Download - Visions_09Spring
A L U M N I M A G A Z I N E
SPRING 2009
F o S t e R I N G a P e R S o N a l c o m m I t m e N t t o S e R v I c e
c o n t e n t1President’s corner
2alumni Focus
6Seco 2009
8State Day
9Philanthropy matters
12class Notes
16News Briefs
18out and about
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
J. Bart campbell, oD ’87Faculty Representative Memphis, Tennessee
amanda Nadolski, ’10Student Representative The Woodlands, TX
PR e SIDeN t ’ S » coR NeR Richard W. Phillips, OD ’78, FAAO
Spring 2009 | 1
Just about everyone in america has been affected or touched by the economy. Sco is no exception. like you, we’ve seen the value of our investments take a hit from the recession. and like you, we’ve taken a number of proactive, sensible steps to make sure that Sco weathers this storm. I recently addressed a campus-wide meeting of our faculty and staff and outlined the steps we are taking to underscore Sco’s commitment to fiscal responsibility.
During these tough times, we are especially aware of what the support of our alumni and friends has meant to us. Your support prepared us for this day. Because of you, more students than ever before are receiving endowed scholarships, and these scholarships help keep student debt as low as possible. many of our state-dependent schools are seeing significant reductions in funding. at Sco, our quality of education is secure, our tuition remains among the lowest in the country, and we are striving to provide the best education, using the best technology, because it is absolutely that important for the future of our profession.
Yet in the midst of this economic crisis, the faculty and staff have been looking to the future, hard at work on our strategic plan. I am exceptionally pleased with the process. We’ve had a great deal of positive input from our Board and from throughout the college. You’ll be hearing more about our new strategic plan initiatives after final approval from the Board in may.
our strategic plan emphasizes that our students are the primary stakeholder in our mission. We will focus on the quality of the students we recruit and the quality and forward-thinking nature of the education they receive. they will view learning as a life-long process. We want to instill in our students the sense of responsibility to be a participating, giving member of the communities in which they will serve. Service to our profession, to our communities, and to our fellow man is stressed in this plan. as you will read in this issue, Sco’s alumni already are setting a good example for our students as they demonstrate service in a number of capacities. as alumni, you must have the confidence that tomorrow’s student will be prepared to see optometry escalate as a profession into the changing face of 21st century healthcare.
to fulfill our strategic vision, Sco has outstanding faculty, greater in number and more diverse than ever before. Staff members understand that Sco’s mission is shared with the faculty, and that the students are the primary stakeholder in everything we do. We have a strategic plan that is lofty and comprehensive enough to
ensure that we become the best college of optometry in the United States.
When challenged to make Sco the best, 86% of faculty and staff gave to the college last year, and they have requested a goal of 100% participation this year. our faculty and staff have funded scholarships that awarded $12,000 to students this past year. We have received three scholarship pledges from individual faculty members. Faculty and staff have named nine rooms in the eye center and established three awards.
moreover, our new alumni council individually represents six scholarships, nine rooms, and two awards. In their first year, they collectively created the first alumni council Scholarship, and it will be fully funded within this year.
everything we do is focused on the future to be ready to meet any challenge that lies ahead of us. Your financial support is more important than ever. there is no bailout for optometric education; there is no stimulus package for Sco. through the generosity of our alumni and industry, we can be empowered to fund our strategic plan’s vision for the future.
If Sco is to reach its potential – and the evidence shows that the faculty and staff believe it is possible – then it is critical for our alumni to join us in this vision with a financial commitment to naming a scholarship, room or award and providing for Sco’s future through planned giving and estate planning.
We are determined to educate the best possible healthcare providers who are committed to lifelong learning. they will be committed to having the highest professional level of practice. and they will be committed to service to that community in which they practice.
From one Sco graduate to another, I would like to encourage you to consider what you can do for the future of optometric education. together, we can aim for Sco having the highest percentage of alumni participating in giving back to their alma mater. When we do, Sco can, indeed, become the best that there is. thank you for what you have done for Sco, and for what you will do for Sco.
Everything we do is focused on the future to be ready to meet any challenge that lies ahead of us.
2 | ScoVisions
Joe ellis, oD ’86
Service through National leadershipas an Sco student, Joe ellis, oD ’86, could not have
predicted that one day he would be vice president of the american optometric association, let alone preparing for a run at the presidency at the aoa congress this summer.
“I was a married student who played a lot of intramural sports,” he says, “(But) I made friends that I still talk to and see now.”
ellis had played college football at murray State University. He knew he wanted to go into the healthcare industry and optometry was on the list. He found out about Sco through friends who were attending. that’s when he looked more into optometry and became interested.
He counts Jim Newman, oD ’73, Glen Steele, oD ’69, and Bud mormon, oD, among his favorite professors,
role models who inspired him to become involved in leadership roles within the profession.
Dr. ellis, who is in private practice in Benton, Kentucky with laurel van Horn, oD ’99, began his service at the state level. an active member of the Kentucky optometric association (Koa), he served on the Koa board from 1990 to 1996 and as president in the 1994-1995 program year.
at the national aoa level, he has served as a member of the constitution and Bylaws, Finance,
Personnel, and Building committees and as a board liai-son to the communications Group advisory committee,
the contact lens and cornea Section, the accreditation council on optometric education, the advocacy Group,
commission on Paraoptometric certification, and the aoa Sports vision Section.
a big motivation for his service was the recognition that organized optometry could increase patients’ access to
optometric healthcare. Dr. ellis graduated from Sco during the time optometry was just
being added to medicare, after 20 years of existence. He realizes
the ground work for that progress came from opto-
metrists working with legis lators to change the language of medicare laws to include opto-metry.
“People before me had done things so that I could en-joy the benefits of practice,” he
says. “If you don’t have access to patients, all the training isn’t worth anything.”
although he and other members of the Koa worked hard to put legislation together that gave patients greater access to optometric services, they found that national legislation could make their state legislation moot.
even now there are still access issues such as optometry not being included on certain health insurance plans. even though some states have corrected the language, it’s not there on a national level. Dr. ellis feels this demonstrates the need to strengthen pro-optometry legislation.
“optometrists need to be more involved in the state and national political scene,” he says.
Because optometry privileges are legislated, even for the use of new technology, Dr. ellis advocates the need for oDs to play an active role by becoming involved and serving the profession to strengthen the profession.
“We need to be there to ensure we pass the language and legislation to make sure we can use new technology,” he says.
as an aoa leader, he also wants to make sure the aoa is involved on the ground floor of national healthcare reform being proposed by President Barack obama. He wants to guarantee that pro-optometry language is included from the beginning so it won’t have to be corrected 20 years down the road, like medicare.
In addition to his service to the profession at the national level, he also has found time to remain involved in preparing the next generation of optometrists as an Sco preceptor for student externships. as a preceptor, he has seen many changes in optometric education since he graduated.
“I have seen over the years in my dealings with externs where students are a lot more proficient with technology – more technology savvy,” ellis says.
He advises students to get out and make a bigger connection between their education and the profession outside school.
“In my last couple of years, I wished I would have visited more optometry practices,” he says.
as he eyes the aoa presidency, he remembers where it all started as an optometry student in memphis and still professes pride in receiving an Sco education.
“I’m proud to have gone to Sco, proud to see how Sco has grown and gained stature among the colleges of optometry across the country.”
It is a pride he shares with other alumni he frequently meets across the country as he attends state board meetings and serves the profession at one of the highest leadership levels at the aoa.
alUmNI FoCUs
Spring 2009 | 3
For Randy Goodman, oD ’79, optometry
proved to be more than just a healthcare
career. even though he never thought of
the profession as just a career, he never
dreamed optometry would take him where
he is today.
“I thought I would practice until they
had to carry me out,” he says.
at age 56, Dr. Goodman is far from hav-
ing to be carried from his practice. However,
in may 2008, he received his masters of
Divinity degree from asbury theological
Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky. He is now a
minister at First United methodist church in
tullahoma, tennessee.
So how did a successful optometrist
retire from the profession, only to start a new
career as a minister? Dr. Goodman’s journey
began at Sco but continued to progress
into something that he believes was meant
to be from the start.
He counts his membership in SvoSH as
the first step of his interest in serving others.
as an Sco student, he went on a mission to
costa Rica with a group of SvoSH members
and 27,000 pairs of glasses. He says the
mission opened him up to service. His
education and training at Sco steered him
more towards a life of mission and service.
after graduation, Dr. Goodman and
his wife, Betsy Goodman, oD ’79, settled in
middle tennessee and became involved
in their church. over the years, his church
conducted a number of medical mission
trips to mexico where they tended to their
patients’ physical and then spiritual needs.
the same could be said about his
years practicing optometry, where taking
an interest in his patients led to a greater
interest in how he could serve them in
other ways.
“I spent a lot of time with patients, talk-
ing to them about things that were not
optometry related,” he recalls. “We would
sometimes stop and talk things through.”
With his church playing an important
part in his life outside optometry, Dr.
Goodman organized retreats, men’s trips
and even filled in for preachers in their
absence.
He first felt a calling to ministry in 1992
and by a decade later, he knew the ministry
awaited him as the next step in his journey
to serve others.
after receiving an unsolicited letter from
asbury theological Seminary, he enrolled
in a new program that allowed him to
continue practicing optometry and attend
seminary school full-time. He also served as
pastor of a small country church. He says his
family has been fully supportive of him.
“It’s been a challenge, and sacrifice has
been made by me and my family, but the
sacrifice has been well worth it,” he says.
after graduating from seminary school,
Dr. Goodman officially retired from op-
tometry in June 2008; his wife continues to
practice in the community.
“It’s hard to adjust when you’re in your
50s,” he says. “I’ve got patients I started
seeing when they were just babies.”
