A L U M N I M A G A Z I N E

Annual ReportJuly 1, 2007–June 30, 2008

c o n t e n t1President’s Corner

2Student Services

4Academic Affairs

7Human Resources

8Clinical Programs

10Financial Affairs

12Institutional Advancement

14Lifetime Giving

17Student Life

18SCO Happenings

22Class Notes

24SCO Focus

26News Briefs

Visions Alumni Magazine is published four times yearly through the Office of Institutional Advancement. Copies are available without charge to alumni, faculty, staff, students and friends of the college. A digital version is available online at www.sco.edu.

Please send comments, contributions and address changes to: Office of Institutional Advancement 1245 Madison Avenue Memphis, TN 38104-2222 800-238-0180, ext. 4 901-722-3379 FAX

RICHARD W. PHILLIPS, OD ’78, FAAOPresident

KRISTIN K. ANDERSON, ODVice President for Institutional Advancement

JIM HOLLIFIELDEditor Director of Publication Services

SUSAN M. DOYLEDesigner

ERIN JAFFEPhotographer

t r u s t e e sF. Mason Smith, OD ’76 – Chair

Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina

Donna Abney, MBAGermantown, Tennessee

Eugene M. Bane, Jr., OD ’65Salem, Virginia

Larry H. BryanMemphis, Tennessee

Howard F. Flippin, OD ’59Searcy, Arkansas

John A. Gazaway, OD ’67Eagle Grove, Iowa

A. Thomas Hyde, OD ’76Morristown, Tennessee

James B. Jalenak, Esq.Memphis, Tennessee

Jarrett Johnson, OD ’90New Orleans, Louisiana

Christopher B. King, OD ’83Englewood, Florida

Kenneth L. Mulholland, Jr.Germantown, Tennessee

Richard L. Powell, OD ’68Lincoln, Nebraska

Wayne W. PyeattMemphis, Tennessee

Robert W. Smalling, OD ’74Warren, Arkansas

Mary Thornley, EdDCharleston, South Carolina

J. Bart Campbell, OD ’87Faculty Representative Memphis, Tennessee

Amanda Nadolski, ’10Student Representative The Woodlands, TX

Randy Birt, OD ’02 See pg. 10

PR E SIDEN T ’ S » COR NER Richard W. Phillips, OD ’78, FAAO

Annual Report | 1

During our recent Alumni Homecoming

held here in Memphis, I was heartened by the

words of one of my fellow 1978 graduates.

He candidly spoke about the fact that he was

among a generation of SCO graduates who

felt as though they could have been treated

more fairly as students. Coming back to see the

SCO of today, however, he realized that things

have changed.

He and other classmates saw what I have

become aware of during the past few years,

but only witnessed in depth last year when

I became president-elect; namely, SCO looks

forward, attracts the best and the brightest stu-

dents, leads the way in optometric education,

and recruits committed faculty and staff who

are dedicated to fulfilling the college’s mission

to the best of their abilities and talent. It was

heartening to hear this fellow classmate pledge

to support the college going forward as our

class talked about the positive impressions they

received through their interactions with today’s

optometry students.

There are two words that sum up these

changes that SCO has seen for the better over

the past several years: continuous progress.

Consider this Annual Report edition of Visions

a true measure of the progress seen during

the past year. Herein you will find reports

from different service areas at the college to

update you, our alumni and friends, about the

achievements being made at SCO.

Specifically, we focus on the 2007-2008

fiscal and academic year that began July 1,

2007 and ended June 30, 2008. We intend to

make each Fall issue of this magazine an Annual

Report, providing you with snapshots of prog-

ress made along the way.

Earlier this year we published the “Honor

Roll of Donors” issue in which we acknowledged

donors and corporate partners. This issue fur-

ther pays tribute to those who have continually

Two words that sum up these changes that SCO has seen for the better over the past several years: continuous progress

supported SCO through the years. Beginning

with the Fall 2009 issue, we will incorporate the

“Honor Roll of Donors” theme to include donor

re cognition as part of our overall progress report.

Even as we review with pride the accom-

plishments and progress made over the past

year, the entire SCO community now looks

forward to the next year already underway.

As I recently told our first-years, the Class of

2012, I look forward to sharing this profession

with all of our students and alumni for many

years to come. The four-year optometry pro-

gram transforms our students into practicing

doctors of optometry, a proud profession with

close-knit ties that will last a lifetime, as so many

of our graduates can attest.

Our institution has never been stronger.

From the faculty to the financial aid office to

our security guards, the entire campus shares

the mission of educating men and women in

the art and science of optometry. We take this

mission very seriously.

The knowledge our students gain at SCO

is the cornerstone of their future career and

establishes a foundation to serve patients who

come to them for care.

All optometrists know that patients look

to us with trusting eyes, counting on our

profession to safeguard their most precious

sense, the gift of sight. That is a wonderful and

awesome privilege and responsibility, and with

your help, we will lead the profession forward

by assisting these fine students in becoming

the best practitioners that they can possibly be.

2 | SCOVisions

STUDENT sERViCEs Joseph H. Hauser, MBA Vice President for Student Services

One of the most significant accomplishments over this past year was the creation of the Clinic Conference Leave Policy. The policy will provide appropriate leave days to allow interested students to attend important optometric meetings. This new policy will allow for a larger SCO student profile at these meetings. To help encourage stronger attendance at the AOA meeting, the Student Government Association (SGA) committed $2,500 in travel grants for attending students.

An academic affairs task force was created to evaluate applicant characteristics that may lead to academic problems. A more comprehensive faculty advisor program was initiated this year. The goal is to assist in

identifying problems before a student experiences academic difficulties. The Vice President for Student Services and Director of Academic Affairs worked on the Spring

academic schedule in advance to ensure an appropriate National Board review. There will be a new NBEO Part I administration in March 2009, and SCO wanted to make sure third-year test takers were maximally prepared.

SGA approved new bylaws incorporating the change from quarters to semesters. All 119 members of the Class of 2008 earned their degrees on May 2, 2008. Fall 2008 enrollment

was expected to show 482 full-time students, SCO’s highest enrollment count since the 1982-83 academic year. SCO’s attrition rate for the 2007-2008 academic year was only 0.4 percent.

Admissions/Enrollment services

During the 2007-2008 academic and fiscal year, the college entered one of the most competitive classes in SCO history with a GPA/OAT average of 3.45 and 340, respectively. All 124 matriculants held a bachelor’s degree or higher. SCO’s minority student population, 19%, was the largest for an entering class since 2000.

Admissions and Enrollment Services implemented several new processes to more efficiently evaluate applicant transcripts and the overall application process. More personalized correspondence was sent out to competitive applicants. These changes helped to achieve the highest matriculation rate, 71.3%, in recent history.

The department worked closely with Optometric Education and the Chair of Assessment to make the conversion of academic records from quarters to semesters a smooth process.

student Recruitment

During the 2007-2008 recruiting season, there were 89 campus visits arranged in 25 states. In addition, more than 50 people were provided private campus tours and individual counseling sessions while visiting the SCO campus.

The Student Ambassador program continued to be an instrumental arm of Student Recruitment. Student Ambassadors represent SCO and the profession of optometry by providing tours of the campus and answering questions from students and parents, but the use of the program reaches outside the SCO campus. By providing testimonials for the SCO website, Student Ambassadors are able to reach prospective applicants globally. They also provide their views to often-asked questions on SCO’s recruiting DVD and in brochures. Their direct connection with applicants and potential applicants is invaluable and provides a non-intimidating resource for students.

Student Ambassador Joe Sugg conducted a tour of The Eye Center for U.S. Representative Steve Cohen during his visit to the campus.

CL A ss o f 2012 A ppL I C A N t DAtA

Applicants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7416.8% increase from previous year

Interviewed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265Accepted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174Enrolled . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124

71.3% matriculation rate

M EE t t H E CL A ss o f 2012

GpA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.45Second highest on record

oAt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .340Highest on record for an entering class

Bachelor’s degree or higher . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124 (100%)

states represented. . . . . . . . . . . 30Male/female . . . . . . . . . . . . .60/64Minority . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19%

20 07 fA L L sE M E s t Er EN r o L L M EN t s tAt I s t I C s

Class of 2011Number of students . . . . . 124Male/female . . . . . . . . . .62/62Minority . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7%

Class of 2010Number of students . . . . . 119Male/female . . . . . . . . . 68/51Minority . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13%

Class of 2009Number of students . . . . . 118Male/female . . . . . . . . . .56/62Minority . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9%

Class of 2008Number of students . . . . . 119Male/female . . . . . . . . . .48/71Minority . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13%

20 07-20 0 8 r ECr U I t M EN t ov Er v I E w

states visited . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25Campus visits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89

Annual Report | 3

Three groups of high school students

visited the SCO campus. The Director of

Student Recruiting also coordinated coverage

for multiple local school events, including

elementary school career days and high school

education fairs.

In April 2008, SCO hosted Discover Opto-

metry, an open house event held on the SCO

campus every two years. Approximately 150

registrants attended the event, allowing SCO to

highlight the profession and its campus.

A PowerPoint presentation was developed

to provide copies on flash drives to targeted

alumni who assist with recruiting efforts. The

process will continue building relationships with

alumni.

Financial Aid

Of the total financial aid received by SCO

students for 2007-2008, scholarships and need-

based grants comprised 6 percent, Federal Work

Study 3 percent, and loans 91 percent. The total

loan volume for 2007-2008 was $13,899,988, an

increase of $251,421. The previous year’s increase

was $307,504.

Of SCO’s total loan volume, the various off-

campus programs accounted for 90%, while

Perkins Loans accounted for 10%. The Health

Professional Student Loan was not awarded for

2007-2008.

A summary of SCO student borrowing is listed below:

stUDENt BorrowING for EDUCAtIoNAL Costs

Total Number of Borrowers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .452

Mean Educational Cost (1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$33,662

Mean Amount Borrowed per Borrower . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$30,392

Proportion of Educational Cost Financed by Loans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91%

Total Amount Borrowed (2) . . . . . . . . . . .$13,899,988

1. Educational costs include net tuition, fees, books, equipment and reasonable living expenses.

2. Included are all federally regulated student loans and any other loans processed by the financial aid office.

The Class of 2008 graduated with an

average debt of $109,646, which excludes any

undergraduate debt, an increase of $3,309.

The average undergraduate debt was $15,997

for the Class of 2008 upon entering SCO, an

increase of $1,895.

Most 2008 graduates were able to con-

solidate the first two years of their loans while

in school and lock in at a fixed rate of approxi-

mately 5%. The last two years, the interest

rate was fixed at 6.8%. Assuming an average

of the two rates, 5.9% APR, the typical 2008

SCO graduate can expect loan repayments of

about $14,541 per year for 10 years to service an

optometric educational debt of $109,646.

For the eleventh consecutive year, SCO

reported a zero percent default rate for its

graduates.

SCO Partners with Students to Combat Debt

Financing the cost of optometric

education remains a hot topic with both

alumni and students, a challenge that

SCO’s Financial Aid Office is mindful of

each day.

The office strives to counsel

students regarding their loan packages,

to educate students against borrowing

needlessly if other funding sources are

available, and keeping students notified

of total debt to reduce borrowing levels

when possible.

“Students are always our top

priority,” said Cindy Garner, Director of

Financial Aid at SCO.

Garner and her staff began 2007-

2008 with presentations to all students

interviewing with the college. She

and her counselors routinely reviewed

available financial aid, budgeting and

ways to reduce debt.

“Once the student is awarded

financial aid, we create a projected debt

analysis for them,” she explained.

Next is an orientation entrance

interview during which the borrower’s

rights and responsibilities are reviewed,

along with budgeting, debt manage-

ment and the Federal Work Study

program.

Before graduation, students are

required to attend an exit interview.

During this session, the Financial

Aid Office staff reviews rights and

responsibilities, repayment options,

grace periods and consolidation.

“Students are becoming more

responsive to the idea of budgeting,

especially when they realize the benefit

of debt reduction down the road,”

Garner added.

4 | SCOVisions

ACADEMIC AFFAiRs Lewis reich, oD, phD Vice President for Academic Affairs

The leadership of Academic Affairs

changed during the 2007-2008 academic

year. Vice President for Academic Affairs

Charles Haine, MS, OD, left SCO in early 2008;

Rob Drescher, OD, acted as interim director

during the vacancy. Lewis Reich, OD, PhD,

was named the new Vice President in the

spring of 2008 and officially became Vice

President July 1, 2008.

Department of optometric Education

During the 2007-2008 academic year, the new semester

system was implemented. For each of the 2007-2008 academic

terms, implementation of the semester system was well-organized.

Subsequently, the Class of 2009 became the first students assigned

clinical duties in The Eye Center during the summer term between

the 2nd and 3rd years of instruction. The shifting of one lecture

and lab course from the summer back to the fall semester assisted

the students in having the additional study time they needed for

National Board preparation.

Replacement of optometric equipment and instrumentation

in the labs continued under a planned replacement program.

This program continues to update equipment in the labs as much

as possible to facilitate student learning. Total renovation of the

7th floor contact lens lab was completed, bringing the lab into the

21st century.

