 San Diego County Optometric Society |
The San Diego ViewJune 2017 |
Inside this Issue:
- President’s Message
- Retina Corner
- Tech Corner
- Eye See
- CE Corner
- Classifieds
- Volunteer Corner
- SDCOS Announcements
- Upcoming Events
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President’s Message
June 2017 |
June typically is associated with sunshine, summertime, family vacations, and the start of wedding season (I’ve become all too familiar with this last one). But in all 21 Optometry Schools in the United States, June means one thing…Graduation!!! Across the country, young doctors are being released into the wild filled with the excitement and enthusiasm such an achievement deserves. Some will be moving on to the nearly 200 residency and fellowship programs available to further their specialization and experience. However, for most of the roughly 1600 graduates and residents finishing their training, the surging feelings of excitement may give way to some feelings of anxiety as the reality of finding a job and impending student loan payments sets in. Many may find themselves wondering… what now?
The California Optometric Association (COA) is here to help! Student membership in the COA is free and new doctors are encouraged to apply while they are students. Graduating student members receive the entirety of their graduation year for free and do not have to begin paying for membership until January. As a result, most graduating students are automatically new member doctors and can enjoy the benefits of COA membership in their search to begin their careers.
The COA offers its members an Optometrist Resource Guide. This manual is available online and can be useful to new doctors as well as current doctors looking to update or change the focus of their practice. The guide walks members through getting their state license, DEA number, NPI, becoming a provider for different insurance plans, and getting started in practice; whether that is starting a private practice or becoming an employed optometrist. COA’s online educational resource “EyeLearn” provides numerous free business and career success webinars. Additionally, COA offers classifieds and job matching services to connect those looking to hire an OD or sell a practice with those seeking employment or a new practice. What new graduate wouldn’t like to have this great information right at their fingertips!
The San Diego County Optometric Society (SDCOS) offers local resources to new graduates as well as those seeking a change in their practice. We offer a unique job connection service which is run by Dr. John Fitzpatrick, our Society Optometric Relations Liaison. Dr. Fitzpatrick coordinates local doctors seeking full or part-time positions and fill-in work, as well as those interested in purchasing, partnering, or selling a practice. Please contact Dr. Fitzpatrick if you would like his assistance (jpfod@aol.com). In addition, Dr. Eric White currently serves as the Society Membership Chair and can also help with networking and connecting new members with current SDCOS members (ericwhite@gmail.com). Furthermore, the SDCOS newsletter and website keep a current list of classified ads that include potential work opportunities. Please take advantage of the numerous opportunities the SDCOS provides for its members to find work!
Finally, this year we are throwing a new member BBQ for new optometrists on June 4th from 1-4pm. If you have graduated within the last few years and either live or are considering practicing in San Diego, we would like to get to know you better and welcome you to the family of SDCOS. Contact nancy-jo@sdcos.org to RSVP and get further details. Ours is a fulfilling, but challenging profession which has the opportunity to be redefined with each legislative cycle. With every member we make each other stronger and we would love for you to stay lifelong members. Congratulations and welcome to the team, new doctors!
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Retina Corner
Stay Tuned for Next Month |
By Nikolas London, MD, FACS
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Tech Corner
Got Tech questions? We’ve got Answers! |
WANNACRY RANSOMEWARE ATTACK: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
By Dave Tuckman from Golden State Web Solutions, Inc. (www.GSWS.com)
This article was originally written on 5/16/2017. It will be interesting to see what occurs from when this was written and ultimately published within the SDCOS newsletter.
On Friday, May, 12, the largest ransomware attack ever seen was launched. Since its discovery on Friday afternoon, the WannaCry ransomware attack has continued to spread, impacting over 10,000 organizations and 200,000 individuals in more than 150 countries, according to European authorities. In its path of destruction, we’ve seen businesses and critical infrastructure impacted globally.
This attack was different in several ways:
- The exploited vulnerability (used in the attack), was leaked from an NSA breach. That is the cyber equivalent of the CDC having some Sarin gas stolen.
- No attack has spread that far, that fast in that brief a time period.
- There was not a specific country or territory targeted. This indiscriminately attacked everything anywhere it was in its path.
- For the 1st time, Ransomware attacked Critical Infrastructure (England’s National Health Services, Telecommunication and Natural Gas suppliers in Spain, Police resources in China and several others).
- The Ransomware had a kill (self-destruct) switch, which mitigated its full potential. If the kill switch didn’t exist and/or wasn’t discovered we would still be vulnerable. This means we got lucky. It is not expected the next attack will include a kill switch.
Within GSWS, we are happy to report that no clients have yet been affected by this attack. This incident, however, has again demonstrated the importance of good cyber security practices. If your data is important, it needs to be protected.
Threats are constantly changing and evolving. We would like to think that just keeping computers patched and antivirus up-to-date is good enough, but at the speed that hackers are creating these threats, it’s only a matter of time before you or an employee accidentally click on a bad weblink or phishing email, launching a ransomware virus on your network that your organization is not properly protected against.
