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Visions
ALUMNI MAGAZINE
Summer 2021
In-Person AOA President New Laser
Commencement Interview Procedure Lab
Page 4 Page 10 Page 12
Motivated The Class of 2021 spent its entire fourth year navigating the complexities of externships, patient care, and career planning, all during an unprecedented global pandemic. Their perseverance shows us all that the next generation of ODs is prepared to meet life’s challenges. They join us in thanking SCO’s committed alumni whose support enables us to carry out our mission.
A MESSAGE FROM
Our President ALUMNI MAGAZINE
Summer 2021
PRESIDENT
Reaching this point wasn’t easy. The college also successfully Lewis Reich, OD, PhD
Like other large organizations, underwent our reaccreditation VICE PRESIDENT FOR
INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT
SCO saw an alarming uptick of process with the Accreditation George Miller, CFRE
COVID-19 infections following Council on Optometric Education DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS
Jim Hollifield
the holidays at the start of the after a one-year delay. The
SENIOR CREATIVE DESIGNER
year. Better news followed as preliminary review found Susan Doyle
spring progressed. Nearly all of satisfactory results in the criteria WEBSITE AND SOCIAL
NETWORKING MANAGER
our faculty members have been reviewed by the ACOE, and we’re Erin Jaffe
vaccinated, with majority of our confident that a positive final VISUAL DESIGNER
Philip Tribble
students following suit. Where report will follow.
CREATIVE SERVICES COORDINATOR
LEWIS REICH, OD, PH.D. we were once seeing multiple Melissa Hansbro
infection numbers reported In short, good stewardship and
Would you like to hear some good each week, the college recently healthy alumni support means
news? Without hyperbole or spin, has gone weeks with no new that SCO was able to weather the BOARD CHAIR
Christopher W. Wroten, OD ’02
I can honestly report a significant infections reported. unprecedented challenges of the
BOARD MEMBERS
amount of really positive news past year. We plan to continue Amanda Brewer-Lord, OD ’97
In March, our Clinical Programs moving toward a return to Betty Harville Brown, OD
from SCO as we begin summer. David A. Cockrell, OD ’81
One year ago, colleges and univer- increased patient care capacity normalcy while keeping our Steven L. Compton, OD ’78
Anita A. Davis, PhD
sities everywhere were figuring from 50% to 75%. Pent-up students, employees, and Vicki Farmer
Mark R. Kapperman, OD ’87
out the best way to proceed into patient demand resulted in a more students safe. James K. Kirchner, OD
an uncertain future as commence- successful month than the same Jennifer E. Lyerly, OD ’11
It’s gratifying to report that SCO Stacey J. Meier, OD ’84
ment ceremonies were postponed. month two years prior in March Dave Sattler
2019, even at 75% capacity. This is emerging stronger from the Lynn T. Shaw, AWMA
Stuart J. Thomas, OD ’84
This year, it was my pleasure to summer we’ll move to 100% past year ready to welcome the Terry L. Tucker, OD ’84
join parents, guests, and faculty capacity, with our school screening Class of 2025 later this fall. Your FACULTY REPRESENTATIVE
Wilson McGriff, MPH, OD
as we celebrated a live, in-person program and MobilEYES unit set support has made this continuity
STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE
commencement ceremony for the to resume services as well. of excellence possible, so thank Anna Britt, ’23
Class of 2021 in May. Seeing all you from everyone at the college,
but five of our graduates walk Recent robust market gains also especially the Class of 2021.
across the stage at FedExForum led to a significant increase in Visions is a magazine for alumni,
Dr. Reich poses with two life-size faculty, staff, and other friends of
was an emotional experience SCO’s investments. Your years of Southern College of Optometry.
cut-outs used at commencement for
for all involved as we hosted a gifts and financial support graduates to take photos. It is published through the Office
of Institutional Advancement.
safe and physically distanced enabled us to set aside A digital version is available
ceremony. funds through the online at sco.edu/visions.