Administration determined that the number of faculty required

for didactic and clinical programs was 55.5 full-time equivalents (FTE).

Beginning the year with approximately 46 FTE faculty members, the

college underwent a substantial advertising campaign to recruit

faculty. In February, the Board of Trustees approved a 15% market

adjustment for faculty salaries, making salaries more competitive

with other practice modalities. Both activities directly affected the

increase in the number of quality faculty applicants.

Department of Assessment

SCO students performed significantly above national averages

on National Board Examinations for the 2007-2008 academic year.

SCO students had a 91% passage rate on NBEO Part I, 98.3% on Part

II, and 99.2% on Part III. This compares to the 74% and 91.5% national

averages on Parts I and II, respectively.

Overall the success rate on Part I of the NBEO (91%) was

consistent with previous years when students had all summer

off to study between the 2nd and 3rd years. Both of these NBEO

results speak highly of the quality of students admitted and to the

outstanding level of didactic instruction the faculty provided.

Research Programs

The research department obtained its first U.S. patent and a large

clinical grant for nearly $300,000. Another U.S. patent was filed for the

treatment of dry eye as part of the product development contract

with ArGentis to market treatments developed at the college.

SCO research enjoyed media publicity with several newspaper,

radio and TV interviews of faculty during the year, including a focus

on glaucoma research.

Research grant funding totaled approximately $441,350. Faculty

reported 21 paper or book chapter publications, 34 meeting presen-

tations, and 120 hours of CE lectures.

r E sE A r CH G r A N t s r ECE I v ED 20 07-20 0 8

Achieve . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $300,000

Assisi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $49,000

Polymer Tech . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $3,000

ATS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $10,000

CHICS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $5,000

NCMIC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $5,000

CIBA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $15,000

Bausch & Lomb . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$17,060

Carl Zeiss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $28,350

Heine USA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $10,000

Baypoint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1,000

Residency Programs

During the 2007-2008 year, all SCO residency program evalua-

tion tools (supervisor evaluation of residents, resident evaluations of

SCO students performed significantly above national averages on National Boards for the 2007-2008 academic year

programs and resident evaluations of

supervisors) were converted to a web-

based system that greatly enhanced

SCO’s ability to track and analyze resi-

dent progress toward meeting pro-

gram objectives.

Fifty-eight applications represent-

ing 13 different institutions were re-

ceived, an increase compared to 54

applications received the previous year.

All of SCO’s residency programs were

active, giving a total of 23 residents in

14 programs.

Residency conferences were held

on Wednesday during the fall and

spring semesters. These conferences

featured college faculty and other sub-

ject matter experts. Twenty-six confer-

ences were held, including grand rounds presentations at three ex-

ternal clinical sites.

r E sI D EN C Y pr o G r A M r E sI D EN C Y Lo C At I o N

Pediatric Optometry The Eye Center at SCO, Memphis, TN

Primary Eye Care The Eye Center at SCO, Memphis, TN

Low Vision Rehabilitation The Eye Center at SCO, Memphis, TN

Family Practice Optometry West Tennessee Eye, Millington, TN

Ocular Disease Eye Centers of Florida, Ft. Myers, FL

Primary Eye Care Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Memphis, TN

Primary Eye Care Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Columbia, SC

Primary Eye Care Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Salisbury, NC

Primary Eye Care Veterans Affairs Medical Center Mountain Home, TN

Ocular Disease Southern Eye Associates, Memphis, TN

Ocular Disease/Surgery Woolfson Eye Institute,1 Atlanta, GA

Vision Therapy and Rehabilitation Appelbaum Eye Care Associates,1 Bethesda, MD

Ocular Disease Eye Health Partners of Middle TN,2 Nashville, TN

1. This program enrolled its first resident in July 2008 and will be reflected in next year’s report.2. This program switched its affiliation from the UAB School of Optometry to SCO effective

February 25, 2008 and will be reflected in next year’s report.

Library services

SCO’s Library experienced a major change with the retirement

in January 2008 of Nancy Gatlin, the college’s longest-serving staff

member. Sharon Tabachnick, MSLS, PhD, succeeded her as Director

of Library Services.

The results of the annual inventory of books were remarkable in

that the library did not lose any vision-related books or journals this

year. The library’s annual inventory showed that the collection con-

tained 15,184 books, including 5,399 in the subjects of optometry/

ophthalmology and 5,746 bound journals. About 45,287 citations

from VisioNet were viewed, and 33 faculty members received article

citations on 1,224 subjects from the current awareness service.

6 | SCOVisions

Continuing Education

SCO’s 2007 Alumni Homecoming

and CE Weekend recorded 296 regis-

tered attendees. The general program

offered 15 hours of COPE-qualified

education. Advanced Coding Strategies

for the Primary Care Optometrist, a

four-hour interactive course, was also

offered.

SCO’s 2008 Spring CE Weekend re-

ported 241 registered attendees. The

program offered 14 hours of COPE-

qualified CE as part of the general edu-

cation program. Friday workshops were

also offered, including Examination

of the Infant, a two-hour workshop featuring

infants 6-12 months; Optometry and the Web,

a two-hour interactive workshop reinforcing

web-tools and reference available to ODs; and

Advanced Coding Strategies for the Primary Care

Optometrist, a four-hour interactive course.

Resident’s Day was expanded to a seven-

hour program, featuring 21 presentations, nine

of which were made available online on the

SECO website. By partnering with SECO, these

podcasts were made available to an even

greater audience. SCO remained the certifying

organization for SECO International’s online

education.

Additional or external CE programming in-

cluded Meeting in the Middle, a four-hour, rapid-

fire program co-sponsored with the Tennessee

Optometric Association, and The Role of Perio-

cular Injections in Primary Eye Care, a seven-hour

course and wet-lab (with examination) certifica-

tion program provided in cooperation with the

North Carolina Board of Optometry.

Hayes Center for Practice Excellence

The Hayes Center hosted its second an-

nual Private Practice Primer for Recent Graduates

program at the SCO campus in January 2008.

Post-course evaluation results demonstrated

satisfaction and ongoing application of infor-

mation learned. Consideration has been given

to expanding enrollment to alumni 1-10 years

post-graduation to increase program potential.

The Hayes Center additionally hosted

Joining the Generations: Practice Transitions

and Partnerships, a four-hour program held in

conjunction with the Mississippi Optometric

Association. This initial program was the catalyst

for SCO receiving significant funding from VSP

to partner this program with six state associa-

tions during the 2009-2010 conference year.

ACADEMIC AFFAiRs

Grant Awards in Support of SCO Educational ProgramsIndustry support of SCO educational programs increased during the 2007-2008 fiscal year. The following information includes industry

partners providing educational grant funding. Additionally, gifts in kind (equipment, handout information) were provided in support of

educational programs for faculty and students.

2007-2008 Continuing Education

programs

2008 spring Continuing Education

programs

faculty Development Continuing Education

$4,500

fall 2007 Continuing Education

programs 2007-2008 Continuing Education

and Hayes Center programs

Annual Report | 7

HUMAN REsoURCEs Ann fields Vice President for Human Resources

During the 2007-2008 fiscal year, Human Resources (HR) developed

a Paid Time Off Policy that incorporated annual and sick leave time as one

benefit.

A major effort was undertaken to revise the performance management

system for all staff and faculty. A new system was adopted for use in the

upcoming 2008-2009 year.

SCO implemented a goal of increasing communication through utilizing

the second and fourth Wednesday of each month from 8:30-10:30 am to

facilitate additional communication and staff/faculty interaction.

During the year, HR reviewed SCO’s claims experience and cost for medical benefits and began

a thorough process of evaluating how best to deliver a high level of benefits to employees and

maintain a reasonable cost level. SCO added an Employee Assistance Program through Concern,

a Baptist Hospital subsidiary counseling service. Concern services were also extended to all SCO

students.

SCO adopted a smoke-free campus policy, and smoking cessation resources were offered to

interested employees.

From the Heart…Inspired by the courage shown by an SCO student in the face of adversity, faculty and staff recently joined students

in creating the Student Emergency Fund to assist SCO students in need.This past year, Jared Ivie, ’09, and his wife, Kerie, received an unwelcomed diagnosis after their young daughter,

Emma, was diagnosed with cancer. Such a prospect would be daunting for any young family, but for a fourth-year optometry student nearing completion of his professional degree and far from home, facing a major family illness and related expenses proved especially challenging.

News of the Ivie family’s situation prompted the SCO community to respond with an outpouring of financial and other support.

SCO agreed to match the first $2,500 raised in an effort to provide needed assistance to a student achiever and his family. The amount was easily reached and surpassed.

“The fact that the generosity of friends, colleagues, staff and faculty at SCO has been such so as to meet the match offer in total is truly a testament to the family feeling that we all share,” Dr. Phillips told the SCO community in an email after the matching funds were met.

After a check was presented to the Ivie family, Student Doctor Ivie responded with a heartfelt message of appreciation to the SCO community:

“On behalf of my family, and especially my daughter, Emma, I want to thank you all for the support, prayers, thoughts, cards and donations that have been contributed to our family during this tough time. I really can’t express in words how much this support has helped us get through some dark and challenging times as Emma has started her cancer treatment.

“I knew SCO was a great place filled with wonderful people, but I am still amazed at how quickly so many were to show their support and concern for Emma and our family. I want each and every one of you to know we are extremely grateful for your support and love. Your kindness and support has been a warm ray of sunshine on some very dark and cloudy days for us.

“It truly shows that SCO is more than a school; it’s a second family and as our SCO family, you have taken great care of us. Jared, Kerie, Emma, and Abigail Ivie.”

Meanwhile, Emma has undergone several rounds of chemotherapy and surgery to remove tumors. Surgeons are optimistic for her full recovery.

The response to Emma’s illness demonstrated compassion within the SCO family. The SCO Student Emergency Fund will be utilized as other

student emergency needs arise in the future.

The Centre Group’s Tracy Lindow, standing, chats with staff member

Winona Caldwell during a campus-wide meeting.

Emma Ivie

8 | SCOVisions

Clinical Program goals focused on implementing electronic health records throughout The Eye Center, maintaining and increasing patient numbers, and reinforcing coding and billing procedures.

These priorities provided interns with a professional clinical education and experience. SCO’s Clinical Programs directly contributed to the success of the college’s educational program and simultaneously supported the mission by providing interns with real world experience with patient care activities.

The college’s Clinical Programs consisted of The Eye Center, Externship Program, Nursing Home External Clinics, and Community Outreach Services.

At The Eye Center, located on campus, interns assisted experienced staff optometrists in providing patient care in the areas of Primary Care Optometry, Pediatrics, Vision Therapy, Contact Lens, Ocular Disease, Low Vision Rehabilitation and the Optical Department.

Provided in the next sections are summaries of activities from each of the components of the Clinical Programs.

Clinical operationsThe Eye Center ended the 2007-2008 fiscal year with total charges of $4.0 million,

a 9 percent increase over the previous year. Total office visits were consistent with the previous year’s numbers, with a small increase in ophthalmology service numbers. Patient visits totaled approximately 60,000 for the fiscal year.

Adult Primary Care (APC)During the fiscal year, the APC service accounted for 16,620 patient encounters,

and 6,226 of these patients were “new” patients, meaning that they were not seen in the previous three years. Nearly 85% of patient encounters were level 4 examinations, denoting the complex nature of APC’s patient population.

Advanced Care ocular DiseaseThe Advanced Care Ocular Disease Service provided care for 3,825 established

patients and 529 new patients. A total of 843 patients required post-operative care. Patient volume and retention remained stable, and the service was available for emergency and walk-in patient care.

Community service and outreachSCO’s Community Outreach program partnered with the Shelby County public

school system to provide vision screenings to more than 7,300 children at 69 schools. The program initiated a three-year research project to track follow-up care after screenings. An agreement between SCO and Head Start permitted screenings for approximately 3,000 children at Head Start Programs across Shelby County. Faculty and interns frequently provided service to local residents at community fairs, health programs, and school career days. Partners included the Memphis Grizzlies, the City of Memphis, Girl Scouts of America, Methodist and LeBonheur Medical Systems, Lincoln Memorial University and the Special Olympics’ “Opening Eyes” program in Nashville.

Contact LensFaculty and students saw a large number of challenging fittings involving

Today’s students receive 21st Century clinical exposure, and The Eye Center’s transition to using Electronic Health Records (EHR) provides these students with additional real world knowledge used in contemporary practice settings.

Summer 2007 semester saw the start date for EHR in the Contact Lens Service. After a number of software improvements, clinical faculty and staff members grew more proficient.

Dr. Jim Venable, Chief of Staff, took the lead in setting up the EHR tables for the Compulink program. Work was done to merge The Eye Center’s examination procedures from each service area with the Compulink program’s EHR tables.

EHR software was next introduced to the Advanced Care Ocular Disease service during the Fall 2007 semester, followed by Primary Care Services for both adults and children during the Spring 2008 semester.

The remaining services for EHR installation to be completed soon are Low Vision and Vision Therapy and Rehabilitation.

