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

SUMMER 2009

Summer 2009 | 2

The mission of Southern College of Optometry is to lead the profession by educating the best possible healthcare providers, promoting lifelong learning, and fostering a personal commitment to service.

The mission of Southern College of Optometry is to lead the profession by educating the best possible healthcare providers, promoting lifelong learning, and fostering a personal commitment to service.

Summer 2009 | 3

The mission of Southern College of Optometry is to lead the profession by educating the best possible healthcare providers, promoting lifelong learning, and fostering a personal commitment to service.

The mission of Southern College of Optometry is to lead the profession by educating the best possible healthcare providers, promoting lifelong learning, and fostering a personal commitment to service.

c o n t e n t5President’s Corner

6Strategic Plan

8AOA 2009

10Homecoming Preview

12Commencement 2009

14Meet the Class of 2010

16Philanthropy Matters

18Class Notes

22Student Life

24SCO Focus

25News 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/visions.

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 Communications

SUSAN M. DOYLEDesigner

ERIN JAFFEPhotographer

EUNICE J. HARTWriter

t r u s t e e sDonna Abney, MBA – Chair

Germantown, 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

Sharon Berger Moscow, OD ’80Roswell, Georgia

Kenneth L. Mulholland, Jr.Germantown, Tennessee

Richard L. Powell, OD ’68Lincoln, Nebraska

Steven Reed, OD ’95Magee, Mississippi

Robert W. Smalling, OD ’74Warren, Arkansas

Mary Thornley, EdDCharleston, South Carolina

Jason Duncan, OD ’96Faculty Representative Memphis, Tennessee

Brigitte Keener, ’11Student Representative Grand Blanc, MI

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

How do you take something that’s good

or working well and refine it to make it work

even better? It’s a challenge faced by many

organizations willing to put the time and

thought into determining the best course of

action for anticipating the future.

Over the past year and a half, a team

of SCO leadership, faculty, staff, alumni and

students set out to develop a comprehensive

strategic plan that outlined expectations for

the 2009-2014 five-year time span at SCO.

Their aim was high, with the idea being that

optometric education of the highest quality

was a worthy aspiration.

Complicating the challenge was an addi-

tional component: 21st century optometry, like

other healthcare disciplines, is a moving target.

Advances in technology and medicine mean

that our profession is progressing at a rapid

pace only dreamed about by optometric pio-

neers. In terms of teaching future optometrists,

this challenge literally means that subject mat-

ter must not only be up-to-date, but we must

proactively determine what a first-year student

needs to know in a changing environment by

the time he or she graduates four years later.

Motivating faculty and staff to embrace

the idea that we can take something good and

make it even better was another component

of our strategic plan. With more optometry

schools than ever before, we knew that our

strategic plan must make us more competitive.

Discerning students clearly have more options

as to where they will obtain their optometric

education.

In spite of all of these challenges, I’m

pleased to report to you, our alumni and

friends within the ophthalmic community, that

our Strategic Plan Committee more than met

the challenge. Effective July 1, 2009, our new

strategic plan is available for you to read on

the SCO website at www.sco.edu/about (select

“Mission Statement” from the top of the menu

options to access more information and to

download the entire plan).

In May, our Board of Trustees unanimously

approved this plan as the final approving

authority in what we set out to accomplish. At

the SCO level, the President’s Council and the

management team stand ready to assist me

in tackling immediate objectives that we

aim to accomplish, as well as those that

will be scheduled over the next five years as

we prioritize.

This new plan confirms the vision that our

students are primary stakeholders. I’ve encoun-

tered a few alumni who pause for a moment

when they hear that. All of us as alumni started

our professional trek as optometry students.

Our faculty, staff, alumni, patients, our commu-

nity, and the optometric community at large

are also stakeholders, but the primary focus

must always be our students.

We proudly announce that our mission at

SCO is to lead the profession by:

• Educatingthebestpossible

healthcare providers;

• Promotinglifelonglearningand

• Fosteringapersonalcommitment

to service.

Educating the best possible healthcare

providers seeks to define the concepts, cur-

riculum and environment needed to prepare

students to be capable of practicing full scope

optometry and to establish SCO’s commitment

to leading the profession in this regard.

Promoting lifelong learning focuses on

the needs of students to embrace the critical

thinking skills necessary to advance and

support a culture that anticipates, rather than

merely reacts to, changes to 21st century

optometry and vision-related health care as

the profession continues to evolve.

Fostering a personal commitment to

service emphasizes the professional and social

responsibilities. Organizational involvement

must be expected of our students to ensure

that future generations of ODs enhance the

relevance and value of our profession within

the healthcare arena.

These guiding principles are comprised

of associated strategies and objectives, all of

which will be measured to gauge our progress.

Simply stated, our primary goals are to:

• Providestudentswithamasteryof

the principles of optometry.

• Providestudentswitheffective

patient communication and practice

management skills.

• Developcriticalthinkingskillsin

students.

• Demonstrateintellectualcuriosity.

• Encourageprofessional/social

responsibility.

• Encourageprofessional/organizational

involvement.

I invite each of you to read more about

these strategies and objectives that make up

individual components of these primary goals.

Many of them were developed with input

from you. I think if you take time to read all the

individual strategies and objectives related to

meeting these primary goals – all tied to our

greater mission – you will better appreciate the

breadth and scope of what we have set out to

accomplish.

Above all, I want you to know – as our

alumni and friends – that we envision opto-

metric education as a lifelong learning

process. Our strategic plan will guide our

programs and budget priorities for the next

five years. We believe our goals are achievable

and measurable. At the same time, our goals

are flexible enough to be responsive to

the changing needs of our profession. Our

alumni and friends are an important part of

this process. On behalf of the college, we look

forward to having a dialogue at any time about

what you can to do to help our vision for the

future succeed.

Summer 2009 | 5

John A. Gazaway, OD ’67

What SCO Alumni Need to Know

STRATEGIC PLAN

As an alumnus, trustee and member of the Strategic

Planning Committee, I wanted to assure you that the end

result of our students’ education ensured that optometry and

SCO reached their fullest potential. The Strategic Plan should

ensure an orderly, planned continuation of development of

excellent graduate optometry practitioners in all facets of

our professional needs: private practice, integrated clinical

practices, institutional care, education and other employment

opportunities.

A revised Strategic Plan is a necessity every five years

in the volatile, rapidly changing, technologically advancing

healthcare delivery society of the 21st century. Our Strategic

Plan of 2009-20014 is necessary to ensure our ability to address

the advances in healthcare, medicine and technology to

meet the challenges of educating men and women to be

prepared to practice optometry at the highest level within the

professional licensure. At the same time, the Board of Trustees,

in consultation with other stakeholders, must have the

flexibility to incorporate emerging knowledge and anticipate

changes in the scope of practice while establishing goals and

outlining a vision for SCO’s future.

The Strategic Plan will guide the college’s programs and

budget priorities for the subsequent five years. It addresses in

detail a road map to the destination of the profession, while

making possible the flexibility necessary to take appropriate

detours as the continuing process of monitoring and

measuring verifies the path we are pursuing.

As alumni we should be concerned

with the continued advancement of our

professional standing with our patient

base, payers, and the health care

community at large. We need the

education of appropriate, well-

qualified young people to continue

our professional legacy and to

assume the practices we have

established. This presents a win/

win for our patients, our profession and our own life-long

practice commitment with retirement rewards in the ability to

sell our practices.

The Strategic Plan 2009-2014 is very important to the future

of the college because it was undertaken as a partnership of

its stakeholders; the board of trustees, alumni, faculty, staff,

students, and many other peripherals. Consensus was the

student must be the key stakeholder. With all participants

feeling ownership in the result or end product of the

Strategic Plan, its successful implementation is far more likely.

In the big picture outcome of the Strategic Plan when

successfully implemented with the same enthusiasm of

its stakeholders, SCO will produce the best Primary Care

optometrists. They will, by virtue of their primary professional

education and the emphasis on life-long learning, be the

leaders of tomorrow’s profession of optometry. Properly

implemented, the Strategic Plan will prepare our students

to be competent to assume professional care of the patient

beyond current boundaries of licensure. Finally, with our

Strategic Plan realized, education will supersede legislation

and the profession will be accepted on its merits of education.

Currently SCO is among the best of the Optometry

Educational Programs in preparing its students for traditional

private practice opportunities. With more emphasis on the

business aspects through the Hayes Center, more traditional

private practice extern programs in more rural areas, and more

involvement including alumni in preparation to transitioning

their practices – we will keep rural, private practice available to

America.

SCO has always produced a greater share of leaders

within and without the profession. The Strategic Plan has

more emphasis on community and professional involvement

than the current program. Thus, I expect SCO graduates to

contribute even greater commitment to their profession and

communities in the future.

As alumni, we can be supportive of the college and its

implementation of its Strategic Plan through our financial

6 | SCOVisioNs

support of scholarships and planned giving, participat-

ing in college continuing education, becoming involved

in externship opportunities, mentoring young people in

the profession and recruiting those in our practice who

would enhance the image of our profession while direct-

ing them to SCO. One never knows when that student you

influenced may make your retirement a reality. It happened

to me!

The successful implementation of the Strategic Plan

is critical to the future of SCO. With the cost of education

rising, potential students are seeking value for their

investment in their education. Having state-of-the art

clinical and academic facilities is paramount. Having well-

respected faculty and administration with supportive and

congenial staff is an absolute. Actively involved alumni on

and off campus are attractive to professional students.

With greater numbers of colleges of optometry on

the horizon, we must continue to enhance our leadership

position in the profession. SCO has a history and a

tradition of EXCELLENCE. This tradition will be enhanced

if we diligently implement and insist on adherence to the

Strategic Plan. Any significant deviation from the Strategic

Plan must be in the interest or all Stakeholders.

As an SCO alumus, I want my college to be highly re-

spected in the professional education environment, by

the profession at large, highly recommended to student

applicants, actively delivering cutting-edge continuing

education both on campus and off-campus, respected

by other health care disciplines within and without the

Memphis area, politically connected to health care deci-

sion makers, attractive to quality optometry educators, a

source and resource for practice business education and

a potential source for introduction to practice graduate

associates. All of these attributes of your alma mater are ad-

dressed in the New Strategic Plan 2009-20014.

Amanda Nadolski, ’10

A Student’s Perspective

As the student representative during the development of the new strategic plan, what did learn most about the process?

I was excited to learn how passionately committed our administration and Board of Trustees were to making the students the “primary stakeholders” of the strategic plan. As a student, it was humbling and honoring to know that this process was dedicated to making us the best doctors we could be.

Were there certain objectives or parts of the strategic plan that particularly interested you as student representative?

