11835 Carmel Mountain Rd. Suite 1304-211
San Diego, CA 92128
March 2024
Happenings of the Society
Boy, is this year already flying by. It seems like yesterday was February 1st, and February came and went at record speed. Last month was the House of Delegates, and SDCOS did what it does best—shines bright. SDCOS took home the trifecta. We won the Website of the Year—thank you, Dr. Justin Nguyen. We then won the Project of the Year and Society of the Year—thank you, Dr. Bev Bianes and all of our amazing Board. I am so proud of SDCOS! This is why everyone strives to be like SDCOS. No pressure to get a repeat performance.
Next, on Thursday, February 15, we had Dr. Andrew Mick give an incredible talk on Retinal Vein Occlusions. He did an amazing job. We had close to 100 people there for a great time. The next CE is our 5-hour Glaucoma talk. We are blessed to be able to host Dr. Paul Karpecki for 4 hours of the talk with Dr. Julio Echegoyen for the last hour. Dr. Karpecki is one of the premier speakers in the country. I am so excited to have him here. We are expecting a large crowd, so stay tuned for more information. As you can see, things are really hopping at SDCOS. I could not do it if it weren’t for an incredible board. Wait till you see what is coming—very exciting.
On February 26, 2024, the COA had Legislative Day at the State Capitol. We had 5 from the society go. This is at no cost to our members, and it is a blast. It is a great way to see how the system works and get a chance to talk with our Senators and Congressmen. We flew up in the morning and flew back in the evening. It is a time to see old friends and view the Capitol. Please consider it next year. You will not regret it. COA is very busy helping our profession to expand with the changing times. I am very proud to be a member of the AOA and COA. They are always working hard to keep our profession on the right path. Support them any way you can. We are always looking for new members. Talk with your colleagues about the benefits of being a member. Here is a reminder of just some of the benefits:
- Free/Low-cost CEs: The 2-hour CEs are free, and the 5-hour CEs are only $90. Meals are included.
- Free legal advice with COA lawyers: Each month, you have access to some of the best industry lawyers for a 30-minute consultation.
- Three-in-one membership: Membership in SDCOS automatically grants you membership in both COA and AOA.
- Special Value Registration: COA’s Monterey Fall Symposium and OptoWest.
- Access to SDCOS website: www.sdcos.org provides local and state information with an exclusive “member-only” section.
- Exclusive deals: SDCOS sponsors offer special deals exclusively to SDCOS members.
- Legislative and Regulatory Advocacy: COA’s legislative team helps protect your license and enhance your scope of practice.
- Dues are tax-deductible. Reduced fees are also available for new graduates—this is why you want to get involved.
We always want our profession to thrive, and that is why we need organized Optometry.
The last thing I wanted to bring up is the Lions Optometric Vision Clinic. They are expanding to 1 Saturday a month. They are always looking for volunteers to see their long list of patients needing eye exams. Now with Saturday hours, there is even more opportunity to volunteer. Please consider it.
I know this is going to be a great year… Enjoy the greatest profession in the world; helping people to see better and live a better life. It doesn’t get better than that. Take care and God Bless each of you.
Eric
OD Relations Liaison
Please contact Dr. Ananya Jalsingh, OD, Society Optometrist Relations Liaison at odjobs@sdcos.org to be put on an official list for the following:
- fill-in/part-time work
- full-time work
- purchase/partner in/sell a practice
This service is offered free of charge to SDCOS members.
Sponsor Spotlight
David McMahon
Where do you work?
Founder and CEO of OcuSci inc.
How many years have you been in the industry?
27 years in the Medical Device Industry, 13 years in the dry eye space
What are your favorite activities?
Spending time with my family, attending my children's many sporting events: soccer and surf competitions. Skiing, mountain biking and surfing.
What is your favorite quote
Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.
Benjamin Franklin
Pearls of Wisdom from an OD
Dr. Judi Anne Perez
The Real Medicine: Listening To Your Patients
Having been an optometrist for 20 years, I have learned that to really take care of our patients is to listen to them. It has allowed me to build meaningful relationships with my patients, which helps me to understand them on a personal level. This understanding and trust allows me to provide the best possible vision care. I can recommend glasses for specific hobbies they may not otherwise have mentioned. Patients may mention systemic issues that they may not realize can have an impact on vision. We learn more about a patient the more we listen. When I enter an exam room and I am meeting a patient for the first time, I start by introducing myself and asking an open-ended question such as “How is your day going so far?” This allows the patient to start with what matters to them, whether it be their vision concerns or whatever is happening in their personal lives. Patients have told me everything about their hobbies and work to confiding in me about life’s highs and lows. If I am seeing a patient I have seen for years, I always ask about the family or things that are important to them. I make personal notes on their chart, so I can keep track of what is happening in their lives. Taking the time to truly listen to patients and hear their stories builds trust in us as their eye care providers. Optometry is constantly evolving with new ways to treat patients and advancing technology. As important as it is to keep up to date with the latest eyecare developments, we must maintain and build on what is sacred in clinical practice, relationship-centered communication.
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