE | Incorporating Non-optometric Strategies Alex Moussa, OD (resident) with nearly 200 other people who Patricia Cisarik, OD, PhD into the Care of a Patient Not Your Average AMD Patient: An share her interest. Pupil Responses to Dim Stimuli – Does Acute Onset of Peripheral Exudative Hemorrhagic Chorioretinopathy the 1st Measurement Have to be Tossed? Chelsea Scriven, OD (resident), et al. Blue Cone Contrast Sensitivity and Target Treatment of Amblyopia in a Case of Size: Relationship to Macular Pigment Combined Hamartoma of Retina and Jennifer Shin, OD (resident), et al. Optical Density Retinal Pigment Epithelium Lung Cancer Metastasis to Clivus Causes Abducens Nerve Palsy Paul Harris, OD, et. al. Sylvia E. Sparrow, OD ’98 Visual Evoked Potential Analysis from Ocular Toxicity Presumed Secondary to Kevan Smith, OD (resident); Laurel mTBI Due to Sports Related Injuries Psychotropic Medication Usage Roberts, OD ’19, and Dan Fuller, OD Corneal Complications, Treatment, and Management of Bullous Keratopathy Chris Lievens, OD, MS, et. al. When she’s not teaching or Optimal Methodology for Lid Wiper leading the Hayes Center for Epitheliopathy Assessment Nicolas Vu, OD ’19 (resident) SECO | ATLANTA Practice Excellence, Dr. Wade Visual Field Loss Secondary to Cerebrovascular Accident Associated with enjoys inspecting her hives and Chris Lievens, OD, MS, et. al. Catherine Hogan, OD ’17 Cardiac Catheterization even feeding her bees when Use of Systane Complete Over Contact The Ramifications of Retinal Arterial Lenses to Alleviate Lens Discomfort Macroaneurysm nectar is not available naturally. Although she’s not personally Jennifer L. Jones, OD ’06, and the biggest fan of honey, she Jessica Haynes, OD ’15 AOA | ONLINE does label and share jars of honey Peripapillary Choroidal Neovascular HOAECC | KANSAS CITY Membranes and OCTA Utilization Celeste Gomez, OD, Resident, et. al. with family and friends. During Scleral Lenses in Child with Neurotrophic the time of social distancing and Kelly Cawley, OD ’19 (resident) Keratitis Secondary to Intracranial The Use of Multimodal Imaging in Melissa Chen OD (resident) Rhabdomyosarcoma working from home, beekeeping Differentiating Adult Vitelliform Healthy Male with Not So Healthy Retina: has proven the perfect hobby Dr. Dystrophy from Macular Degeneration Vasoproliferative Tumor Darah McDaniel-Chandler, OD Wade and her husband. A Case of the Phlyctenule Blues As she told Women in Opto- Blair Holden, OD ’19 (resident) Elizabeth Davis, OD (resident) metry, “I could sit in my yard and Severe Episodic Chemosis as a Presenting Oculopharyngeal Muscular Dystrophy: Gregory Wolfe, OD, MPH, et. al. Sign of Suspected Rheumatologic Disease A Case Report watch them all day.” Are Vision-related Apps a Barrier to Care in the U.S.? A Systematic Review Zachary German, OD ’19 (resident), Reveals Limitations Lily Wang, OD, and John Mark and Karen Squier, OD, MS Jackson, OD ’99, wrote about Versatility and Ease of Use of Corneal GP multifocal lenses in Head-mounted Electronic Magnifiers and Smartphones: An Optometry the June 2020 issue of Contact Student’s Perspective Lens Spectrum.

VISIONS [SUMMER 2020] 25 LONG-TIME FACULTY MEMBERS RETIRE Celebrating 36 Years of Service She applied and was accepted to Two of SCO’s longer-serving Southern College of Optometry and the military but was offered faculty members, Betty a health professions fellowship at Harville, OD, and Bernard Indiana University College Sparks, III, OD ’77, are retiring of Optometry. this summer. We’re pleased As the only African-American to share these profiles for our optometry student in her class alumni. At the time of their at IU, Dr. Harville was mentored retirements, Dr. Harville was and influenced by Dr. Edwin Marshall and Dr. Freddy Chang, our currently longest-serving who encouraged her along the woman on the faculty and Dr. way to her dream of becoming Sparks second only to Glen an OD.