Dr. Goodman still enjoys hospital
privileges at two area hospitals but he can
now go there as a minister. He finds his
background in optometry helps answer
questions for some patients, like a stroke
patient he ministered to during one visit.
“His doctor came and said the stroke
had affected his vision and left the room,”
he says. “of course the patient had a lot of
questions.”
the mission he set out on 30 years ago
may have evolved in an unexpected way
but in Dr. Goodman’s opinion, it represents a
continuation on a higher level.
“as optometrists, we don’t just care for
people’s eyes; we care for their lives.”
Randy Goodman, oD ’79
ministering to Body and Spirit: SvoSH taught the Importance of Serving others
“As optometrists, we don’t just care for people’s eyes; we care for their lives.”
4 | ScoVisions
alUmNI FoCUs
Jim Newman, oD ’73
mentor, Professor, Friend: Helping Students Succeed in more Ways than one
Paying it forward is not a foreign
concept to Jim Newman, oD ’73, Professor.
In a way, he’s repaying a debt and paying it
forward at the same time. It all began with
his first pair of glasses.
“In the ninth grade, I was always
complaining to my parents about my
vision,” Dr. Newman said. “I got my first
pair of glasses and I remember being able
to see each individual snow flake.”
at that point in his young life, Dr.
Newman became more interested in
optometry. It wasn’t until he was an
undergraduate student that he made that
final leap and decided to attend Sco.
after his graduation in 1973, he and his wife, carol,
planned to open a practice in Greenwood, mississippi, but,
at the time, the economy was bad. they decided to stay in
memphis, where Dr. Newman joined a practice and began
teaching at Sco.
after four years of practicing and teaching, the practice
was sold and Dr. Newman decided to keep teaching at Sco.
While it wasn’t part of his original plan, things fell into place
for him, especially his current position as Sco’s Director of
academic Support Services. after over 20 years of unofficially
helping students overcome academic and personal obstacles
to success, Sco made the position official six years ago.
Dr. Newman said his role of tutoring and counseling Sco
students began after observing students floundering, not
doing well and just not living up to their full potential.
“If your mother’s in intensive care at home, that’s
going to have an effect,” Newman said. “People come here
with all kinds of trauma in their life; you don’t go to school in
a bubble.”
In the beginning, it was just a matter of stepping up to
serve the students’ needs. Newman said when he attended
Sco, there was no one who did what he does.
“You just had to deal with it,” Newman said of his time as
a student. “the school wasn’t student friendly.”
Dr. Newman says the atmosphere has improved and
today there is a good rapport between students and faculty.
When he first saw students having problems, he began
quietly pulling them aside to get at the root of the issue.
Now, monitoring students is a daily task that comes more
from care and empathy rather than a sense of duty.
“I’m constantly looking at students’ performances,” he
said. “If I see it slipping, I call them in.”
over the 36 years Dr. Newman has spent at Sco, the
students don’t seem to change. they still experience the
same problems and issues. the one constant is Dr. Newman
himself.
“I keep getting old and they keep staying the same age,”
he said. “they used to call me ‘Uncle Jimmy’ and now they
call me ‘Dad’.”
the students’ terms of endearment come from how
seriously Dr. Newman takes them and their issues. He makes
sure all students know they aren’t at Sco alone, starting at
orientation. He uses a couch that belonged to President
emeritus William cochran, oD ’68, and a chair in his outer
office to make it more comfortable. Students frequently come
there to take quick naps or just sit and talk. confidentiality
is important to Dr. Newman and, much like a priest or
counselor, he divulges no details about their private lives.
although Sco also provides access to counseling
services off-campus, Dr. Newman is often a first responder
of sorts. as such, he makes sure the pressure doesn’t wear
him down. as a general rule, he doesn’t take his job home
with him. He has also taken the occasional student’s phone
Spring 2009 | 5
call on a Saturday night but has learned to discern between
a real crisis and an overly dramatic student.
He has also learned to take care of himself. Dr. Newman
realizes taking on the stress of others can have an adverse
affect on his own health. “I exercise and I watch what I eat,”
Dr. Newman said. “I’ve learned how to balance it.”
His concern lies in the students’ academic progress as
well. While personal issues can affect academic performance,
so can the lack of necessary study skills. Now, as opposed to
10 or 20 years ago, he spends most of his time helping first-
years. although the application and interview process does
a good job of attracting top students, he still works with a
few “diamonds in the rough” to help them transition to the
rigorous demands of the optometry program.
Dr. Newman says many of today’s students learned in
undergraduate school how to memorize material and repeat
it. He knows from experience that diagnosing a condition
cannot be done by simply memorizing material. He teaches
students how to think and process the information in order
to succeed in their careers. In turn, Sco produces top notch
optometrists.
“I know what they’ve got to know when they get to
clinic; they don’t,” Dr. Newman said. “I have to teach students
how to think and process.”
making sure the students are succeeding academically
involves Dr. Newman’s constant attention and staying at-
tuned to what’s going on in their lives. Serving the students
is what makes Dr. Newman thrive. He further serves the
public’s needs by helping educate optometrists of the best
quality. By his own admission, he wouldn’t be in his position
today if he didn’t enjoy it.
“If I’m going to stay here teaching, I have to enjoy
working with the students,” Dr. Newman added. “If you don’t
enjoy working with students, why are you here?”
Fco Students Spend Spring Break Serving others on mission trip to Nicaragua
Accompanied by Jim Newman, OD ’73, Professor, SCO’s Fellowship of Christian Optometrists (FCO) chapter spent Spring Break 2009 by travelling on a mission trip to help children living in Jinotega, Nicaragua. The group partnered with an established mission to provide optometric services to school children between the ages of 5 and 18 in the mountainous city.
During her undergraduate studies, FCO member Dee Horn, ’10, had worked with the mission on spring break missions to Central America. The organization has built many one-room school houses in the mountains of Nicaragua. After contacting the organization to see if a need still existed in the area, Horn worked with FCO to organize the trip around their class and clinic schedules, and spring break.
Katy Falk, ’10, FCO trip leader, reported that 22 SCO students volunteered their time during spring break to provide eye care for the children in Nicaragua. FCO is an international organization that frequently conducts these types of mission trips all over the world. The FCO chapter at SCO began to venture into mission trips three years ago.
The FCO students worked year-round gathering supplies for their trip. Materials include eyeglasses, antibiotics and other drugs. However, they take more than just supplies for eye care.
Dr. Newman, who serves as FCO faculty advisor, said the very nature of the FCO’s spiritual mission also allows the group to take Spanish Bibles to distribute on these trips. Stations are set up that are half clinic, half church, meaning one station conducts eye exams and other stations lead reading of religious books for children.
Falk said many of the children in the region had never had eye examinations so it proved to be a major experience for them. Seventy were special needs patients, with autism, Down syndrome, deafness and learning disorders. She noted that Nicaraguan children are also more likely to experience malnutrition in early development because of inadequate diet.
“There were some who probably wouldn’t recognize someone across a room,” she said, “so it was a very life-altering experience, and we were happy to serve such an underserved and deserving population.”
SCO’s students also brought toys with them, in addition to books, so they could put the children at ease during their eye examinations. The student group saw 700 children and about 100 adults at two vision screenings at the mission’s church.
“One thing I didn’t expect during the trip was how much the parents
appreciated the screening of the children,” added Falk. “Our visit gave parents
the peace of mind that their child had healthy, properly developing eyes.”
6 | ScoVisions
Sco HAPPEninGs
Seco 2009
SCO alumni could take pride in the significant
accomplishments of a number of their fellow
graduates at this year’s SECO International’s
2009 meeting in Atlanta.
Wilburn Lord, OD ’77, passed
the presidency mantle to
his successor, Jonathan
Shrewsbury, OD ’81, while
Martha Rosemore Greenberg,
OD ’74, was feted as SECO’s
OD of the South and Chevron
Ergle, OD ’04, as SECO’s Young
OD of the South. During his
remarks to the well-attended
Alumni and President’s Receptions, Dr. Phillips
noted the accomplishments of alumni are a
proud reflection upon the graduates’
alma mater.
Spring 2009 | 7
the Hayes center for Practice excellence
hosted a Spring Practice Management Sym-
posium in conjunction with the optometry
association of louisiana on march 28 in Bossier
city, louisiana. Featured speaker was practice
management expert and Hayes center founder
Jerry Hayes, oD ’73.
a second Joining the Generations program
event was held for the arkansas optometric
association’s Spring education 2009 meeting
during april 23-25 in little Rock. the course
was designed to be a resource for established
practice owners, mid-career oDs and recent
graduates. the course provided a framework
of financial considerations, common pitfalls to
avoid, and recommendations when entering into
negotiations.
Sponsored in part by vSP, these meet-
ings precede the Hayes center’s third annual
Private Practice Primer, to be held later this year
in memphis. Be sure to visit the Sco website for
more information as the date nears or register
your email address with Sco in order to receive
email updates.
8 | ScoVisions
Sco HAPPEninGs
Sco Hosts First State Dayalumni from recent years may remember optifest, the trade
show that brings vendors and state associations to campus during
Homecoming.
optifest will continue with vendors, but last year the decision
was made to host state associations as a stand-alone event to
facilitate more meaningful interaction between students and
organized optometry.
on Wednesday, april 8, Sco hosted representatives from 12
state associations during the college’s first ever State Day. an aoa
representative also attended to represent national optometry and
states unable to attend the event.