I believe there were three parts that interested me most about the strategic plan. The first that stood out to me was the program to implement career counseling and placement services at an earlier time in the education process. Instead of waiting until fourth year or post graduation, Student Services and Institutional Advancement will now be equipping students, starting their first year, to make the best choices when they graduate.

The second program that interested me was the Mentor Program. In this program, alumni and willing graduates can be assigned to a student during their years at SCO, and help guide them by passing down their wisdom and experiences.

I also was excited about the emphasis on service to community in the strategic plan. I believe that as an optometrist, we have to be committed to service above all else. Knowing the students will be introduced to this principle numerous times while at SCO was encouraging to me.

How do you feel that current – and future generations of students – will benefit from some of the objectives outlined in the new plan?

Students’ lives will undoubtedly change for the better because of this strategic plan. Because as the “primary stakeholders” we will be the recipients of the changes, we will leave SCO more confident, further educated, and better prepared to treat patients.

As a fourth-year student who will join the alumni ranks next year, what are some of the things that you would encourage alumni to know about today’s generation of optometry students?

Please know that we are committed to furthering the profession in whatever way is best for our patients. Keeping in mind the changes created by those that have come before us, we plan on moving forward with equal ambition to allow optometry its full potential in the medical world. We are thankful for our past, and excited about our future.

What are some of the things that today’s students – and tomorrow’s alumni – can do to help ensure that the new strategic plan succeeds?

Three things today’s students can do to make certain success:1) Believe in and support those who lead the school, the administration and the

Board of Trustees. These people are our biggest fans!2) Be involved. Choose to be in the know about the changes being made by this

strategic plan. Commit to an area that particularly inspires you and ask how you can be part of this process.

3) Know that it takes commitment from all of us for this plan to be effective. Hold your fellow students accountable to being a part of this. Consider it a privilege to be part of the team!

Summer 2009 | 7

8 | SCOVisioNs

SCO HAPPENiNGs Dispatches from D.C. | AOA 2009

SCO enjoyed a record crowd for one of its Alumni

Receptions held at the AOA in Washington D.C. A capacity

crowd of alumni, friends, faculty and students attended.

Highlights of the meeting included President Richard W. Phillips,

OD ’78, T. Joel Byars, OD ’63, Glen Steele, OD ’69 and Dennis

Mathews, OD, performing in a karaoke night for the AOA

Foundation. Mike Jones, OD ’71, was honored with the AOA

Distinguished Service Award. Visit www.sco.edu/aoa to watch a

video collage from SCO’s reception or to visit an online photo

gallery for additional event coverage.

Summer 2009 | 9

Faculty Presentations at the AOA

Lindsay Elkins, OD ’07

Juvenile Open-Angle Glaucoma

Jennifer L. Jones, OD ’06 Ross B. Lumpkin, ’10

Gardner Syndrome: Early Detection is Crucial

Robyn A. Russell, OD* David A. Damari, OD

A Theory for the Etiology of Anisometropic Myopic Amblyopia

Robyn A. Russell, OD* Jamie Johnson, ’10 Daniel Smith, OD ’94

Presumed Choroiditis in a Pediatric Patient: A Clinical Differential

Richard S. Savoy, OD

Initial Treatment of “Chronic” Angle Closure Glaucoma

Jennifer M. Holman, ’10 Daniel Smith, OD ’94

Do Pigment Spicules Always Indicate Retinitis Pigmentosa?

Ashley Bishop Fortney, OD ’08* Sylvia E. Sparrow, OD ’98

Optic Pit: Interesting Notation or Vision Threatening Anomaly?

Brooke Vegas, OD ’07 Sylvia E. Sparrow, OD ’98

CRVO in an Atypical Patient: The Importance of Nephrotic Syndrome and Antithrombin III Deficiency

Stephen Wetick, OD ’08* Patricia Estes Walker, OD

Idiopathic Orbital Inflammatory Disease: A Case Report

* 2008-09 Resident

10 | SCOVisioNs C l a s s R e u n i o n Di nn er s m

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SCO HAPPENiNGs

Mark your calendars for October 1-4 when SCO hosts its annual Homecoming and Fall CE Weekend. SCO

is always working to expand the number of activities and events, so there’s literally something for everyone

this year.

The Homecoming weekend starts with a Thursday night Kick-off party at The Peabody Memphis. This event

is a perfect opportunity to catch up with classmates or network with faculty and students from the greater SCO

community.

Reunion classes being recognized this year include graduates from ’59, ’69, ’79, ’89, and ’99. Attendees will

enjoy a host of special activities, including campus tours, the Homecoming barbecue, the alumni luncheon, and

a new after-party Riverboat Cruise on the Mississippi River.

Alumni and friends are also invited to attend SCO’s annual all school Convocation

ceremony on Thursday, October 1, celebrating SCO’s achievements and welcoming new

first-year students into the profession with the white coat ceremony.

Additional details may be found on the SCO website at www.sco.edu

or by requesting a CE brochure, if you did not receive one, by calling

(901) 722-3234. Be sure to register your email address with SCO in

order to receive other CE updates.

Register early to secure your spot, and we hope to see

you in Memphis!

Join us for our 2009 Homecoming and Fall CE Weekend October 1-4

Summer 2009 | 11C l a s s R e u n i o n Di nn er s m

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SCO Salutes 2009’s Lifetime Achievement Recipients

Howard Flippin, OD ’59, served

several decades as president

of Flippin-Westfall Eye Care in

Searcy, Arkansas, before turn-

ing over management of his practice to Patricia

Westfall-Elsberry, OD ’99.

Dr. Flippin has served a number of years as

Executive Director of the Arkansas State Board of

Optometry. He was a board member from 1977-

2002.

He also served an eight-year term on the

ARBO Board of Directors from 1993 to 2001.

During his tenure, COPE was created. A lifetime

ARBO member, he has received ARBO’s OD of the

Year and Distinguished Service Awards.

Dr. Flippin served as president of his state

association in 1975. He was honored as the

Arkansas OD of the Year in 1980 and has also

received his state association’s Distinguished

Service Award.

In 2002, he was appointed to the SCO Board

of Trustees. His service has included a term as

Board Chair. Dr. Flippin actively supports SCO’s

programs and activities and has mentored and

encouraged a number of Arkansas students to

pursue optometry.

Lisa Rossmeyer Wade, OD ’84,

formerly served as SCO’s Vice

President for Institutional Ad-

vancement. From her arrival as a

student in 1980, through her pediatric residency

program, and until her retirement in 2006, Dr.

Wade has devoted more than a quarter century of

service to SCO.

While at SCO, she earned a Masters in Public

Administration degree, was appointed Director

of Continuing Education, taught public health,

served as staff doctor, was promoted to the rank

of professor, and was named Vice President in

1994.

During her tenure, she oversaw a number

of successful campaigns, including the one that

funded the construction of The Eye Center.

Following her retirement, she was named a

Professor Emerita. She continues to support her

alma mater and actively attends SCO events.

In the business world, she is now one of the

few female owners of a Harley Davidson motor-

cycle dealership. She operates a dealership in

Southaven, Mississippi, and oversees a second

location at Graceland in conjunction with Elvis

Presley Enterprises.

SCO is committed to providing top

quality continuing education courses

through its CE program administered by

Dr. Patricia Estes-Walker.

This year’s courses and speakers include:

• ASystemicPharmacologyReview

for Daily Optometric Practice:

A Case Studies Approach—

Dr. Amelia Anderson

• AnalyzingGlaucomaProgression:

The Impact of Advanced

Technology—Dr. Pinakin Gunvant

• RealTime:PracticeManagement

for the Medical Optometrist—

Dr. Matt Hughes

• ClinicalMedicineandTechnology

Trends in Primary Eye Care—

Dr. David Talley

• TherapeuticUsesforContact

Lenses: Current and Future

Trends—

Dr. John Mark Jackson (’99

reunion class lecturer)

• TherapeuticReview:Ocular

Surface Diseases and Disorders—

Dr. Alan Kabat

• TheSwollenOpticDisc:

Emergency or Anomaly?—Dr.

Alan Kabat

• EyelidLumpsandBumps:

When to Worry—Dr. James Linder

Full course descriptions and speaker

biographies may be found on the SCO

website. Attendees who register for all

eight courses will receive a $50 discount.

You may also register online to save an

additional $10.

SCO is also proud to support The

Partnership Foundation for Optometric

Education by contributing $1 per

registrant for each credit hour of CE

provided. To learn more about this

program, visit www.opted.org.

In support of this educational weekend,

SCO extends special thanks to Alcon,

Odyssey Medical and VSP.

12 | SCOVisioNs

SCO awarded 118 doctor of optometry degrees

during its commencement ceremony held Friday,

May 1 at Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church in

Memphis.

George Foster, OD, recently retired Dean of the

Northeastern State University Oklahoma College

of Optometry, received the honorary Doctor of

Ocular Science (DOS) degree during the ceremony

and delivered the commencement address. Dr.

Foster served 11 years as Dean of NSUOCO and

was named Optometrist of the Year in 1999 by the

American Optometric Association.

Amy Elizabeth Coburn, OD, president of the

senior class, also addressed her fellow graduates.

Class valedictorian was Jennifer Hermetz York, OD,

of Meridian, Mississippi; class co-salutatorians were

Ashwynn S. Halbert, OD, of Raleigh, North Carolina,

and Aaron J. Lyles, OD, of Benton, Kentucky.

Thursday evening prior to the commencement

ceremony, the college’s graduating class was

honored with a Senior Banquet and Awards

Ceremony.

Jennifer York, OD Ashwynn Halbert, OD Aaron Lyles, OD

2009 Commencement

SCO HAPPENiNGs

Legacy graduate Alex Bell, OD ’09, and his father, Randall Bell, OD ’83.

Honorary degree recipient, George Foster, OD,DOS, and SCO President Richard W. Phillips, OD ’78.

Legacy graduate Steven Cress, OD ’09, and his father, Robert Cress, OD ’75.

Legacy graduate David Nigh, OD ’09, and his father, Steven Nigh, OD ’74.