years to pay off the Please forward comments, address
The Class of 2021 became the outstanding balance
changes, and contributions to:
Institutional Advancement
first graduating class in SCO’s from the construction of 1245 Madison Avenue
history to spend their entire Memphis, TN 38104-2222
The Eye Center. March’s 800-238-0180, ext. 4
senior year during a global investment returns
pandemic’s unprecedented were so healthy that the
challenges. We’re proud of their Board of Trustees opted sco.edu
resilience and the perseverance to take those gains and @SCOnews
they’ve shown in fulfilling their pay off this outstanding @southerncollegeofoptometry
dream of becoming ODs. debt three years early. southerncollegeofoptometry
SCOedu
VISIONS [SUMMER 2021 ] 3
CLASS OF 2021 COMMENCEMENT
Seated on the same basketball
arena court where NBA players
2021
competed one night earlier,
the Class of 2021 celebrated its
COMMENCEMENT commencement on Tuesday,
May 4 at FedEx Forum. SCO
TUESDAY, MAY FOURTH
TWO THOUSAND AND TWENTY-ONE worked with the sports arena
ONE O’CLOCK IN THE AFTERNOON to welcome graduates, a
FEDEX FORUM limited number of guests,
MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE
and faculty members for a
physically distanced ceremony.
4 VISIONS [SUMMER 2021 ]
VALEDICTORIAN COMMENCEMENT ADDRESS
Samantha JoAnn Harris The Honorable Jim Strickland,
Mayor of Memphis
SALUTATORIAN
Samantha Wen Chien Lee
porting their specially designed SAMANTHA JOANN HARRIS
Class of 2021 face masks, was named Class Valedictorian,
graduates lined up in corridors while SAMANTHA WEN
that typically see NBA players CHIEN LEE was Salutatorian.
coming to or from their games. Class President MARIE HUEGEL
Hours before the ceremony, spoke for the entire class in salut-
arena personnel transformed ing our graduates’ commitment
the basketball court into staging to seeing commencement day in
degree, along with Joyce Urbeck, generosity of alumni and friends,
suitable for commencement. person. The class selected JOHN
past Director of the Accreditation more than $60,000 in awards
MARK JACKSON, OD ’99, as
At 1 pm, it was a sight that no Council on Optometric Education were presented.
Teacher of the Year.
one was sure would be possible (ACOE).
The ceremony was recorded and
back in the winter during the Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland
In lieu of hosting a separate is available for viewing on SCO’s
worst of the COVID-19 spikes. encouraged the graduates to
Senior Awards Ceremony, 54 YouTube page, including the
Graduates filed into the arena as embrace their future confident
graduates were honored during senior class video.
proud parents, family, and friends that they’ve successfully demon-
the ceremony with recognition of
were seated in pods separated by strated their ability to meet
outstanding and academic clinical
six feet. SCO’s faculty were also life’s challenges head on. Mayor
achievements. Thanks to the
on hand in their regalia. Strickland received an honorary
VISIONS [SUMMER 2021 ] 5
CLASS OF 2021 COMMENCEMENT
SCO presented Doctor of Humane Letters degrees
to two outstanding individuals at this year’s
commencement ceremony. Congratulations to
Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland (left), and Joyce L.
Urbeck (right), the longtime director of the Accreditation
Council on Optometric Education.
JIM STRICKLAND is currently serving his
second term as mayor of Memphis. Mayor
Strickland is a 1982 graduate of Christian
Brothers High School, a 1986 graduate of the
University of Memphis, and a 1989 graduate of
the School of Law at the U of M. He practiced
law at Glankler Brown PLLC from 1990 to
1998, when he began practicing at Kustoff
& Strickland PLLC, where he remained until
becoming mayor. Mayor Strickland was elected With FedExForum permitting masks to be
to the Memphis City Council in 2007, and served removed briefly for photos, it was all smiles
as its chairman in 2014. Community service has for the Class of 2021 as they posed with
long been a part of Mayor Strickland’s life. He classmates and commencement backdrops.
has served with various organizations, such as
Of special note, BERT KETCHUM, OD ’21,
the St. Vincent de Paul Soup Kitchen, where he
continues to volunteer. He is a gold life member left, was administered his U.S. Navy officer
of the NAACP. commissioning oath by Dean Swick, SCO’s
Executive Director for Information Services.
