President's Message- Nov/ Dec 2011

President’s Message

An Educational and Inspirational Journey

Katherine Witmeyer, O.D., F.A.A.O
I realize that it is only November, but since this is my last President’s Message, I thought it would be appropriate to reflect back on my “Path to Presidency” and on those who have helped and inspired me along the way. Four years ago, I was asked by then President-Elect, Dr. John Riggs to consider joining the SDCOS Executive Board as Secretary. At that time, I had served on the Board less than two years in the Trustee position. I was extremely reluctant to accept the position as I knew by becoming the SDCOS Secretary, I was then committing myself to five years of Board service by rotating through the different Executive Board positions and ultimately ending the tenure with Immediate Past-President. I had thought, “What was my life going to be like in five years, and should I really be committing to something like that?” I hadn’t a clue, not to mention my horrible fear of public speaking! I did however know that I am the type of person who likes to know I have contributed to the greater good of “whatever”. In this case, it’s my chosen profession – Optometry. Now four years later, I’ve gotten married, opened a practice cold, have a beautiful two year-old daughter, and am now finishing out my year as the 2011 SDCOS President.

Believe me, I am no superwoman. There is no way that I could have managed all of the different Executive Board positions over the past several years without the help of our awesome SDCOS Board. Many of our current Board members are past Presidents themselves. They bring a wealth of knowledge to the Board and are always so supportive of those of us with more limited time as Board members. Optometry has evolved in so many ways, even just over the past decade. When some of our Board members graduated from optometry school, they couldn’t even dilate eyes. That seems unimaginable to me, but it’s true! I’ve met amazing colleagues and friends on the Board, and for that I am grateful.

SDCOS is blessed with a large society; however, with a large society comes greater responsibility to our members. Years ago, visionary SDCOS leaders set down the platform for which our society members and local community currently benefit from. The most noteworthy examples are: excellent, free or very low-cost CE events for members, and the Lions’ Optometric Vision Clinic, Vista Community Clinic screenings, and the Monarch School screenings for our local San Diego community. For most of SDCOS’ projects, the money used to support them are generated from your COA dues (a portion is returned to the local society), as well as from the generous support of our industry sponsors. Without your membership and our sponsors, SDCOS would not be able to offer our members the benefits that are currently in place. Equally though, without committed SDCOS Board members, the proper execution of these projects would simply not exist. I had no idea of what goes into the planning and preparation of SDCOS events prior to joining the Board. Now, I have greater appreciation for the hard work and volunteering efforts of our members.

Over the past years, I have also had the honor of attending several COA Legislative events, including House of Delegates, President’s Council, and Legislative (formerly Keyperson) Day. As you are all aware, the last few years of California and organized Optometry have seen its fair share of “drama” – from the passage of SB 1406 and glaucoma certification to the issue of Board Certification. These were/are all hotly debated issues at virtually every major COA Legislative event. Irregardless of my opinion on each of the issues, what I have witnessed over the years at the COA level are individuals who have sacrificed a great deal of personal and practice timef or the greater good of optometry. They are tireless fighters whose character, profession, and dedication to their profession were often questioned – most notably in the SB 1406 congressional hearings. They stood their ground and did not buckle under pressure. They love Optometry and it shows! I have been constantly amazed by what these individuals have accomplished.

At one time, they were attending meetings at their local society wondering how they can get involved….perhaps like some of you are now.

Not only have I (mostly) gotten over my fear of public speaking, but I have gained a new perspective on what it means to be an optometrist…especially in California. In school, I spent four years making sure I knew all aspects of a comprehensive eye exam and ocular disease. I knew that our practicing rules were at the mercy of our elected California legislators, but what did I care? I could do an eye exam, and diagnose and treat several ocular conditions. What I didn’t realize at the time was how hard California ODs had worked to be able to get to that practicing level (even though they were taught full-scope), and how easily things can be turned around. My years on the SDCOS Board have been enlightening. It is obvious the need for ODs to remain active within Optometry.

As much as we all will continue to balk at the impending changes to healthcare and our profession, one thing is for certain…..change is inevitable. Some will be good, some will not, but as I see it, there are only two options for each of us as optometrists: to let others determine our fate or to let your voice be heard and get involved, knowing that you are helping to make a difference. It all starts with Membership. So Thank You all for being members. This can continue with serving on the SDCOS Board or at the COA level. The SDCOS Board works hard for you, our members. Everything is done on a volunteer basis. Yes, it does require time and commitment, but the camaraderie and the educational aspect of learning about the legislative nature of our profession makes the effort worthwhile.

In closing, I would like to extend a huge THANK YOU to the 2011 SDCOS Board: Drs. Lisa Weiss, Jason Tu, Carrie Turley, Erin Swift, Dave Sherman, Eric White, Bob Meisel, Dick Skay, Jack Anthony, Dawn Pewitt, Sukumar Pandit, Karen Peschke, Susan Truong Cervantes, Byron Newman, Barbara Smith, Bob Ring, Paul Lavin, Marcelline Ciuffreda, Amanda Dexter, and Annie Chin. I would also like to thank Nancy-Jo Sinkiewicz, SDCOS’ Administrative Assistant.

Everything you have done for the Board and for the membership is greatly appreciated. I would also like to thank our 2011 Platinum, Sustaining, and Educational sponsors. Without your continued support, we could not be the BEST optometric society in California….and likely the whole country! And finally, my “thank you’s” wouldn’t be complete without mentioning my awesome husband, Lance. His support made it that much easier for me to do what I needed to do these past years. THANK YOU ALL!

It’s been a great year, and I’m thankful that the membership has given me the opportunity to serve them. I’m a member for life, and hopefully you are too!