Dr. Glen Steele, Chief of Pediatrics, said that adaptation to Electronic Health Records, while an adjustment, went smoothly.

“While there are obvious differences from paper charts, many things are easier and faster,” Dr. Steele said.

“Electronic Health Records have significantly increased access to records for established patients as well as streamlining our reporting process to referral sources,” noted Gary Snuffin, Director of Clinical Operations.

“Everyone is now very confident and comfortable with using the EHR as intended.”

CLINICAL PRoGRAMs James H. Burke, oD ’77 Vice President for Clinical Programs

Annual Report | 9

conditions such as keratoconus and post-surgical corneas. Clinical courses have been structured to ensure that every graduate gained experience in completing gas permeable, soft toric, presbyopic and multiple soft contact lens fittings from start to finish. This service area was the first in The Eye Center to go fully electronic for all patient records, inventory and lens ordering procedures.

Externship ProgramA summary of the 2007-2008 program

showed that 119 students participated with 238 total assignments. With each student assigned to one rotation of 16 weeks in an institutional health care facility and to one 16-week rotation in a private optometric practice, participants experienced a total of 151,847 patient contacts, an average of 638 patient contacts per semester.

Low Vision Rehabilitation serviceA new clinical rotation at The Star Center in

Jackson, Tennessee provided significant patient care exposure to SCO’s Low Vision Rehab-ilitation Resident. The program produced and distributed “Share the Vision” brochures to facilitate the collection of gently used low vision devices that can be “recycled” for patients in need. Through the generosity of The Assisi Foundation of Memphis, the Project Magnify

program funded examination fees and low vi-sion devices necessary for patients to achieve their goals of independence.

nursing Home Program SCO’s Nursing Home Program provided

students with clinical experience in managing geriatric patients. Students served long-term care residents at 12 facilities in the Memphis area. The program provided students with year-round clinical visits on a defined schedule throughout the academic year.

optical service AreaThe Optical Service Area provided an ex-

cellent learning experience that demonstrated the importance of ophthalmic considerations in patient management. A new student evaluation process was implemented in the 2007-2008 academic year to provide students with a more detailed and comprehensive accounting of

their performance while in the optical area. The fiscal year saw 10,341 ophthalmic frames dispensed along with 10,530 pairs of lenses. The Optical Service Area represented a significant contribution to the overall revenue of The Eye Center; gross revenues increased 11 percent.

Pediatric Primary CareProviding care to children from birth

through age 12, the Pediatric Service area per-formed 5,239 examinations during the 2007-2008 fiscal year. Because many third-party insur-ance plans require a referral from a primary care physician for additional pediatric and vision care services, case managers in The Eye Center were reported to have done an excellent job in obtaining appropriate referrals for provided services.

Vision Therapy service (VTs)The VTS recorded 4,646 unique, individual

patient encounters, representing an overall increase of 8 percent over the previous year. During FY 2007-2008, 592 Sensorimotor and/or Visual Perceptual/Developmental Evaluations were performed, as well as 3,420 individual therapy sessions. The new projector vecto-graphic system, used with computerized ther-apy, expanded the faculty’s ability to provide superior management of otherwise difficult binocular vision disorders. Finally, this service area began preparation to be combined with the Low Vision Rehabilitation Service in an ef-fort to develop a new neuro-rehabilitative service area.

E x t Er N sH I p E x pEr I EN CE s

SCO partnered with a new program, Project SAVE, to provide hundreds of eye examinations to school children. The

partnership provided screenings through VSP’s mobile unit, seen here parked near The Eye Center.

10 | SCOVisions

Fiscal Year 2007-2008 saw the appoint-ment of David West as SCO’s new Chief Financial Officer, effective October 1, 2007.

Major objectives achieved during the year included receiving an unqualified audit opinion on the 2007-2008 Financial Statements. SCO met and exceeded its operational budget in 2007-2008 achieving net income from operations of $251,239.

The college’s insurance program was enhanced to provide higher levels of coverage. Language was modified to broaden coverage areas in the clinic operations. Renewal was completed at an increased cost of less than $10,000.

FINANCIAL AFFAiRs David west, CpA Chief Financial Officer

Statement of Activities for the Year Ended June 30, 2008

R e v e n u e s , G a i n s , a n d O t h e R s u p p O R t

ED U C At I o N A L A N D G EN Er A L r E v EN U E s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $14 ,779, 697

B o o k s to r E r E v EN U E s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,103 ,135

I N t Er E s t o N LoA N s r ECE I vA B L E . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $20 9,74 0

G ov Er N M EN t G r A N t s A N D Co N t r AC t s . . . . $1,9 9 4 , 897

pr I vAt E G I f t s , G r A N t s , A N D Co N t r AC t s . $8 0 4 , 555

I N v E s t M EN t I N Co M E . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1, 245,19 4

CH A N G E I N M A r k E t vA LU E o f I N v E s t M EN t s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $(2 ,187,742)

totA L r E v EN U E s , G A I N s , A N D ot H Er sU pp o r t . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $17,9 49, 476

e x p e n s e s a n d L O s s e s

ED U C At I o N A L A N D G EN Er A L . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $15, 8 89, 03 0

B o o k s to r E . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $9 97, 8 82

r E sE A r CH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $271, 316

pU B L I C sEr v I CE s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $14 ,9 0 4

A D M I N I s t r At I v E A N D Co L L EC t I o N Cos t s. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 43 , 503

s CH o L A r sH I p s A N D AwA r Ds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $39 9, 450

D Epr ECIAt I o N . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $929,153

I N t Er E s t A N D ot H Er f I N A N CI N G fEE s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $375,70 4

Loss o N sA L E o f pr o pEr t Y, pL A N t A N D Eq U I pM EN t . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1, 0 45

ot H Er E x pEN sE s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $21, 29 4

totA L E x pEN sE s A N D LossE s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $18 , 8 83 , 281

CH A N G E I N N E t A ssE t s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $(933 , 8 05)

n e t a s s e t s at b e G i n n i n G O f t h e y e a R . . . . . . . . . . . $70 , 6 63 ,9 9 4

n e t a s s e t s at e n d O f t h e y e a R . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $69,73 0 ,189

ED U C At I o N A L

73%

I N v E s t M EN t I N Co M E

6%

pr I vAt E G I f t s

4%

G ov Er N M EN t G r A N t s

10%

I N t Er E s t o N LoA N s

1%

B o o k s to r E

6%

ED U C At I o N A L & G EN Er A L

84%

B o o k s to r E

5%

r E sE A r CH

2%D Epr ECIAt I o N

5%

s CH o L A r sH I p s A N D AwA r Ds

2%I N t Er E s t & ot H Er

fI N A N CI N G fEE s

2%

Expenses and Losses

Revenues, Gains, and Other Support

Accounting/Bookstore

Information regarding benefits and leave balances was added to employee paystubs. The bookstore reported numerous sales to alumni. The cohort default rate for Federal Perkins Loans was 0 percent, which reflects well on the ability and willingness of SCO alumni to pay their student loan obligations.

information services

Fiscal Year 2007-2008 was a year of many challenges for the Information Services department. All network devices were replaced and the campus was divided into three virtual networks, Academic, Administrative, and The Eye Center. This provided an added layer of security to keep information secure and available to only those that have appropriate access.

The conference center on the 8th floor of the SCO tower was fitted with overhead projectors and integrated audio systems to enhance conference and event services capabilities. New cinema quality projectors were installed in the two primary teaching classrooms.

A major redesign of the SCO website was initiated. (See related story on p. 13). Placement Service’s web pages were redesigned. SCO Alerts were launched, offering SCO cell phone users wireless notification in the event of an emergency. The department began work on Phase I of a disaster/business continuity plan designed to safeguard SCO data and services.

Physical Plant

SCO’s new academic semester required the Physical Plant Depart-ment’s different service areas to reorganize the summer campus renovation schedule. Renovation and remodeling projects during the fiscal year included the seventh floor Contact Lens Lab renovation, the Financial Aid Department, elevator modernization, and the SVOSH Lab, among others.

More than 8,000 visits were reported by the SCO Activity Center, and the SCO Mail Center processed more than 180,000 pieces of mail throughout the fiscal year.

security

SCO’s Security Department underwent a major upgrade to a modernized color closed circuit TV system, allowing security members to monitor and provide a quicker response time to any incidents within SCO camera range. The SCO college campus ranked among the safest in Memphis with one of the lowest incident report rates of any institution of higher learning within the city.

Preventative Health

Several programs were implemented over the past year to achieve an overall healthy and safe environment, including preparation for a safety inspection of the campus. Waterless hand sanitizers were also installed throughout the SCO tower and The Eye Center.

12 | SCOVisions

INSTITUTIONAL ADVAnCEMEnT kristin k. Anderson, oD Vice President for Institutional Advancement

The department underwent a change

in leadership during the year when Shannon

Reynolds Torbett left to pursue new

opportunities in St. Louis in April 2008. Dr.

Kristin Anderson was appointed VPIA in

July 2008. President Phillips supervised the

department during the interim period.

The department supported a number of

special events, including the Inauguration of

President Richard W. Phillips, OD ’78, the 75th Anniversary Campaign

wrap-up, and the expansion of SCO alumni outreach opportunities

at state and regional optometric meetings.

The department hosted or supported a total of 684 organized

meetings and events held on and off campus during the year. SCO-

related activities held off campus were coordinated by the Meeting

Coordinator and Alumni Relations Associate. The following table

outlines a number of highlighted college events.

C A M pUs w I D E E v EN t s

SEP 2007 . . . . . . . .Alumni Homecoming and CE Weekend Reunion Class Parties

OCT 2007 . . . . . . .All School Convocation

OCT 2007 . . . . . . . Inauguration of Dr. Richard W. Phillips

MAY 2008 . . . . . . .Graduation Banquet and Awards Ceremony

MAY 2008 . . . . . . .Commencement

r EG I o N A L- N At I o N A L : A LU M N I r ECEp t I o N s

OCT 2007 . . . . . . .American Academy of Optometry

FEB 2008 . . . . . . . .Heart of America Contact Lens Society

FEB 2008 . . . . . . . . SECO President’s Reception at SECO

MAR 2008 . . . . . . . SWCO

JUN 2008 . . . . . . .American Optometric Association

s tAt E A ss o CIAt I o N M EE t I N G : A LU M N I r ECEp t I o N s

NOV 2007 . . . . . . .North Carolina State Optometric Society

NOV 2007 . . . . . . .Mississippi Optometric Association

APR 2008 . . . . . . .Arkansas Optometric Association

APR 2008 . . . . . . . Kentucky Optometric Association

The department supported SCO alumni and students through

the acquisition and enhancement of the Placement Service website.

A modernized design was created and new features were added

offering increased service and communication with registered

members. These included an open response section that allows

seekers to clearly state personal practice goals; an email notification

system for seekers and providers based upon location for newly

posted items; and a search engine based on type of Opportunity

– Associate, Independent Contractor, Partnership, Practice for Sale,

Part-time or Temporary fill-in. The website ended the fiscal year with

233 seekers and 451 opportunities.

Work began on the creation of an Alumni Council. The depart-

ment worked with President Phillips to identify a diverse group of

dedicated and committed alumni who will serve as an “inner circle”

to help ensure that SCO’s future as a leader in optometric education

is not only maintained, but advanced. Efforts to fill open positions

will continue into the next year to complete the Alumni Council.

The department’s development initiatives during the 2007-2008

fiscal year centered around the 75th Diamond Anniversary capital

campaign as it entered its second year.

The following information presents the results specific to the

annual reporting period.

G I f t s r ECE I v ED fI s C A L Y E A r 20 07-20 0 8

Total $$ Received . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$542,964

Number of Gifts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,342

Total Donors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 661

New Donors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112

The 2007-2008 Campaign for SCO was held in August 2007 and

resulted in the most successful faculty/staff appeal in college history.

The Campaign for SCO generated more than $47,000 with 61%

participation by faculty and staff. Highlighted results include two

new named rooms, one scholarship, and 17 new donors.

The Community Phon-a-thon was introduced, offering a

new format. This SCO community-based program was staffed by

volunteer student callers working in support of student organizations.

SCO contributed $3,988 to student organizations in exchange for

contacting alumni. The Community Phon-a-thon contacted 997

alumni, raised more than $32,000 in pledges and gifts, and identified

23 new donors.

Note-a-thon was conducted in November 2007. This program

invited students to prepare handwritten cards for senior alumni

requesting support of the 75th Anniversary Campaign. Note-a-thon

produced responses from 27 alumni and raised $3,545 in pledges

and gifts.

As a final appeal to the 75th Campaign, a retrospective DVD was

produced and mailed to more than 3,500 alumni, resulting in $4,650

in pledges and gifts and four new donors.

The 75th Diamond Anniversary campaign closed at SECO on

February 29, 2008. The $2.5 million campaign total was announced

Annual Report | 13

during the Alumni Reception. It marked the end to the most successful

capital campaign in SCO history and added 149 new donors to SCO’s

legacy of giving.

75th Diamond Anniversary Gifts and Pledges as of February 28, 2008

Publication services

The department assisted Institutional Advancement with the creation of SCO’s first digital e-newsletter in May 2008 for SCO alumni. Text and graphic elements were produced for SCO’s presidential inauguration and 75th Anniversary campaign.