JOYCE URBECK devoted her 46-year career to
the profession of optometry. A 1974 graduate
of the University of Missouri-Columbia, she
began her association with optometry in
1974 as Placement Service Coordinator and
Quarterly Editor for the American Optometric
Association. In 1978, she was named Associate
Director of the AOA’s Education and Manpower
Division, where she directed the AOA’s
Student Recruitment program to improve
the quality of optometry school applicants.
She was later named Manager of the AOA’s
Low Vision Section. In 1986, Ms. Urbeck was
named Director of the Accreditation Council
on Optometric Education, a critically important
role for assuring an effective accreditation
process in optometric education. After nearly
35 years of leading the ACOE, she retired in
August 2020.
6 VISIONS [SUMMER 2021 ]
L EGACY GR ADUATES RECOGNIZED
Richard Barnes, OD ’84, and his son, Richard (Beau) Barnes, OD ’21 Amy Daiber, OD ’92, and her son, Trent Daiber, OD ‘21
Steve Edwards, OD ’87, and his son, Hunter Edwards, OD ‘21 Meade Kendrick, III, OD ’87, and his son, Meade Kendrick IV, OD ‘21
A JUMBOTRON PLAYED
THE GRADUATES’ SENIOR
Scott Oltman, OD ’04, and his son, Casey Oltman, OD ’21 Oscar Ramos, OD ’87, and his son, Greyson Ramos, OD ’21
CLASS VIDEO.
Scott Spivey, OD ’94, and his daughter, Brooke, and her Charles Ed Thomas, OD ’84, and his daughter,
grandfather, Al Spivey, OD ’67 Catherine Thomas, OD ‘21
VISIONS [SUMMER 2021 ] 7
CLASS OF 2021 COMMENCEMENT
L ASS OF 2021 SENIOR AWARDS The following graduates were recognized during the Commencement
ceremony for their outstanding academic and clinical accomplishments. Thanks to the generosity of our alumni and friends, these graduates received
awards, plaques, and optometric equipment to honor their achievements.
EXCELLENCE IN EXCELLENCE IN CONTACT LENS
ACADEMIC ACHIE VEMENT NoIR MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIES
LOW VISION AWARD
BAUSCH & LOMB ENDOWED
SCHOLARSHIP Casey Oltman
NATIONAL BOARD OF EXAMINERS
PART II AWARD Stephanie Martich
Samantha Harris
GP LENS INSTITUTE CONTACT LENS EXCELLENCE IN OCUL AR DISE ASE
CLINICAL EXCELLENCE
EXCELLENCE IN Dylan Johnston DR. MOHAMMAD RAFIEETARY
ACADEMIC AND CLINICAL
ADULT PRIMARY CARE EXCELLENCE AWARD
JOHNSON & JOHNSON AWARD OF Jacquelyn Brown
ALCON CASE STUDY EXCELLENCE IN CONTACT LENS
SCHOLARSHIP AWARD PATIENT CARE
Hannah Fann Jesse Boles
EXCELLENCE IN
PEDIATRICS AND VISION THER APY
DR. BERNARD L. KAHN MEMORIAL KATENA/EAGLE VISION AWARD
ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP
Natalie Nibert COLLEGE OF OPTOMETRISTS IN
Ye Ji Kim VISION DEVELOPMENT EXCELLENCE
IN VISION THERAPY
Leslie Jones
KATENA/EAGLE VISION AWARD
NATIONAL VISION, INC. AWARD
Catherine Thomas Whitney Driver GOOD-LITE AWARD
Noelle Tchang
SOUTHERN COUNCIL OF KATENA/EAGLE VISION AWARD
OPTOMETRISTS CLINICAL
EXCELLENCE AWARD Aspen Chun OPTOMETRIC EXTENSION PROGRAM
CLINICAL CURRICULUM AWARD
Malena Landon Erickson
Breeley Sellier
SOUTHWEST CONTACT LENS
SOCIETY
EXCELLENCE IN Savannah Caro GLEN T. STEELE, OD AND
CLINICAL ACHIE VEMENT L. ALLEN FORS, OD
DEVELOPMENTAL VISION
SCHOLARSHIP
X-CEL CONTACTS OUTSTANDING
CHRISTINE AND GEORGE DUCOTE,
GP FITTING AWARD
Nathaniel Jensen
OD ’40 SCHOLARSHIP
Brittany Darnley Arianna Schabauer
Marina Naguib
ESSILOR LABS OF AMERICA AWARD
Danielle Zasoski EXCELLENCE IN EXCELLENCE IN
LOW VISION REHABILITATION STUDENT RESE ARCH
DESIGNS FOR VISIONS, INC.