Summer 2009 | 13

Alcon Case Study Scholarship Award, both SCO and National

John Adams, OD

American Optometric Foundation “Vistakon Award of Excellence in Contact Lens Patient Care”

Rebecca King, OD

Art Optical AwardsTracy Elliott, OD Matt Horton, OD

Bausch & Lomb Endowed ScholarshipAshwynn Halbert, OD

Bays Family Service AwardKelsey Bloch, OD

Drs. Fred and Charlene Burnett Student Research Award

Amy Blue, OD

CLMA/GP Lens Institute’s Contact Lens Clinical Excellence Award

Lindsay Petrie, OD

COVD Excellence in Vision Therapy AwardJoe Borden, OD

Designs for Vision, Inc.; The William Feinbloom Low Vision Award

Tristan Wild, OD

Eagle Vision Super Eagle Practice Builder’s KitBrandon Dahl, OD

Eschenbach Optik Low Vision AwardAnita Blanchard, OD

Essilor Crizal Award of Excellence Scott Paladichuk, OD

Essilor Labs of America/Southern Optical Jarrod Davies, OD

FCO Spirit AwardDavid Nigh, OD

Heart of America Contact Lens Society AwardTiffany Walters, OD

Dr. Bernard L. Kahn Memorial Endowed Scholarship

Lauren Grahl, OD

LS&S Group Low Vision AwardAdam Shupe, OD

Marchon Eyewear Practice Management Award

Ashley Schuelke, OD

MiraMed Tech AwardJennifer York, OD

NBEO Part II AwardJennifer York, OD

NoIR Low Vision AwardHolly Adams, OD

Ocular Instruments, Inc., Award of ExcellenceChristina Vranich, OD

Odyssey Medical Partners in Optometry AwardMelissa Stiling, OD Lauren Farwell, OD

Ooh La La de Paris AwardPaul Kimball, OD

Dr. David P. Sloan Memorial AwardRebecca King, OD

SCO Outstanding Clinician AwardsJarrod Davies, OD Victoria Gengenbach, OD Ashwynn Halbert, OD Rebecca King, OD Scott Paladichuk, OD Ashley Schuelke, OD Melissa Stiling, OD Joseph Sugg, OD Christina Vranich, OD Jennifer York, OD

Southern Council of Optometrists Clinical Excellence Award

Joe Sugg, OD

Southwest Contact Lens Society Endowed Scholarship

Amy Elizabeth Coburn, OD

Stereo Optical Co., Inc.Logan Banister, OD

X-Cel Contacts Outstanding GP Fitting AwardJared Ivie, OD

Academic Award Sponsors and 2009 Recipients

14 | SCOVisioNs

SCO HAPPENiNGs

Craig FlemingHigley, AZID, UT, WA

Robert GatesPlano, TX

Ragna GodtlandChamberlain, SD

SD, MN, IA

Jessica R. GoldmanSantaCruz,CA

CA

Lauren G. GoldsmithRoanoke, VAVA, NC, TN

Jonathan P. GoodwinBatesville, ARAR, NC, VA

Emily GrayIuka, MS

MS

Marina L. GurvichAtlanta, GA

GA

Aubrey S. HarlanPellville, KYKY, IN, TN

Tom ChweChatham, Ontario, CN

Benjamin ColeRussell, KS

KS, CO

Meredith ColeAberdeen, NC

NC, VA

Rosalyn L. ColemanRoswell, GA

GA, NC

Brent D. CollinsOroville, CACA, OR, WA

Kelly CollinsGalesville, WI

WI, MN

Ryan CoyleSandy,UtahUT, MT, ID

Matthew DanielsSt. Petersburg, FL

FL, TN, SC

David R. DaughtryGarner, NCNC, CA, VA

Jennifer HolmanEagle, ID

ID, WA, CO

Dustin HoneymanLawrence, KSKS, CO, MO

Dan HooverPaxton, NENE, KS, NC

Danielle HornKnoxville, TNTN, VA, NC

Jeannie HuOrlando, FL

FL, GA

Michael HuffAugusta, GAGA, VA, TN

Felicia JacksonHouston, TX

TX

Meredith JarvisPrestonsburg, KY

KY, WV, TN

Vanessa JohnsParagould, AR

AR, MO, TN

Hilari McFarlandPurvis, MSMS, AL, LA

John MichelsSheldon, IAIA, SD, MN

Seth MorganPhoenix, AZ

AZ

Kelly MunhallWichita, KSAR, WA, OR

Erica R.MusgroveGarden City, KS

KS, TN

Amanda NadolskiHouston, TX

CO, TX

Brian NaigCylinder, IAIA, MN, IL

Brandon NelmsCollierville, TN

TN, MS, AR

Thuy-Diem NgoSan Diego, CA

CA, CO, GA

Nick ReidMarion, IANC, TX, SC

Kinsey RivesRockford, ILKS, IL, MO

Melia R. RobertsonRussellville, AR

AR

Erik M. RomsdahlBrandon, SD

IA, NE

Monika SainiCalgary, AB, CAN

TX, TN, CAN

Seth SalleySardis, MSMS, TN, AR

Jaime ShouseWinston-Salem, NC

NC, SC, FL

Cole SmartTopeka, KS

KS

Mandi SmithWesson, MSMS, FL, TN

Danielle VanceOrmond Beach, FL

FL

Dustin C. VancePoplar Bluff, MO

AR, MO

John VanderbushBenton, AR

AR, CO

Chase VervackEdmond, OK

OK, AR

Landon WallaceLeola, AR

AR, TN, MS

Brandon WeyandCoats, NCNC, SC, VA

Kendall WilldenBeaver,UT

Gene WongNewport News, VA

VA, MD, GA

Steele J. ZierleinSmith Center, KS

KS, MO, AR

Afsaneh AminiSan Diego, CA

CA, NV, GA

Tommy Augustin Faribault, MN

WI, IA, NE

Kristy BainSeattle, WA

GA

Jordan BallantyneLittleton, CO

CO

Monique BatchelorUnion,SC

SC, GA, NC

Jimbo BeardenTupelo, MS

MS

David BlackFarmington, NM

CO, AZ, NM

Nicholas BlairWeston, IDID, CO, UT

Amanda BlakleyOneida, TNTN, KY, GA

Introducing SCO’s graduating class of 2010 Below each student* is listed his/her home state along with their preferred practice location(s).

Summer 2009 | 15

Nathaneal HarrellOmaha, NE

Jason HassettColleyville, TX

TX, TN

Kendra J. HatfieldGilbert, WVSC, NC, VA

John HayleyWichita Falls, TX

Ben HerringFairmont, NC

NC, SC, TN

Michael HerriottRomney, WVVA, FL, GA

Amanda N. HickmanNew Orleans, LA

LA

Blake HoffmanEdgar, NENE, KS, IA

Michael HolifieldQuitman, MS

Evan DavisLaurel, MS

MS

Ginger DelafosseVille Platte, LA

LA

Michael DesautelsMt. Pleasant, SC

NC, SC, FL

Brandy L. DodgeLafayette, LA

LA

Meghan A. Elkins Williamson, WV

WV, SC, TN

Michael EllerKalamazoo,MI

AR, AL, OR

Jessica EllisSpringfield, TN

TN

Katy FalkDublin, GAGA, SC, TN

Brian FinleyRichland, WAWA, OR, CA

Joshua BostickBelmont, MS

MS

Jonathan BowmanSt. Amant, LATN, LA, CO

Michelle BrennanSykesville, MDMD, DC, VA

Becky CallMocksville, NC

NC, VA

Katie CarloBrunswick, GA

AR

Robert L. CarlsenPayson,UT

Air Force Optometry

Chad CarterFouke, AR

TX, AR, CO

Kendria L. CartledgeColumbia, SCSC, NC, GA

Hon ChungFort Smith, ARAR, MO, CO

Jamie JohnsonCabot, AR

AR

John KetcherMerced, CAAZ, CO, NV

Elizabeth M. KilgoreHampton, ARAR, MO, LA

Elisabeth LawsonColumbia, SCTN, MS, AR

J. Michael LeighSaltLakeCity,UT

AZ, TN, UT

Ross LumpkinCamden, TN

Jeff LynnLexington, KY

KY

Matt MarshallArdmore, OKOK, TX, TN

Nicholas McCullenManton, MIIA, NE, VT

Jean NguyenBlytheville, ARAR, MO, OK

Rajal NooraliDallas, TXTX, CA, FL

Robert L. PatinNew Roads, LA

LA, CO

Taylor PrchalAlbany, GASC, GA, VA

Misty PurfeerstFaribault, MN

MN

Melissa RasmussenCovington, TN

TN, MS, AR

Jennifer A. RatliffFort Worth, TX

TX

Darren ReedGarden City, KS

KS

Nils RegeNew Orleans, LA

LA, TX, FL

Mark T. SmithMcKenzie/Cordova,TN

TN, MS

Lauren J. StoneOneida, TNTN, KY, GA

Esla SubashiMemphis, TNTN, WA, NC

Troy SwansonAngier, NC

NC, PA

Bryce TannerCortez,CO

CO

Matt TaylorBrandon, SDNE, SD, MN

Peter ThayerNewton, IA

Thunya TongtharadolPalm Harbor, FL

FL, TN

Jeremiah TroyerSturgis, MI

Photo not available

Gary GrangerLoreauville, LA

LA, TN

Over the past year, SCO has worked to enhance our Placement Services Program. Students who are looking for practice opportunities are

encouraged to register for our online service at www.sco.edu/placement. Alumni, too, are encouraged to post their information online at

this same site. Students may choose to be contacted if they are interested in alumni-posted practice opportunities. The college encourages

all alumni to utilize this service and network with our fourth-year students as they finalize their post-graduation plans. SCO welcomes your

input as we work to develop our Placement Services Program through the 2009-2010 academic year.

16 | SCOVisioNs

PHILANTHROPY mAttErs

Friendships made during our college years often grow more meaningful through the years. For the Class of 1997, the late Jimmy Sheridan, OD ’97, was

someone worth remembering.“My own personal memories of him are

something that I’ll never forget,” said classmate Horace Deal, OD ’97. “Jimmy was an easygoing person, very gregarious. In fact, you never saw him by himself.”

Karen Canupp, OD ’97, knew Dr. Sheridan during their undergraduate years before SCO. “Jimmy was a great guy,” she recalled. “He loved his family, loved his friends, and lived life to the fullest. He never complained, even in hardship.”

Another classmate, Kye Layton, OD ’97, recalls Dr. Sheridan’s entertaining storytelling abilities and his diligence when it came to his academics. “He worked at it,” Dr. Layton said. “Once he got outandstartedpracticing, Iwasamazedathowgood of a clinician that he became. The amount of work that he put into his education and how it paid off are things that will always really stand out for me when I think about him.”

Dr. Sheridan married another classmate, Donise Bridges, OD ’97, several years before he became terminally ill and made a valiant struggle with his illness.

His determination in optometry school and through life in general has not been forgotten

by the Class of 1997. Dedicated to honoring Dr. Sheridan’s memory, the Jimmy Sheridan Scholarship was recently created at SCO.

“It is our hope that this scholarship will benefit a student much like Jimmy,” said Dr. Deal. “The recipient may not be the top academic leader in the class, but he or she will be someone who, like Jimmy, plays by the rules, works at it and deserves some support.”

The criteria will specify that each student recipient will be selected based on financial need. All financial gifts going toward the scholarship will go directly to the financial assistance of each student recipient and not general operating expenses at SCO.