The department assisted with the redesign of the Placement Services website and SCO’s overall redesign of the college website. The department also assisted Institutional Advancement with creating re-usable first floor displays. One display honors campaign donors, while the other four-part panel (shown below) portrays the SCO community’s accomplishments in a positive light in the student center area.

SCO’s website at www.sco.edu is taking on a new look. The college has spent the past year working with a design firm to develop a new look and layout for the SCO site.

A committee appointed by Dr. Phillips worked with individual departments to formulate the contents to incorporate in the newly designed pages. Admissions and Recruiting in Student Services particularly relies upon the web site to communicate with prospective students.

At the same time, Institutional Advance-ment, the Publications department and Student Services collaborated with an Emmy Award-winning film production crew to produce a new marketing video for prospective students and faculty.

The film crew spent more than a month visiting campus, interviewing students and faculty and capturing the SCO experience in high definition. Clips from the video will also be placed throughout SCO’s revamped website as a secondary method of communicating with prospective students.

Raised on “YouTube” and “iTunes,” today’s prospective students use video and the web to make their impressions about an educational facility before ever stepping foot on campus. SCO intends to showcase its clinical and technological edge through these two major projects.

SCO’s revamped website will continue to develop after its launch, with additional updates planned on the alumni site and the sites for The Eye Center and the Hayes Center for Practice Excellence.

I N D Us t rY

$709,490

A LU M N I

$943,798

B Eq U E s t

$365,000A ssI s I

fo U N DAt I o N

$250,000

fr I EN Ds

$186,276

fACU Lt Y/s tA ff

$114,327

4%

7%

28%

14%10%

37%

Alumni By State

Tennessee ........................803Florida ..............................527Georgia ............................388North Carolina ............. 376Arkansas ..........................325Texas .................................285Mississippi .......................260Louisiana ........................230South Carolina .............222Kentucky ..........................208Virginia ............................. 197Missouri ........................... 191Oklahoma ......................184Kansas .............................. 145West Virginia ..................117Alabama .........................104California .......................... 80Nebraska ........................... 68Colorado ........................... 65Iowa .................................... 62Maryland ...........................61Illinois .................................. 60Michigan ........................... 60Arizona................................55New York ........................... 49Wisconsin .......................... 48Ohio .................................... 45New Jersey ........................ 40Minnesota ........................ 35Pennsylvania ................... 34Utah .................................... 32Washington ..................... 32Indiana .............................. 30New Mexico ..................... 26

Nevada ...............................16Idaho ...................................13Oregon ................................13Delaware ...........................11Wyoming ...........................11Hawaii .................................10Montana ............................10South Dakota ..................10Connecticut ........................9Massachusetts ...................8Vermont................................8Maine ....................................7North Dakota .....................7Alaska ....................................5District of Columbia ........3Rhode Island.......................3New Hampshire ................2

Alumni Outside of U.S.

Ontario................................10Armed Forces Africa ........8Alberta ..................................4Armed Forces Pacific .......4Puerto Rico ..........................3British Columbia ...............2Manitoba .............................2Newfoundland and Labrador .....................2Guam ....................................1Saskatchewan ...................1Yukon .....................................1

Whereabouts Unknown .............................. 103

Where Are They Now? LIFETIME GiVinG

$50 0 , 0 0 0 A N D A B ov EJerome A. Hayes, III, OD ’73

The Assisi Foundation of Memphis, Inc.

$2 50 , 0 0 0 -$ 49 9,9 9 9 Alcon Laboratories, Inc.

Fredric M. Rosemore, OD ’48 and Mrs. Marion G. Rosemore

Vision Service Plan

$10 0 , 0 0 0 -$249,9 9 9 Martha Rosemore Greenberg, OD ’74

and Sidney I. Greenberg, OD ’65

Lions Club of Memphis Foundation

Southern Council of Optometrists, Inc.

Seymour R. Marco Family Foundation

Sidney J. Stern, OD ’71

Vistakon Division of Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc.

Joseph F. Wiggins, OD ’51

$50 , 0 0 0 -$9 9,9 9 9 Camile L. Chiasson, OD ’81

CIBA Vision Corporation

Ramona P. Clifton, OD ’46 and Reverend Farris W. Clifton

Richard L. Hopping, OD ’52

Arthur Thomas Hyde, OD ’76

Laser Diagnostic Technologies, Inc.

Omni Eye Service, Inc.

Transitions Optical, Inc.

United Way of the Mid South

Wesley-Jessen Corp.

$2 5, 0 0 0 -$ 49,9 9 9Allergan, Inc.

American Optometric Foundation

Eugene Miller Bane, Jr., OD ’65

Allan Leslie Barker, OD ’75 and Mrs. Susan Barker

Bausch & Lomb

Charlene Burnett, OD ’83 and Frederick R. Burnett, Jr., OD ’80

T. Joel Byars, OD ’63

William E. Cochran, OD ’68 and Mrs. Carolyn Cochran

Melanie A. Crandall, OD ’77

Eckerd Foundation Grant Program

Essilor of America, Inc./Varilux

John A. Gazaway, OD ’67

Charles G. Glaser, OD ’74

Heidelberg Engineering

William G. Hendrix, OD ’55

Johnson & Johnson Family of Companies

Helen J. King, OD ’83 and Christopher B. King, OD ’83

John T. Leddy, OD ’56

Robert M. Malatin, OD ’72

Marchon Eyewear, Inc.

New Orleans Contact Lens Society

Richard L. Powell, OD ’68

Precision Optical Laboratory, Inc.

Wayne W. Pyeatt

W. Jack Runninger, OD ’47

James D. Sandefur, OD ’65

Robert W. Smalling, OD ’74

Southwest Contact Lens Society

Wal-Mart Optical Division

$10 , 0 0 0 -$24 ,9 9 9 Edwin F. Adams, III, OD ’76

AEN, Inc.

Charles H. Aldridge, Jr., OD ’80

Alston & Bird

American Heart Association

American Optometric Association

America’s Best/National Vision Inc.

Kristin K. Anderson, OD and Christopher Lievens, OD

Scott R. Andreas, MS

Association of Schools & Colleges of Optometry

Atlanta Optometric Foundation, Inc.

J. Dean Baggett, OD ’83

Rick D. Bartlett, OD ’81

Ronald D. Blum, OD ’72

James A. Boucher, OD ’61

Amanda Brewer-Smith, OD ’97

J. Wayne Buck, OD ’78

Robert L. Burns, OD ’76

Charles A. Callaway, OD ’83

Phillip L. Carney, Jr., OD ’92

Freddy W. Chang, OD

Judith A. Clay, OD ’70 and Edward K. Walker, OD ’49

Cherry B. Cockrell, OD ’81 and David A. Cockrell, OD ’81

Gilan L. Cockrell, OD ’80

Dennis L. Cowart, OD ’80

Stanley M. Dickerson, OD ’76

Howard Dyer, III

Sidney M. Edelstein, OD ’55

Gerald A. Eisenstatt, OD ’84

Joe E. Ellis, OD ’86

Tressa F. Eubank, OD

Howard F. Flippin, OD ’59

Larry E. Forth, OD ’77

C. Jeff Foster, OD ’81

Thomas J. Gallaher, OD ’51

Germantown Lions Club

Lowell H. Gilbert, OD ’65

Glenn I. Goldring, OD ’78

Grand Encampment Knights Templar

Billy C. Greene, OD ’49

Richard D. Gurley, OD ’80

H. W. Durham Foundation

Charles L. Haine, OD and Mrs. Connie Haine

I. Joel Halpern, OD ’74

Whitney Hauser, OD ’01 and Joseph H. Hauser, MBA

Daniel Houghton, Jr., OD ’53

Jarrett Ann Johnson, OD ’90

Linda D. Johnson, OD

Mr. and Mrs. Paul E. Johnson

Charles Lowell Jones, OD ’75

Kentucky Optometric Association

David D. Kirby, OD ’80

Lakeland Lions Foundation

Howard B. Levinson, OD ’76

Wilburn Lord, Jr., OD ’77

Memphis Family Vision Practice

Mississippi Optometric Association

Darwin L. Mormon, OD

Paul D. Mormon, OD ’01

Dale L. Morris, OD ’73

Sharon Berger Moscow, OD ’80 and Billy S. Moscow, OD ’78

Michael Neff, OD ’68

William C. Oliver, OD ’63

Alva S. Pack, III, OD ’69

Major Robert E. Parfitt

Pearle Vision

Richard W. Phillips, OD ’78

Pilkington Barnes Hind, Inc.

Plough Foundation

Joseph W. Remke, III, OD ’76

Robert D. Remke, OD ’87

Jack L. Schaeffer, OD ’77

Allan G. Schoen, OD ’72

C. Wayne Shearer, OD ’50

William Y. Shields, OD ’57

Silhouette Optical Ltd.

F. Mason Smith, OD ’76

Frank G. Smith, III, Esq.

Rosalind O. Smith, OD ’76 and Theron C. Smith, III, OD ’74

Jerome Sude, OD ’72

J. Craig Swaim, OD ’77

Stuart R. Tasman, OD ’80

Tammy Pifer Than, OD ’95 and Aung Than, PhD

TLC Management Services, Inc.

TLC Vision Corporation

Jean Ann Toomey, OD ’85

Robert G. Traylor, OD ’63

Gregory S. Usdan, OD ’94

Lisa Rossmeyer Wade, OD ’84

West Tennessee Optometric Society

Barry A. Winston, OD ’74

Harold J. Winston, OD ’41

Jerry M. Winston, OD ’67

Tom A. Wright

Cumulative gifts from January 1, 1986 through September 30, 2008

14 | SCOVisions

Annual Report | 15

$5, 0 0 0 -$9,9 9 9 Donna Abney, MBA

Stephen P. Akre, OD ’75

Andrew Woodfin Miller Foundation

Nat and Martha Baxter

Emily McNeely Bosley, OD ’95 and William G. Bosley, III, OD ’95

James H. Burke, OD ’77

Orman Campbell, OD ’49

Cynthia M. Cato

Century Optical, Inc.

Emily S. Chambers

Cumberland Optical Company

Howard S. Demps

Designs for Vision, Inc.

Dickson Eye & Health Clinic

Robin J. Drescher, OD

Tommy J. Ducklo, OD ’78

East Memphis Lions Club

L. Allen Fors, OD ’69

Heart of America Contact Lens Society

James B. Jalenak, Esq.

Dr. Paul Johnson and Mrs. Mary Backlund

Keeler Instruments, Inc.

Gerald A. Krumbholz, OD ’65

Ralph P. Langenfeld, OD ’54

Logo of the Americas

William J. Luck, OD ’76

Carole Lusk Hoskins

Luxottica Group

Horace L. May, OD ’48

Mentor O & O, Inc.

David H. Mills, OD ’78

Fred H. Mothershed, OD ’75

Omni Eye Services

Ralph E. Parkansky, OD

Mr. and Mrs. Russell P. Parks - Odell Associates

Jo Ann Payne, OD ’90 and Gregory W. Payne, OD ’89

Pease & Curren, Inc.

Pfizer Inc.

Sue T. Prchal, OD ’79 and Gerald J. Prchal, OD ’79

J. Martin Regan, Jr., Esq.

Clifton G. Sites, II, OD ’77

Billie Parks Skinner, OD ’76

Charles H. Smart, OD ’61 and Mrs. Mary K. Smart

Sola Optical USA, Inc.

Kurt T. Steele, OD ’95

Sunsoft Corporation

Tennessee Affiliate of AFVA

Tennessee Independent Colleges & Universities Association

Tennessee Optometric Association

The Bay Point Anterior Segment Symposium, Inc.

The Jelks Family Foundation, Inc.

Howard W. Tucker, Jr., OD ’63

United Methodist Church

United Parcel Service

Utah Vision Foundation, Inc.

Visionworks, Inc.

Walman Optical/X-Cel, Inc.

Lori A. Weiss, OD ’85 and Donald L. Weiss, Jr., OD ’86

Welch Allyn, Inc.

James D. Willis

$1, 0 0 0 -$ 4 ,9 9 9 2M Eye

Stewart L. Abbey, OD ’63

Advanced Medical Optics, Inc.

Phillip E. Agee, OD ’72

AGIA, Inc.

Paul Ajamian, OD

Gary M. Akel, OD ’79

David E. Alexander, OD ’80

Michael W. Alexander, OD ’80

Timothy P. Allen, OD ’70

Allied Irish Bank

Mark A. Altfillisch, OD ’92

Anthony Alvarez, OD ’54

American Foundation for Vision Awareness

William J. Anderson, OD ’52

Edwin N. Anguas, OD ’69

David A. Arthur, OD ’66

Ashland City Lions Club

Atlanta Frame Express

Atlanta Metro Lions Club

Auxiliary of Tennessee Optometric Association

Auxiliary of the Association of Seventh

T. Ross Averitt, OD ’62

Ivan B. Bank, OD ’83

Ron M. Bannister, OD ’77

Earnestine Barge

Currie Dean Barker, OD ’58

Bartlett Lions Foundation

Marshall H. Bates, OD ’49

Deanna J. Baxter

Bayou Ophthalmic Instruments, Inc.