Student response was overwhelming, with standing room
only attendance to hear a moderated morning panel discussion
about current news and initiatives from the state association
level. a second moderated panel was held over lunch for first-
year students. Questions for the state association representatives
were submitted by students in advance, and the faculty strongly
encouraged students to attend.
each state also hosted a booth in the traditional trade show-
style format in Sco’s activity center. the event afforded students
opportunities to network and learn more about practice in states
that interest them.
a number of alumni attended and represented their respective
states, including martha Rosemore Greenberg, oD ’74 (alabama),
annette Webb, oD ’95 (arkansas), Horace Deal, oD ’97 (Georgia),
travis Sharpe, oD ’06 (Kansas), Rod Rallo, oD ’80 and amanda
Higdon, oD ’07 (Kentucky), Keith menard, oD ’03 (louisiana), David
Parker, oD ’95 (mississippi), Hal Herring, oD ’74 (North carolina),
John Smith, oD ’80 (South carolina), chris eiler, oD ’01 and Jeff
Foster, oD ’81 (tennessee), and mark taylor, oD ’97 (Utah).
also in attendance were several state association directors
and representatives, including vicki Farmer, executive Director
of the arkansas optometric association; tom Spetalnick, oD,
from Georgia; michael Horstman, executive Director of the Illinois
optometric association; Robert Blumthal, oD, President of the
Illinois optometric association; Darlene eaken, executive Director
of the Kentucky optometric association; linda Ross aldy, executive
Director of the mississippi optometric association; Bridget Jones,
associate Director of the tennessee optometric association; and
Denise Kincaid from the aoa.
a number of representatives expressed their appreciation
for Sco being the first optometry school to host such an event
along with their hope that the practice catches on at the other
schools and colleges of
optometry.
“State Day brought
us into contact with a
number of students who
were seriously interested
in practicing in our state,”
noted Horace Deal, oD
’97. “all of us have been
impressed and would
like to see this event held
elsewhere.”
Special thanks go to
Welch-allyn for donating a
panoptic valued at $700 as
a student door prize, to vSP
and the Hayes center for
Practice excellence at Sco
for additional support of
this educational program.
Jim Venable, OD ’89, moderating the panel discussion.
AOSA Trustee Matt Willis, ’11, presents Josh Massey, ’12, right, with a panoptic donated by Welch-Allyn.
Panelists Travis Sharpe, OD ’06, and Keith Menard, OD ’03.
Denise Kincaid, left, represents the AOA.
Linda Ross Aldy, right, represents Mississippi.
Alabama Arkansas Georgia Illinois Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Mississippi North Carolina South Carolina Tennessee Utah
states in Attendance
Spring 2009 | 9
PHIlaNtHRoPY mAttErs
2008 community Phonathon Raises $38,000 for Sco
community Phonathon recently returned
for its second year, and Sco’s organizations and
student volunteers were up to the challenge
set by the previous year’s success. During
the fall of 2008, Institutional advancement
offered student organizations the opportunity
for their members to volunteer by calling
alumni, updating alumni records and raising
money for Sco.
the results of the 2008 community Phona-
thon surpassed the previous year’s totals.
With a 20% increase in gifts received over the
previous year, 2008 demonstrated the loyalty
and commitment of Sco’s alumni.
During the 15 nights of calling, gifts and
pledges exceeded $38,000. Student organiza-
tions benefitted as each participating student
organization received a part of the $3,000
awarded by Director of Development Brenda
Pearson during February’s Student Government
association (SGa) meeting.
Participating organizations included covD,
Fco, Gamma omicron, lions club, NoSa, oPP,
sstoa, texas Student organization, and SvoSH.
the community Phonathon is truly a win-
win situation as students enjoy the opportunity
to talk with alumni, with each contact benefit-
ing Sco and the student organization.
“the continued success of Phonathon is to-
tally dependent upon the alumni, who, when
called, respond with conversation and a gift.
It has a tremendous impact on the student,
who has a meaningful and insightful conver-
sation with an alumnus practicing optometry,”
com mented Pearson, coordinator of the event.
Please call or email the office of Institut-
ional advancement if you would like more
information about Phonathon at 1-800-238-
0180, ext. 4, or email [email protected].
Ronald Blum, oD ’72
Why I GiveHonoring Employee Who Devoted Himself to Serving Others
Mark Murphy seemed to give all he had to so many people. After the death of their son in 1994, he and his wife, Francine, made an endowment to Wilderness Inquiry, an organization which arranges outdoor experiences for both disabled and able-bodied people.
The Murphys supported many other charities. They established The Bliss House in Ontario, to welcome disabled, non-verbal adults and provide a “northern” experience for its visitors.
Murphy’s devotion to others made such an impression on his employer, Ronald Blum, OD ’72, that it was only fit-ting to honor Murphy after his untimely death from cancer on October 24, 2008.
Dr. Blum recently established an endowed scholarship at SCO in Murphy’s name on behalf of The Egg Factory (TEF), the company founded by Blum in 1998.
“Mark was a special person willing to help and mentor people,” says Dr. Blum, President/CEO and Chairman of PixelOptics, a subsidiary of The Egg Factory.
Murphy served as President of Supply Chain Services, a division of Johnson and Johnson Health Care Systems, Inc. He also served as President of Johnson and Johnson Hospital Services, Inc., and
worked with Innotech, Dr. Blum’s first company. Founded by Dr. Blum in 1990, Innotech was purchased by Johnson and Johnson in 1997.
“Mark was a very successful businessman and finance man who was instrumental in working on the board of our parent company,” Dr. Blum says.
Murphy was a part of his parent company’s team since its inception by Dr. Blum. The Egg Factory fosters innovation with an emphasis on optics and ophthalmics.
“Mark was involved at the beginning of Egg Factory and did not get to see it to the end because it has been in development for so long,” Blum says, “but, it’s no longer smoke and mirrors.”
Dr. Blum’s company has been working on an Electro-Active Lens Technology that would be used to correct presbyopia and is nearing the end of the development stage. He says Murphy is the only team member who will not get to see the project to fruition.
Dr. Blum says TEF’s mission is to further optometry’s reach.
“We try to come up with innovations that will help mankind,” he says. “We’re helping the profession and helping people see better.”
Dr. Blum became interested in optometry as a child growing up in Kingsport, Tennessee, where he observed the late Leonard Supman, OD ’40.
“Leonard was always someone you admired as you were growing up,” he says. “Through him I became very interested in vision care.”
To honor his role model, Dr. Blum has also annually contributed to the Dr. J. Leonard Supman Memorial Endowed Scholarship at SCO.
After graduating from SCO, Dr. Blum found-ed Drs. Blum, Newman, Blackstock & Associates, Optometrists, P.C., in 1977 in Roanoke, Virginia. He says he grew the practice for 20 years before he decided to become an inventor.
“We’re all blessed with different abilities – basketball, football, – I invent,” Dr. Blum said.
Dr. Blum has spent the last two decades using his abilities to give back to, and further, the science of optometry. With the passing of his friend and associate, Mark Murphy, Dr. Blum is now giving back to SCO to honor his friend and to support optometric education in order for a young person to achieve his or her potential.
10 | ScoVisions
Quarterly Donor Report
Our special thanks to the following donors who made a donation between October 1, 2008 and December 31, 2008.
Donna Abney, MBA
Joyce R. Adema, OD ’49
Advanced Medical Optics, Inc.
David K. Adwan, OD ’80
Robert P. Aitken, OD ’84
Paul Ajamian, OD
Charles H. Aldridge, Jr., OD ’80
Michael W. Alexander, OD ’80
Ronald D. Allen, OD ’63
Timothy P. Allen, OD ’70
American Optometric Foundation
R. Keith Amiel, OD ’68
Shelly Anastasio, OD ’02 and Jeffrey M. Anastasio, OD ’01
Daniel S. Anderson
Kristin K. Anderson, OD and Christopher Lievens, OD, MS
Lisa C. Anderson
Walter C. Angel, OD ’67
Rufus B. Antley, OD ’60
Gary S. Appel, OD ’79
Mark E. Appel, OD ’88
Sara K. Armand, OD ’06
David A. Arthur, OD ’66
William S. Ashley, OD ’80
Jo-Ann B. Augustine
Lady Britton Aycock, OD ’90
Habib Azizi, OD ’02
J. Dean Baggett, OD ’83
Cynthia E. Baker, OD ’83 and Joseph H. Baker, OD ’83
Paula L. Baker
George M. Bakowski, OD ’73
R. Dianne Balazsy
Mary Kay Ball
Ron M. Bannister, OD ’77
Allan Leslie Barker, OD ’75 and Susan S. Barker
Currie Dean Barker, OD ’58
Darla Barrow, OD ’98
Joseph J. Beaman, OD ’68
Kathryn M. Beggs, OD ’85
Roger L. Benjamin, OD ’85
William S. Benkelman, OD ’67
Beth and Brad Besner
Patricia Besner
JoAnne and Stanley Besner
Ray D. Bess, OD ’63
Randy Birt, OD ’02
Larry E. Blackmon, OD ’68
Robin S. Blair, OD ’74
Iola Blake
Alan L. Blatterman, OD ’73
Joseph H. Blum, Jr., OD ’53
Burton P. Bodan, OD ’53
Margo D. Boler, OD ’01
Miguel A. Bosch, Jr., OD ’85
Richard M. Bossin, OD ’74
Eric K. Botts, OD ’92
Randall D. Bowling, OD ’71
Dwight D. Boyd, OD ’90
Brittany B. Boyette, OD ’07
Delrita Branch
Crystal M. Brimer, OD ’00
William B. Brookshire
Glen E. Bryant, Sr., OD ’49
Norman W. Bryant, OD ’82
Christopher T. Bullin, OD ’07
Jennifer K. Bulmann, OD
Roger L. Burch, OD ’72
Dwight M. Burchett, OD ’02
Marilyn S. Burich, OD ’95
James H. Burke, OD ’77
James M. Burns, OD ’75
George N. Butterworth, OD ’04
T. Joel Byars, OD ’63
Alan L. Byrd, OD ’95
Winona M. Caldwell
Charles A. Callaway, OD ’83
Eugene R. Cantwell, OD ’49
Raymond M. Carozza, OD ’06
Robert R. Carper, OD ’50, USA (Ret.)