WILLIAM FEINBLOOM LOW VISION
AWARD
Anita Nguyen
BURNETT ENDOWED AWARD
LUCY KATHERINE BONE FOR STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT
ORGAIN AWARD IN RESEARCH
ESCHENBACH OPTIK LOW VISION
Stephanie Jones AWARD Madeleine McBain
Trevor Smith Kelly Sieps Natalie Nibert
Sara Stockwell Makayla Porter
OPTELEC EXCELLENCE IN
LOW VISION AWARD
Jordan Ukena
8 VISIONS [SUMMER 2021 ]
FOR COMMITMENT OF SERVICE TO TO HONOR A GR ADUATE’S
THE PROFESSION OF OPTOMETRY AND COMMITMENT TO PURSUING PRIVATE STEREO OPTICAL CO., INC.
THE COMMUNIT Y AT L ARGE PR ACTICE OPTOMETRY Tommy Cung
BAYS FAMILY ENDOWED WILLIAM DICKERSON, JR. OD
SERVICE AWARD SCHOLARSHIP
WINSTON FAMILY ENDOWED
Kelsey Whitcomb Cubdeerix Robinson AWARD
Sophia Johnson
DR. SIDNEY EDELSTEIN
ENDOWED AWARD
CLASS OF 1967 MEMORIAL Anna Katherine Lansdell
ENDOWED AWARD OUTSTANDING CLINICIAN AWARDS
Casey Krug
Lauren Watson
EUROPA EYEWEAR AWARD
Valerie Williams Ishan Gandhi
SUSAN GRISSOM MEMORIAL
ENDOWED AWARD HALPERN FAMILY ENDOWED
AWARD Samantha Harris
Hannah Fann
Alexis Williams Smith
MARK J. MURPHY
ENDOWED AWARD TOM AND LOUIS HYDE Alexis Hogan
SCHOLARSHIP
Leslie Jones
Nathaniel Jensen
SECO PAST PRESIDENTS Jonathan Ismond
ENDOWED AWARD DR. FRED H. MOTHERSHED
ENDOWED AWARD
Chisom Chukwumerije
Jonathan Eide
Autumn Killop
DR. DAVID P. SLOAN
MEMORIAL AWARD KEVIN ROGERS, OD ’08 PRACTICE
MANAGEMENT AWARD
Casey Krug
Lindsey Caudle
Samantha Lee
SOUTHWEST COUNCIL OF
OPTOMETRY ENDOWED AWARD
Greyson Ramos DR. JAMES D. SANDEFUR
ENDOWED AWARD
Athena Mears
Rachel Briggs
SPARROW, EVANS, AND WAYMON Andrew Leto
ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP
Autumn Killop
Michelle Nagro
THE SOUTHEAST VT FORUM
BEAU WILLIS ENDOWED AWARD
SCHOLARSHIP
Samantha Lee Arianna Schabauer
Kelly Sieps
SPIVEY FAMILY ENDOWED
SCHOLARSHIP
Brooke Spivey Kelsey Whitcomb
VISIONS [SUMMER 2021 ] 9
AOA President
Looks Back at Historic
Year and Ahead to
Optometry’s Future
When William Reynolds, OD ’85, graduated from SCO and
joined a Kentucky practice in 1985, optometrists in the state were prohibited
from treating even a simple case of conjunctivitis. Thirty-five years later, the
doctors of optometry at Dr. Reynolds’ seven-location practice frequently
perform laser surgeries.
Scope of practice for ODs has exploded in the southeastern
United States in recent decades, in part because of the advocacy
of two institutions close to Dr. Reynolds’ heart: his alma mater SCO,
and the American Optometric Association (AOA), the professional
organization representing more than 44,000 doctors of opto-
metry, optometry students, and optometric professionals.