King S. Beardsley, OD ’67

Michael B. Beckerman, OD ’71

Jason Michael Beddingfield, OD ’06

Kathryn M. Beggs, OD ’85

William S. Benkelman, OD ’67

David L. Bettis, OD ’53

Biocompatibles Eye Wear, Inc.

Frederick L. Birmingham, OD ’84

T. Gibson Blackman, OD ’84

Robin S. Blair, OD ’74

Larry W. Bloomingburg, OD ’75

Bloomington Lions Club

Blytheville Lions Club

Frederick E. Bodenhamer, OD ’75

Thomas H. Boeke, OD ’60

Robert E. Botts, OD ’78

John B. Bowen, OD ’54

Randall D. Bowling, OD ’71

Karen A. Bowyer, PhD

Jane L. Brack, OD ’00 and Ryan W. Brack, OD ’97

Kenneth B. Brehne, OD and Mrs. Gayle Brehne

Brinkley Lion’s Club

Kenneth W. Brooks, OD ’76

Mrs. L. Wayne Brown

Larry H. Bryan

Robert J. Bryant, OD ’55

Alan K. Bugg, OD ’82

Tasso S. Butler, Jr., OD ’77

J. Gordon Butterfield, OD ’54

James M. Byrn, OD ’49

Winona M. Caldwell

J. Bart Campbell, OD ’87

Wayne Martin Cannon, OD ’62

Eugene R. Cantwell, OD ’49

Carl Zeiss Vision Inc.

Carle Foundation Hospital Auxiliary

Carl J. Carnaggio, OD ’72

Nicholas C. Caro, MD

Carotek, Inc.

Carpenter/Sullivan, LLC

John E. Casto, OD ’60

Center for Keratoconus

Joe A. Chambers, OD ’70

Chester County Lions Club

Darby Chiasson, OD ’99 and Mrs. Nicole Chiasson

Doug Clark, OD

Jerry L. Clay

Fred S. Cloninger, OD ’65

Coal Hill VFW

Glenn M. Cochran, OD ’80

W. Duane Cochran, OD ’70

Jeffrey H. Cohen, OD ’72

Janet Provencal Collier, OD ’96

Community First National Bank

Steven L. Compton, OD ’78

Conforma Contact Lenses

Charles G. Connor, Jr., OD

Douglas L. Conrath, OD ’66

Andrew G. Cook, Jr., OD ’81

Mark J. Cook, OD ’78

Michael G. Cook, OD ’78

Cynthia Elam Corbin, OD ’01

Corcoran Lions

James V. Cornetta, OD ’81

Covington Lions Club

Al H. Covington, OD ’78

Donald V. Covington, OD ’82

William J. Crawford, OD ’82

Robert M. Cress, OD ’75

Gary G. Crook, OD ’72

G. Robert Crosby, OD ’63

Crossett Lions Club

Oscar Crow, OD ’49

William M. Crow, OD ’49

Julian A. Crowder, OD ’78

David H. Curtis, OD ’78

David A. Damari, OD and Mrs. Rita Frumento Damari

Elizabeth Mason Darby, OD ’01

David L. Davidson, OD ’64

Barry J. Davis, OD ’65

Donnie R. Davis, OD ’71

Marion B. Davis, OD ’47 and Mrs. Mary Davis

Norden W. Davis, OD ’61

Delta Gamma Foundation

Charles Denaburg, OD ’62

Thomas D. Dennis, OD ’66

James W. Devine, OD ’83

David Dick, OD ’69

William M. Dickerson, Jr., OD ’79

John D. Dodd, OD ’81

Paul K. Douglas, OD ’63

Susan M. Doyle

Drs. Foster and Steele Family Optometry

Michael J. Duffy, OD ’78

Jason D. Duncan, OD ’96

Craig W. Dunlap, OD ’94

Dunlaw Optical Laboratories, Inc.

Mr. & Mrs. M. J. Dupuy

Richard D. Durocher, OD ’96

Dyersburg Lions Club

Bonny Lou Eads, OD ’69 and Norman J. Dery, OD ’69

Max Edrington, OD ’72

M. Scott Edwards, OD ’77

Jimmy H. Elam, OD ’72

David C. Eldridge, OD ’78

James H. English, OD ’66

Michael Scott Ensor, OD ’01

George S. Erlbeck, OD ’49

Exxon Company, U.S.A./ Volunteer Involvement

Eye Care Clinic of West Tennessee

Gregory L. Fanelli, OD ’76

Delton L. Fast, OD ’75

Bradley W. Fielding, OD ’84

First Tennessee Bank

Alan P. Fisher, OD ’75

Fisons Pharmaceuticals

Sadie M. Fleming

Nathan F. Ford, OD ’50

Melvin B. Fox, OD ’54

Cathy Loper Frier, OD ’77 and Michael C. Frier, OD ’75

Future Optics, Inc.

G.T. Laboratories, Inc.

John Gammon Foundation

Cindy Garner

Elizabeth M. Garrett, MS

Wesley E. Garton, OD ’80

Herman George

Germantown Lions Club

Michael D. Gerstner, OD ’97

Frank S. Gibson, OD ’68

Gift of Sight Foundation

The Goldsmith Foundation, Inc.

Roy L. Gooch, OD ’61

Phillip H. Gray, OD ’78

Stuart M. Greenberg, OD ’01

Martha Wade Greene, OD ’45

Thomas H. Gulley, OD ’68

Neil R. Gurwitz, OD ’50

Garry Haas, OD ’67

Tonyatta T. Hairston, OD ’01

David Russell Hamlin, OD ’98

L. Shepard Hamrick, Jr., OD ’81

Wilburt D. Hanisco

Jeffrey S. Hankin, OD ’78

Gene A. Harman, OD ’72

Betty J. Harville, OD

Richard D. Hazlett, OD

Charles B. Heiner, OD ’61

William L. Herbold, OD ’67

Hernando Lions Club

Harold C. Herring, Jr., OD ’74

Kent B. Hill, OD ’70

HMI Buying Group

Hnedak Bobo Group

Arnold F. Hodges, OD ’48

Gary M. Hoffard, OD ’72

Gerald Hoffman, OD ’52

Jim Hollifield, Jr.

William M. Holman, OD ’92

Larry J. Housley, OD ’68

Hoya Lens of America

Hoya Optical Laboratories

Morry W. Hsu, OD ’01

Humboldt Lions Club

Margaret I. Hunnicutt, OD ’70

Indiana University Foundation

Charles Ingram, OD ’67

Inspire Pharamaceuticals, Inc.

J.A. Majors Company

J.B. Lippincott Co.

Jackson Old Hickory Lions Club

E. D. Jamieson

W. Michael Jamison, OD ’82

Donald E. Jenks, OD ’54

Gordon W. Jennings, OD ’81

Jewish Foundation of Greensboro

Jobson Publishing Co.

John-Kenyon American Eye Institute

Ray H. Johnson, OD ’68

Warren S. Johnson, OD ’84

Dr. Burnett Joiner

Robert B. Jordan, OD ’88

Brian A. Kahn, OD ’87

Kansas Foundation for Vision Awareness, Inc.

Michael B. Kane, OD ’78

Mark R. Kapperman, OD ’87

Charles D. Keylon, OD ’71

Michael D. Kiihnl, OD ’81

Nelson C. Klaus, Jr., OD ’72

J. Keith Kleinert, OD ’86

James Kluckman, OD ’74 and Mrs. Tamie Kluckman

Robert A. Koetting, OD ’47

Steven R. Koganovsky, OD ’75

Adam B. Krafczek, Jr., Esq.

Lafayette Lions Club

Jane Watson Lamb, OD ’69 and Roy D. Lamb, OD ’68

Lawrence J. LaTour, OD ’80

Loy D. Lawler, OD ’49

Thomas Lentz, OD ’76

George A. Lever, OD

Jim D. Lewis, OD ’62

John K. Lindsay, OD ’81

Lions Club International Dist. 12-L

Lookout Valley Lions Club

Cumulative gifts from January 1, 1986 through September 30, 2008

Class of 1944 ................. 50%

Class of 2008 ................. 34%

Class of 1978 .................. 25%

Class of 1983 ................. 20%

Class of 2001 ................. 18%

Class of 1945 ................. 17%

Class of 1965 ................. 16%

Class of 1968 ................. 16%

Class of 1976 ................. 16%

Class of 1954 ................. 15%

Class of 1974 .............$53,375

Class of 1977 ............ $37,015

Class of 1978 .............$32,745

Class of 1981.............$31,200

Class of 1980 ............$21,925

Class of 1965 ............ $19,900

Class of 1976 ............ $18,426

Class of 1998 .............$17,510

Class of 1997 ............ $16,350

Class of 1987 ............ $11,860

Top Ten Classes by Participation* Top Ten by Dollar Amount Raised*

*Based on gifts received 7/1/2007-6/30/2008

16 | SCOVisions

Loudoun Douglas High Alumni Association, Inc.

Ralph Lovell

LWW Vision Care, Publishers of New OD

Robert E. MacKey, OD ’62

Leroy Magee

Maine Optometric Association

Willis C. Maples, OD ’68

Diane G. Markee, MEd

Thomas J. Marquardt, OD ’74

Marsh Affinity Practice

Neill R. Marshall, OD ’68

Martin Lions Club

Mark E. Mather, OD ’76

John A. May, OD ’63

James D. Mayes, OD ’79

Joe O. McClure, OD ’51

Joe N. McKnight

Janice McMahon, OD ’98

Charles E. McMasters, OD ’84

Michael S. McQuaig, OD ’77

Honorable Ned R. McWherter

Jennifer Meister, OD ’02

Memphis Blind Lions Club

Memphis Lens Company, Inc.

Memphis Mid-City Lions Club

Merck & Co., Inc.

Metro Optics, LLC.

Mid-South Premier Ophthalmics

Terry Milius, MS

Sally S. Miller, OD ’80 and Charles David Miller, OD ’78

Millington Lions Club

Minnie Flaura and Roseanna Turner

Terry D. Moehnke, OD ’77

John H. Mohr, OD ’61

Tiffany Monahan, OD ’00

Nicole Y. Monroe, OD ’99

Sheri Monroe

Montgomery Martin Contractors, LLC.

Morgan Keegan & Company, Inc.

Sandra C. Morgan

Harold E. Morrill, Jr., OD ’75

Ronald C. Mozingo, OD ’78

Kenneth Mulholland, Jr.

Joseph W. Myers, OD ’64

Naperville Noon Lions Club

Nashville South Lions Club

National Academy of Practice In Optometry (NAPO)

Nebraska Foundation For Vision Awareness

James L. Nedrow, OD ’65

New Jersey Society of Optometric Physicians, Inc.

James M. Newman, III, OD ’73

Nikon, Inc.

John S. Niles

NoIR Medical Technologies

Northeast Memphis Lions Club

Erin R. Nosel, OD ’01 and Hani S. Ghazi-Birry, OD ’01

Ocular Instruments, Inc.

Odyssey Medical, Inc.

David Olive, OD ’99

Optical Dynamics Corporation

Optometric Extension Program Foundation, Inc.

Optos, Inc.

Carol-Lyn G. Ordynsky, OD ’85 and George Ordynsky, OD ’83

Richard C. Orgain, OD ’77

Lyn Brown Oxley, OD ’84

PACO Research Corporation

Paragon Optical Company

Paris Lions Club

Jerry B. Park, OD ’66

Randall T. Parrish, Jr., OD ’78

Dale E. Patrick, OD ’77

W. Stan Peacock, OD ’84

Brenda and Greg Pearson

John S. Peery, OD ’84

G. Worthy Pegram, Jr., OD ’53

N. Gene Perkins, OD ’57

Walter F. Peterson, OD ’59

Clifford I. Phillips, OD ’78

William A. Pike, OD ’72

Pilkington Barnes Hind USA

Austin and Melissa Pittman

C. Ellis Potter, OD ’67

Wayne F. Provines, OD

Charles R. Pruden, Jr., OD ’59

R.L. Speck & Associates, Inc.

Kenneth W. Rader, OD ’55

Gary E. Radish, OD ’69

Kim C. Raharja, OD ’06

Samuel C. Rainey, OD ’51

Raleigh Lions Club, District 12-L

Raleigh Lions Club

J. Gregory Reasons, OD ’87

David J. Reed, OD ’68

Richard A. Reeves, OD ’75 and Mrs. Debra Lee Reeves

Shilpa J. Register, OD

Leon A. Renaud, OD ’73

William T. Reynolds, OD ’85

Tonya M. Reynoldson, OD ’01

Virgil L. Rhodes, OD ’50 and Mrs. Peggy Rhodes

J. Scott Richardson, OD ’75

Dr. Joel W. Richardson, Jr.