“Helping a student get through optometry school with less debt also helps the profession,” Dr. Deal added. “I can think of nothing more fitting to honor both of our classmates – Jimmy and Donise – through the creation of the Jimmy Sheridan Scholarship.

Classmates wishing to support this new scholarship may contact Brenda Pearson, Director of Development. Other classes who wish to honor one of their classmates may also establish a scholarship similar to the Class of 1997. The Office of Institutional Advancement will be glad to help facilitate these meaningful and lasting tributes.

James N. Sheridan, OD ’97

’97 Classmate Remembered with New Scholarship

Is Your Class up to the Challenge?It is time to rally your classmates and stir up your “class spirit” in response to a class challenge issued to see which class raises

the most in donations by December 31, 2009. You can give to any fund or scholarship you wish, but only new gifts will count toward your class totals (gifts toward existing

pledges are not a part of the challenge totals). How you make your gift does not matter. Make a donation online, by check or make a gift during Phonathon which begins in September. During Phonathon, students

call you to talk about the profession, update records and ask for support, but during the challenge, there is a twist to Phonathon. You don’t have to wait for a phone call! If you make your gift now, your name will be removed from the phone calls that will

begin in September AND your gift will count as a part of the challenge! You can go online right now, make a gift and kick-start your class towards the top of the challenge.

How will you know what your class has done? Updates will appear in the SCOnline e-newsletter with recognition of the top five classes based on donations and the total amount donated by each of those classes.

Additional information regarding the Class Challenge and Phonathon will appear in our e-newsletters and by mail, but you can lead the way by making a gift now. Show us your class spirit and don’t wait to donate! Please call or email Brenda Pearson in Institutional Advancement if you have any questions, (800) 238-0180, ext. 4 or bpearson@sco.edu.

Class of 1954 Names a Room in The Eye Center

The Class of 1954 set itself apart

this year as the first class to raise

enough money to name a room in

The Eye Center. J. Gordon Butterfield,

OD ’54, shared with Brenda Pearson,

Director of Development, that Rene

Pigeon, OD ’54, suggested the idea

during their 50-year class reunion in

2004. The rest is history.

Since that initial discussion, the

diligent efforts and generosity of

these class members raised $10,000

and the right to name a room.

This endeavor is a true testament

of the commitment and vision of

SCO alumni once a goal has been

embraced. The Class of 1954 will

gather at Homecoming this year to

celebrate this accomplishment and

view their room.

If your class would like to

follow the lead of the Class of 1954,

contact Brenda Pearson, Director of

Development, to discuss how to start

the process of naming a room for

your class. Contact her at 1 (800) 238-

0180, ext. 4 or bpearson@sco.edu.

Quarterly Donor ReportOur special thanks to the following donors who made a donation between January 1 and March 31, 2009.

Donna Abney, MBA

Advanced Medical Optics, Inc.

David K. Adwan, OD ’80

Stephen P. Akre, OD ’75

George Rod Alberhasky, OD ’93

Alcon Laboratories, Inc.

Daniel S. Anderson

Kristin K. Anderson, OD and Christopher Lievens, OD, MS

Lisa C. Anderson

Teresa Angeli, OD ’09

Jo-Ann B. Augustine

Paula L. Baker

George M. Bakowski, OD ’73

R. Dianne Balazsy

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

Dr. Karen Beattie

Jason M. Beddingfield, OD, ’06

Karen Begg

Angela Sherlin Bell, OD ’01

Whitney Blake

Blenheim Centennial Lions Club

Burton P. Bodan, OD ’53

Margo D. Boler, OD ’01

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

Delrita Branch

William B. Brookshire

Larry H. Bryan

Jennifer K. Bulmann, OD

James H. Burke, OD ’77

T. Joel Byars, OD ’63

Winona M. Caldwell

David M. Cale, OD

Thomas V. Casella, OD ’78

Freddy W. Chang, OD, MS, PhD

Chapman Lions Club

Edward E. Cho, OD ’84

Rohit R. Chopra, OD ’01

Doug Clark, OD

Jerry L. Clay

Lurley C. Clifton

Clinton Lions Club

Adam G. Coats, OD ’07

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

Coffeyville Lions Club

Rhetta Conn, OD ‘09 and Daniel Conn

Charles G. Connor, Jr., MA, PhD, OD

James T. Cooperwood

Tifton C. Covington, OD ’91

Melanie A. Crandall, OD ’77

Oscar Crow, OD ’49

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

Elizabeth Mason Darby, OD ’01

May and John Dellar

William M. Dickerson, Jr., OD ’79

Velma J. Dickson

Paul Dobrynin

Heidi B. Doucet, OD ’02

Max M. Downey, OD ’81

Susan M. Doyle

Robin J. Drescher, OD, MS

Tommy J. Ducklo, OD ’78

Janette D. Dumas, OD

Jason D. Duncan, OD ’96

Richard D. Durocher, OD ’96

Gerald A. Eisenstatt, OD ’84

M. Scott Ensor, OD ’01

Joan Ervin

Tressa F. Eubank, OD

Sunnie J. Ewing

Ann Z. Fields

Beth Fisher

David Fisher, Jr., OD ’90

Robert C. Fitzhugh, OD ’79 and Mrs. Linda S. Fitzhugh

Carol A. Fleming

Sadie M. Fleming

Howard F. Flippin, OD ’59

L. Allen Fors, OD ’69, MEd

C. Jeff Foster, OD ’81

Nancy Francis

Pateaka Franklin

Cecily Freeman

Joe Gallaher

Cindy Garner

John A. Gazaway, OD ’67

Michael D. Gerstner, OD ’97

Frank S. Gibson, OD ’68

Glenn I. Goldring, OD ’78

N. Scott Gorman, OD ’73, EdD

Patrick A. Griffin, OD ’89

Stephen R. Griffin, OD ’83

T. Powers Griffin, Jr., OD ’78

Kathryn A. Harrington

Kendall B. Harris, OD ’81

Nancy and Tom Harris

Anita and Fred Harrod

Betty J. Harville, OD

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

Cynthia Heard, OD

Douglas Hermes

Virginia and John Hermes

Gary C. Hodges, OD ’64

Edward R. Hoge, Jr., OD ’67

Michael V. Holland, OD ’90

Tricia Lenae Holliday, OD ’04 and Heath Ray Holliday, OD ’04

Jim Hollifield

Donald R. Hopper, OD ’77

William Hopper

Daniel C. Horton, OD ’01

Robert D. Houghteling, OD ’95

Elizabeth T. Howard, OD ’95 and Andrew W. Howard, OD ’96

Mona G. Howard

Arthur Thomas Hyde, OD ’76

John Mark Jackson, OD ’99, MS

Allyn H. Jacobson, OD ’72

Jobson Publishing Co.

John-Kenyon American Eye Institute

Ray H. Johnson, OD ’68

Cynthia O. Jones, OD ’89

Jennifer L. Jones, OD ’06

Judy Y. Jones, OD ’95

Roger I. Jones, OD ’81

William H. Kahn, OD ’65

Mark R. Kapperman, OD ’87

Jay Arthur Kavanagh, OD ’94

Anneke Keenleyside

Aaron Kerr, OD ’98

Paul Kimball, OD ’09 and Amy C. Kimball

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

Lewis B. Kizer, OD ’80

Marvin L. Klein, OD ’51

Amy J. Knickerbocker, OD ’99

Harold L. Lashlee

Vicki B. Lauer, OD ’98 and Scott M. Lauer, OD ’98

Mike Lawson

Carrie D. Lebowitz, OD ’06

Jacqueline Lehto

Don C. Lewis, OD ’75

Sarah K. Lovell

Dr. Sekhar Mamidi

Willis C. Maples, OD ’68, MS

Erie Mathena

Sherry D. Mattingly

Lara E. May, OD ’00

Nettie McGuire

McPherson Lions Club

Michael S. McQuaig, OD ’77

Kathryn G. Melonas

Allyson P. Mertins, OD ’97

Allison Haddad Miller, OD ’00

Mississippi Optometric Association

Tiffany Kay Monahan, OD ’00

Nicole Y. Monroe, OD ’99

Bobby W. Montgomery, OD ’68

Sandra C. Morgan

Harold E. Morrill, Jr., OD ’75

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

Haylie Lynne Mulliniks, OD ’07

Charles A. Nassauer, OD ’82

John Michael Neal, OD ’07

Maryke Neiberg, OD

James M. Newman, III, OD ’73, MS

Zakiya Nicks, OD

Richard C. Orgain, OD ’77

Delma Ortiz

Ellyn Johnson Owens, OD ’00 and Christopher C. Owens, OD ’01

Jerry B. Park, OD ’66

Ralph E. Parkansky, OD, MS, MBA

Brenda and Greg Pearson

Kim Perry

Michael Petermann

Brenda M. Phelps

Clifford I. Phillips, OD ’78

Richard W. Phillips, OD ’78

Guy R. Pike

Geoffrey Ryan H. Powell, OD ’02

Tony G. Powers, OD ’87

Precision Optical Laboratory, Inc.

James L. Price, Jr., OD ’74

Mary Quan, OD ’09 and Vincent Pham

Brett K. Radow, OD ’80

Dr. and Mrs. Mohammad Rafieetary

Brenda H. Rakestraw

Steven T. Reed, OD ’95

Gregory E. Reeves, OD ’06

Lewis Reich, OD, PhD

Joseph W. Remke, III, OD ’76

Robert D. Remke, OD ’87

Lerin Rives

Jennifer Sanderson, OD and Andrew J. Rixon, OD

Matt Robbins

Michael N. Robertson

Robertson Optical Laboratories, Inc.

Stuart D. Rogers, OD ’82

Dr. John Roumasset

Lawrence A. Routt, OD ’77

Mary Beth and Bruce Royer

Gregory C. Russell, OD ’97

Milton J. Salomon, OD ’66

Jennifer and David Sands

Richard Savoy, OD

Keith Allan Schrunk, OD ’03

Murray Schulman, OD ’42

SECO International, Inc.