Thomas V. Casella, OD ’78
Joe A. Chambers, OD ’70
Russell H. Chambless, OD ’85
Donna Chaney-Sayre, OD ’89
Freddy W. Chang, OD, MS, PhD
Camile L. Chiasson, OD ’81
Darby Chiasson, OD ’99
Amy Chiu, OD ’02
Rohit R. Chopra, OD ’01
Dr. Corey Christensen
Lynn H. Church, OD ’62
Beverly Clark
Jerry L. Clay
Lurley C. Clifton
James O. Cloepfil, OD ’82
Fred S. Cloninger, OD ’65
Mark G. Coble, OD ’77
Glenn M. Cochran, OD ’80
William E. Cochran, OD ’68 and Mrs. Carolyn Cochran
Hubert Cockrum, OD ’77
William C. Coffee, OD ’72 and Mrs. Dixie T. Coffee
Harold S. Cohen, OD ’47
Jeffrey H. Cohen, OD ’72
Brandy and Leonard Cohen
Brian E. Colletto, OD ’01
Steven L. Compton, OD ’78
Charles G. Connor, Jr., MA, PhD, OD
Douglas L. Conrath, OD ’66
Mark J. Cook, OD ’78
James T. Cooperwood
James V. Cornetta, OD ’81
Tifton C. Covington, OD ’91
Melanie A. Crandall, OD ’77
Robert M. Cress, OD ’75
G. Robert Crosby, OD ’63
William M. Crow, OD ’49
James P. Crutchfield, OD ’65
Troy L. Currier, OD ’97
Angela L. Dabbs, OD ’06
Robert M. Dacus, OD ’77
David A. Damari, OD and Mrs. Rita Frumento Damari
David L. Davidson, OD ’64
William Herbert Davis, Jr., OD ’63
Horace Deal, OD ’97
William R. Dellinger, OD ’64
Thomas F. Deloatch, OD ’82
Harry R. Denison, OD ’66
Paul W. Derrick, OD ’70
James W. Devine, OD ’83
William M. Dickerson, Jr., OD ’79
Velma J. Dickson
Shawn P. Doherty, OD ’83
Belvin G. Dollins, OD ’51
Heidi B. Doucet, OD ’02
Karen Joyner Douglas, OD ’00 and Joseph Kent Douglas, OD ’00
David H. Dow, OD ’74
Max M. Downey, OD ’81
Susan M. Doyle
Robin J. Drescher, OD, MS
Kelly F. Duke, Jr., OD ’77
Janette D. Dumas, OD
Jason D. Duncan, OD ’96
Craig W. Dunlap, OD ’94
Jeremy Michael Durham, OD ’03
James A. Eaton, OD ’67
Gerald A. Eisenstatt, OD ’84
Lindsay C. Elkins, OD ’07
J. Grady Elliott, Jr., OD ’92
Norman L. Elliott, OD ’65
M. Scott Ensor, OD ’01
Robert M. Epstein, OD ’74
Chevron L. Ergle, OD ’04
Tressa F. Eubank, OD
Sunnie J. Ewing
Richard E. Falls, OD ’67
Curtis L. Farrar, OD ’72
Ann Z. Fields
Tim R. Fields, OD ’83
Pamela L. Finley, OD ’95
Alan P. Fisher, OD ’75
Beth Fisher
David Fisher, Jr., OD ’90
Robert C. Fitzhugh, OD ’79 and Mrs. Linda S. Fitzhugh
Carol A. Fleming
James Fleming, OD
Sadie M. Fleming
Howard F. Flippin, OD ’59
Laura L. Flockencier, OD ’94
L. Allen Fors, OD ’69, MEd
Dr. Jim Fouch
David L. Foutch, OD ’87
Phillip Patrick Fowler, OD ’03
William E. Fox, OD ’80
Pateaka Franklin
Crystal L. Franklin-Truss, OD ’07
Kerri Frazier
Cecily Freeman
Dan E. Freeman, OD ’72
Paul T. Fulghum, OD ’83
Lynn Ray Gabe, OD ’73
Stacy L. Gandy, OD ’92 and Jimmy S. Gandy, OD ’92
Ronald B. Gantt, OD ’67
John M. Garber, OD ’76
Cindy Garner
Thomas J. Garrity, OD ’74
Tammy and Robert Gates
John A. Gazaway, OD ’67
Herman George
Timothy L. Gibbons, OD ’04
Frank S. Gibson, OD ’68
Lowell H. Gilbert, OD ’65
Sue and Joe Gilliland
Alan L. Ginsburg, OD ’76
Mark B. Givens, OD ’71
W. Carter Glass, OD ’76
Thomas K. Gober, OD ’83
Glenn I. Goldring, OD ’78
Larry S. Golson, OD ’02
N. Scott Gorman, OD ’73
Jason A. Gould, OD ’04
Paul A. Granada, OD ’48
Stuart M. Greenberg, OD ’01
Stephen R. Griffin, OD ’83
T. Powers Griffin, Jr., OD ’78
Herman H. Grothe, OD ’69
Neil R. Gurwitz, OD ’50
Garry Haas, OD ’67
George L. Haffner, OD ’58
Arthur Andy Haley, OD ’90
Rebecca Hames
Debra A. Hammerer, OD ’82 and John R. Hammerer, OD ’82
L. Shepard Hamrick, Jr., OD ’81
Dixie Harber
Paul L. Harman, OD ’86
Matthew H. Harpin, OD ’01
Kathryn A. Harrington
Nancy and Tom Harris
Andrew Hartmann
Betty J. Harville, OD
Whitney H. Hauser, OD ’01 and Joseph H. Hauser, MBA
Cynthia Heard, OD
William G. Hendrix, OD ’55
Gary C. Hodges, OD ’64
Courtney G. Hoffman, OD ’00 and Matthew E. Hoffman, OD ’00
Julie Fender Hogan, OD ’02 and Christopher M. Hogan, OD ’01
Litewell B. Holbrook, OD ’63
Michael V. Holland, OD ’90
Jim Hollifield
William M. Holman, OD ’92
Gary S. Holtzman, OD ’92
William Hopper
Richard L. Hopping, OD ’52
Robert D. Houghteling, OD ’95
Mona G. Howard
Benjamin T. Hubbard, Jr., OD ’95
Charles R. Hughes, Jr., OD ’86
Marty L. Hughes, OD ’97
Donald P. Humphrey, OD ’72
Freeman E. Huskey, Jr., OD ’77
Arnold M. Huskins, OD ’88
Arthur Thomas Hyde, OD ’76
John Mark Jackson, OD ’99, MS
Edward T. Jacobs, OD ’01
Allyn H. Jacobson, OD ’72
James B. Jalenak, Esq.
W. Michael Jamison, OD ’82
Jerry D. Jenks, OD ’75
Gordon W. Jennings, OD ’81
John B. Jiu, OD ’77
John-Kenyon American Eye Institute
Jarrett A. Johnson, OD ’90
Jolynn and Kenneth Johnson
Ray H. Johnson, OD ’68
Michael V. Johnston, OD ’89
Jennifer L. Jones, OD ’06
Robert B. Jordan, OD ’88
William H. Kahn, OD ’65
Jay A. Keesling, OD ’76
Marie C. Kelly, OD ’85
Kentucky Optometric Foundation
Aaron Kerr, OD ’98
Amy C. Kimball
Jay R. Kimberley, OD ’80
Helen J. King, OD ’83 and Christopher B. King, OD ’83
Nelson C. Klaus, Jr., OD ’72
J. Keith Kleinert, OD ’86
Amy J. Knickerbocker, OD ’99
Robert A. Koetting, OD ’47
Patricia M. Kowalski, OD ’88
Mildred and Murray Kozinn
Norman Krell, OD ’53
Gerald A. Krumbholz, OD ’65
Paul LaFreniere
Joseph A. Lamendola, Jr., OD ’62
Katherine H. Laney, OD , DO ’99
Harold L. Lashlee
Vicki B. Lauer, OD ’98 and Scott M. Lauer, OD ’98
Charles D. Lawler, OD ’64
Mike Lawson
Steven G. Laymon, OD ’85
Louis J. Layton, OD ’67
Carrie D. Lebowitz, OD ’06
William Lennon
Thomas Lentz, OD ’76
Kevin G. Loesch, OD ’93
Arthur W. H. Loo, OD ’50
Gary B. Lukes, OD ’83
G. Steven Malone, OD ’80
Gary L. Mancil, OD ’82
Willis C. Maples, OD ’68, MS
Marchon Eyewear, Inc.
Franklin D. Martin, OD ’60
Erie Mathena
Mark E. Mather, OD ’76
Sherry D. Mattingly
John A. May, OD ’63
Lara E. May, OD ’00
Jerry W. McBride, OD ’70
Lenward R. McCalla, OD ’85
George S. McCarter, OD ’76
James L. McCord, Jr., OD ’54
Robert W. McCullough, OD ’77
Douglas V. McKillip, OD ’70
David McMindes
Michael S. McQuaig, OD ’77
Lorie M. McReynolds, OD ’00
H. Lowell Meister, Jr., OD ’59
Kathryn G. Melonas
Raymundo G. Mendoza, OD ’84
Allyson P. Mertins, OD ’97
Robert E. Meyer, OD ’53
Paul D. Michalove, OD ’66
Miguel Miciano
Cara Mikelsons
Allison Haddad Miller, OD ’00
Henry B. Miller, OD ’77
Keith L. Miller, OD ’86
David H. Mills, OD ’78
Robert C. Mills, Jr., OD ’89
Robert L. Mills, OD ’67
J. Robert Mitchem, OD ’60
Terry D. Moehnke, OD ’77
Nicole Y. Monroe, OD ’99
Stacie Moore, OD ’00
Richard E. Morgan, OD ’61
Sandra C. Morgan
Paul D. Mormon, OD ’01
Spring 2009 | 11
Dale L. Morris, OD ’73
Giovanna Marie Moses, OD ’02
Daniel O. Mosser, OD ’81
Kenneth Mulholland, Jr.