Gary A. Roach, OD ’72

Edward L. Robbins, OD ’51

Sandra Robbins

Thomas A. Roberson, OD ’77

Bob Gene Roberts, OD ’74

Robertson Optical Laboratories

Michael N. Robertson

S.W. Robertson, OD ’67

Nathaniel D. Robinson, OD ’91

William E. Robinson, Jr., OD ’74

Rochester Optometric Society

Stuart D. Rogers, OD ’82

W. W. Rogers

Mr. and Mrs. Lance Rosemore

Howard K. Ross, OD ’78

Timothy A. Ross, OD ’85

Michael S. Rothschild, OD ’97

Lawrence A. Routt, OD ’77

Mark J. Roy, III, OD ’02

Gregory C. Russell, OD ’97

Salus University

Craig M. Sanders, OD ’83

Kay U. Saslawsky

Richard Savoy, OD

Henry V. Sawyer, Jr., OD ’78

Charles A. Schaible, OD ’74

David K. Schandler

Gary L. Schreiner, OD ’72

Keith Allan Schrunk, OD ’03

James R. Schuchert, OD ’72

SCO Student Government Association

Donald C. Scott, OD ’85

Sallye S. Scott, OD ’78

Stephen Selby, OD ’42

James E. Sellers, OD ’75

Tim Markam Sellers, OD ’98

Diane R. Serex-Dougan, OD ’81

Fred R. Shanks, OD ’74

Denise Q. Shepard, OD ’79

Dean N. Shissias, OD ’82

Steven R. Shum, OD ’71

Gary C. Simpson, OD ’64

Dennis L. Smith, OD ’81

Kimberly Zimmer Smith, OD ’03 and Michael K. Smith, OD ’02

Larry L. Snyder, OD ’66

Southeast Optometric Vision Forum

Southern Optical Company

Bernard I. Sparks, III, OD ’77

Spartanburg Lions Club

Joel H. Springan, OD ’84

Alta I. Spurrier, OD ’68

Thomas J. Stander, OD ’82

Stanfield Baptist Church

State of Oklahoma

Scott A. Steel, OD

Glen T. Steele, OD ’69 and Mrs. Brenda Steele

Audra D. Steiner, OD ’00

Scott B. Steinman, OD

Annabel K. Stephens

Sandra Stephens

Stereo Optical Company, Inc.

William E. Sterling, Jr., OD ’75

Cathy D. Stern, OD

Christopher J. Strelioff, OD ’96

Frederick Norman Stringer, OD ’49

Student Loan Express

George C. Stumpf, Jr., OD ’82

Harry M. Sulzberger, OD ’63

Dean Swick, MBA

April K. Swim, OD ’00

Terrence M. Swinger, OD ’64

Thomas H. Swords, OD ’73

James F. Tanner, OD ’64

Lloyd A. Tantum, OD ’78

Marc Taub, OD

Daniel A. Taylor, OD ’06

Wyatt R. Taylor, OD ’64

Randall Teague, OD ’78

Van M. Teague, OD ’81

Terry L. Bonds & Associates Banzai Consulting

Tex-O-Con, Inc.

D. Winston Thaxton, III, OD ’66

Charles E. Thomas, OD ’84

Gerald M. Thomas, OD

Sharon Holden Thomas, OD ’83 and Stuart J. Thomas, OD ’84

Mary Thornley, EdD

Charlie P. Tillman, Jr., OD ’83

James E. Tillman, OD ’69

Charles P.Tillman, OD ’49 and Nettie Tillman

Wylie W. Tirey, OD ’67

Shannon Reynolds Torbett and Matt Torbett

Thomas E. Townsend, OD ’75

John D. Tumblin, OD ’54

Tunica Lions Club

John J. Turley, OD ’54

Union Planters Bank

Donald G. Upton, OD ’81

USF&G Foundation

Marlon R. Utech, OD ’78

Richard W. Varley, OD ’77

James E. Venable, OD ’89

Cary J. Vincent, OD ’78

Mark H. Vinson, OD ’82

Virginia Optometric Association

Vision Care Inc.

Vision Training Products, Inc.

Volk Optical, Inc.

Debarah A. Wallace, OD ’86 and Peter C. Dubin, OD ’86

Mark C. Ward, OD ’86

Garey E. Ware, OD ’66

Morris H. Weaver, OD ’75

Kenneth A. Weinberg, OD ’77

West Memphis Lions Club

Jerry D. West, OD ’72

White Station Lions Club

Whitehaven Lions Club

James J. Whitelock, OD ’82

Lee Anne Whitworth, OD’97 and Patrick Whitworth, OD ’97

William K. Wieland, OD ’66

Williams Consulting Group

Neika Williams

Robert and Leslie Williams

Roger C. Wineinger, OD ’76

H. Ralph Winton, OD ’60

Wisconsin Optometric Association

Christina Rae Wofford, OD ’03

Brunswick R. Wong, OD ’76

Frederick J. Wright, OD ’69

James E. Wright, Jr., OD ’50

Joe G. Wright, OD ’63

Wynne Lions Club

William T. Yoe, OD ’84

Anton L. Young, OD ’62

Stefan K. Young, OD ’06

Eugene Zuckerman, OD ’47

Every effort has been made to correctly list the names of all donors. If your name is listed incorrectly or has been omitted,please notify the Office of Institutional Advancementat (800) 238-0180, ext. 4.

LIFETIME GiVinG

The past year was special at Southern College of Optometry in so many ways, but two events provided insight into the ways SCO touched the lives of those who have graduated from or served as faculty at SCO.

SCO received two bequests, one during the 75th Diamond Anniversary and the other during the past fiscal year, from the estate of Dr. Robert L. and Mrs. Evelyn Henry, and from the estate of Michael Polakoff, OD ’44. Dr. Henry served on faculty at SCO from 1968 to 1974 and Dr. Polakoff was a graduate of the Class of 1944.

Drs. Henry and Polakoff, along with numerous others, expressed their support and understanding of the vision for the future of SCO by making planned gifts. Naming SCO in your estate planning is one of the many ways you can ensure a bright future of SCO graduates for years to come.

If you would like to receive information regarding making a planned gift or estate planning, please contact Brenda Pearson in the Office of Institutional Advancement, 1 (800) 238-0180, ext. 4.

Annual Report | 17

F. Mason Smith, OD ’76

Message from the BoardOn behalf of the SCO Board of Trustees,

please accept our gratitude to our alumni and

partners who are committed to excellence in

optometric education.

As my time on the SCO Board comes to

an end, it has been a real privilege to serve this great

profession and my alma mater. Today’s students are

committed to providing 21st century health care

to patients, and SCO is leading in the way

in optometric education.

As alumni, it is only natural to reminisce

about old friends and what it was like for us in

optometry school. However, let me challenge you,

from one SCO graduate to another, to expand your

frame of reference to include this great institution’s

future in your perspective.

Looking forward will ensure that we never

rest on our laurels or accept the status quo.

Remaining involved will ensure that each of us has

influence over the future of our profession and

alma mater. Your presence at meetings or your visit

to campus is important. Recruiting the best possible

optometry students is also critical for SCO’s success.

Each member of the SCO board is committed

to this vision for the future, and our alumni will play

key roles in determining how that future unfolds.

— F. Mason Smith, OD ’76 Mt. Pleasant, SC

SCO Board of Trustees Chair, 2007-2008

STUDENT LiFE

Alumni Generosity Provides First-Year Scholarships

A total of 32 SCO first-year students recently received scholarships* for their academic achievement and professional promise.

Thanks to the generosity of SCO alumni, friends of the college and ophthalmic industry donors, students received awards and scholarships totaling $113,000, a record amount for a first-year class at the college.

Following is a complete list of the Class of 2012 scholarship recipients:

*Scholarship amounts are paid on a yearly basis.

ALSTON & BIRD ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP ($1,000)

Jay Nail

BOARD OF TRUSTEES ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP ($5,000)

Shannon Brown Justin Johnson Tim LaFreniere Savannah Lamb Truc Ly Nguyen Courtney Shay

DR. JAMES A. BOUCHER ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP ($2,000)

Darren Heiner

DRS. CHARLENE AND FRED BURNETT ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP ($1,000)

Meetal Vashi

DR. T. JOEL BYARS ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP ($1,000)

Diana Mikhail

DR. WILLIAM E. COCHRAN ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP ($3,000)

Christie Puglis

DEAN’S ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIPS ($5,000)

Stephanie Iverson Cullinan Jenessa Hartman Amanda Rogers

DR. SPURGEON B. EURE MEMORIAL ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP ($3,000)

Kendra Dalton

J.C. GARMON, SR., MEMORIAL ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP ($1,000)

Brandi Coudron Salazar

DR. WILLIAM R. JACKSON, JR. MEMORIAL ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP ($4,000)

Matt Schwamb

DR. EARL LUSK MEMORIAL ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP ($3,000)

Meredith McCormick

OMNI EYE SERVICES-MEMPHIS ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP ($1,000)

John Erickson

PRESIDENTIAL ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIPS ($7,000)

Raymond Lambert Brett Miller Adam Ramsey Greg Valle Kacy Whiting

SCO ALUMNI ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIPS ($2,000)

Josh McAdams Alyssa Milligan Jared Quesenberry

KENNETH N. SPRINGER MEMORIAL ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP ($1,000)

Obie Pennington

STERN-MARONEK FAMILY ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP ($2,000)

J.J. Lant

DR. J. LEONARD SUPMAN MEMORIAL ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP ($1,000)

Jessica Karger Nisewonger Dan Pridemore

TRANSITIONS ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP ($2,000)

Joshua Yoo

18 | SCOVisions

SCO HAPPEninGs SCO Homecoming • Fall CE • Reunion 2008

Homecoming 2008 reunited old friends and introduced alumni to today’s optometry students. Nearly 1,000 attendees enjoyed an evening of barbecue and fun following SCO’s Convocation ceremony. Several members of the Class of 1958 marked their 50th anniversary by attending the event. The next day saw the introduction of SCO’s first OD Reunion Bowl. President Richard W. Phillips, OD ’78, joined his teammates from the Class of 1978 as they narrowly defeated the Class of 1968, coached by President Emeritus William E. Cochran, OD ’68, in a close game of SCO and historical trivia related to their years of graduation. Photos from the Homecoming weekend can be found in the photo gallery on SCO’s website.

Lifetime Achievement Award Recipients1996 .... William D. Sullins, Sr., OD ’39

Robert A. Koetting, OD ’47, FAAOJack Runninger, OD ’47, DOS, FAAO

1997 .... Richard L. Hopping, OD ’52, DOS

1998 .... Marjorie S. Ross, OD ’51 John E. Casto, OD ’60

1999 .... Robert H. Thurmond, OD ’50, DOSJames A. Boucher, OD ’61, MS, DOS, FAAO

2000 ... Colonel (RET) Billy C. Greene, OD ’49, DOSWilliam (Bill) G. Hendrix, OD ’55, FAAO

2001 .... Fredric M. Rosemore, OD ’48, DOS, FAAO

2001 .... James D. Sandefur, OD ’65 Glen T. Steele, OD ’69 , FCOVD

2002 .... Joyce Russo Adema, OD ’49, MBA, FCOVDW. David Sullins, Jr., OD ’65, DOS, FAAO

2003 .... T. Joel Byars, OD ’63L. Allen Fors, OD ’69, MEd, FCOVD

2004 ... Terry Swinger, OD ’64 John A. Gazaway, OD ’67, DOSRobert Smalling, OD ’74

2005 .... Denson Smith, OD ’50 Jimmy Bartlett, OD ’74

2006 ... Martha R. Greenberg, OD ’74

2007 .... Michael Jones, OD ’71 J. Wayne Buck, OD ’78

2008.... William E. Cochran, OD ’68 Jerry Hayes, OD ’73

Class of 1988

Class of 1968

Class of 1978

Annual Report | 19

Class of 1998

Class of 1988

Class of 1958

OD Reunion Bowl

20 | SCOVisions

Military Services Scholarships

U.S. ARMY

Anna Jones ’09, Brandon Dahl ’09 Brian Finley ’10

U.S. NAVY

Brent Collins ’10

VETERANS ADMINISTRATION

Dave Daughtry ’10

U.S. AIR FORCE

Robert Carlsen ’10

Class Scholarships

CLASSES OF ’54, ’56, ’59 SCHOLARSHIP ($1,000)

Heidi Hunt ’11

CLASSES OF ’60, ’61, ’63 SCHOLARSHIP ($1,000)

Kelly Collins ’10 Ben Herring ’10

CLASSES OF ’64, ’65, ’66 SCHOLARSHIP ($1,000)

Amanda Nadolski ’10 Jennifer York ’09

CLASSES OF ’67, ’68, ’69 SCHOLARSHIP ($1,000)

Chad Carter ’10 Becky King ’09

CLASSES OF ’70, ’71, ’74 SCHOLARSHIP ($1,000)

Eric Gengenbach ’09

CLASS OF 1977 SCHOLARSHIP ($2,000)

Ashwynn Halbert ’09 Adam Shupe ’09

CLASS OF 1984 SCHOLARSHIP ($1,000)

Nicole Kosciuk ’11 Scott Paladichuk ’09

Alumni and Friends

ROSEMORE FAMILY ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIPS ($1,000)