E. Michelle Sellers

Linda and Thomas Senter

William R. Shumaker, OD ’79

Mark Skidmore

Robert W. Smalling, OD ’74

Gary R. Snuffin

Bernard I. Sparks, III, OD ’77, MS

Sylvia E. Sparrow, OD ’98

Julia Olofson-Steck and Douglas Steck

Glen T. Steele, OD ’69 and Brenda Steele

Sandra Stephens

Melissa Stiling, OD ’09

Christopher J. Strelioff, OD ’96

Joseph Sugg, OD ’09 and Ali Sugg

Jerry M. Sullivan

SunTrust Bank

Dean Swick

Sharon E. Tabachnick, PhD

Marc Taub, OD

Daniel A. Taylor, OD ’06, MS

Mark A. Taylor, OD ’97

Lisa M. Temple

Mary Thornley, EdD

Lisa C. Tracy

Joshua M. Trafton, OD ’01

Marty S. Traylor, OD ’00

U.S. Vision

Gary W. Upchurch, OD ’80

Richard W. Varley, OD ’77

James E. Venable, OD ’89

Christina Rae Vogel, OD ’03

Wal-Mart Optical Division

Penny K. Walker

Sheila Walters

Mark C. Ward, OD ’86

David West

James J. Whitelock, OD ’82

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

Kimberly A. Wilkins

Barry A. Winston, OD ’74

Jerry M. Winston, OD ’67

SCHOLARSHIPS AND NAMED ROOMSThe following donors have made a commitment to fund a new scholarship and/or named a room in The Eye Center between January 1 and March 31, 2009.

William M. Dickerson, Jr., OD Scholarship

William M. Dickerson, Jr. OD ’79

TRIBUTESDonations January 1 and March 31, 2009.

In Memory of…

Mr. and Mrs. Lennox ChangFreddy W. Chang, OD, MS, PhD

Irving L. Dunsky, ODTressa Eubank, OD

Richard A. Goodson, OD ’66 Lisa Temple

Cheryl D. Johnson, OD ’82 Tressa Eubank, ODLisa Temple

Paul C. Powers, OD ’59 C. Jeff Foster, OD ’81

Fredric M. Rosemore, OD ‘48 T. Joel Byars, OD ’63 Doug Clark, ODWilliam E. Cochran, OD ’68 and Mrs. Carolyn CochranMarvin L. Klein, OD ’51 Linda and Thomas SenterSheila Walters

Leonard RoveryDaniel A. Taylor, OD ’06

James F. Samet, OD ’40 Sharon Berger Moscow, OD ’80 and Billy S. Moscow, OD ’78

Max and Pauline SchulmanMurray Schulman, OD ’42

W. Scott Whitaker, OD ’01 Joshua M. Trafton, OD ’01

In Honor of…

William E. Cochran, OD ’68 Mississippi Optometric Association

James and Sally DumasJanette D. Dumas, OD

Nathan F. Ford, OD ’50 C. Jeff Foster, OD ’81

Martha Rosemore Greenberg, OD ’74 Linda and Thomas Senter

William B. Henry, OD ’61 C. Jeff Foster, OD ’81

James O. NaifehC. Jeff Foster, OD ’81

Anna Belle Clement O’BrienC. Jeff Foster, OD ’81

Virgil L. Rhodes, OD’50 and Mrs. Peggy RhodesRichard W. Phillips, OD ’78

O. J. Tribble, OD ’47 C. Jeff Foster, OD ’81

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

Advancement at

(800) 238-0180, ext. 4.

Summer 2009 | 17

18 | SCOVisioNs

’50sRichard E. Jewell, OD ’51, plans to retire August 28, 2009, after 52 years of service in Cedartown, Georgia. Dr. Jewell, who was profiled in his hometown news-paper, moved to Cedartown in 1957, and he has practiced in the same location since 1974. His com- munity service has included serving on the board of banks, the local school board, and on the Polk General Hospital Board of Trustees, a position he has held for nearly 40 years.

Charles Huntress, OD ’59, was recently profiled in the Monett, Missouri newspaper upon

the occasion of his retirement after 50 years of service to his community. The article recounted how his wife, the former Annalee Hughes, taught school while Dr. Huntress attended SCO. Dr. Huntress was honored with a reception hosted by his three children and their spouses. The couple’s son, Dr. Greg Huntress, will continue seeing patients through Huntress VisionHealth Associates.

’60sT. Joel Byars, OD ’63, received the 2009 Georgianne Bearden Excellence in Leadership Award, given to individuals who exemplify leadership through service, vision and tenacity. A former GOA president, he received the GOA’s Lifetime Achievement Award in

1999. Dr. Byars is also a former Board of Trustees member at SCO and a former president of the AOA.

Logan McCord, OD ’68, who received a heart transplant in 2007, discovered that one of his optometry patients was the brother of Dr. McCord’s heart donor. The remarkable chance encounter was picked up and written about in the news media.

’70sSidney Stern, OD ’71, was recently elected President of the World Optometry Foundation’s Board of Trustees.

Martha Rosemore Greenberg, OD ’74, was recently honored by the Russellville, Alabama’s City Council

in recognition for being named OD of the South by SECO.

Jim Burke, OD ’77, retired in June as SCO’s Vice President for Clinical Programs. He was honored with a retirement reception attended by a large number of faculty and staff. In addition to his clinical leadership and faculty service, Dr. Burke has been active in SECO and the Tennessee Optometric Association. A former TOA president, he received the association’s OD of the Year Award in 2004. His fellow

members of the SCO President’s Council team presented him with a Cracker Barrel rocking chair at his reception. Dr. Burke will remain employed as a part-time consultant to SCO.

Norma K. Bowyer, OD ’77, is currently serving as president of the Society of Primary Care Policy Fellows.

Kemp Jones, OD ’77, and Josh Holmes, OD ’03, recently provided vision screenings for health fairs hosted by Congressman John Barrow in Georgia’s 12th District. Dr. Jones saw patients in Swainsboro, while Dr. Holmes provided services in Savannah.

Terry Moehnke, OD ’77, was recently named the 2008-2009 National Sertoman of the Year

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 news to the Office of Institutional Advancement, 1245 Madison Avenue, Memphis, TN 38104-2222; fax 901-722-3379 or email alumni@sco.edu.

Louisiana Association NewsThe Board of Directors of the Optometry Association of Louisiana (OAL)

recently announced the creation of a new award in honor of James D. Sandefur,

OD ’65. Formerly named the Louisiana Distinguished Service Award, the award

honors Dr. Sandefur, who has worked tirelessly as executive director of the OAL.

As part of his responsibilities, he has organized his association’s office, repre-

sented Louisiana ODs on a national basis, served on the Louisiana Board of Optometry Examiners,

and elevated the OAL in the eyes of his colleagues in his state and the nation.

Also at the OAL’s annual convention, Jerry Gerdes, OD ’02, received the state’s Young OD of the

Year Award. Dr. Gerdes has been serving as co-chair of his state’s InfantSEE® Committee. He has also

been serving as president of the Central Louisiana Optometric Society for the last several years.

The following SCO graduates were elected to serve on the Board of Directors of the OAL for

the 2009-2010 year: President, Chris Wroten, OD ’02; Past President, Guy Feuer, OD ’93; Secretary/

Treasurer, Jeff Anastasio, OD ’01; Past President Council, Stephen Lewis, OD ’86; President of the

Southwest Louisiana Optometric Society, Keith Menard, OD ’03; President of the Acadian Opto-

metric Society, Garett Thibodeaux, OD ’06; President of the Gulf Optometric Society, Dave Mitchell,

OD ’04; and President of the Central Louisiana Optometric Society, Jerry Gerdes, OD ’02.

Summer 2009 | 19

at the service club’s national convention in Nashville. He is the first Iowa resident to receive the honor, the highest awarded by the Sertoma Club. Dr. Moehnke’s community service includes leading the effort to develop a Veterans Memorial Park in the Fort Dodge area of Iowa. His Sertoma Club service includes serving as president in 1991-1992 and as district governor for the state of Iowa. He and his wife, Pam, are the parents of two sons, one of whom is a staff sergeant in the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division.

Tom Casella, OD ’78, has been selected as Vice President of the Georgia Optometric Association.

Randall Parrish, OD ’78, was recently elected Chair of the Board of Trustees at Edison State College in Florida. He was first appointed to the board in 2006 by then-Governor Jeb Bush.

’80sSharon Berger Moscow, OD ’80, of Roswell, Georgia, recently appeared on the Fox TV affiliate in Atlanta. She appeared on a program called Health Watch to discuss InfantSEE.

Stuart Tasman, OD ’80, was recently appointed as the Secretary of the Georgia Optometric Association.

Edward Lemon, OD ’83, has been named President of the South Carolina Optometric Association (SCOA). Dr. Lemon has been a member of the SCOA for 25 years and is a past member of the board. Currently in private practice, he has served as mayor of

Barnwell, South Carolina for the past 11 years.

Lisa R. Wade, OD ’84, Professor Emerita and former SCO Vice President for Institutional Advancement, received condolences from President Phillips on behalf of the SCO community after the recent death of her uncle, Bruce Rossmeyer. One of the nation’s leading Harley-Davidson dealers, Rossmeyer was like a father to Dr. Wade and a great help to her when she became the owner of the Southern Thunder Harley Davidson dealership in Horn Lake, Mississippi.

Mark Lynn, OD ’85, has been named by Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear to the University of Louisville Board of Trustees.

Joe Ellis, OD ’86, is the new president-elect of the AOA. Dr. Ellis will become the 11th SCO graduate to serve as AOA president.

Rose Mary Lagrange-Brown, OD ’86, was recently profiled in the Jackson, Tennessee newspaper. The article showcased her upscale optical boutique. Visit her website at urbaneyejackson.com.

’90sGreg Blahnik, OD ’90, and his wife, Suzette Courtney Blahnik, OD ’91, recently opened Blahnik Eye Care in Port Orange, Florida. Visit their website at blahnikeyecare.net.

Ted McElroy, OD ’93, was recently awarded the Bernard Kahn Memorial Award by the Georgia Optmetric Association.

David Evans, OD ’94, has written a faith-based movie screenplay scheduled to be filmed this summer in Memphis. Dr. Evans is a producer and director for Calvary Pictures, the nonprofit agency and church ministry producing the movie.

Greg Marrow, OD ’96, was the Democratic primary winner for Virginia House of Delegates’ 25th District. He will now face off in the state’s November 3 general election. Read more at gregmarrow.com.

Horace Deal, OD ’97, was recently inducted as the new president of the Georgia Optometric Association (GOA).

Michael Gerstner, OD ’97, and his wife, Jennifer, report the birth of their daughter, Evelyn Ann, who was born Wednesday, March 11. She weighed 6 lbs., 6 ozs., and joins older brother Luke Michael.

Michael Rothschild, OD ’97, recently visited the SCO campus to address the Practice Management class taught by Gerald Eisenstatt, OD ‘84. Dr. Rothschild later spoke with members of SCO’s Private Practice Optometry Club (OPPC), including Jessica Ellis, ‘10, pictured. Dr. Rothschild gave students his advice on practice management and optometric business principles.

Jennifer Jabaley, OD ’99, has written her first book, a teen novel entitled Lipstick Apology.

Published in early August 2009, the book was written in her free time when she wasn’t seeing patients or caring for her two young children with her husband, Chris Jabaley, OD ’99. Dr. Jabaley has already finished her second book. Read more at jenniferjabaley.com.

