Newsletters

As crazy at it seems, 2025 is almost behind us.  What a year…and it ain’t over yet!  In February, the SDCOS launched its CE program and will conclude its CE series on Novemeber 20th with the final educational event of the year.  Not only did our society provide 15 hours of quality education, but we had some fun with our themed dinner events and elevated menus.

On Tuesday, September 30, nearly 600 Doctors of Optometry and Optometry students canvassed Capitol Hill, directly engaging in over 280 meetings with their Members of Congress and their staff. This massive advocacy presence delivered a united message across Optometry's top legislative priorities.

I hope everyone is having a great summer!  As we enter the latter part of the year, your SDCOS is hard at work serving its membership and community.

As a society leader, I receive updates from the COA that keep us informed and educated regarding the latest legislative events and issues impacting our profession. 

Last year, my wife Beverly and I had the privilege of attending a Catholic conference at the Vatican. At the end of the week, we were invited to a closing banquet, where we happened to be seated with Cardinal Robert Prevost. We enjoyed a warm and engaging dinner conversation with him and felt truly blessed by the encounter.

Last Friday I had the honor of teaming up with the VSP Mobile Eye Clinic and the San Diego Executive Lions Club to provide exams and glasses to several dozen underprivileged kids in the San Diego South Bay School District.  This ongoing project began last year under the leadership of our past president Eric White and was recognized by the California Optometric Association as the project of the year.

So, what do you do for a living?  How many times have we been asked this question?  In a world that seeks to label us by our occupation, how we answer this question can shed some light on how we view our chosen profession.

Optometry is a legislated profession”.  We’ve all heard this statement before, but do we really understand and appreciate what it means?   Are we aware of how laws and regulations at both the state and federal levels define our scope of practice, licensing requirements, and patient access to care?

Last month I shared with you the importance of society membership to protect and advance our profession.  Together with the California Optometric Association and the American Optometric Association, we collaborate and strategize on how to best serve our members.

On behalf of the San Diego County Optometric Society Board, I would like to wish all of you a most Happy New Year!  May you and your loved ones be blessed with good health and prosperity in 2025.