President's Message

We’re heading into an exciting year filled with CE events, OD mixers, and plenty of opportunities to connect with fellow San Diego optometrists. For my first president’s message, I wanted to share what being part of the San Diego Optometric Society has meant to me.

In 2021, I moved back to San Diego—my hometown—after spending a few years living and working in New York City. If you’ve ever been to New York, you know it’s high-energy and fast-paced, so transitioning back to San Diego’s beach-life, vacation-loving culture definitely took some adjusting. I remember thinking, how does anyone get anything done?

I started my OD career in NYC, where a six-day workweek was the norm and there was constant pressure to keep up. While I was involved in optometry, I had become a bit complacent—busy, but not really contributing to shaping the future of the profession.

Coming back to San Diego ended up being the breath of fresh air I didn’t know I needed. It gave me the space to step back from the grind and reconnect with my purpose in optometry. I joined SDCOS within a few months and quickly realized this was a group of ODs who were thinking beyond their 9-to-5 practices. These were doctors, actively shaping our profession at the society level.

Within the SDCOS Board and Society, I found guidance and support beyond what I expected. As a new practice co-owner, it was incredibly comforting to know I wasn’t going through it alone. The first few years of ownership were a whirlwind—IYKYK—but through all the ups and downs, I always felt grounded because I had a community where I could share both the horror stories and the wins.

CE meetings started to feel less like an obligation and more like hanging out with friends… with the bonus of earning CE credits. Seeing the board and members advocate for our profession, lead meaningful community projects, and help bring eye care to underserved populations truly inspired me. It made me realize that this society—and this profession—deserves my time and energy beyond just my day job.

I am so excited, honored, and proud to serve as President of the San Diego Optometric Society in 2026. We continue to have an amazing Board of Directors who generously volunteer their time, pro bono, to make sure our members have a year filled with learning, connection, and plenty of San Diego fun. I can’t wait for what’s ahead and look forward to an incredible year together.

​​​​​​​Sloan Rajadhyksha
SDCOS 2026 President