Haylie Lynne Mulliniks, OD ’07
M. Shay Murphy, OD ’02
John C. Myers, OD ’89
Charles A. Nassauer, OD ’82
John Michael Neal, OD ’07
Michael Neff, OD ’68
Maryke Neiberg, OD
Jeff Netzel, OD ’02
James M. Newman, III, OD ’73, MS
Ha Thi Nguyen, OD ’05
Zakiya Nicks, OD
John L. Noe, OD ’64
Dana M. Nolan, OD ’98
Jill O’Brien
Keith M. Oliver, OD ’79
Delma Ortiz
Dr. and Mrs. John Ostrowski
Larry Otten, OD ’77
Lyn Brown Oxley, OD ’84
Terri and Keith Paglusch
Jerry B. Park, OD ’66
Ralph E. Parkansky, OD, MS, MBA
David L. Parker, OD ’95
James L. Parkerson, OD ’77
Randall T. Parrish, Jr., OD ’78
Ralph C. Patterson, OD ’69
W. Stan Peacock, OD ’84
Brenda and Greg Pearson
John S. Peery, OD ’84
George W. Pegram, III, OD ’92
Jane Pemberton-Hansen
Mary Lee Pemberton, OD ’98
Brenda M. Phelps
Clifford I. Phillips, OD ’78
David E. Phillips, OD ’75
Richard W. Phillips, OD ’78
Robert H. Pierce, Jr., OD ’85
Guy R. Pike
PMC Commercial Trust
William Poe
Geoffrey Ryan H. Powell, OD ’02
Richard L. Powell, OD ’68
Tony G. Powers, OD ’87
Sue T. Prchal, OD ’79 and Gerald J. Prchal, OD ’79
Precision Optical Laboratory, Inc.
James L. Price, Jr., OD ’74
Lindsay Prockish
Wayne W. Pyeatt
Douglas E. Radish, OD ’82
Brett K. Radow, OD ’80
Brenda H. Rakestraw
Rod L. Rallo, OD ’80
Kristina L. Ramsey, OD ’07
Linda Rangel
Dewey E. Raynor, OD ’73
J. Eric Raynor, OD ’93
Wallis E. Reagin, OD ’49
J. Gregory Reasons, OD ’87
Douglas V. Reeves, OD ’81
Lewis Reich, OD, PhD
Leon A. Renaud, OD ’73
William T. Reynolds, OD ’85
Phillip D. Rhoads, OD ’89
Miles W. Rhyne, Jr., OD ’74
J. Scott Richardson, OD ’75
Rhett H. Richardson, OD ’83
Tchula M. Ripton, OD ’98
Beth and Phil Rives
Jennifer Sanderson, OD and Andrew J. Rixon, OD
Gary A. Roach, OD ’72
Bob G. Roberts, OD ’74
Michael N. Robertson
Robertson Optical Laboratories, Inc.
William E. Robinson, Jr., OD ’74
Earl H. Rock, OD ’68
Richard L. Roenfeldt, OD ’82
Frank A. Romano, OD ’78
Frank E. Roofe, III, OD ’80
Walter S. Rose, OD ’90
Marion Rosemore
Mark D. Roudebush, OD ’91
Mark J. Roy, III, OD ’02
Milton J. Salomon, OD ’66
James D. Sandefur, OD ’65
Richard Savoy, OD
Henry V. Sawyer, Jr., OD ’78
Charles A. Schaible, OD ’74
Thomas F. Schobelock, OD ’87
Alan D. Scott, OD ’75
Sallye S. Scott, OD ’78
SECO International, Inc.
Valerie B. Seligson, OD ’83
E. Michelle Sellers
Travis K. Sharpe, OD ’06
Andrea E. Shelton, OD ’03
Owen M. Shirts, OD ’84
Curtis C. Shockley, OD ’61
Steven R. Shum, OD ’71
Michael R. Sigmon, OD ’89
William D. Simmons, OD ’62
J. Scott Simpson, OD ’75
Robert W. Smalling, OD ’74
April D. Smith, OD ’98 and Brian D. Smith, OD ’98
Denson L. Smith, OD ’50
F. Mason Smith, OD ’76
Frank G. Smith, III
John W. Smith, OD ’80
Misti R. Smith, OD ’07
Rosalind O. Smith, OD ’76 and Theron C. Smith, III, OD ’74
Larry D. Snider, OD ’76
Gary R. Snuffin
Gary M. Soifer, OD ’80
Hosea J. Soileau, Jr., OD ’79
Thomas Soviar, OD ’83
W. Craig Spangler, OD ’70
Bernard I. Sparks, III, OD ’77, MS
Sylvia E. Sparrow, OD ’98
William R. Spooner, OD ’76
W. David Spruill, OD ’77
Alta I. Spurrier, OD ’68
Kevin D. Stallard, OD ’96
Glen T. Steele, OD ’69 and Brenda Steele
Audra D. Steiner, OD ’00
Sandra Stephens
William E. Sterling, Jr., OD ’75
Sidney J. Stern, OD ’71
Floyd J. Stewart, OD ’04
Anthony L. Stubits, OD ’82
James W. Stuckey, OD ’75
Jerome Sude, OD ’72
Jerry M. Sullivan
Harry M. Sulzberger, OD ’63
William C. Sutherland, OD ’66
J. Craig Swaim, OD ’77
Kimberly A. Swan, OD ’03
Sandra L. Swaringen, OD ’81
Dean Swick, MBA
Sharon E. Tabachnick, PhD
Mike Tannehill, OD ’75
Marc Taub, OD
Daniel A. Taylor, OD ’06, MS
Donald R. Taylor, OD ’69
Mark A. Taylor, OD ’97
Wyatt R. Taylor, OD ’64
David Teed, OD ’02
Jerome M. Tempel, OD ’78
Lisa M. Temple
The Egg Factory, LLC
Thomas E. Theobald, OD ’63
James P. Theroux, OD ’87
Angela M. Thomas, OD ’89
Charles E. Thomas, OD ’84
Chad J. Thompson, OD ’99
Duane Thompson, OD ’99
John F. Thompson, OD ’74
Charlie P. Tillman, Jr., OD ’83
Frederick W. Tillman, OD ’81
Paul C. Tisdal, OD ’81
Jean Ann Toomey, OD ’85
Lisa C. Tracy
Kevin Tran, OD ’02
Marty S. Traylor, OD ’00
Howard W. Tucker, Jr., OD ’63
Terry L. Tucker, OD ’84
Greg Turnage
Judy Turnage
Lisa and Terry Turner
William L. Turner, OD ’79
Laurel L. Van Horn, OD ’99
Tarra L. Vander Leest, OD ’04
Brooke C. Vegas, OD ’07
Abner Velasco, OD ’99
James E. Venable, OD ’89
Bree S. Vickers, OD ’02
Robert R. Vincent, OD ’81
G. Robert Vines, OD ’53
Vision Service Plan
Lisa Rossmeyer Wade, OD ’84
Debarah A. Wallace, OD ’86 and Peter C. Dubin, OD ’86
Penny K. Walker
Mark C. Ward, OD ’86
Pete Wardell, OD ’05
Terry M. Warren, OD ’79
Annette G. Webb, OD ’95
Michael L. Weeden, OD ’92
David West
Jerry D. West, OD ’72
W. Wayne West, OD ’68
Patricia Westfall, OD ’99
Harriet and David Whiting
Stan J. Whitley, OD ’83
Kimberly A. Wilkins
Leonard Wilkins, OD ’68
Carrie Williams, OD ’02
Leslie and Robert Williams
Barry A. Winston, OD ’74
Jerry M. Winston, OD ’67
Neta B. Wood, OD ’77 and Douglas R. Wood, OD ’77
Frederick J. Wright, OD ’69
Harmon E. Wyett, OD ’50
James E. Yarbrough, OD ’72
William J. Yearta, OD ’72
William L. Yoos, OD ’92
Anton L. Young, OD ’62
Bruce G. Young, OD ’74 and Ruth Ann Young
Cynthia Lynn Zara, OD ’03
Leigh P. Ziegler, OD ’92
Eugene Zuckerman, OD ’47
SChOLARShIPS AND NAMED ROOMSThe following have established and/or made a new pledge for a scholarship or named a room in The Eye Center between October 1, 2008 and December 31, 2008.
Alumni Council ScholarshipAllan Leslie Barker, OD ’75 and Susan S. BarkerJudith A. Clay, OD ’70 and Edward K. Walker, OD ’49 Steven L. Compton, OD ’78 Lowell H. Gilbert, OD ’65 Stuart M. Greenberg, OD ’01 Howard B. Levinson, OD ’76 Paul D. Mormon, OD ’01 Dale L. Morris, OD ’73 Larry Otten, OD ’77 James D. Sandefur, OD ’65 Henry V. Sawyer, Jr., OD ’78 Sallye S. Scott, OD ’78
Mark J. Murphy ScholarshipThe Egg FactoryRonald D. Blum, OD ’72
TRIbUTESDonations between October 1, 2008 and December 31, 2008.