We have to prepare for the worst, and data backups are the key to preparation. A best practice backup strategy that was good enough a year ago may not be good enough to recover from today’s ransomware attacks. We NEVER want to have a conversation with any of our clients discussing whether to pay a ransom or lose data.
Please let us know if you have any questions. We’re here to help, and this just got a whole lot more serious. You can reach Dave directly at (619-905-4468) or email dave@GSWS.com.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES AND NEWS LINKS ON THE WANNACRY RANSOMWARE ATTACK
ESET
Huge ransomware outbreak disrupts IT systems worldwide, WannaCryptor to blame
https://www.welivesecurity.com/2017/05/13/wanna-cryptor-ransomware-outbreak/
DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
Experts expect a surge in ransomware attacks this week – this time without a “kill switch”
http://www.homelandsecuritynewswire.com/dr20170515-experts-expect-a-surge-in-ransomware-attacks-this-week-this-time-without-a-kill-switch
GSWS
Avast’s ongoing blog, covering the incident
https://gsws.com/avast-report-on-wanacrypt0r-2-0-ransomware/
WIRED
The ransomware meltdown experts warned about is here
https://www.wired.com/2017/05/ransomware-meltdown-experts-warned/
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Eye See written by Dr. Byron Y. Newman PREVENTION TAKES CENTER STAGE |
One of my favorite quotes I have I found in an article on saving the Medicare Program. It stated, “If senior citizens would take better care of themselves, the program would be saved.”
“What a concept,” I thought. Imagine people taking care of themselves!
There was a program put into place (not sure if it’s still there) called PPIP (Put Prevention Into Practice) set up by the /department of Health and Human Services and their Public Health Service telling people how to practice prevention and apply prevention for better health, (in an easy to understand format.)
Booklets like Personal Health and Child Health were disseminated by the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research in Rockville, MD.
I believe as optometrists we can encourage people to develop good health activities, especially when it comes to protecting their eyes and vision. We can discuss nutrition as well as other good health habits.
Needless to say, the focus on putting the responsibility for health care back on the individual is important in every area of clinical care, and is the centerpiece of all of the booklets available from health agencies and the American Public Health Assn.
Check out Dr. Newman’s website, www.thehumorfactory.com !!!
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Two new collections from The McGee Group |
Two new collections from The McGee Group have you covered for the season ahead. Trina Turk frames full of sunny California vibes, and Life is Good Eyewear that is framed in optimism and a positive spirt!
Life is Good and The McGee Group have partnered to help people to focus on the good through a whole new lens. The collection features styles available for men, women, teens and kids, all inspired by inspirational people, places, and works of art. “We are so excited to launch the Life Is Good eyewear collection with the McGee group as a way to spread the power of optimism to even more customers” said John Jacobs, co-founder of Life Is Good. “Through the stories behind the product, we hope to inspire customers to focus on the good and embrace the world with arms wide open.” The eyewear collection features modern and comfortable frames for the entire family in a variety of acetates and eye catching colors. Each optical frame style is named after a “hero of optimism” whose story is an everyday reminder to focus on the good. “Life is Good Eyewear is a perfect fit for the McGee Group as we were drawn to the brand because of the similarities in our stories. Both the McGee Group and Life is Good are American, family owned companies, with a desire to spread the message of positivity and optimism,” said Wayne McGee, founder and CEO of the McGee Group. “Life is Good is highly committed to helping children in need, with 10% of all net sales funding the Life is Good Kids Foundation. While life is not always perfect or easy, life IS always good. We are excited to focus on all the good things that are happening, and start off 2017 with the launch of Life is Good Eyewear.”
Trina Turk is Inspired by the multicultural mix, architecture, and landscape of California, the collection is full of the season’s most casually sophisticated and “must have” silhouettes. “In partnership with McGee, we’ve interpreted the pattern and vibrant color DNA of the Trina Turk brand into a collection that we look forward to introducing to the eyewear market. Our direct to consumer clientele will welcome signature sunwear to complete the lifestyle we’ve created in our stores and at trinaturk.com” said Trina.
The McGee Group always supports the independent doctor, and with a no hassle return policy there is no better one-stop-shop for all of your frame needs. For more information on brands carried by the McGee Group please contact Danielle Lundquist at good2bhappy@verizon.net
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CE CornerWe are committed to helping you fulfill your CE requirements through our local meeting with the support of our sponsors! |
Featured Annual Sponsors
Featured Event Sponsors
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JUNE 11th, 2017: 5-HOUR
Topic: 2nd Annual Retina Symposium
Speakers:
- Peter Custis, MD
- Atul Jain, MD
- Nikolas London, MD
- Arash Mozayan, MD
- Ehsan Mozayan, MD, MS
- Eric Nudleman, MD
- Ayham Skaf, MD
- Paul Tornambe, MD
Continuing Education Seminars are at the Handlery Hotel 950 Hotel Circle North, San Diego, 92108.
Two-hour seminar, Thursday, 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm. Buffet meal included and served ½ hour prior to lecture.
- SDCOS Members free, COA/AOA Members $35.00, Non-Members $130.00.
Five-hour seminar, Sunday, 8:00 am – 1:30 pm. Buffet meal included and served ½ hour prior to lecture.
