October 2024

 

Happenings of the Society

My great-grandmother always told me, "You know you're getting old when time flies by." Boy, is time flying by—now my kids are saying the same. Life is just moving too fast! The SDCOS is in full swing and keeping really busy. We have just one CE left on Thursday, November 14th, at West Pac. The speaker is Dooran Spencer, MD, on Uveitis and Ocular Inflammation. The fun starts at 6 p.m.

Next, we have the SDCOS Annual Holiday Party on Sunday, December 1st, at Tom Ham's Lighthouse. The place was fantastic, with great food and beautiful views. Please plan on attending—you’ll love it!

Dr. Sloan Rajadhyaksha has been extremely busy with a new baby but has managed to save the dates for next year's CEs. Here are the dates for everyone:

2025

  1. February 13th
  2. March 16th - 5-hour CE
  3. April 24th
  4. July 17th
  5. September 25th
  6. November 20th
  7. December 6th - Holiday party


Our society has been really busy with several great projects, but we do have some that need volunteers. Please consider giving back to help others. School screenings are so worthwhile when we can help a child see better, which leads to better learning. The Monarch screening in November, along with the South Bay bimonthly screenings on Monday and Wednesday, are so important. Additionally, our Lions Optometric Vision Clinic always needs volunteers. With all these great ways to help others see better, please consider volunteering—we need the help.

We recently lost a few great optometrists: Dr. John Fitzpatrick, Dr. Byron Newman, and Dr. Phil Smith. Dr. Jason Tu wrote a memoriam for Dr. Phil Smith that captures everything:

In Memoriam: Philip B. Smith, OD With profound sadness, we remember and honor the life and legacy of Dr. Philip B. Smith, a distinguished leader within the San Diego community and the profession of optometry. Dr. Smith, who passed away recently, was a beloved friend and colleague whose contributions extended far beyond his practice.

Dr. Smith is remembered for his unwavering dedication to the field of optometry and his passion for patient care, particularly in his Vision Therapy practice. His work with children and adults alike touched many lives, embodying his dedication to improving the quality of life for his patients.

Throughout his professional career, he provided invaluable support and guidance to many of his optometric colleagues, always eager to share his insights and encouragement, leaving a lasting impact on countless doctors in the San Diego community.

Dr. Smith graduated from Southern California College of Optometry in 1968 with a B.S. and Doctor of Optometry degree. After serving two years in the Army as an optometrist, he joined Dr. Jerome Lieblein in San Diego. They practiced together as partners for 26 years, with Dr. Lieblein retiring in 1998.

Dr. Smith served his profession as President of the San Diego County Optometric Society in 1988 and later as President of the California Optometric Association in 1995, where he was instrumental in the successful passage of landmark legislation expanding the scope of practice for California optometrists. Throughout his career, he remained active in the Lions Optometric Vision Clinic, St. Vincent de Paul’s Center for the homeless, and as a consultant to several school districts in San Diego. In 2003, he was named “OD of the Year” by the California Optometric Association.

In addition to his professional achievements, Dr. Smith and his wife, Kenda, furthered their education and became deeply passionate about providing marriage counseling to couples and families, offering compassionate care and support to many. They enjoyed antiquing, traveling, and exploring the beauty of San Diego.

Dr. Smith’s influence and positive spirit will be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him. His commitment to the well-being of others was evident in all aspects of his life, and his legacy of integrity, kindness, and care will continue to inspire and guide future generations of optometrists.

As we reflect on Dr. Smith’s remarkable contributions and the indelible mark he has left, we extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and all who were fortunate to benefit from his wisdom and compassion.


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.

Upcoming CE Meeting

Thursday,Thursday, November 14
NEW LOCATION: WestPac Headquarters: 5280 Carroll Canyon Rd Suite 300, San Diego, CA 92121
https://www.westpacwealth.com/

Dr. Doran Spencer: Uveitis

  • 2024 CE Schedule

  • 2024 SDCOS Board of Directors

Looking for Volunteers for these future events:

Looking for Volunteers for these future events:

1) SDCOS Project of the Year: School Screenings at all 12 of the South Bay schools. School locations will be announced as we get closer (all located in South Bay)
(8 am-12pm)

  • Wednesday October 16th

  • Monday October 28th

  • Monday November 4th

  • VSP Mobile Clinic will be there on

  • Thursday and Friday November 14, 15

  • Monday December 9th

  • Wednesday January 22nd (2025)

  • Monday February 3rd (2025)

  • Wednesday February 19th (2025)

  • Monday March 17th (2025)
     

2) Monarch school screening: 1 Dr needed for each day (or 2 for 2.5 hours each) to help at the VSP Mobile Clinic

  • Tuesday November 12th

  • Wednesday November 13th

The society was asked to participate in a small health fair at the Mexican consulate on October 1st, along with several other San Diego county entities.

Dr Bob Meisel represented SDCOS and provided pamphlets on several eye topics and answered questions regarding eye care to dozens of attendees.

The consulate is located in Little Italy and has been headed by Consul General Alicia Kerber-Palma since early 2024.

If you would like to volunteer or would like any additional information about these events, please contact Dr Bob Meisel at rmeisel47@gmail.com

Meet a Member

Alyssa Pack, O.D.

1. Which Optometry School did you attend?  SCCO

2. What year did you graduate?
2020


3. What is your favorite specialty?
Dry Eye and Myopia Control


4. What do you like to do for fun?
Aerial Yoga, hanging out with my dog Mako and husband Justin, going to the zoo, and trying new food places (so if you have any good food recs please send them my way)


5. What is your favorite thing to do in San Diego?
I love the beach and of course trying out all the new restaurants in town


6. What is something people might not know about you?
I was a cheerleader for over 11 years and I can still do a backflip!