As Dr. Reynolds wrapped up his one-year term as AOA
president, he spoke with us about how he became the 14th
SCO graduate to helm the organization, what it was like to
serve during a global pandemic, and why everyone—especially
SCO graduates—should join the association.
YOU’VE BEEN AOA PRESIDENT been lifted. We have been purposes. We knew we couldn’t profession we have to continue
SINCE JUNE 2020. WHAT
DO YOU CONSIDER THE TOP
included in giving vaccinations be all things to all people. We to fight some technologies that
ACCOMPLISHMENT OF YOUR for COVID. From a legislative had to concentrate on what might be more accessible, but
TENURE? standpoint, we’ve had a very was most important for our might be a reduction in patient
We’ve done a very good good year. members, and what was most care.
job as far as helping our important for the profession.
WHAT IT WAS LIKE TO SERVE AS We talk a lot about contem-
members access [Paycheck AOA PRESIDENT DURING THE WHAT IS THE STATE OF porary optometry. Technology
Protection Program] and PANDEMIC? OPTOMETRY NOW, AND WHERE is going to take over a lot of
[U.S. Department of Health When I came in, we were IS THE PROFESSION GOING? the routine things. We have to
and Human Services] funds. worried about surviving. We As we look at the changes in practice full scope. We have to
We’ve had HHS recognize us as made a lot of tough financial health care, we have to be look at doing specialty contact
essential health care providers, decisions. We ended up with nimble to adapt with those lenses. We have to look at
which is very important. We’ve about a break-even year, which changes both as a profession doing pediatrics, at binocular
had a very big win at the was unbelievably good in the and in our own practices. vision. We have to expand our
[U.S. Department of Veterans circumstances. We have to be willing to practice. Optometry tradi-
Affairs], where there had been adapt to technology that will
One of the things the crisis let tionally relied on the sale of
a ban on optometry doing laser enhance patient care. And as a
us do was re-examine our core materials to greatly supplement
procedures for 20 years. That’s
10 VISIONS [SUMMER 2021 ]our income. That’s going away year by year. the national association. You pick up so and I bought the practice. We continued
If we continue to rely on that, in the future, much information, that it makes it very to expand. We now have seven practices.
we’re going to be in trouble. worthwhile. I learned so much from being We’re a very medically oriented practice.
at these meetings and being with excellent We have one associate who does a lot of
WHAT SCOPE OF PRACTICE CHANGES clinicians who were doing things in their pediatrics. We have one associate who
SHOULD ALUMNI BE AWARE OF?
office that I wasn’t. It made my office much specializes in specialty contact lenses. We’ve
When I was in school in the ’80s we were
more efficient, much more profitable. purchased two ophthalmology practices.
doing therapeutics; we first were able to
During the pandemic, our office was the only
start treating eye diseases. The states that LET’S GO BACK TO YOUR OWN CAREER ophthalmology or optometry office in several
traditionally have students who go to SCO PATH. HOW DID YOU DECIDE TO PURSUE
OPTOMETRY? counties. We did all the emergency care.
led the way on that scope expansion 35
years ago. At the time I went to SCO, it I always wanted to be in a profession that As far as my personal practice, my patient
was one of the leaders, as they are now. To helped people. My aunt was extremely population has aged the way that I have.
see the same region, and SCO, moving the impressed by her doctor of optometry, I do a lot of medical optometry, so a lot of
profession forward again, it’s come full circle. Dr. Bill Robinson, who’s also an SCO (’74) glaucoma, certainly a lot of cataract, pre-op,
That’s exciting to see happening again. graduate. I met him and shadowed some post-op, and laser procedures.
other optometrists. The ability to make
HOW DID YOU FIRST GET INVOLVED people see is very humbling, and [optometry WHAT CAN OPTOMETRY DO TO ATTRACT
WITH THE AOA? MORE QUALIFIED APPLICANTS TO THE
is a] very rewarding profession. PROFESSION?