’00sAir Force Maj. Jeffrey J. Autrey, OD ’00, participated in a Medical Readiness Training Exercise in El Salvador, Central America. The purpose of the exercise was to provide medical care to people in remote areas and build U.S. relations with foreign governments.

Shannon Franklin, OD ’00, was elected to serve as Secretary/Treasurer of the Virginia Optometric Association (VOA) at its 107th annual convention in Williamsburg. Prior to becoming an officer, Dr. Franklin served three years on the Board of Trustees and four years as the president of the local chapter of the VOA. In 2002, she won the Vanguard Award recognizing the best and most outstanding VOA active member practicing less than eight years. Dr. Franklin is also currently the Virginia coordinator for the InfantSEE® program. In 2006 she started Crozet Eye Care, Optometrists in Western Albemarle. Visit CrozetEyeCare.com to learn more about her practice.

20 | SCOVisioNs

Janna Zbozien Smith, OD ’00,

and her husband, Greg, report the

birth of a daughter, Emily Katherine

Smith, born March 29, 2009.

Jefferey DiBenedetto, OD ’01, has

joined the Williamson Eye Center

and Best Vision Optical in Denham

Springs, Louisiana.

Brandon Dodds, OD ’01, currently

practices in Newbern, Tennessee,

where he and his wife, April, are

the parents of three children.

Dr. Dodds recently published a

book on foreign policy entitled,

Victory Dance: A Solution for Iraq

and More Common Sense Foreign

Policy. Dr. Dodds is also running for

Tennessee Governor in 2010 as an

independent candidate. Visit his

website at doddsforgov.com.

Paul Mormon, OD ’01, recently

spoke to SCO’s student members

of the Tennessee Optometric

Association.

Kelly Kerksick, OD ’02, was

included by Vision Monday in the

publication’s list of Rising Stars,

women who are “up-and-comers”

in their careers and companies.

Dr. Kerksick serves as Director of

Professional Services for Vision

Source LP, based in Houston. She is

a charter member of the Women

of Vision organization and has

served as a clinical examiner for the

National Board of Optometry.

Beth Minton, OD ’02, and her

husband, Rob, report the birth of

a son, Aidan Robert Minton, born

June 20, 2008. The Mintons also

have a daughter, Anna.

Hema (Chavda) Hebbar, OD ’03,

and her husband, Kiran, welcomed

a baby girl, Sunjna (pronounced

sun-juh-na) Hebbar, born April

20, 2009.

David Kulesia, OD ’03, was recently

appointed to the Catawba County

Board of Health in North Carolina.

Dr. Kulesia practices at Mountain

View Eye Center in Hickory.

Paul E. Collins, OD ’04, and his

wife, Jessica, are the parents of

a son, Braydon Tyler, born on

April 22, 2009. Dr. Collins also

reports that he has opened a new

private practice with surfacing lab

in The Villages, Florida. The practice

is called Peepers, and he invites

everyone to read more about it on

his blog at collins-corner.blogspot.

com or under his Twitter account

at “Peepers_eyecare”.

Robert S. Shipp, OD ’04, and

Jasmine D. Shipp, OD ‘04, report

the birth of a daughter, Janna

Frances Shipp, born April 9, 2009.

She joins big sister, Natalie.

David Bailey, OD ’06, and his wife,

Dawn, report the birth of a girl, Ella,

born in February.

Nick Engle, OD ’07, and Erin

Tatum, OD ‘07, were married on

June 20, 2009 in Chattanooga.

Many classmates attended,

including groomsman Derrick

Pierce, OD ‘07. Dr. Nick Engle works

at Primary Eye Care, while Dr. Erin

Engle practices at Thompson Lane

Eye Care in the Nashville area.

Amanda Brandner, OD ’09,

married T.J. Smith, OD ‘09, on June

6, 2009 in Birmingham, Alabama.

After a honeymoon to St. Lucia,

they plan to practice in Delaware.

Tracy Elliott, OD ’09, married

Matthew Morris, OD ’09, on

June 20 in Oklahoma City. Ushers

included Matt Jones, OD ’09, Joe

Sugg, OD ’09, and Logan Banister,

OD ’09. The bride practices

with McGee, Pickard-Robinson

Recognizing ODs of the YearOver the past year and at June’s AOA meeting, a number of SCO alumni have been recognized

as OD or Young OD of the Year by their state associations. ODs of the Year include:

— Martha Rosemore Greenberg, OD ’74, Alabama Optometric Association

— Patricia Westfall, OD ’99, Arkansas Optometric Association

— Dwight Thibodeaux, OD ’81, New Mexico Optometric Association

— Scott Philippe, OD ’88, North Carolina State Optometric Society

— Len D. Hart, OD ’80, Oklahoma Association of Optometric Physicians

— Kurt Steele, OD ’95, Tennessee Optometric Association

Young ODs of the Year include:

— Mark Shirey, OD ’00, Alabama Optometric Association

— Chevron Ergle, OD ’04, Arkansas Optometric Association

— David C. Hicks, OD ’99, Armed Forces Optometric Society

— Meg Brya, OD ’03, Georgia Optometric Association

— Chad Thompson, OD ’99, Kansas Optometric Association

— Jerry Gerdes, OD ’02, Optometry Association of Louisiana

— Bradley Thompson, OD ’99, Mississippi Optometric Association

— Ryan Powell, OD ’02, Missouri Optometric Association

— Melissa Schwebach, OD ’05, South Carolina Optometric Association

— Chris Eiler, OD ’01, Tennessee Optometric Association

*This list includes known honorees over the past year and those recently reported; we welcome news of other recipients.

CLASS NotEs

Summer 2009 | 21

Eye Associates, and the groom

practices with Norman Vision

Source. After a honeymoon

to Hawaii, they are residing in

Norman, Oklahoma.

Eric Gengenbach, OD ’09, and

Tori Gengenbach, OD ’09, have

joined Tim Meyer, OD ’81, in

practice at First Insight Eyecare

in Grant, Nebraska.

Matt Jones, OD ’09, reports that he

is partnering with R. Dean Gurley,

OD ’80, in private practice at Family

Eye Care in Blytheville and Osceola,

Arkansas.

Paul Kimball, OD ’09, is joining

Hal Breedlove, OD ’83, in practice

at Coastal Vision in Virginia Beach,

Virginia.

Becky King, OD ’09, is practicing at

Visioncare Arkansas in Conway.

Allison Norwood, OD ’09, is joining

Robin Bennett, OD ’93, to practice

at New Albany Vision Clinic in New

Albany, Mississippi.

Burt Schreiber, OD ’09, has

joined Ryan Powell, OD ’02, Lee

Ann Whitworth, OD ’97, Patrick

Whitworth, OD ’97, and Glade

Whitworth, OD ’53, in practice at

InSight Eyecare Specialties in the

Kansas City, Missouri area.

Jonathan Shelton, OD ’09, is

practicing with Charles Lawler, OD

’64, in Lexington, Tennessee.

Micah Thomason, OD ’09, is

opening a private practice in

Springdale, Arkansas.

Jennifer Hermetz York, OD

’09, was named one of the next

generations of female leaders in

optometry in the July 2009 issue of

Vision Monday.

1947Jessie U. Borum, Jr. OD

Lubbock, TX

1949Myron D. Chalfin, OD

Carlsbad, CA

Harold B. Hayden, OD Shreveport, LA

Westwood Holliday, OD Beckley, WC

Thomas H. Long, Jr., OD Huntsville, AL

William B. Mobley, OD Orangeburg, SC

Charles Stansberry, OD Clinton, TN

1950Albert Benoy Gattis, OD

Frederick, OK

1952Travis M. Pierce, OD

Amory, MS

1953Harold Waldman, OD, MD

Hackensack, NJ

1954Robert Carlton White, Sr., OD

Colfax, NC

1957Paul W. Lycette, OD

Jackson, MS

1961Harry A. Wiese, OD

Chandler, OK

1963Litewell Bert Holbrook, OD

Rancho Mirage, CA

1968Roy Jolly, OD

Bradenton, FL

1974Charles A. Schaible, OD

Topeka, KS

1976Ted Smith, OD

Seymour, TN

1999David Hutchinson, OD

Atchison, KS

Virgil L. Rhodes, OD ’50, passed away on July 4, 2009. Dr. Rhodes practiced 50 years in Manchester, Tennessee until his retirement at the end of 2002. A former president of the Tennessee Optometric Association, Dr. Rhodes was a member of the Tennessee Academy of Optometry and the AOA, having served as chair of the AOA Committee for Statutory Definition of Optometry. He was instru-mental in assisting numerous states with pro-optometry legislation. In 2001, he authored Optometry in Tennessee, a book on the state’s optometric legislative history to record for future generations the work that went into advancing the optometric profession. His many awards include Optometrist of Tennessee, the TOA’s Optometrist of the Decade, and Southern Council of Optometry’s Outstanding Optometrist of the South. A former member of the SCO Board of Trustees, Dr. Rhodes served as chair in 1982-1984 and received SCO’s Doctor of Ocular Science degree. At his service, he was eulogized by SCO President Richard W. Phillips, OD ’78, and pallbearers included a number of ODs and SCO alumni. Survivors include his wife, Peggy, children, and grandchildren. The family requests memorials for the Dr. Virgil and Peggy Rhodes Endowment Fund, Southern College of Optometry, 1245 Madison Ave., Memphis, TN 38104-2222.

IN mEmoriAm

Residency Program Includes ’09 Graduates

A number of recent graduates are expanding their clinical

knowledge and skills through SCO’s Residency Program. These

include:

— Kelsey Bloch, OD ’09, Memphis VAMC

— Karen Brawner, OD ’09, Memphis VAMC

— Leah Gray, OD ’09, Southern Eye Associates

— Jared Ivie, OD ’09, Memphis VAMC

— Scott Paladichuk OD ’09, Memphis VAMC

— Ashley Schuelke, OD ’09, SCO Pediatrics

— Sean Skierczynski, OD ’09, West Tennessee Eye

This list includes alumni currently in SCO’s Residency Program

and does not reflect alumni participating in other colleges’ residen-

cy programs. SCO invites alumni to inform us if you are in a residen-

cy program outside SCO’s. Please contact Cheryl Ervin, OD, SCO’s

Interim Director of Residency Programs at cervin@sco.edu.

22 | SCOVisioNs

STUDENT LiFE SCO’s NOSA Chapter Receives National Recognition

Southern College of Optometry is pleased to announce that it was recently honored with the School of the Year Award by the National Optometric Association (NOA).

The National Optometric Association (NOA) is a national organization that is dedicated to advancing the visual health in minority populations. Because minority populations in particular experience higher prevalence of ocular conditions, such as diabetic retinopathy, it is important to make these individuals aware of the importance of annual vision care.