In Memory of…Lynne Amiel
R. Keith Amiel, OD ’68
Lena BlumJoseph H. Blum, Jr., OD ’53
Colonel Edward “Buzz” Bzdula, OD ’81 Timothy P. Allen, OD ’70
Mr. and Mrs. Lennox ChangFreddy W. Chang, OD, MS, PhD
Norwood G. Davis, OD ’73 Dewey E. Raynor, OD ’73
Jimmy C. Dawson, OD ’72 Curtis L. Farrar, OD ’72
Irving L. DunskyTressa F. Eubank, ODArnold M. Huskins, OD ’88
Richard A. Goodson, OD ’66 Lisa M. Temple
Dr. GreeneKeith L. Miller, OD ’86
Cheryl D. Johnson, OD ’82 Lisa M. TempleTressa F. Eubank, ODJolynn and Kenneth Johnson
Fredric M. Rosemore, OD ’48 Ron M. Bannister, OD ’77 Beth and Brad BesnerJoAnne and Stanley BesnerBrandy and Leonard CohenSue and Joe GillilandWhitney H. Hauser, OD ’01 and Joseph H. Hauser, MBAMildred and Murray KozinnPMC Commercial TrustLisa and Terry TurnerHarriet and David WhitingLeslie and Robert Williams
Mr. and Mrs. Hosea Soileau, Sr.Hosea J. Soileau, Jr., OD ’79
John W. Sprinkel, III, OD, ’00 Audra D. Steiner, OD ’00
Leonard RoveryDaniel A. Taylor, OD ’06, MS
Jack Craig Warren, OD ’77 Terry M. Warren, OD ’79
Charles A. Wood, III, OD ’60 Franklin D. Martin, OD ’60
In Honor of…William E. Cochran, OD ’68
W. Wayne West, OD ’68
David Damari, OD Glen T. Steele, OD ’69
Janette D. Dumas, ODGlen T. Steele, OD ’69
Sally and James DumasJanette D. Dumas, OD
Tressa F. Eubank, ODGlen T. Steele, OD ’69
L. Allen Fors, OD ’69, MEdGlen T. Steele, OD ’69
Martha Rosemore Greenberg, OD ’74 Ron M. Bannister, OD ’77
Willis C. Maples, OD ’68, MSGlen T. Steele, OD ’69
Virgil L. Rhodes, OD ’50 and Mrs. Peggy Rhodes
David L. Foutch, OD ’87 Richard W. Phillips, OD ’78
W. A. Ritchie, OD ’46 Harold S. Cohen, OD ’47
Robyn Russell, OD Glen T. Steele, OD ’69
The Russo FamilyJoyce R. Adema, OD ’49
James D. Sandefur, OD ’65 Cynthia E. Baker, OD ’83 and Joseph H. Baker, OD ’83
Allan G. Schoen, OD ’72, MEdGlen T. Steele, OD ’69
Daniel E. Smith, OD ’94 Glen T. Steele, OD ’69
Glen T. Steele, OD ’69 Michael Neff, OD ’68
Scott B. Steinman, OD, PhDGlen T. Steele, OD ’69
Marc Taub, ODGlen T. Steele, OD ’69
James E. Venable, OD ’89 Glen T. Steele, OD ’69
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.
12 | ScoVisions
’40s
Jack Runninger, OD ’47, married Helen Hayes cobb on November 8, 2008. the Runningers have known each other for 50 years through membership in their church choir. Prior to the deaths of their previous spouses, Dr. Runninger was married 60 years and Helen for 56 years. With a total of 116 years of marriage between them, Dr. Runninger notes that he told the officiating minister not to worry about the couple’s readiness for the responsibilities of marriage.
’60sLeon Gresham, OD ’63, recently authored an article for the (Georgia) Calhoun Times newspaper entitled, “Good eyesight is a quality of life issue as we grow older.” the article gave readers advice on dealing with age-related vision issues.
Terry Swinger, OD ’64, was re-elected in November to the missouri House of Representatives, while James F. Morrison, OD ’67, was re-elected to the Kansas House of Representatives.
George I. Wike, Jr., OD ’67, has been elected chairman of the Board of Directors of cornerstone Bancorp, holding company of cornerstone National Bank in easley, South carolina. Dr. Wike was one of cornerstone’s original organizers and has been a member of the boards of both cornerstone Bancorp and
cornerstone National Bank since their inception in 1999.
Don Williamson, OD ’67, was one of the top six eye care professionals across the nation recently recognized for outstanding performance in the Davis vision provider recognition program. Selections were made through an extensive evaluation process that included patient surveys and peer reviews. Dr. Williamson has practiced in cape coral, Florida since 1973.
’70sGeorge haas, OD ’70, was recently reappointed to serve on the arkansas State Board of optometry.
Terry Moehnke, OD ’77, was named Sertoman of the Year by the Fort Dodge Sertoma club in Iowa.
Lonnie Randolph, OD ’77, recently spoke at a program honoring Dr. martin luther King Jr. at South carolina State University. Dr.
Randolph has served the past five years as president of the South carolina State conference of the NaacP and as president of the columbia chapter of the NaacP. He also serves as chairman of South carolina’s State consumer affairs commission.
Sco President Richard W. Phillips, OD ‘78, reports the birth of a new grandson. logan William Reading was born Sunday,
march 15 to Dr. Phillips’ daughter, melissa Reading, and her husband, Jon Reading. logan weighed in at 8 lbs., 4 ozs., and measured 20.5 inches long. mother and son are doing fine, and Dr. Phillips is planning on logan graduating from Sco around the year 2035.
brian Weber, OD ’78, was recently named Eye Care Professional Magazine’s oD of the month.
Larry Williams, OD ’78, was recently honored with a surprise party to mark his 30th anniversary in practice. Dr. Williams was joined by a large number of West virginia Sco alumni, many for whom he
had served as a preceptor. the group included hank Murray, OD ’79, Phil Wilmoth, OD ’84, Kent hall, OD ’85, Greg Moore, OD ’87, Travis Taylor, OD ’96, Marty Carpenter, OD ’03, and student T.W. Moore, ’10.
’80sCraig M. McCormick, OD ‘81, recently received the Distinguished optometrist of the Year award from the minnesota optometric association.
Carol Scott, OD ’83, was recently elected President of the college of optometrists in vision Development (covD).
Lisa R. Wade, OD ’84, Professor emerita, was recently profiled in the Memphis Business Journal. the article focused on her ownership of Horn lake, mississippi’s Southern thunder Harley Davidson dealership. the publication reported that Dr. Wade is starting construction on a new location for her dealership.
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 [email protected].
louisiana oDs Serve each other in time of Needtwo Sco alumni from louisiana — Jack (Jay) Miller, OD ’59 and David Fisher, OD ’90 — were recently
profiled in an AOA News story about a group they founded, along with tim Barry, oD, called acadiana optometric Round table association (aoRta).
members of aoRta fill in for a colleague in the event of long-term illness or untimely death. Group members filled in for Joey Soileau, OD ’79, during his six-week recuperation from quadruple bypass surgery several years ago.
the idea was originally conceived by area oDs who covered for Dr. miller’s father during surgery several decades earlier. members meet several times a year to strengthen ties between oDs who practice along the same practice modalities.
Group members adhere to three tenets: a sharing of ideas and experiences, taking turns sponsoring their gatherings, and covering for any member in time of need of three and a half to four days per week for more than eight weeks. each member fills in a half day every other week to cover the member in need.
In addition to Drs. miller, Fisher, and Soileau, other Sco alumni among aoRta’s membership ranks include Jack Wise, OD ’77, Rick LaCombe, OD ’82, Sara Armand, OD ’06, and Gerald Gerdes, OD ’02.
Spring 2009 | 13
’90sStephen Clark, OD ’95, recently participated in Job Shadow Day held for mcminn county, tennessee students. Dr. clark, who practices at Keylon eyecare in athens, was shadowed by high school junior Natalie Bernhard, who told a local newspaper that she found optometry very interesting.
Lee St. Pierre, OD ’97, was recently reappointed to serve on the arkansas Board of Dispensing opticians.
bradley Thompson, OD ’99, was named Young oD of the Year by the mississippi optometric association.
Patricia Westfall, OD ’99, married travis elsberry on December 27, 2008.
’00sEric h. barnes, OD ’00, and his wife, Janine, report the birth of a son, Nathaniel eric Barnes, born February 4, 2009.
Jennifer Floyd, OD ’00, and her husband, Jason, had their third child, cason Jace, born January 11, 2009.
Mark Shirey, OD ’00, was named Young oD of the Year by the alabama optometric association.
Larry Golson, OD ’02, has been elected to serve on the asheville, North carolina area arts council Board of Directors.
Rebecca (Williamson) brown, OD ’03, recently received the Key optometrist of the Year award from the ohio optometric
association. She was also named a “mahoning valley top 40 Under 40” honoree. Dr. Brown is currently serving in her second year on the aoa State Government Relations center committee and in her second year as Northeastern ohio optometric association Governor.
Martin Carpenter, OD ’03, has been appointed to serve on the West virginia optometric association’s executive board.
Chevron Ergle, OD ’04, and his wife, angela, welcomed a baby girl, Hannah Kincade, born march 10, 2008.
Captain Jeffrey A. Newsom, OD ’05, has been named the air Force air mobility command company Grade optometrist of the Year for the second consecutive year.
Sherylan Webb, OD ’06, and her husband, Bill, report the birth of their first child, eva (pronounced ava) marie Webb, born November 21, 2008.
Marc helmy, OD ’08, has joined memphis Family vision Practice’s See main Street downtown location. other alumni partners include Gerald Eisenstatt, OD ’84, Greg Usdan, OD ’94, and Leonard hampton, OD ’83.