I looked at the people around the state who
CAN YOU SHARE ANY FAVORITE MEMORIES We don’t do as good a job as we can
had the best practices, and they were all
OR EXPERIENCES FROM YOUR TIME AT SCO? with letting people know everything our
involved. I thought, there must be something
I made a lifelong friendship with Dr. [Glen] profession entails. A lot of our patients come
to this. Four or five years after I was out of
Steele (’69). Bubba has worked toward for their test because they need glasses
school I was asked to serve as a trustee on
advancing the profession, especially in or contacts. They have no idea all the
the Kentucky Optometric Association. I went
pediatric and children’s vision. He has been a procedures we perform, all the services we
through the chairs and became president and
mentor for me. [My specialty] isn’t children’s offer. The AOA has a new public relations
was advocacy chair for several years. We
vision, but his constant work toward improv- program, See and Be Seen, to let the public
were able to have some very good wins in
ing care and moving the profession forward know everything that optometry does. I
Kentucky. I was involved in children’s vision
has made him a very good role model. think that would make the profession a
and scope expansion. It was very rewarding
whole lot more attractive and interesting to
to be involved in things that moved the
YOU GRADUATED FROM SCO IN 1985, SO people looking to get into health care.
profession forward. I thought I could do it WHAT’S YOUR TAKE ON YOUR ALMA MATER
on a national level. That’s when I started TODAY? WHY IS OPTOMETRY STILL
getting involved in AOA. The facilities are tremendously better now, A TOP CAREER CHOICE?
not that they weren’t state of the art of the It’s a very rewarding profession. You might
WHY IS AOA MEMBERSHIP IMPORTANT
time. The facilities are just as good as any not get rich, but it certainly pays well. There
FOR OPTOMETRISTS, PARTICULARLY YOUR
FELLOW SCO ALUMNI? place in the country. I’m adjunct faculty, are a lot of opportunities to own your own
The AOA is the only organization that so I get SCO students. When I look at the business or to work for someone else. When
advocates for doctors of optometry and quality of students from SCO, they’re just I was in school there weren’t that many
we’re the only organization that advocates outstanding. SCO continually is at the top of options. Now you can be in private practice.
for our patients. That’s important because the schools as far as board pass rates. It just You can be in corporate practice. You can
we are a regulated profession. If we don’t makes me very proud to see my alma mater work at a surgery center. You can work at
have someone advocating for us, then not is right at the top of the optometry schools a community health care center. You can
only will we not move forward, we’ll move across the country. work in a hospital. You can work at veterans’
backwards. We’ve been very active in advo- hospitals. There are just so many different
TALK ABOUT YOUR OPTOMETRY PRACTICE. things that you can do now that you couldn’t
cating for student loan forgiveness during
I went in with an older doctor when I got in the past. And again, it’s a profession
the pandemic. Not only do we advocate for
out of school. To give me work to do, we where you’re helping people see. What better
you as a doctor of optometry, we begin that
opened a branch office. Then he retired thing could you do than give someone sight?
advocacy back when you’re a student.
All the time I have spent being involved in
the profession, either on a state level or a
federal level, has established me as a better
doctor. When you’re involved you learn so
much more about what’s going on, especially
what’s coming in the profession down the
road. It lets you embrace changes in the field.
Everybody can be involved in different
levels. Not everyone has to go all the way
During Dr. Reynold’s presidency, the AOA partnered with USA Surfing and a prominent pro surfer as part
to be president of the state association or of a public awareness campaign to emphasize the importance of optometry.
VISIONS [SUMMER 2021 ] 11SCO LEADING THE WAY
A Look at SCO’s New
ASOL
Procedure Lab
The Eye Center recently debuted a new Anterior Segment Ophthalmic
Lasers (ASOL) Lab to enhance the training SCO provides to its interns.
Located on the Main Level, the Lab replaced the digital observatory
where interns previously watched remote laser and surgical
procedures by video hook-up.
The Lab offers interns training with the Lumenis Selecta Duet and
Qauntel Optimis Fusion combination lasers, SimulEyes models, and
laser procedure contact lenses.
“With recent legislative advances in Arkansas, Mississippi, and
proposed legislation across the country, SCO is committed to
enhancing our laser education and hands-on training we provide for
our interns,” said James E. Venable, OD ’89, SCO’s Vice President for
Clinical Programs. New ASOL requirements have been integrated
into the OPT 320 and CLN 400 course series to provide each student
The Eye Center’s ASOL Lab
with 10-12 simulated laser procedures. The college is exploring
uses realistic human head and
partnerships that will additionally allow students to participate in live
eye models for Capsulotomy
procedures.
and Iridotomy procedures.