SCO’s award-winning NOSA chapter is branched from the NOA, and many optometry schools have their own NOSA chapters.

In addition to the NOSA chapter accepting the award, several SCO students were also honored at the national NOA convention:

— Monique Batchelor, ’10, received the Cave Me-morial Award.

— SCO’s NOSA President, Tiffany Griffin, ’11, received the Founders Award.

— LuShawn Coleman, ’10, recipient of the Dr. Robert Johnson Pediatric/Vision Therapy Award and the NOA Convention Poster winner; her poster was co-authored by SCO faculty members Drs. Janette Dumas, David Damari, and Scott Steinman. The poster was entitled, Knowledge

of Diabetic Eye Disease among Patients at the Eye Center of the Southern College of Optometry.

“Congratulations to the members of the SCO chapter of NOSA for its outstanding accomplishments,” said Joseph H. Hauser, SCO Vice President for Student Services. “We have been proud of the chapter here at SCO for some time, but now that pride grows even greater as our chapter receives this national recognition.”

The 2009 NOA conference was held in Charleston, South Carolina and included continuing education sessions discussing binocular vision, low vision, infant exams, and the 10 most interesting pediatric disease cases. In addition, students from other optometry schools throughout the U.S. were able to network with practicing optometrists, network with each other, and exchange ideas on how to improve their own NOSA chapter.

Members of Student Volunteers in Optomet-ric Service to Humanity (SVOSH) enjoyed helping others on their recent mission trips to Belarus and Jamaica following the end of the spring semester.

For the sixth year in a row, SVOSH returned to May Pen, Jamaica, a largely agricultural com-munity. Trip leader Kinsey Rives,’10, reported that 12 SVOSH students provided free eye exams and

glasses to over 700 patients during four clinic days.Working with the local Lions Club, they were able to make over 100

referrals for cataracts, glaucoma, and other ocular disease management. Exams were performed in a Lions Club clinic built with funding from the community solely for eye care mission teams such as SVOSH.

“Knowing that they depend on us as their source of eye care, it is

important we go back every year. It was very rewarding to provide care to such deserving people,” said Brandi Salazar, ‘12.

On the other side of the Atlantic, free eye care was being provided by SVOSH members in Belarus, near the site of the Chernobyl disaster in 1986. Led by Jennifer Holman, ‘10, and Elizabeth Kilgore, ‘10, 13 SVOSH members saw over 1,000 patients. Dan Smith, OD ’94, Assistant Professor, was there to assist as they worked with a mainly pediatric population.

Performing exams in schools and hospitals, many people were helped because of their efforts. Elizabeth Kilgore, ‘10, stated, “Helping the children of those affected by the original disaster was a heartwarming experience. I will never forget their appreciation.”

Six additional trips were originally scheduled for the same time period to destinations including Belize, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Mexico and Peru but were cancelled due to the Swine Flu pandemic.

Spanning the Globe: 2009 SVOSH Mission Trips

Summer 2009 | 23

SVOSH Establishes Endowment Fund to Honor Al Fors, OD ’69

SCO’s student SVOSH chapter is establishing the Dr. L. Allen Fors

SVOSH Endowed Fund in honor of Allen Fors, OD ’69, Professor, and long-

time supporter of the organization.

A faculty member for nearly 40 years and a Fellow of the College of

Optometrists in Vision Development (COVD), Dr. Fors teaches the Pediatrics

as well as the Strabismus and Amblyopia courses. He also sees patients in

the pediatrics and vision therapy service areas of The Eye Center.

Over the past four decades, he has traveled to more than 10 different

countries with SVOSH. Through the years, he devoted countless hours as

faculty advisor to SVOSH. He sorted glasses, created

awareness about the group’s mission, and prepared

students to take optometric services to underserved

patients in impoverished countries.

“Establishing this endowment is a way to honor Dr.

Fors for his dedication to SVOSH’s mission of serving

others and to support the organization’s future outreach endeavors,” said

Beth Sparrow, OD ’98, who succeeded Dr. Fors as SVOSH’s faculty advisor

two years ago. “The idea is that SVOSH would put in the initial $5,000 to

establish the fund and then match any following contributions made up

to $7,500,” Dr. Sparrow said.

Brenda Pearson, SCO’s Director of Development, is inviting alumni

and friends of the college to support the fund. She noted such alumni

support, when added to the SVOSH matching funds, could very quickly

see this new fund come to fruition.

“Endowing this fund would provide SVOSH with an annual award that

would offset the increasing cost of travel and outreach,” Pearson noted.

SVOSH was founded in 1975 to provide free eye care and glasses

to impoverished countries. In the years since SVOSH’s creation, SCO’s

alumni ranks have grown to include hundreds of former SVOSH members

who know first-hand the impact that this student organization makes

on its annual mission trips. These SVOSH alumni and friends are

invited to support this new fund created by today’s

student members of the organization, still going

strong after nearly 35 years.

SVOSH members work year round to prepare for

their annual missions to various Central American and

other countries. SVOSH members annually collect,

inspect and sort donated eyeglasses to take on their

trips and coordinate various projects to help finance

travel expenses. Membership is open to all interested

students. Since the organization was founded, SVOSH

members have seen more than 190,000 patients in 15

different countries.

If you’re interested in joining SVOSH as a staff

doctor on a mission trip, please contact Dr. Beth

Sparrow at bsparrow@sco.edu.

Contributions to the fund can be made online or by mail. For online gifts, log onto the SCO website, www.sco.edu,

clickontheAlumnibuttonandselect“GivingOpportunities.”Completetheformandunder“Pleasedesignatemy/

our gift,” select “Other” and enter the word “SVOSH.” If you prefer to mail a check, simply specify SVOSH in the memo

section of your check and mail to the Office of Institutional Advancement at the college.

24 | SCOVisioNs

Faculty PromotionsJ. Bart Campbell, OD ’87, Professor, was named SCO’s new Chair of the

Department of Optometric Education, effective July 1.

Lindsay Elkins, OD ’07, Instructor, has been named SCO’s Coordinator of

School Screenings.

Cheryl Ervin, OD, Associate Professor, has been named Interim Director of

Residency Programs.

Dan Fuller, OD, Assistant Professor, was named Interim Chief of the Cornea

and Contact Lens Service.

Chris Lievens, OD, MS, Associate Professor, was named Interim Chief of

Staff for The Eye Center at SCO, effective July 1.

Zakiya Nicks, OD, Instructor, has been named as SCO’s Coordinator of

Community Outreach.

Marc B. Taub, OD, Assistant Professor, has been appointed Chief of Vision

Therapy and Rehabilitation Services.

Jim Venable, OD ’89, Assistant Professor, was named Executive Director

for Clinical Programs, effective July 1.

Faculty HighlightsKristin K. Anderson, OD, Associate Professor, was ASCO’s representative

to the National Steering Committee for Independent Continuing

Education which helped develop guidelines for industry support of

educational programs.

J. Bart Campbell, OD ’87, Professor, has been appointed to the Accredita-

tion Council on Optometric Education (ACOE), the accrediting body

for professional optometric degree programs, optometric residency

programs and optometric technician programs in the United States

and Canada. He is one of only eight ODs among the eleven members

of ACOE.

Charles Connor, OD, MS, PhD, Professor, attended the annual ARVO

meeting in Fort Lauderdale, Florida and presented a poster entitled,

Androgenic Cream Treatment Most Efficacious for Women 40 to 60 with

Dry Eye.

Gerald Eisenstatt, OD ’84, Assistant Professor, recently attended the

Practice Management Educators’ meeting in Florida.

Cheryl Ervin, OD, Associate Professor, and Scott Ensor, OD ’01, Assistant

Professor, were both selected in a national search to attend the

2009 ASCO Summer Institute for Faculty Development. The Institute

had 34 participants from 18 schools and colleges of optometry.

Participants attended presentations and workshops on teaching and

learning, academic culture, test writing and analysis, and professional

development. David Damari, OD, Professor, was chosen as a mentor

and presenter for a third consecutive year.

Pinakin Gunvant, BS Optom., PhD, Assistant Professor, recently presented a poster at the World Glaucoma Congress entitled, Diagnostic accuracy of Scanning Laser Polarimetry screening protocol in identifying glaucomatous and healthy eyes. At the annual ARVO meeting, Dr. Gunvant and several colleagues presented a poster entitled, Comparison of RNFLMeasurements Obtained Using GDx-VCC and ECCAlgorithms and Its Correlation with Visual Field Indices.

Dr. Gunvant recently secured a $79,990 grant from The Assisi Foundation of Memphis. The grant will be used to fund a two-year project, a glaucoma study on early detection of the disease using advanced retinal nerve fiber layer and optic disc imaging. Patients for the study will be recruited from the community and through The Eye Center.

Cynthia Heard, OD, Associate Professor, and Janette Dumas, OD, Assistant Professor, recently spoke to two different gatherings of Shelby County Schools staff and administrators as part of National Minority Health Awareness Month. They spoke on eye conditions that affect minority populations at a disproportionate rate.

John Mark Jackson, OD ’99, MS, Associate Professor, was a co-author with the ACHIEVE study group on an article entitled, RandomizedTrialofthe Effect of Contact Lens Wear on Self Perception in Children, published in Optometry and Vision Science, Vol. 86, No. 3, March 2009.

Sharon Lee, OD, Instructor, attended the Low Vision Educators SIG meeting held in Boston, Massachusetts in July.

Glen Steele, OD ’69, Professor, recently appeared on the “Dr. to Dr.” program on TBN and was interviewed on the Sharon Kleyne Hour, a program that appears on the World Today Radio network. In June, he led a CE program in infant care for Louisiana ODs and taught two courses on infant and toddler care at the AOA. Dr. Steele is the new Chair of the InfantSEE® Committee for the 2009-2010 year.

Scott Steinman, OD, PhD, Professor, presented an invited lecture at the annual meeting of the Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation Association in Portland, Oregon entitled, Utilizationofthevisualevokedpotentialinneuro-optometry.

Jim Williamson, OD ’97, Assistant Professor, recently received the “Mayor’s Honor Award” at the Memphis VA Medical Center for his service to veterans.

Staff PromotionsDavid West was named Vice President for Financial Affairs, effective

July 1. As the college’s chief financial officer, he is responsible for the

Accounting, Physical Plant and Information Technology departments. West

joined SCO in 2007 after a career at the Memphis Jewish Home, where he

served five years as Chief Financial Officer and four years as Accounting

Supervisor. A graduate of the University of Memphis with a degree in

accounting, West has been a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) since 1993.

SCO FoCUs

Summer 2009 | 25

Hayes speaks to sCo ClubNathan Hayes, Business Development

Manager of RedTray, recently spoke to mem-bers of SCO’s Optometric Private Practice Club, the first ever summer meeting of the student club. The son of SCO alumnus and founder of the Hayes Center for Practice Excellence, Jerry Hayes, OD ’73, he spoke to students about optical buying groups.

