11835 Carmel Mountain Rd. Suite 1304-211
San Diego, CA 92128
August 2026
President's Message
Dear SDCOS Members,
I hope everyone is enjoying the summer!
A big thank you to everyone who joined us for our July Continuing Education meeting. Our 4th of July-themed evening and outstanding lecture on myopia management made for a fantastic event.
We were also honored to welcome Kristie Bruce-Lane, Founder and CEO of the Thumbprint Project Foundation, as our special guest. During the evening, we highlighted SDCOS’s ongoing partnership with the Foundation to help provide comprehensive eye care for children whose mothers have survived human trafficking. This collaboration reflects our Society’s commitment to giving back to the community and ensuring that children in vulnerable circumstances have access to the vision care they need to thrive.
We have another volunteer clinic coming up on Saturday, August 8, and I’ll be volunteering. If you’re interested in joining us and making a meaningful difference in the lives of these children, I’d love to hear from you. Please don’t hesitate to reach out for more information.
Looking ahead, I’m excited for one of our most anticipated social events of the year—our OD Mixer at the Padres game on Saturday, August 22nd! Whether you’re reconnecting with longtime colleagues or meeting new faces, it promises to be a fun evening of baseball, conversation, and community. I hope to see many of you there!
Be sure to mark your calendars for our next Continuing Education meeting on Thursday, September 10th. We have another excellent program planned, and we look forward to seeing everyone back together after the summer.
One of the most exciting developments for our Society is the number of new members joining SDCOS. Our organization continues to grow, and it’s inspiring to see so many optometrists choosing to become part of our community. To all of our new members—welcome! We are thrilled to have you and encourage you to attend our upcoming events, introduce yourselves, and get involved. The relationships, education, and friendships built through SDCOS are some of the greatest benefits of membership.
Thank you all for your continued support of the San Diego County Optometric Society. I look forward to seeing everyone at the volunteer clinic, the Padres game, and our September CE!
Warm regards,
Sloan Rajadhyksha OD, FAAO, FCOVD
Volunteer Outreach
SDCOS Volunteers Support Veterans at Annual Stand Down
Last month, SDCOS members and Lions Optometric Vision Clinic (LOVC) volunteers joined the Veterans Village of San Diego's annual Stand Down at Liberty Station, one of the largest events of its kind in the nation. This multi-day event provides free services and critical support to military veterans, especially those experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
Alongside counseling, job training, housing assistance, legal aid, and general supplies, health screenings, dental care, and vision care were made available to attendees. SDCOS and LOVC volunteers were proud to provide 40 comprehensive vision exams and eyeglasses for 34 veterans, along with plano sunglasses and over-the-counter readers for other attendees in need.
Thank you to all the doctors and volunteers who gave their time to make this possible! If you're interested in giving back, consider volunteering for next summer's Stand Down. For more information about VVSD Stand Down, visit www.vvsd.net
SDCOS and LOVC volunteers conducting eye exams for veterans at Stand Down.
Upcoming CE Meeting (Save the date!)
- Location: WestPAC Headquarters: 5280 Carroll Canyon Rd Suite 300, San Diego, CA 92121
- September 10th - 2 hr CE - Featuring Melissa Barnett, OD, FAAO. Topic: Keratoconus, Neurotropic Keratitis
Save the date! Registration link coming soon
View Full 2026 Calendar
Let's Go Padres!
Join fellow SDCOS members at Petco Park as the Padres take on the Minnesota Twins on Saturday, August 22, 2026 (first pitch at 5:49 PM), with fireworks to follow the game! Grab your colleagues, bring your family, and enjoy a night of baseball, networking, and Padres pride.SDCOS will cover the cost of one ticket per member. Additional guest tickets are $35 each, payable to SDCOS. We're securing a block of seats for our group, so RSVP early to reserve your spot!
RSVP by Friday, August 14, 2026: RSVP here.
Questions? Contact Hunter Morgan at 304-677-3776 or huntermorganod@gmail.com.
OMD Corner
Save the Date: 2026 NVISION San Diego Regional CE* Event
Mark your calendars for the 2026 San Diego Regional CE Event, hosted by NVISION Eye Centers on Sunday, September 27, 2026, at the iconic Hotel del Coronado. This full-day program will feature 6 hours of continuing education, expert speakers, exhibits, networking opportunities, and breakfast and lunch in one of San Diego's most historic waterfront venues.
Scan the QR code or register now on eventbrite.
Contact NVISION for registration details and event information.
*COPE approval is pending.
SDCOS Member Spotlight: Dr. Annie Chin
This month, we're pleased to feature Dr. Annie Chin, who practices at Sharp Rees-Stealy Medical Group, specializing in specialty contact lenses, keratoconus, and ocular disease. A graduate of the UC Berkeley School of Optometry (Class of 2006), Dr. Chin also completed a Cornea & Contact Lens Residency with an emphasis in ocular disease at UC Berkeley in 2007.
Dr. Chin's favorite part of optometry is helping patients achieve better vision and an improved quality of life through medically necessary contact lenses. If she weren't an optometrist, she says she would happily be a science teacher or a children's pastor, reflecting both her love of learning and serving others.
When she's not caring for patients, Dr. Chin enjoys spending time with her family at the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park, especially to see the pandas, as well as hiking and taking walks. Her current reading list is inspired by her children and includes favorites such as the Harry Potter and Percy Jackson series.
Her advice to younger optometrists is simple but meaningful: Keep learning, practice to the full extent of your license, and make time to enjoy your family and hobbies.
Thank you, Dr. Chin, for sharing your story with the SDCOS community!
You're Invited: Financial Confidence Education Evening
Join Women Optometrists of San Diego County for an evening dedicated to financial wellness!
On Thursday, August 20, 2026 at 6:00 PM, we'll gather at Karl Strauss Sorrento Valley (9675 Scranton Rd, San Diego, CA 92121) for "Financial Confidence: The Basics & Beyond" — a relaxed, educational discussion covering cash flow, investments, risk & protection, and goals & planning.
Topics include:
- Organizing your financial life
- Saving and investing strategically
- Retirement planning at every stage
- Protecting your income and family
- Tax planning opportunities
- Estate planning essentials
- Financial decisions unique to women
No prior financial knowledge required — just bring your questions (submitted in advance, if you'd like) and an open mind. Wine, light appetizers, and great conversation provided!
Space is limited to the first 20 people, so RSVP soon to Nichole.Mayer@WestpacWealth.com before August 13 to save your seat. Feel free to bring a colleague or fellow OD who'd enjoy the discussion!
We hope to see you there — connect, learn, and grow with us!
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