Joe Borden ’09 Leah Gray ’09 Paul Kimball ’09 Meghan Elkins ’10 Jennifer Holman ’10 Lacie Daneshmand ’11 Jacob Hodges ’11

NATIONAL BOARD OF EXAMINERS IN OPTOMETRY AWARD ($1,000)

Jennifer York ’09

MAULDIN FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP ($1,000)

Terri Angeli ’09

FCO SPIRIT AWARD ($500)

Ben Herring ’10

PRESIDENT’S MERIT AWARD ($500)

Luke Bell ’12 Alicia Chapman ’12

THE W. DAVID SULLINS ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP FOR LEADERSHIP ($1,000)

Ashley Schuelke ’09

State and Professional Associations

AOF – CARL ZEISS VISION FELLOWSHIP ($5,000)

Eric Gengenbach ’09

GERMANTOWN LIONS CLUB ($1,000)

Shane Clark ’11

KANSAS OPTOMETRIC SCHOLARSHIP ($1,000)

Erica Musgrove ’10

KENTUCK Y OPTOMETRIC ASSOCIATION SCHOLARSHIP ($1,000)

Aaron Lyles ’09 Adam York ’09

TENNESSEE OPTOMETRIC ASSOCIATION SCHOLARSHIP ($1,000)

Ross Lumpkin ’10

Corporate Partners and Ophthalmic Industry

JOBSON PUBLISHING AWARD ($500)

Joe Borden ’09

VISTAKON ACUVUE EYE HEALTH AWARD ($1,000)

Tangee Davis ’09

VISION SERVICE PLAN SCHOLARSHIPS ($4,000)

Jarrod Davies ’09 Brandon Furness ’09

UPS SCHOLARSHIPS ($1,850 and $1,000)

Tracy Elliott ’09 Tom Chwe ’10

AOA STUDENT LEADERSHIP AWARD ($1,000)

Joe Borden ’09

WALMAN OPTIC AL COMPANY SCHOL ARSHIP ($1,800)

Tracy Elliott ’09

ASCO 2008 STUDENT AWARD IN CLINICAL ETHICS ($1,000)

Kris Hubbard ’09

2008 OPTOMETRY’S CHARITY AWARD ($1,000)

Ashwynn Halbert ’09

2008 INFANTSEE SCHOLARSHIP ($1,000)

Ashley Schuelke ’09

WAL-MART SCHOLARSHIP ($1,000)

Lauren Goldsmith ’10

PRECISION OPTICAL LABORATORIES ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP ($2,000)

Jessica Ellis ’10 Hilari Watts ’10

OCULAR INSTRUMENTS, INC. AWARD ($250 in product)

Eric Combs ’11

WELCH ALLYN, CO. AWARD (Panoptic Ophthalmoscope, $700 value)

Matt Willis ’11

HEINE USA AWARD (Sigma 100 spectacle BIO, $1174 value)

Thuy Ngo ’10

KEELER INSTRUMENTS AWARD (Keeler Professional Ophthalmoscope, $700 value)

Jimbo Bearden ’10

Basic Science and Clinical Science

1ST YEAR BASIC SCIENCE AWARDS

Nicole Kosciuk, Jennifer Lyerly, Murray Pratt, Erin Hocking, Janna Iyer, Laura Cockrell, Katie Emge, Danielle Davis, Reena Lepine, Matt Zemanovich

1ST YEAR CLINICAL SCIENCE AWARDS

Eric Combs, Matt Willis, Heidi Hunt, Murray Pratt, Erin Hocking, Nicole Kosciuk, Katherine Kayser, Jacob Hodges, Alicia Back, Keegan Hearn

2ND YEAR BASIC SCIENCE AWARDS

Kelly Collins, Ben Herring, Craig Fleming, Katy Falk, Mike Eller, Troy Swanson, Darren Reed, Ginger Delafosse, Becky Call, Chad Carter

2ND YEAR CLINICAL SCIENCE AWARDS

Hilari Watts, Thuy Ngo, Kelly Collins, Nils Rege, Amanda Blakley, Tom Chwe, Ben Herring, Nick McCullen, Erica Musgrove, Lauren Goldsmith

3RD YEAR CLINICAL SKILLS AWARDS

Ashley Schuelke, Rhetta Conn, Scott Paladichuk, Jennifer York, Ashwynn Halbert, Aaron Lyles, Adam Shupe, Eric Gengenbach, Becky King, Christina Vranich

Convocation Honors SCO Community’s AchievementsHeld for the first time during SCO’s Homecoming weekend, the college’s annual Convocation ceremony

took on a homecoming feel as alumni joined students, faculty and staff to celebrate the SCO community’s accomplishments.

Students received more than $55,000 in scholarships, awards and equipment, and 124 first-year students received their white coats, made possible in part by the generosity of Marchon.

Entertainer Tom Sullivan presented his program of music, songs and anecdotes from his life story. He recounted how a doctor told his parents to institutionalize him as a blind infant. Giving patients hope should be a top priority for all health care providers, particularly optometrists who deal with low vision patients, Sullivan told the assembly.

Dr. Rob Drescher was honored for the second year in a row by his fellow faculty as recipient of the Drs. Charlene and Fred Burnett Outstanding Faculty Award. Dr. Drescher also received the President’s Special Recognition Award, along with staff member Carolyn Warren, administrative assistant in the Financial Affairs office.

Beta Sigma Kappa and the Classes of ’09, ’10 and ’11 presented Teacher of the Year Awards to John Mark Jackson, OD ’99, Richard Savoy, OD, Paul Mormon, OD ’01 (two awards), Michael Gerstner, OD ’97, Christopher Lievens, OD, Jared Powelson, OD ’96 (two awards), and Jennifer Sanderson, OD.

Dr. Gerstner additionally was honored with a special resolution presented by the Board of Trustees to recognize his service as faculty representative to the board.

A particularly moving moment for alumni and the assembly came with the recognition of two distinguished alumni, President Emeritus William E. Cochran, OD ’68 and Jerry Hayes, OD ’73. President Richard Phillips presented the two Mississippi natives with the Lifetime Achievement Award.

The following list contains the names of awards and student recipients.

SCO HAPPEninGs

Annual Report | 21

Tom Sullivan SCO’s Class of 2012

White Coat Ceremony

1st years line up before ceremony

22 | SCOVisions

SCO Salutes Its ODs of the YearA r k A N sA s o D o f t H E Y E A r

Harry Harrell, oD ’72, operates Harrell Eye Clinic in Jonesboro. A VISION USA and InfantSEE® provider, Dr. Harrell provides vision screenings to the Arkansas State University athletic department. Dr. Harrell served on the Arkansas Optometric Association’s state board of directors from 1996-1998 and was the president from 1995-1996. He was the chair of the Past President Council of his state association from 2003-2005 and received the 2007 Arkansas OD of the Year Award.

M I CH I G A N o D o f t H E Y E A r

Mark Cook, oD ’78, has practiced since graduation in Brighton, Michigan. He has served in all offices of the Michigan Optometric Association. He has chaired several divisions and committees for his state association, and from 2005-2006, he served as chair of the MOA state PAC. Current chair of the state AOA-PAC committee, Dr. Cook has also served as board member and president of VOSH Michigan. Dr. Cook also volunteered for mission work aboard the USNS Mercy following the Indian Ocean tsunami disaster.

o k L A H o M A o D o f t H E Y E A r

David Brewer, oD ’79, returned to Yukon, Oklahoma following graduation and opened his own practice. He has served as president of the Central District of the Oklahoma Association of Optometric Physicians and as one of the OAOP’s national Keypersons. Dr. Brewer also has worked with the Yukon Public Schools’ Helping Hands program coordinating the Vision Screening Program for public schoolchildren.

’40s

Hamp Morrison, oD ’48, right, recently received the Tennessee Optometric Association’s Distinguished Service Award from Ralph Mullins, OD ’77 at the TOA Congress in Gatlinburg.

’60sJames sandefur, oD ’65, Executive Director of the Optometry Association of Louisiana, was joined by OLA Immediate Past President Mark J. Roy III, OD ’02, in representing their state association in the exhibit hall during the National Conference of State Legislators (NCSL) annual meeting in New Orleans in July.

’70sMichael C. frier, oD ’75, has been named to the Children’s Vision Commission in Missouri, formed by the Missouri Optometric Association to educate parents and schools in the state about a new children’s vision law that requires comprehensive eye examinations for children entering kindergarten or first grade in public schools.

Don Holbrook, oD ’77, should be credited as the founder of SVOSH at SCO. Our regrets for

misidentifying him in a story that appeared in the Summer edition. Thanks to Dr. Holbrook’s efforts as a student, SVOSH became an official SCO organization whose work successfully continues to this day.

Max venard, oD ’77, orchestrated use of an iris scanner for a county in Oklahoma, where he served as president of the Oklahoma Association of Optometric Physicians (OAOP). The iris scanner system is used by law enforcement for identification of children.

’80sDavid Cockrell, oD ’81, was re-elected to a three-year term as an AOA Trustee at the AOA Congress in July.

Jeff foster, oD ’81, has been appointed to the Tennessee Board of Examiners by Governor Phil Bredesen.

timothy Underhill, oD ’82, was honored by the Florida Optometric Association in July as the organization’s “Optometrist of the Decade.” Dr. Underhill is past president of the Southwest Florida Optometric Association and currently serves on the legislative committee. He manages his optometric practice, Doctor’s Eye Care Centers, with Dr. Robert LeSage in Ft. Myers, Florida.

David witherspoon, oD ’82 and his wife, DeAnne witherspoon, oD ’82, were recently profiled for a

newspaper story in Arkansas about how the two met at SCO. The story recounted how the future husband and wife first became lab partners, ultimately marrying each other on June 13, 1981 in Neosho, Missouri. Today they practice in Rogers, Arkansas.

Zane Lawhorn, oD ’85, was selected by the West Virginia Republican party to serve as an elector in the Electoral College for November’s presidential election.

Joe Ellis, oD ’86, seen here with his daughters, was sworn in as vice president of the American Optometric Association at the AOA’s Congress in Seattle.

’00sJennifer Larkin Johnson, oD ’00, and her husband, Michael, welcomed their second child, Grace Matlock, on August 5, 2008.

Josh trafton, oD ’01, and his wife, Nicole, are the parents of a

CLASS noTEs Send us news of your accomplishments along with a photo. Items will appear in the magazine or in our monthly alumni e-newsletter, SCOnline. Send to the Office of Institutional Advancement, 1245 Madison Avenue, Memphis, TN 38104-2222; fax 901-722-3379 or email alumni@sco.edu.

Annual Report | 23

1949Grover A. palmer, Jr., oD, Salisbury, NC

1950vernon D. Larson, oD, Washington, MO

Jimmie ray patten, oD, Purcell, OK

Baxter J. smith, oD, Salisbury, NC

1951 James E. Byrd, oD, Gulfport, MS

1954william L. Harman, oD, West Palm Beach, FL

Maurice Moore, oD, Sparta, TN

Arthur H. scevola, oD, Portland, OR

1955wilbur “webb” Hallahan, oD, Red Wing, MN

1967Donald Cochran, oD, Clearwater, FL

robert E. Day, sr., oD ’49, died earlier this year in Garland, Texas. Dr. Day was one of 10 SCO graduates to have served as president of the American Optometric Association. Dr. Day, who served as AOA President during the 1973-1974 year, also was a past president of the Texas Optometric Association. A Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry, he received an honorary Doctorate of Ocular Science from SCO in 1974. He retired in 2000 after 50 years of practice.

IN MEMoRiAM

t EN N E ssEE o D o f t H E Y E A r

kurt steele, oD ’95, practices in Newport, Tennessee with Jeff foster, oD ’81, and Jeremy Diamond, oD ’07. A former president of the Tennessee Optometric Association, Dr. Steele has also served as president of the Smoky Mountain Optometric Association and on the CE committee of the Southeastern Council of Optometrists board. In Newport, he has served as president of the Kiwanis Club and the United Way.

Lo U I s IA N A Yo U N G o D o f t H E Y E A r

Darby Chiasson, oD ’99, operates a private practice in Cut Off, Louisiana. In 2000, he became the Gulf Zone Chair for the Optometric Association of Louisiana. Dr. Chiasson served as presi-dent of the Optometric Association of Louisiana in 2005 during Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

M I ssI ssI ppI Yo U N G o D o f t H E Y E A r

Arthur Dampier, oD ’97, is in private practice in Ridgeland, Mississippi, where he specializes in contact lenses. An active member of the Mississippi Optometric Association and Board of Directors, he also serves as president of the Mississippi branch of the National Optometric Association.

t EN N E ssEE Yo U N G o D o f t H E Y E A r

Chris Eiler, oD ’01, currently practices in Nashville at Primary Eye Care. He has served as president of the Middle Tennessee Opto-metric Society, Trustee of the Tennessee Optometric Association, and as vice chair on the Clinical Advisory Board of Eye Health Partners of Middle Tennessee.

daughter, Madison Michelle, born July 25, 2008.