Steele, OD ’69, in terms of After her graduation in 1983, his service. she returned to her native Tennessee and became the first African-American woman Betty Harville, OD, may not to practice in the state of Association for a profile about have realized that she would one Tennessee. Dr. Harville began her career, she believes in day make history when she first her teaching career the following perseverance. Her philosophy has became interested in optometry. year when SCO hired her as an always been that when presented As a middle school student instructor. She became a Fellow with a challenge, she had a choice growing up in her small West of the American Academy of to allow the situation to make her Tennessee town of Somerville, Optometry in 1995. bitter or better, and she always she couldn’t see the chalkboard, chose better. so she sat at the front of the class. Through the years, she endeared herself to thousands of first, Through the years, she received Her closest friend, Gennette, told second, third and fourth year numerous awards, including her what was being shared by the same school’s salutatorian in students. Especially those who Outstanding Teacher of the the teacher on the chalkboard 2005 – several years before she fondly remember her second Year, Instructor of the Year, and on the projection screen. The would be taught by Dr. Harville year Clinical Internship course, Clinical Faculty of the Year, and workaround failed one day, when at SCO. Dr. Elder’s father, the where she utilized live video Outstanding Faculty of the Year, the future Dr. Harville was asked Fayette County Mayor, shared simulations to teach interns how as well as Service Awards and to read out loud by the school the news about Dr. Harville’s to communicate and interact with Special Recognition Awards for librarian. An appointment with retirement in the community on patients. Dedicated Service. an optometrist followed, and the his official social media account. rest was history. In 2001, Dr. Harville made When news of her impending As for her plans, Dr. Harville says history as the first African- retirement was shared on SCO’s Following her graduation from she will miss all the students, American woman to reach the social media account in the spring Fayette Ware High School faculty, and staff, but she is full rank of professor at SCO of 2020, an interesting anecdote in 1975 as Valedictorian, Dr. looking forward to spending time and at any of the nation’s was discovered. Thirty years Harville received her bachelor’s with her husband, two daughters, optometry colleges. As she after Dr. Harville was her high degree from the University of and extended family. told the National Optometric school’s valedictorian, Jenny Tennessee at Martin in 1979. Taylor Elder, OD ’13, had become

26 VISIONS [SUMMER 2020] Bernard I. Sparks, III, OD ’77, Dr. Sparks practiced privately for He published numerous journal Ephesians 3:20, adding: “God joined SCO's faculty on March seven years with his father, the articles and scientific posters certainly provided me a reward- 19, 1984, so it was fitting when late Bernard I. Sparks, Jr., OD ’47, through his career. ing career that far exceeded he purposely scheduled his before joining SCO's faculty 36 anything I would have ever asked Dr. Sparks became a Fellow retirement reception for March years ago. for or thought.” of the American Academy 19, 2020. He served the college in a number of Optometry in 1994 and a The closure of the college of capacities, including serving Professor at SCO in 1999. He was campus necessitated postponing as Director of Externships from awarded Teacher of the Year six this reception but plans call for 1985-1993 and Chair of the times and he received the Beta a celebration at the appropriate Optometry Department from Sigma Kappa Clinical Educator of time when it’s safe to gather 1993-1997. the Year Award in 1993. 36 again. In 1986, Dr. Sparks received a “It was my distinct honor and master’s degree in Curriculum privilege to have assisted in the IF DRS. HARVILLE Design and Instructional Techno- clinical education of multiple logies from Memphis State generations of optometrists… AND SPARKS HAVE University, now the University including several sons and MADE AN IMPACT ON of Memphis. daughters of my classmates from YOUR OPTOMETRY 1977,” Dr. Sparks added. He served as instructor-of-record CAREER, PLEASE for the Advanced Optometry In reflecting on his faculty CONSIDER MAKING A course sequence and saw experience at SCO, he cited his GIFT IN THEIR HONOR. patients part-time in a Memphis faith and a favorite Bible verse, ophthalmology practice.

What our alumni are saying As news was shared about the impending retirements of Drs. Harville and Sparks, numerous alumni shared their memories and well wishes on SCO’s social media posts. Here’s a sampling of some of the sentiments expressed about these two retiring faculty members: “ Two of my favorites! Both were great mentors to me. I’m so glad I had the chance to learn from them as a student and also a colleague.” — former faculty member Janna Zbozien Smith, OD ’00

“ I always liked working with both of them. Dr. Sparks would tell this funny joke. He would look you in the eye and say, ‘Of all the people I’ve met…. You’re one of them.’ And then he would laugh. Awesome.” — Randy Birt, OD ’02

“ Love these two amazing people! Two of my favorite professors. Thank you for teaching, leading, listening, mentoring, encouraging, and motivating us to be the best doctors we could be.” — Ellen Drury Fitzgerald, OD ’03

“ Two of the best and kindest educators at SCO! Congratulations on your retirement!” — Emily Nail Fleming, OD ’08