- SDCOS Members $90.00. COA/AOA Members, $90.00 Non-Members $325.00.
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Classifieds |
For Sale: Marco Epic 2100 fully automated exam lane ready to go. Included are the Marco Epic 2100 refracting system, exam table, and the Marco Chart Projector. Asking $8000 OBO. Everything is in excellent shape. Pictures available upon request. email: andrewfasciani@gmail.com(07/17)
Optometrist needed in El Cajon Saturday (10-6), Sunday (11-5), and Monday (10-7) with additional future dates and vacation relief dates available. $400 per diem with additional bonuses available. Please email kvinhtam@yahoo.com with any questions and CV if interested.(07/17)
For Sale by Owner: Established optometry office in Mission Valley, Spacious and open floor plan, 1,320 square ft., fully equipped one exam lane and on-site edging lab with stock lenses. All furniture and display cases are custom made. Over 1,000 frames inventory. Asking $149k obo Please email t11le@hotmail.com or call 760-670-6775 for more info Thank you!! (06/17)
Optometrist needed for Wednesdays (9-6) and/or Saturday (9-4). $400/day in Chula Vista 91915 Email sweeterhome2@gmail.com(06/17)
San Diego Optometry Practice For Sale. Annual Gross $575,000. Approximately $85,000 in inventory. Established in 1991. Located in busy strip center with high visibility. Doctor is looking to semi-retire and happy to transition practice over to new owner. Asking $325,000 plus inventory (negotiable). Please contact Darrin M. Davenport at davenport@darrindavenport.comfor full details. (06/17)
Optometrist Needed on Permanent Friday’s Please email your CV toaooptometry@sbcglobal.net(06/17)
Regency Eye Care is looking for Optometrists for our locations in El Cajon, Lemon Grove and Oceanside! We have full time positions available and offer competitive salaries, professional liability coverage, incentive programs, paid vacation and medical benefits. Please emailodjobs@firstsightvision.netor call (909) 920-5008, EXT 2062, and ask for Jennifer Nelson. (06/17)
Are you a Doctor with an entrepreneurial drive? A sublease with FirstSight is a great turn-key opportunity for a Doctor to start their own practice with minimal capital investment! Our El Cajon, Santee, Palm Desert and Moreno Valley sublease is available now! A sublease practice can generate upwards of $200,000 in revenue a year! Emailodjobs@firstsightvision.netor call 800-841- 2790 with any questions about this amazing opportunity. (06/17)
Dr. John Fitzpatrick, the Society Optometrist Relations Liaison, offers a unique service to the San Diego County Optometric community. Several lists are kept on file for doctors seeking the following, or any combination thereof: • positions • fill-in work • part-time work • full-time work • to purchase a practice • to fill positions • to partner in a practice • to sell a practice There is no charge for this service. Please contact Dr. John Fitzpatrick at E-mail:odjobs@sdcos.org to put your name on the list.
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Volunteer Corner |
Monarch School Screening
Next Screening: Fall 2017
Contact Dr. Bob Meisel for more information at rmeisel@netscape.net ; www.monarchschools.org
Volunteer opportunities with Tzu Chi Foundation:
- June 25th in Oceanside
- October 22nd in Mountain Empire
Please contact Dr. Bob Meisel for more information
Lion’s Optometric Vision Clinic
ATTENTION LOVC VOLUNTEER DOCTORS
FREE 5-hour CE for SDCOS Members (maximum of 2 CE’s per year)
$70 CE for Non-Members choice (maximum of 2 CE’s per year)
VOLUNTEER DOCTORS needed for flexible shifts throughout the year. 9-1:00 pm. Monday -Friday 1805 Upas St San Diego, CA 92103
Can’t volunteer at the clinic? See patients in your office. Call 619-298-5273.
DONATE GLASSES
Please bring to a CE meeting or contact the society office at 619-663-8439 for arrangements to pick up.
San Diego Stand Down
Volunteers needed: http://vvsd.net/volunteer-for-stand-down/
San Diego High School 1405 Park Blvd San Diego, CA 92101 Saturday, July 22nd, 2017 8:00am – (approx.2:00pm) TBD
The program has become recognized as the most valuable outreach tool to help homeless veterans in the nation today, Veteran Village of San Diego is a nationally-recognized nonprofit and non-governmental organization that has served all veterans since 1981 and is dedicated to the promise to “Leave No One Behind.” http://vvsd.net/stand-down/
SDCOS keeps a list of all doctors willing to speak in front of groups about various topics, do home visits for patients, and assist in student mentoring. ODs interested in the Speakers Bureau, Home Visits, Student mentoring, and Low Vision OD’s, please contact Nancy-Jo at 619-663-8439
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SDCOS Announcements |
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Upcoming Events |
- June 11th: 5 Hour CE- 2nd Annual Retina Symposium
- July 22nd: San Diego Stand Down Volunteer event
- July 23rd: Annual SDCOS Golf Tournament
Contact Us
Phone: 619 663 8439
Fax: 800 643 8301
Email: sdcos@sdcos.org
Platinum Sponsors
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Sustaining Sponsors