Allison Lawson Hilburn, oD ’02, and Darren winston Hilburn, oD ’01, welcomed a baby boy, Owen Winston Hilburn, who was born on February 19, 2008. Drs. Hilburn live in Apex, North Carolina.

kelly kerksick, oD ’02, has been named Director of Professional Services of Vision Source, LP, North America’s largest network of

private practice optometrists. In her new role with Vision Source, she will work with optometry schools and new graduates to build awareness of opportunities in private practice optometry. Dr. Kerksick, who also serves as editor of New OD magazine, lectures nationally and practices in Columbia, Illinois.

Gail Gordon, oD ’03, and scott Gordon, oD ’05, are the parents of a baby daughter, Alexa Ann, who was born September 14, 2008.

sarah sutherland Baldwin, oD ’03, and her husband, Jeremy Baldwin, report the birth of their second child, Robert “Bryce” Baldwin, born August 29, 2008. He

joins his older brother, Max.

Janell Andermann Martin, oD ’03, and her husband, Louis Martin, oD ’03, welcomed their first child, Ligon Blaine, on August 20, 2008. Drs. Martin both practice in Spartanburg, South Carolina.

Lindsay Moran Elkins, oD ’07, and her husband are the parents of a son, Henry Edward, who was born Thursday, August 21, 2008.

Cortney waycaster, oD ’07, and her husband, Matt Waycaster, welcomed their first child, Mattie Monroe, on July 17, 2008.

Jenny Alsop, oD ’08, has joined the practice of Robert Malatin, OD ’72, in Richmond, Virginia.

Amanda trudeau, oD ’08, recently joined the board of directors for the Boys and Girls Club of Sequoyah County, Oklahoma. Dr. Trudeau, who was one of the club’s first charter high school members, was recently profiled in her hometown newspaper. In the interview she recalled how her father, James Trudeau, OD ’69, inspired her to pursue her career in optometry. She is looking forward to practicing optometry with her father in Sallisaw, Oklahoma.

Bret wise, oD ’08, has returned to Emporia, Kansas to practice at the office of Patricia Dorsey, OD.

24 | SCOVisions

SCO Welcomes New Faculty

patricia Cisarik, oD, phD, Associate Professor. A graduate of Duke University, Dr. Cisarik earned her OD degree from Pennsylvania College of Optometry in 1987 and her PhD in Physiological Optics and Vision Science in 2005 from the University of Houston

College of Optometry. In addition to her private practice experience, Dr. Cisarik served as an Assistant Professor at Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry and at the University of Houston College of Optometry.

Haylie Mullinks, oD ’07, Instructor. After graduating from SCO, Dr. Mullinks completed a hospital-based Primary Care Residency at the Memphis Veterans Affair Medical Center. A graduate of Union University, she is a member of the AOA, the AAO, the Mississippi Optome-

tric Association, and the West Tennessee Optometric Association.

John Neal, oD ’07, Instructor. After graduating from SCO, Dr. Neal completed a hospital-based Primary Care Residency at the Memphis Veterans Affair Medical Center. He is a graduate of Arkansas State University and a member of the AOA and the TOA.

Zakiya Nicks, oD, Instructor. A graduate of the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Optometry, Dr. Nicks completed a hospital-based Primary Care Residency at the Memphis Veterans Affair Medical Center. A graduate of Alcorn State University,

she is a member of the AOA, MOA, the TOA, and the National Optometric Association, and the WTOA.

Anna schlesslman, oD, Ms, Instructor. Dr. Schlesslman received her OD degree and a Masters of Science degree from The Ohio State University in 2007. She completed her postgraduate residency in Primary Care at the Albuquerque Veterans Affair Medical Center,

affiliated with the University of Houston College of Optometry.

Faculty HighlightsDavid Damari, oD, Associate Professor, Jennifer Jones, oD ’06, Instructor,

and Cynthia Heard, oD, Associate Professor, had a paper accepted for the October AAO meeting entitled, Teaching Clinical Thinking for New Format of the NBEO.

Cynthia Heard, oD, Associate Professor, represented SCO at the ASCO Low Vision Educators SIG meeting in July at Nova Southeastern University in Ft. Lauderdale. The group discussed and finalized minimum competencies for entry-level optometric skills for working with low vision patients. The group’s recommendations will now go to the ASCO Executive Board for acceptance at the Fall 2008 AAO meeting.

Dr. Heard co-published an article with colleagues from Ohio State University in the October 2008 issue of Optometry and Vision Science entitled, “The Effect of Keratoconus Severity on the Accuracy of Clinicians to Rank Contact Lenses in Order of Base Curve Radius Based on Fluorescein Patterns.”

w.C. Maples, oD ’68, Ms, Professor, led continuing education lectures in Mexico City during a July conference. Dr. Maples presented a paper and a poster at the Invitational Lens Symposium at Northeastern State University-Oklahoma College of Optometry in September. Also in September, Dr. Maples spoke at the Arkansas Chapter of Parents Active in Vision Awareness (PAVE) in Ft. Smith, Arkansas.

paul Mormon, oD ’01, Assistant Professor, was elected as President-elect of the Tennessee Optometric Association at its recent congress meeting in Gatlinburg.

Marc taub, oD, Assistant Professor, participated in the 2008 Summer Invitational Research Institute sponsored by the American Academy of Optometry and the American Optometric Association. Dr. Taub is currently serving as lead editor for a traumatic brain injury themed issue of Optometry and Vision Development, the journal of the COVD.

Glen steele, oD ’69, Professor, made a presentation on infant vision to the Tennessee Optometric Association’s Paraoptometric Association during the TOA Congress.

scott steinman, oD, phD, Professor, delivered a three-hour invited lecture at the 68th Northeast Congress of Optometry in Westford, Massachusetts. The lecture was entitled, “Attention: Applications to Vision Therapy and Rehabilitation” and covered research on the psychophysics, modeling, neurophysiology and development of visual attention, as well as recent research into the treatment of attentional system deficits.

Dr. Steinman was named Chair of the Electrodiagnostics Diplomate Examination Committee of the Visual Science Section at the Academy meeting. He also has accepted a position as a scientific consultant at Diopsys Corporation, manufacturer of electrodiagnostic equipment. Dr. Steinman also has been appointed to the Board of Directors of the Association of REALbasic Programmers, an association of programmers who use the REALbasic language.

sharon E. tabachnick, phD, Associate Professor, recently co-authored an article entitled, “The Relationships Among Students’ Future-Oriented Goals and Subgoals, Perceived Task Instrumentality, and Task-Oriented Self-Regulation Strategies in an Academic Environment.” The article appeared in Educational Psychology, Volume 100, issue #3, August 2008.

SCO FoCUs

Annual Report | 25

SCO’s Community Outreach Spreads to East Tennessee

Competition among colleges and universities dominates the landscape of higher education. They compete for students, coverage in the media and for funding opportunities. Yet through all the competition, a degree of camaraderie still shines through.

The Tennessee Independent Colleges and Universities Association (TICUA) was established to foster a greater level of collaboration among the Volunteer State’s 37 private institutions of higher education.

When Lincoln Memorial University (LMU) President Nancy B. Moody first met Southern College of Optometry (SCO) President Richard Phillips, OD ’78, at TICUA’s annual meeting, it did not take long for a handshake to turn into a conversation.

A former East Tennessee resident, Dr. Phillips was familiar with LMU. Moody told him about the annual Remote Area Medical (RAM) clinic the University hosts to provide free medical, dental, veterinary and vision care to underinsured and unemployed people in rural Appalachia.

“I went to that meeting hoping that I would meet Dr. Phillips because I knew we had a dire need for optometry volunteers at the upcoming clinic,” Dr. Moody said.

The two areas which draw the most patients are dental and optometry. These are also the two areas for which LMU has the hardest time recruiting.

The collaboration that Dr. Moody proposed to Dr. Phillips was an invitation for faculty, staff and students from SCO to volunteer at LMU’s Third Annual RAM Health Expedition. Dr. Phillips answered the need for vision care by arranging for 25 SCO students and recent graduates, along with six faculty members, to travel across the state to volunteer.

“Once we found out about the program from Dr. Phillips, it seemed pretty clear that it met our mission to connect the students to service,” said Tazewell, Tennessee, native James Venable, OD ’89, Assistant Professor and Chief of Staff at The Eye Center.

“We strive very hard in our program to incorporate the importance of service and giving back to the community. We hope that if our students are exposed to these service opportunities while they are students, they will be more likely to participate in them when they are in private practice. Caring for everyone, regardless of their ability to pay, is an important lesson for them.”

In two vans and four civilian cars, the SCO contingent drove over seven hours from Memphis to participate. They joined dentists, doctors, optometrists and other volunteers who traveled from all over the country.

“It is wonderful to think of the lives that may have been changed based on this one single event,” President Moody said. “To think of the expense that many volunteers took upon themselves to get here is encouraging.”

Thanks to SCO, LMU benefited with a record number of optometry volunteers. The expedition saw 654 patients and provided glasses to 304 individuals, including 13 children. The glasses were made on-site in an optical truck provided by RAM. The value of optical services rendered is estimated at $49,790.

The patients who attended the clinic were not the only ones to benefit from the TICUA-inspired partnership. Students gained valuable patient encounters, while students and faculty alike experienced the overwhelming gratitude of the participants.

“This was a great chance for us to help out, volunteer and help people. Working with the absolute nicest people you could imagine. They were very grateful and positive. You really could get a sense of what the service meant to them,” said SCO student Jonathan Reddell, ’11.

“At the same time, it was a great chance for us as students to learn. I had worked with other students in a lab or classroom environment. In two days I worked with 30 patients.”

Dr. Venable agreed that the experience was tremendous for his SCO students. “To work with a real patient population who do not respond in a predictable way was extremely invaluable to them.”

Patients began lining up at 2 p.m. the afternoon prior to the clinic opening. Donated frames were laid out on six tables for the participants to choose from after they visited the eye doctors and students.

Once the clinic opened at 6 a.m., patients were guided through

registration and triage before making their way to the dental, medical and vision waiting areas.

Dr. Venable said all of SCO’s students commented on how grateful the patients were. “Virtually everyone said how wonderful it was to see people who really had a need and were very appreciative of what we were doing.”

The partnership between LMU and SCO will not stop with the RAM clinic. Faculty and students from both SCO and LMU discussed exchange opportunities, including exchange of instructors with visiting professorships as well as student exchange projects.

“We are going to create a project to go into the future,” Dr. Venable said. “We would love to come back.”

[Special thanks to LMU for assisting with the collaboration between SCO and LMU for this article.]

Southern College of Optometry (SCO) students Gabi Fialka and Mary Quan conduct an eye exam on a patient at Lincoln Memorial University’s (LMU) Third Annual Remote Area Medical Health Expedition. The SCO students were part of a 31-person delegation that provided eye care at the free clinic.

… to work with a real patient population who do not respond in a predictable way was extremely invaluable…

out and AboutsCo is committed to interacting with its alumni. we hope to see many of you at:

november 13-15west virginia Meeting (Charleston)

february 13-15Heart of America (kansas City)

March 5-7sECo 2009 (Atlanta, GA)

March 13-15swCo (Dallas, tx)

March 27-29Nebraska Meeting (Lincoln)

april 17 -19spring CE weekend sCo Campus

1245 Madison Avenue Memphis, TN 38104-2222

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PAIDMemphis, Tennessee Permit Number 151

NEWS BRiEFs Award nominations Encouraged

SCO encourages alumni to submit the names of distinguished alumni for consideration of lifetime achievement awards.

Any graduate may submit the name and accomplishments of alumni to be considered. There should be no anonymous submissions, even though your name will not be publicly dis-closed should you nominate a fellow graduate for an honor.

Please send names and supporting details, i.e., publications or biographies, to Institutional Advancement, c/o SCO, 1245 Madison Avenue, Memphis, TN 38104.

Answer the Call for sCo

Community Phon-a-thon recently returned for its second year in support of SCO’s Annual Campaign. Postcards were mailed to alumni announcing the phone calls that students will be making during the coming months.

SCO’s students are excited to discuss campus events, your student memories and optometric experiences and how you can support SCO through a gift. The best way to support them is by taking the call!

The students benefit greatly in talking with practicing optometrists about school and pre-paring for the day when they will begin their careers.

Your contribution will make an investment in the future of SCO and have the added benefit of supporting student organizations. SCO will

make a contribution to their organization each time a phone conversation is completed.

You can help make this year’s Community Phonathon bigger and better by simply answer-ing your phone and talking with the students at SCO. Everybody wins when you do.

In order to hear from SCO, the college needs your current contact information. If you have moved, changed phone numbers or email addresses, please update your information with Institutional Advancement.

sCo Earns Membership Award

SCO was recently named the winner of the AOA Membership Achievement Award for best student to active member transition for schools in the 76+ graduates classification.

Meet Two More students

In the “Meet the Class of 2009” photo spread that appeared in the Summer 2008 edition, two of SCO’s fourth-year students were inadvertently omitted. SCO is proud to introduce you to these two students who will graduate in May 2009.

Anna Jones Lindsay Petrie Bowling Green, KY Elgin, IL

Email alumni@sco.edu to receive SCOnline, the college’s monthly e-newsletter.