“ Two of the finest, kindest, and most compassionate ODs I had the pleasure of learning from at SCO. Best wishes to them both, and many thanks for their expertise and guidance.” — Chad Carter, OD ’10

“ Congratulations to two wonderful educators. Thank you for making SCO and all of us students better doctors. Lucky to have learned from you.” — Mary Nethaway Chase, OD ’18

VISIONS [SUMMER 2020] 27 A Spring Training Experience Talk about lucky timing. Shortly before the COVID-19 pandemic shut down professional sports, SCO Student Zeke Grissom, ’21, attended the Baltimore Orioles’ Spring Training to assist an optometric team with player screenings. Here Zeke shares what he experienced just one month before COVID-19 rocked the sports world.

28 VISIONS [SUMMER 2020] BASEBALL AND OPTOMETRY — by Zeke Grissom, ’21

February 12 marked the Optometric others with extremely high fueled a fire for how I will be spring training report date for ceilings. As I was there, that able to use my education in pitchers and catchers of the Evaluation wasn’t what I was caught up ways that are untraditional Baltimore Orioles in Sarasota, During my trip, we were able in. Here I was in the perfect for optometry. Florida. to do a thorough screening mix of childhood dreams, Vision assessment is no longer of each of the pitchers and career aspirations, and the Each year, Major League confined to the 20-foot exam catchers, as well as a number exciting atmosphere that athletes begin their time by lanes in an office setting of the hitters reporting early. every team experiences going going through a series of where 20/20 reigns supreme, The screenings themselves into a new season, regardless medical evaluations before but rather stretches into all consisted of three major of the level. they are able to begin their areas of our lives—and our objectives: evaluation of respective seasons. These Growing up in a family profession is catching up with ocular health, establishment results are submitted to the of faithful believers that that notion. For instance, of concussion baseline league and used by the team “Baseball is America’s as sports have advanced, so measurements (to be to properly care for their Pastime,” baseball has always has the speed and intensity compared to post-concussion), athletes. In conjunction, the been a big part of my life. stretching across all levels of and observation of visual Orioles’ optometric team From throwing with my dad play, leading to new needs. performance. Through this has been led for many years until the sun set to playing process, we were able to As optometrists, we are to by Dr. Myrowitz out of the with David Hess (current RHP identify any players that be on the front line with Baltimore area. In recent for the Orioles) at Tennessee needed further in-office concussion management and years, he and the organization Tech, it has always been there evaluation and those that detection, even at early ages. have seen the value in vision since day one. we deemed as a high yield As we look at high school, enhancement and brought candidate for further visual collegiate, and professional on SCO faculty member Dr. performance enhancement. athletes, everyone is Paul Harris to assist in the Using subsequent follow-up relentlessly looking for the evaluation and training of visits and training, we slight edge of improvement these athletes. will be able to provide the that separates the elite from In an effort to teach and proper personalized care the great; I am convinced that promote the development of to ensure health and peak vision training is and will future optometrists (and to visual performance for these continue to be the avenue have extra help,) Dr. Harris athletes on the biggest stage. to unveil that untapped was able to coordinate this potential. into an opportunity for me Just as these players are and a few other SCO students Beyond the itching to get onto the field and faculty to attend this and lead their team to new year’s training. Exam Room heights this season, I am “I have died and gone to David Hess (left) and Zeke Grissom (right) anxiously awaiting my heaven.” This was my time to continue the dream, response when initially asked When it was time for me to combining my love of both about my experience at spring hang up the cleats though, baseball and optometry. training, but it might not be I found optometry, a field Whether that’s at the t-ball for the reasons you think. with endless possibilities. As Pam Schnell, OD '01, level, the Major League level, Paul Harris, OD, Debra Harris, a third-year student, SCO Zeke Grissom, '21, and Zachary German, Sure, I was able to be around or anywhere in between, SCO has already allowed me to OD '19 (resident) some of the greatest baseball and optometry have opened take part in many unique players on the planet. Guys the gate wide for endless opportunities that have coming off of career years, possibilities.

VISIONS [SUMMER 2020] 29 NEWS BRIEFS Diversity and Inclusion Effort Expands Janette Dumas Pepper, OD, has been named Coordinator for Student Diversity & Inclusion, effective July 1. Dr. Pepper previously led our diversity recruiting effort, but this expanded role demonstrates the increasing importance represented by SCO’s Diversity and Inclusion efforts. “This area represents a top priority for our institution, so it’s important that we devote a dedicated effort to provide student inclusion initiatives for diverse students within the SCO community,” said President Lewis Reich, OD, PhD. Dr. Pepper will provide critical student academic and social support, specifically in: • Building relationships with underrepresented students once admitted, • Coordinating with the Director of Academic Support Services to serve as the official advisor for underrepresented students and to plan and implement initiatives related to this area, • Serving as a faculty leader to support diverse student organizations such as Spectrum and NOSA and to help identify the need for additional affinity and/or student-centered groups as we plan a way to establish and support this effort.