Alicia Price, OD ’08, has joined the practice of Wallace eye Surgery in alexandria, louisiana.
bret Wise, OD ’08, was recently profiled by a Kansas newspaper. the story noted that Dr. Wise is keeping busy meeting the demand for an optometrist in the marion area. He also practices in Wichita and emporia.
1939 albert c. Rhodes, oD
chattanooga, tN
1940James F. Samet, oD
mableton, Ga
1941Richard F. Hosaka, oD
Honolulu, HI
1947W.c. “Bill” clark, Jr., oD
Fort Worth, tX
1948Beaucham F. Greene, Jr., oD
Bamberg, Scl. carswell Harpe, Jr., oD
lexington, NcJames N. Rowland, oD
oxford, Nc
1949Wayne Williamson, oD
Decatur, tX
1950Serapio oliveira, oD
el Paso, tXJ. clayton Richardson, oD
Seneca, Sc
1951 W. lindy Benson, oD
amarillo, tXemil G. Wall, oD
montgomery, tXFrank J. Youd, oD
Kirkland, Wa
1952 Samuel F. landreth, oD
marion, va
1953 Dante alexander, oD
Fairfield, NJPhillip m. Hendry, oD
minden, la
1954 anthony alvarez, oD
Sherman, tX
1955 clyde J. campau, oD
appleton, WI
1957 Guy Braswell, oD
Jackson, mSSamuel H. metcalf, oD
Newport News, va
1961 James R. Prater, Jr., oD
Florence, al
1965 Kurt J. Sunner, oD
Spirit lake, Ia
1973 Norwood G. Davis, oD
Jacksonville, NcDavid l. Pesce, oD
W. Simsbury, ctWesley D. Reeves, Sr., oD
Ruston, laRodney D. Stoy, oD
arkansas city, KS
IN mEmoriAm
Edward Millan, Sr., OD ’40, of Norfolk, virginia, died January 26, 2009. one of the longest practicing oDs in virginia, he was the past president of the tidewater optometric Society, the virginia optometric association and the virginia academy of optometry.
D. Lloyd Guerin, Sr., OD ’52, of little Rock, arkansas, died January 26, 2009. Dr. Guerin practiced until his retirement at age 82 in 2004. He was a past president of the arkansas optometric association.
Daniel houghton, Jr., OD ’53, of Baker, Florida, died march 24, 2009. a Korean War graduate, he served as aoa President in 1993-1994 and as president of the Florida optometric association in 1979. In 1992, he received the Doctor of ocular Science degree from Sco.
John V. Sims, OD ’63, of Kingsport, tennessee, passed away January 28, 2009. a past president of the Northeast tennessee optometric association, Dr. Sims is survived by his wife, ellen Sims, oD ’63, and his brothers-in-law, Joe chambers, oD ’70, and John chambers, oD ’77.
14 | ScoVisions
Sco Welcomes New FacultyPatricia (Trish) Estes-Walker, OD has joined the faculty as an assistant Professor. Dr. Walker earned her optometry degree from Northeastern State University, college of optometry in 1996 and completed her residency the following year at the memphis veterans administration medical center. She has
served as center Director for vision america locations in tennessee and alabama and practiced at Southern eye associates in memphis. Dr. Walker will be teaching in adult Primary care and directing Sco’s ce program.
William Kress, OD, has joined the faculty as an instructor. a 2007 graduate of the ohio State University, college of optometry, Dr. Kress earned his undergraduate degree from ohio University. He completed his residency in Primary care/ocular Disease at the veterans affairs medical center in
albuquerque, New mexico.
Faculty Promotions, effective July 1, 2009
Jennifer Sanderson, OD, from Instructor to assistant ProfessorCheryl Ervin, OD, from assistant Professor to associate ProfessorDavid Damari, OD, from associate Professor to ProfessorLewis Reich, OD, PhD, from associate Professor to Professor
J. bart Campbell, OD ’87, Professor, has been named the new chair of Sco’s Department of optometric education, effective July 1. the position includes oversight of both academic and clinical curriculum. Dr. campbell, who joined Sco in 1988, has been serving as Director of Residency Programs and chief of contact lens at the eye center.
Faculty HighlightsJ. bart Campbell, OD ’87, Professor, is the first author of a book chapter
in the Clinical Manual of Contact Lenses, third edition. His full citation reads: campbell JB, Henry va, marohn, JW. Soft lens Problem Solving. In: Bennett eS, Henry va, eds. Clinical Manual of Contact Lenses, third edition. Philadelphia, Pa: lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2009: 291-319.
David Damari, OD, associate Professor, recently presented at the 2008 annual consultants’ meeting at the National Board of medical examiners (NBme) in Philadelphia. His presentation focused on the relationship between convergence insufficiency and aDHD.
Dan Fuller, OD, assistant Professor, authored an article entitled, “a case of macular Pseudohole Secondary to epiretinal membrane” in the march 2009 issue of Clinical and Refractive Optometry.
Cynthia heard, OD, associate Professor, authored an article about diabetes for the February issue of Good Health Magazine, a supplemental publication of the memphis newspaper.
Carrie Lebowitz, OD ’06, Instructor, authored an article about glaucoma for the march issue of Best Times, a senior magazine in the memphis area.
Sharon Lee, OD, Instructor, recently gave a “low vision Rehabilitation Service” presentation and device demonstration to the members of a memphis area lions club.
Christopher Lievens, OD, MS, associate Professor, recently delivered two different two-hour lectures on glaucoma and contact lens solutions
at a meeting of the mississippi optometric association in Jackson, mississippi.
W.C. Maples, OD ’68, Professor, lectured six hours at the Heart of america’s vision therapy congress in November, followed by six hours of lecture at the Southwest congress of optometry in January. His topics included “evidenced-Based optometry”, the “convergence Insufficiency Studies”, and “Quality of life Issues in optometry.”
Maryke N. Neiberg, OD, assistant Professor, is writing a bimonthly, peer reviewed and coPe-approved column on various systemic diseases and their implications for vision and the eye. the columns appear in the Journal Of Ophthalmic Education. Recent articles published in october and December were entitled, “carotid artery Disease and the eye” and “vertebrobasilar artery Disease and the eye.”
Jared Powelson, OD ’96, assistant Professor, recently presented a 90-minute lecture to a first-year class of physical therapy students at the University of tennessee Health Science center. the topic was “the effects of aging on the eye.”
Glen Steele, OD ’69, Professor, presented a paper entitled, “Retinoscopy and the link between Social and emotional, and cognitive mile-stones,” at the Kraskin Invitational Skeffington Symposium in Bethesda, maryland. He led a course on infant examination for the New York State Practitioners association and led another seminar on infant care for the michigan optometric association last fall. Dr. Steele has also been busy actively representing InfantSee® at several meetings, in-cluding the american Public Health association and the association of maternal and child Health Program. He also served on this year’s Seco ce committee and participated in the coordination of the pro-gram as part of a team.
Marc b. Taub, OD, assistant Professor, was the guest editor of the recent traumatic Brain Injury issue of Optometry and Vision Development, the journal of the covD.
Daniel Taylor, OD ’06, MS, Instructor, helped secure a $5,000 grant from the medical education and Research Institute (meRI) in support of anatomical education.
James E. Venable, OD ’89, assistant Professor, was presented with a certificate of merit from the optometric extension Program at the recent conclusion of his year on the editorial Board of the Journal of Behavioral Vision Care.
Seco atlanta, march 2009PostersJanette Dumas, OD, assistant Professor, christina vranich ’09, Ba
Hyperopia Associated with a Head Tilt
Scott Ensor, OD ’01, assistant ProfessorMonitor RPE Detachment Closely for Development of Choroidal Neovascular Membrane
Sharon Lee, OD, InstructorDoc, Can You Get This Gunk out of My Eye?
Zakiya Nicks, OD, Instructor; Kristin Anderson, OD, associate Professor; Jim Williamson OD ’97, assistant ProfessorOcular Complications of Hypertension
Sco FoCUs
Spring 2009 | 15
Jennifer Sanderson, OD, InstructorWhen is High Too High?
Janna Smith, OD ’00, assistant ProfessorChoroidal Neovascularization Secondary to Presumed Ocular Histoplasmosis Syndrome
Optociliary Shunt Vessels: Etiological Considerations
Daniel Taylor, OD ’06, mS, Instructor Persistent Hyperplastic Primary Vitreous: A Review of the Literature
Lectures/PanelsChristopher Lievens, OD, MS, associate Professor, melissa Reading, esq., JD
Nuts and Bolts, Part 1
Sco Welcomes New Board membersSharon Moscow berger, OD ’80, and Steven T. Reed, OD ’95, recently were
named to Sco’s Board of trustees for six-year terms.Since her graduation in 1980, Dr. Sharon moscow Berger
has served the profession and her patients in private practice at Roswell eye clinic in Roswell, Georgia.
She has been actively involved in organized optometry, including service as chairperson for children’s vision for the Georgia optometric association (Goa) and as a volunteer and chairperson for InfantSee®.
a Fellow of the college of optometrists in vision Development (covD), Dr. Berger served 15 years as the covD’s State Director in Georgia.
She also is a member of the american optometric association, optometric extension Program, and the Neuro-optometric Rehabilitation association.
at the community level, she is active as a volunteer with the lions club, delivering food through the Second Helpings program at temple Sinai, and with the Roswell High School Softball team, where her daughter has played for three years.
“I am ready to help prepare future generations to not only continue the work I love, but to bring optometry to even a higher level of accomplishments for future generations,” she says.
a 1995 Sco graduate, Dr. Steven t. Reed has spent the last 14 years in private practice in magee, mississippi.
active in organized optometry, he is a past president of the mississippi optometric association (moa) and a past chair of his state’s legislative committee. He also has served as president of the Southwest central Society and on the board of the moa.