Classifieds

Available for Lease - Mission Valley Location Up to 3,737 SF available for lease in Mission Valley, perfect for optometrist office. Next to Riverwalk Redevelopment (4,300+ units) w/ great exposure & parking. Tenant improvement allowance possible.Contact: Reg Kobzi | CBRE | Lic. 00917639 | 858 546 4604 | reg.kobzi@cbre.com (9/24-11/24)

Optometric Practice for Sale, in National City.  Owner wishes to retire after 40 yrs.1200 sq ft, excellent location and excellent for a second office. Price discounted at 75K OBO. Please call Jeff Neighbors (Broker) at 1-515-851-2280 or Greg Marlay (owner)  at  619- 477-4166.  Please come by and we will be happy to show you the office.  (8/24 - 12/24)

Optometric Office in Escondido for lease.  Three operatories, a lab, large front office area, testing rooms, dispensing optician area, large waiting room, contacts room, lounge, ADA restroom, and 2,044 square feet.  Currently occupied by North County Eye Center and available May 2024.  Contact Jim at jimlund08@gmail.com or at (760) 747-7800. (9/24)

Orange County Optometry Practice. Orange County Optometry Practice. Ideal merger candidate. $340,000 gross. 30+ years of goodwill. Great location! Good visibility. Contact Frank - 425-985-8390 or frank@omni-pg.com Lic.#2091491 (CAO105)

NDA Request: https://listings.omni-pg.com/nda-request-form (10/24)

Moreno Valley High Visibility Well-Established Optometry Practice. Well-established high visibility optometry practice grossing 500K with more room to grow. Contact Frank - 425-985-8390 or frank@omni-pg.com Lic.#2091491 (CAO114)

NDA Request: https://listings.omni-pg.com/nda-request-form (10/24)

Associate OD opportunity in Santee. We are interviewing now to add to our growing private practice inside Santee Costco. You have the freedom to practice at the level you're most comfortable with. Optos/OCT on every patient. Easy EHR, automated phoropter, amazing staff, grateful patients. Email truenortheyecare@gmail.com for further details on salary and availability (8/24)

Part-Time Optometrist Needed, Half Day Shifts: We are offering an excellent opportunity for a dedicated Optometrist to join our highly-rated and stress-free practice. Enjoy highly competitive pay, including bonuses, for working just 2 to 3 half-day shifts per week. Our environment is professional yet relaxed, as evidenced by our excellent reviews and the satisfaction of our patients, making your work hours a breeze. If you are motivated and passionate about eye care, we would love to hear from you.  Fluency in Spanish is preferred.  Please submit your resume to bnemati@earthlink.net or contact us via text at 858-504-2020 to apply. (5/24)

Busy Private Practice looking for an associate OD in San Diego and Camp Pendleton military base. Generous base pay plus easy daily bonus pay. Please send resume and questions to:  marineeyecare@gmail.com (7/24)

Associate OD needed at the Vista Costco. 2-4 days per week available.$600 Base pay + production bonus. Hours: Mon-Fri 10-6:30  Sat 9:30-5. Email kmichel@vistaoptometry.net with resume and availability. (9/24)

Build Ownership in a Growing Optometry Practice, Even as a New Grad. Growing Practice at the Heart of San Diego with a 25+ Year Veteran of the Optometry Profession, with a successful history of growing multiple practices, is seeking a motivated, self-starter, entrepreneurial optometrist to join a growing optometry practice in City Heights. Practice is in a custom modern office setting, with great visibility and a proven track record of success for medical practices. Working knowledge of Spanish is preferred. Opportunity to get involved (even as a New Grad) in a growing eye care practice from the ground up, earning equity toward part or full ownership. Please email your resume to spousti@live.com (2/24)

Looking for a motivated business-minded optometrist who is tired of the daily grind of a corporate practice, and wants to be their own boss while building equity. Our dynamic, high-potential private optometry practice is seeking an optometrist who is passionate about providing exceptional eye care and looking to take their career to the next level. With us, you won’t have to work 9 hours a day in a corporate practice, just to make a modest $500-$600 per day. Instead, you can earn much more and work just a quarter of the time you would have to spend in a corporate practice. Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to build equity in the practice, meaning your hard work will pay off in the long run. If you’re ready to add a second location or if you are a new grad, we want to hear from you. Please email us at: spousti@live.com (2/24)

Wanted: Used, good condition, Retinal Camera and Autorefractor. We are looking for a reliable non-mydriatic retinal camera and autorefractor for our optometry practice. If you have recently upgraded and no longer need your used one, we appreciate you reaching out to us. Thank you. spousti@live.com (2/24)

Exceptional Opportunity: Thriving Optometry Practice & Prime Medical Office Building in San Diego FOR SALE, with the REAL ESTATE. Unlock the potential of your optometry career with this golden opportunity! Highly profitable and growing optometry practice for sale in Central San Diego, together with its modern Medical Office Building. Discover the perfect blend of profitability and growth in this dynamic location (the second most active redevelopment zone, after downtown, in San Diego). Whether you're starting a new practice or expanding an established one, this is your chance to shine in a highly dense area, strategically positioned near more than 80 schools and 9 minutes from Downtown San Diego, and surrounded by 4 major freeways. Step into the future of healthcare with a contemporary medical office building, featuring three separate suites, that can be joined if needed into one big clinic and a total of 7 highly upgraded and move-in ready exam rooms. What sets it apart? Half of this impressive structure can be leased to other medical professionals, delivering a steady income stream, while the other half continues to house the thriving optometry practice. Seize the moment to drive your practice's growth while building equity in a high-potential, modern commercial real estate property. This isn't just an opportunity; it's a game-changer for those who dream big. For more details, please reach out via email (bnemati@earthlink.net).  (2/24)

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