President's Message- August 2011

 Summer Update

Katherine Witmeyer, O.D., F.A.A.O

Hello Fellow Members! As we are in the middle of summer, activities within SDCOS have slowed a bit. I’d like to use this opportunity to update the  membership on a few past, present, and future key events.

First off, I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all of our local optometrists who took the time and initiative to contact their local lawmakers to voice concerns regarding Assembly Bill 778, sponsored by San Diego’s own Toni Atkins (76th Assembly district). According to COA, AB 778 was introduced by Lens Crafters and would exempt their business model from  state laws that prohibit certain economic relationships between optometrists, opticians and other corporate interests. AB 778 had made it through the State Assembly, but was stalled as if June 23, 2011 in the Senate Business and Professions Committee, where Assemblywoman Atkins has agreed to “hold the bill” and not  take the issue up again until next year. The bill still exists as of now, but thank you all again for your efforts.

On July 17, SDCOS held its 4th Annual Charity Golf Tournament at the Lake San Marcos Country Club benefiting the California Vision Foundation and the Lions’ Optometric Vision Clinic. According the  tournament’s chair, Dr. Dick Skay, 26 golfers came out to enjoy the beautiful weather and camaraderie. $2000 was raised to be split between the two programs.  Thank you to all the ODs, sponsors, and friends who made this day successful. Also, thank you to those companies who donated prizes for the raffle.

The annual President’s Council & Leadership Conference will be held on September 9-10 in San Francisco. This meeting provides the local society leaders the opportunity to introduce important issues to COA in preparation for COA’s annual legislative meeting – the House of Delegates (to be held early February 2012). Dr. Jason Tu and I will be attending this very important meeting.  The membership is encouraged to contact either of us regarding any issues regarding COA/ organized optometry that we should introduce.

This year’s SDCOS Holiday Party will be held on Saturday, December 10 at the Treetops Restaurant within the San Diego Zoo. It is sure to be a great evening, celebrating the holidays and enjoying time with our fellow members. Please mark your calendars now and plan on attending. More details to follow.

Last, I’d like to encourage our membership to take advantage of highly-discounted registration rates for the 2nd San Diego Specialty Contact Lens Symposium to be held February 24-26 at the Manchester Grand Hyatt near Seaport Village. Registration is now open and rate-tiers have  remained the same from the 2011 meeting – with SDCOS members receiving the best rates.  Again, ancillary staff is encouraged to attend. We had amazing feedback from the first meeting,  and the 2012 meeting is sure to be even better – offering separate “tracks” for those new to specialty contact lenses and to those who are more experienced. Please visit the symposium’s website www.specialtycontactlens.org for more information and to register.

I hope that everyone is enjoying their summer in beautiful San Diego!