New Application Process starts SCO and the other schools and colleges

of optometry recently partnered with the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry to launch a centralized applica-tion service called OptomCAS.

Instead of an applicant applying directly

to SCO, applicants go to the OptomCAS

website and apply to SCO and any other

school that the applicant chooses. All 20

schools agreed to use the same application,

making the process much easier for appli-

cants, undergraduate advisors, and hope-

fully, all of the admissions offices.

Applicants simply indicate to which

schools the application should be sent

and pay a one-time fee of $125, which al-

lows the application to be sent to one

school. For each additional school, the fee

is $45. “Optometry schools will now be in

line with other health professions schools

such as medicine and pharmacy,” said Mike

Robertson, SCO Director of Admissions.

“This process makes it so much easier for

the applicant. Instead of submitting a sepa-

rate application, transcripts, and letters

of reference to each school, one set of

documents is all it takes.” Read more about

the centralized application service at www.

optomcas.org.

optovue imaging in Use at the Eye Center

Faculty and staff in The Eye Center have been trained on a new Optovue imaging de-vice. The RTVue is an ultra-high speed high resolution FD-OCT (Fourier-Domain Opti-cal coherence tomography) that provides interns and doctors with advanced retina diagnostic capabilities. On loan to The Eye Center, the instrument is the first OCT device for imaging retina, glaucoma, anterior seg-ment and performing corneal analysis. “This exciting addition attends to our goal to edu-cate the best possible healthcare providers,” said Dr. Chris Lievens, Interim Chief of Staff. In this endeavor, we strive to deliver training and experience utilizing the most advanced equipment and instrumentation available.”

NEWS briEFs

The Eye Center at SCO has launched its newly redesigned website at

http://tec.sco.edu. Although a few areas are still being developed,

the new site contains information about the different service areas

available to the more than 45,000 patients who visit annually. The

site is also designed to be “patient friendly” by providing contact

information, as well as details on insurance and other pertinent

facts that will be useful for patients to plan their appointments

in advance. Further interactive features are being developed

and will be introduced in the near future. The Eye Center

welcomes your feedback as this new site continues to

improve.

The Eye Center Launches New Website

26 | SCOVisioNs

Noted Lecturer Visits Campus Dr. Earl L. Smith III recently visited

campus as the lecturer in SCO’s 2008-2009

Visiting Scientist series. Dean of the College

of Optometry at the University of Houston,

Dr. Smith is an acclaimed researcher whose

interests focus on the role of vision in

regulating refractive development and

eye growth. Dr. Smith spoke to students

and faculty about his vision research with

primates. Dr. Lewis Reich, Vice President for

Academic Affairs, presented Dr. Smith with

a plaque in recognition as SCO’s Visiting

Scientist.

sCo Visits with Alumni at state meetings

Dr. Phillips and representatives of the

Office of Institutional Advancement attend-

ed a number of state association meetings

in recent months and interacted with alumni

at the regional level.

A large number of alumni attended the

Arkansas Optometric Association’s spring

convention, including Ken Hubbard, OD ’75,

and Wally Towle, OD ’66, pictured above. A

student networking reception, sponsored

in part by the Hayes Center for Practice

Excellence, was hosted by SCO for Arkansas

alumni to meet and interact with SCO

students and new graduates.

SCO hosted its first ever alumni reception

for Utah graduates during that state’s annual

association meeting. Attendees included

Mark Taylor, OD ’97, Karri Anne Buresh, OD ’03,

Robert Simmons, OD ’92, Scott Lewis, OD

’05, and Dr. and Mrs. Arthur Holloway, OD ’52.

President Phillips also was invited to address

those gathered at the association’s meeting.

Dr. Phillips and Dr. Kristin K. Anderson,

Vice President for Institutional Advancement,

attended the 100th anniversary meeting of

the North Carolina State Optometric Society

(NCSOS). They presented a plaque from

SCO in observance of the organization’s

milestone anniversary. A number of alumni

attended, including new NCSOS President

and SCO Alumni Council member, Allan

Barker, OD ’75. Scott Phillipe, OD ’88, and

former Memphis VA resident Ania Hamp, OD,

were honored with awards.

sCo at the Eye Health summitSCO President Richard W. Phillips, OD

’78, recently represented SCO at the Eye

Health Summit held in Chicago. This summit

brought together representatives from the

AOA, the Academy of Ophthalmology, The

Vision Council, the Opticians Association of

America, the National Association of Vision

Care Plans, the National Eye Institute/NIH, the

Contact Lens Institute, and Prevent Blindness

America. Several industry reps were also

there, including Luxottica, Transitions, Essilor,

Wal-Mart and Alcon.

The purpose of the meeting was to

discuss the possibility of seeking a unified

effort to create better public awareness of

eye health issues. There was a discussion of

Other news— Special thanks to Alcon and Allergan for

their support of Resident’s Day. The recent

event allowed SCO’s residents to present

case reports and share information. SCO’s

2008-2009 residents gathered for a group

photo after the event.

— The Arkansas Optometric Association Auxiliary recently presented nine scholarships to

optometry students, eight of whom attend SCO. Congratulations to: Marcus Cooke, ‘12,

Marion, AR; Alicia Chapman, ‘12, Conway, AR; Jennifer Conrad, ‘11, Benton, AR; Jonathan

Goodwin, ‘10, Batesville, AR; Jamie Johnson, ‘10, Cabot, AR; Vanessa Johns, ‘10, Paragould,

AR;ElizabethKilgore,‘10,Hampton,AR;MeliaRobertson,‘10,Russellville,AR

— SCO President Richard W. Phillips, OD ’78, has been elected to the Executive Committee of

the Tennessee College Association.

— A capacity crowd recently attended SCO’s Spring Continuing Education weekend. Seen

introducing a speaker is Patricia Estes-Walker, OD, SCO’s Director of Continuing Education,

center.

NEWS briEFs

Summer 2009 | 27

other successful health campaigns, including

the Susan Komen Foundation for breast

cancer awareness.

Several small groups were formed at

the meeting to discuss common interests

between organizations, ideas for potential

messages that the groups could agree on

and messages that industry might support.

The consensus was that the message should

be “Schedule Your Eye Examination Today”

and that there should be a new organization

formed to represent all the interests, with

the goal being a new major campaign ready

to roll out in two years. Such a campaign will

be helpful if the public grows more aware of

the need for good eye health.

News from the Eye Center The Eye Center at SCO recently re-

corded its most successful day ever in terms

of financial receipts for services rendered.

The record-setting day occurred on July 28

and was reported by Jim Venable, OD ’89,

Executive Director of Clinical Programs.

A recent Patient Satisfaction Survey per-

formed by Davis Vision® on patients of TEC

from January 1 through June 30, 2009 re-

vealed very positive news. In eleven catego-

ries evaluated, The Eye Center exceeded the

national average in five and actually received

perfects scores of 100% in each of these

areas:

— Convenience of Office Hours;

— Availability of Timely Appointments;

— Office Neat & Professional;

— Waiting Time Acceptable; and

— Staff Friendly/Knowledgeable.

In the remaining six categories, The Eye

Center was in the top 10% (of all practices

nationwide) in three categories and in the

top 5% in three more.

Curriculum Update

This summer marked SCO’s first “mini” summer term for nearly 40 second-year students

on campus. These students voluntarily enrolled for the mini term that began May 13 and

concluded June 23.

“By offering the full year of Pharmacology in a concentrated format and an Optometry

Theory and Methods laboratory during the summer mini term, the expectation is that

second-year students will be better prepared for the traditional rigors expected during the

course of the second-year curriculum,” said Lewis Reich, OD, PhD, Vice President for Academic

Affairs.

Classroom instruction covered five days a week for three credit hours, with lab work on

Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

“We are pleased that so many of our new second-year students chose to participate

in the launch of this new phase of the curriculum,” Dr. Reich said. “Their willingness to

participate in the development of the new mini semester is to be commended.”

A mini term will be mandatory for next year’s second-year students during the Summer

of 2010, said Dr. Reich, although it is likely that different courses will be offered in order to fully

integrate this program into the curriculum.

Meanwhile, the clinic administration reviewed its clinical curriculum with an emphasis

on new core competencies outlined by the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education

(ACOE).

Consequently, clinical curriculum has been refined with the implementation of a new

approach to clinical grading. The new approach continues to utilize the computerized

grading system designed in-house several years ago but will retire letter grades in exchange

for“Pass/Fail.”Thenewapproachwentintoeffectthissummerforthird-yearinterns;fourth-

year interns will continue to receive letter grades until they are phased out next year.

“We feel this approach will allow us to better deliver content and interact better between

the intern and attending doctor,” said Jim Venable, OD ’89, Executive Director of Clinical

Programs.

Changes are also being made to how the clinical curriculum is being delivered. Third-

and fourth-year interns alike are now experiencing a more “real world” practice environment

to better prepare them for transition to practicing optometry after graduation.

At the start of the summer semester, The Eye Center hosted two different student-themed

events, a breakfast to welcome fourth-years to their on-campus internships and a separate

reception/faculty mixer to welcome third-year interns

to patient care.

With SCO’s new strategic plan emphasizing that

students are the primary stakeholder in the college’s

mission, these new initiatives are designed to fulfill

a greater purpose of enhancing and adding value

through the academic and clinical curriculum.

Out and AboutSCO is committed to interacting with its alumni. We hope to see many of you at:

September 9Evening with the PresidentNashville, TN

October 1-4Homecoming/FallCEMemphis, TN

October 10-12Georgia Optometric Association Athens, GA

November 6-8Mississippi Optometric AssociationJackson, MS

November 10-15American Academy of OptometryOrlando, FL

SOUTHERN COLLEGE OF OPTOMETRY1245 Madison Avenue Memphis, TN 38104-2222

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage

PAIDMemphis, Tennessee Permit Number 151

Stay connected!SCO’s alumni and friends are encouraged to stay

connected with the college, and there are many ways

to keep in touch:— Register for SCO’s online Placement Service. In fact,

in this issue, you will be introduced to SCO’s Class of 2010. These soon-to-be graduates will be looking for opportunities, so if you’re seeking an associate or thinking about selling your practice, register for the Placement Service. Students looking for opportunities will also be posting.

— Sign up for a free email address and register to use SCO’s online Alumni Directory. Reconnect with a classmate or share news about your practice or family.

— If you enjoy Visions, sign up to receive SCOnline, our supplemental monthly e-newsletter with up-to-date news and information about upcoming events.

— Give us your ideas on how we can stay connected with you – we want to hear from you!

Email alumni@sco.edu for more information.