Within the american optometric association, he has served as a delegate to the aoa congress House of Delegates since 2003, as aoa Keyperson coordinator, a delegate to optometry 2020, and on the President’s council coordination committee.
a past president and current member of the magee lion’s club, he is a past president and current member of the magee chamber of commerce, a member of the Simpson county economic Development Foundation, and in leadership roles in his church and for the Boy Scouts of america.
“optometry is a dynamic profession that is molded by our involvement and commitment,” he says. “this attitude of service begins in optometry school.”
as an Sco Board member, he hopes to develop policies that would give students a better understanding of their role in the optometric profession now and in the future.
venable, lievens Selected to lead the eye center
After a nationwide search, James Venable, OD ’89, Assistant Professor, has been selected as SCO’s new Executive Director for Clinical Programs, effective July 1.
Dr. Venable will succeed James Burke, OD ’77, Vice President for Clinical Programs. Dr. Burke will retire from the position and remain on the faculty part-time.
“Dr. Venable brings years of experience in private practice, co-management centers and has been actively involved in organized optometry throughout his years of service,” said SCO President Richard W. Phillips, OD ’78. “As he has served for five years as Chief of Staff at The Eye Center, the transition should be a smooth one.”
After his graduation from SCO, Dr. Venable received intern training at the James H. Quillen College of Medicine and the VA Hospital and the Chattanooga Vision and Perception Center. He has served as Director of Special Services, Director of Referral Services and Clinical Director for group private practices and referral centers while concentrating his clinical practice in pediatrics and binocular vision, laser vision correction and glaucoma.
Prior to joining the SCO faculty in 2004, he previously served as Regional Vice President of Operations at Eye Health Partners of Middle Tennessee, Inc. He is a Fellow of the College of Optometrists in Vision Development (COVD), a past president of the Tennessee Optometric Association (TOA), the Chair of the AOA Pediatrics and Binocular Vision Committee, and he has served on the National Speakers Bureau for Allergan Pharmaceuticals, Inc. In 2005, he was named the TOA’s OD of the Year.
Dr. Phillips praised Dr. Burke for his 30 years of service to SCO and said the college is indebted to him for his leadership of The Eye Center, where his accomplishments include increasing the number of patients seen, expanding income and offering an increasing amount of diverse services.
Meanwhile, Chris Lievens, OD, MS, Asso-ciate Professor, was named Interim Chief of Staff, effective July 1, when Dr. Venable leaves the position. He will retain his duties as Chief of Adult Primary Care through the transition.
“Drs. Venable and Lievens should be an outstanding leadership team, and I look forward to working closely with them to evolve our Clinical Programs even more, especially as we continue to develop and finalize our Strategic Plan,” Dr. Phillips added.
16 | ScoVisions
NeWS briEFs Class of 2009 Earns 100%
congratulations to the students in Sco’s class of 2009 for their 100 percent passage rate on Part II of their NBeo exams.
“We want to commend the class for this accomplishment,” said President Richard W. Phillips, oD ’78. “I join Dr. lewis Reich, vice President for academic affairs, in expressing congratulations and appreciation to the faculty who have provided the leadership through their instruction and mentoring that would contribute to such an outstanding result. We have reason to celebrate together.”
Members of COVD’s International Examination and Certification Board lectured and dined with students from SCO’s COVD chapter.
sCo Hosts CoVD Committeethe college recently hosted a select
committee of the International examination and certification Board (IecB) of the covD. the committee worked on writing a new multiple-choice written examination as a component of the covD Fellowship Process.
visitors included leonard Press, oD, celia Hinrichs, oD (chair of the IecB) and from the Sco faculty, David Damari, oD, chair of the committee, and W.c. maples, oD ’68. In addition, Dr. Rochelle mozlin, a professor at SUNY college of optometry, participated in the meeting in preparation for SUNY’s use of that examination as a new part of the certification process for their residents in vision therapy/Rehabilitation.
Foster to receive Honorary DegreeGeorge Foster, oD, recently retired Dean
of the Northeastern State University okla-homa college of optometry, will receive the Doctor of ocular Science (DoS) degree
during Sco’s 2009 commencement cer-emony, to be held Friday, may 1 in memphis. He will also deliver the commencement address.
Dr. Foster served 11 years as Dean of NSUoco and 29 years in private practice in Bristow, oklahoma. His long service to the profession included serving on the oklahoma State Board of examiners in opto-metry and the accreditation council on optometric education. He was named the aoa’s optometrist of the Year in 1989 and Optometric Management named him as one
of the top 10 oDs of the Decade in 1999.Sco President Richard W. Phillips, oD
’78, and W.c. maples, oD ’68, Professor — a former long-time NSUoco faculty member — represented Sco at Dr. Foster’s recent retirement ceremony in oklahoma.
Amo Donates Equipment to the Eye Center
advanced medical optics, Inc. (amo) recently donated its WaveScan WaveFront System for use in the eye center at Sco.
Sco launches online alumni Directory
SCO recently launched its new
online Alumni Directory. While the
college has traditionally assisted
in the production of a printed alumni directory
in book form every five years, the new online version is a
perfect supplement for timely updates about your practice status, additions
to your family, or the opportunity to connect with your classmates by providing up-to-
date information.
Registration is an easy process, and there is no charge to use the service. Membership
is restricted to SCO alumni, and your information will be not be sold or used for outside
marketing purposes.
Alumni who register for the Alumni Directory may also register for a new email address
especially created for SCO’s alumni via Microsoft Hosted Services. This web-based email
account works through Outlook Web Access and includes a number of exciting new features,
including 25GB of storage, social networking and other capabilities.
Existing email accounts will continue to function during this migration to the new
service, and the new email address is optional. After registering, users will receive more
information about this joint collaboration between Institutional Advancement and
SCO’s Information Services teams. To register, please visit www.sco.edu/alumni and click on
the “Alumni Directory” link.
Registering for an email is an excellent
opportunity to join nearly 4,000 other alumni who
are already receiving monthly e-newsletters from
SCO between issues of VISIONS. You may request
to receive these email newsletters by emailing
Spring 2009 | 17
the Wavescan system leads the industry for acquiring outstanding wavefront data. the equipment will be useful in giving students clinical exposure to measuring aberrations, said Jim Burke, oD ’77, vice President for clinical Programs, following installation of the equipment, valued at $80,000.
marco Provides refraction systemmarco recently installed its total Refrac-
tion System (tRS) in the eye center at Sco to demonstrate the equipment’s cutting edge technology. the tRS assists oDs in determining prescriptions by digitally com- bining data from various optical instru-ments and then electronically recording the information to provide automation of data collection. Demonstrating the equipment are Robert Kalapp, Director of Professional Re-lations, and chris armond, a regional area manager for marco.
to support Career Counseling
Sco recently received a grant from vision Service Plan (vSP) in support of a new career counseling initiative at the college. the offices of Institutional advancement and Student Services are collaborating to encourage career counseling as part of the student’s academic career earlier in his or her student experience. the program emphasizes career exploration and planning. Individual and small group sessions have started the process.
Dr. Phillips speaks to students about Private Practice
President Phillips recently addressed an evening meeting of Sco’s optometric Private Practice club (oPP) about his person-al experiences in optometry and his advice for students interested in private practice. He recalled first-hand the challenges and opportunities he faced as a new oD and outlined different practice opportunities he embraced, including the air Force National Guard, the first oD/ophthalmologist part-nership in tennessee, and his experience directing Refractive Surgical centers. Dr. Phillips encouraged his audience to begin early investigating career alternatives and opportunities to better enable them to be successful in practicing optometry.
optometry ranks Among best Careers
U.S. News & World Report ranked optom-etry among the 30 best careers for 2009. the magazine noted that an aging baby boomer population will only increase the need for vision care, making job prospects strong for oDs. the publication also cited a high career satisfaction rate and the fact that because the profession is so appealing, prospective students must be superior students to land a spot in optometry school.
’79 Grad Visits with Georgia students
Jerry Prchal, oD ’79, a past president of the Georgia optometric association, visited with Sco’s Georgia Students during their first meeting of 2009.
sCo Library installs ComputersSeveral new computers were recently
installed in Sco’s library to assist students for research, assignment purposes or at times when computers are not available in the college’s learning Resource center. Sco’s library also recently joined a “green weeding” program to handle old books no longer needed. these books are first offered to library users; leftovers are then processed by a “green” company that returns a percentage of books sold to the library and donates a portion of proceeds to charity.
International visitors tour campus
SCO recently hosted three
representatives of international
optometry who visited SECO and
then traveled to Memphis to tour
the SCO campus and learn more
about American optometry.
During their visit, (left to right) Scotland’s Mhairi Day, Colombia’s Maria Mantilla, and Wales’
Nick Sheen met with President Phillips and others from SCO’s administration. The group toured
campus, dined with students and faculty, attended classes and followed patients through clinic
rotations as part of their tour. The group also toured Memphis to give them a feel for the region.
out and aboutSco is committed to interacting with its alumni. We hope to see many of you at:
June 4-7Utah optometric association (midway, Ut)
June 24-28american optometric association (Washington, Dc)
October 1-4Sco Homecoming, Reunion and continuing education Weekend (memphis, tN)
SOUTHERN COLLEGE OF OPTOMETRY1245 Madison Avenue Memphis, TN 38104-2222
RetURN SeRvIce ReQUeSteD
Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage
PAIDMemphis, Tennessee Permit Number 151
AoA 2009Make plans to attend SCO’s Alumni Reception this summer when the AOA Congress convenes in Washington D.C. June 24-28, 2009. This year’s meeting will be held at Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center. The Alumni Reception will be held from 6-7:30 p.m. on Friday, June 26. If you have not already registered your email address by contacting [email protected], please sign up to receive updates. Additional information will be added to alumni pages on the SCO website.