Dr. Pepper will continue to assist with SCO’s recruiting efforts as we promote the profession of optometry to minority student populations. In recent years, she has hosted events for interested prospective students and applicants from underrepresented groups. “For the profession to thrive, we must continue to prioritize support and resources devoted to expanding opportunities for applicants from a wider variety of backgrounds and experiences,” Dr. Reich added. “Working together, I’m confident that SCO will make great progress on student diversity and inclusion initiatives.”

Elkins Named effective manner,“ Dr. Campbell Bucko Named Bucko is responsible for the Chair said. CE Director strategy, development, and implementation of SCO’s live “In addition to these qualities, and distance programming for she has demonstrated that she optometric continuing education. is an incredibly hard worker, willing to take on the multiple She joined SCO in January tasks necessary to ensure that 2019 as the college’s Grants our educational programs not and Community Engagement only continue to function but Coordinator. She brought to SCO continue to be among the significant experience in both Kate Bucko was recently Lindsay Elkins, OD ’07, was very best.” higher education and clinical selected as SCO’s Director of recently named the Chair of administration. Over the past four years, Dr. Optometric Education at SCO, Continuing Education. As Elkins gained significant experi- During the COVID-19 pandemic, filling a department chair a member of the Academic ence both inside and external to be sure to visit SCO’s website or position left vacant when Bart Affairs department, she reports SCO. Two examples of the latter watch your email for updates Campbell, OD ’87, became SCO’s directly to Bart Campbell, OD are her recent completion of the and announcements about SCO’s Vice President for Academic ’87, SCO’s Vice President for TICUA Executive Leadership CE programming. Affairs four years ago. Academic Affairs. Institute and her international Named Director of Academic leadership role as the Beta Sigma Programs in 2016, Dr. Elkins Kappa Central World Council distinguished herself in her role, Chancellor. demonstrating not only superb organizational ability but also an excellent rapport with faculty Dining Services Update and students. SCO recently said farewell to Melissa Williams, proprietor of the popular Blink Diner located on the tower’s fourth “Dr. Elkins has proven that she floor. As Visions went to press, the college had narrowed can effectively address complex the selection down to a group of finalists for new vendors to issues in a diplomatic and provide catering and dining options to the SCO community.

30 VISIONS [SUMMER 2020] 2020 SECO SNAPSHOTS

1) Lewis Reich, OD, PhD, and 6) Glen Steele, OD ’69, (2nd from right) with a 10) Amanda Brewer-Lord, OD ’97, and 1 6 10 Mary Chivetta, OD ’19 contingent of optometrists from Costa Rica, Pete Kehoe, OD Colombia, and Mexico 2 11 2) Erin (Keim) Henderson, OD ’17 and 11) Erin Mozingo, '22, Sal Bhatti ’22, Andrew 7 Erick Henderson, OD ’17 7) Mark Medley, OD ’11, and Jay Butler, OD ’11 Barrows ’22, and Lillian McEntire ’22 3 12 3) Steven Reed, OD ’95, and wife Kendra 8) Belinda R. Starkey, OD ’04, Chevron Ergle, OD 12) Katelyn Marks ’21, Tyler Wills ’21, 8 ’04, and Vicki Farmer, ArOA Executive Director and George Miller 4 4) Chloe Kang ’23, Ariel Chao ’23, 13 and Tianyu Wang ’23 9) Ben Mize, OD ’93, and Christie Dennis Mize, 13) Cynthia W. Baker, OD ’83, and husband 5 9 OD ’94 Bill Ragsdale 5) Joe Hauser and Nicolas Vu, OD ’19

VISIONS [SUMMER 2020] 31 Non-Profit Organization SOUTHERN COLLEGE U.S. Postage OF OPTOMETRY PAID 1245 Madison Avenue Memphis, Tennessee Memphis, TN 38104-2222 Permit Number 151

2020 Fall Homecoming Goes Virtual Because of ongoing concerns related to travel, housing, and the logistics of hosting large group events, the decision was made to postpone this year's Fall Homecoming and CE Weekend. Reunion class members should watch their emails for updates from classmates and organizers about virtual reunion events planned for early October. We hope you can participate and reconnect with old friends and classmates!

October 2-3