David Hall, OD, Associate Professor, serves as ASOL Lab Director. Interns receive one-on-one
“We’re giving our third- and fourth-year students the premiere instruction in indications,
educational experience using anterior segment ophthalmic lasers here contraindications, pre- and post-procedure management, laser
at SCO,” Dr. Hall said. settings, treatment, and follow-up care for these primary care laser
procedures. Similar training is provided for the Selective Laser
Dr. Hall noted that SCO’s lab provides SCO’s students the experience
Trabeculoplasty procedure, including the proper use of a Latina
of operating two different ophthalmic lasers to perform several
Gonioscopy laser lens and the follow-up care for a SLT procedure.
procedures on each piece of equipment. The ASOL Lab covers an
introduction to the two combination lasers, safe use of the equipment, For Scott Ensor,OD ’01, Associate Professor, the ASOL Lab represents
and instruction on how to recognize and treat rare complications that the latest progress that SCO has made in offering ASOL procedure
may arise when procedures are performed. training to interns during his decade at the college.
12 VISIONS [SUMMER 2021 ]SCO’s ASOL Procedures Lab features the
same model eyes used by the National
Board of Optometry to test students,
a commonality appreciated by Emily C.
Patterson, ’22, and other interns.
“I have seen us go from training our students with a couple of days “When we graduate, we can theoretically practice in any state that
of lecture and one single Saturday of actual hands-on lasers use that we wish, so that as the scope of optometry expands across the nation,
involved shooting pictures of the eye to a robust laser lab where the optometrists like myself and other recent graduates will be able to do
students are required to perform full procedures on very life-like some of these procedures in whichever state we end up practicing in,”
models,” Dr. Ensor said. Jared said. “We will be helping to elevate ocular care across the nation
and provide what’s best for patients.”
Jared Dix, ’22, described SCO’s ASOL Lab as the “cherry on top of
the curriculum” in preparing him to practice optometry to the fullest
extent possible.
VISIONS [SUMMER 2021 ] 13HAYES CENTER AWARDS ANNOUNCED
2021 Award
The Hayes Center for
Recipients
Practice Excellence recently
announced three outstanding HCPE NEW PRACTICE AWARD
alumni who have been
named recipients of the HCPE
Kristin Reed, OD ’13
Owner
Practice of Excellence Award. ModernEyes Eyecare & Eyewear
The Award is designed to Omaha, Nebraska
identify and reward successful
practices, recognize the
achievements made by SCO
graduates, and help foster HCPE PARTNERSHIP AWARD
joint relationships that benefit
these alumni and current Jon Reid, OD ’12
Advanced EyeCare
optometry students.
Carlinville, Illinois
This year's recipients spoke
virtually to students during
an online event where they
were joined by Nathan Hayes, HCPE PRACTICE ACQUISITION
AWARD
son of Jerry Hayes, OD '73,
and other guests. Here’s a
sampling of what this year’s
Barrett Brown, OD ’13
Owner
recipients had to say in their SEARK Eyecare
Monticello, Arkansas
Award essays and interactions
with SCO’s students.
“ I have benefitted immensely “ There are a plethora of joys in my “ During my time at SCO,
LAST YEAR'S AWARDS
from a group that was so well- ownership experience, however I decided I wanted ownership
established and well-managed I would say the biggest joy is in a private practice…Opening WERE POSTPONED RIGHT AS
before me…My life, inside and owning my own practice and a practice is the best, hardest, THE PANDEMIC UNFOLDED.
outside of optometry, would real-estate. It feels so freeing to most fulfilling professional
THIS YEAR'S CEREMONY WAS
not be the same without private be building equity for myself and decision I have made. While
practice ownership. Maybe being able to invest back into the owning an office certainly has HOSTED BY HAYES CENTER
easier, but less fulfilling. The business. I also have lots of joy stressful days, I never regret DIRECTOR LISA WADE, OD '84,
older you get, the more you get in the fact that my staff works it. Working for myself is much DURING SCO'S ANNUAL
to know yourself, and I am right well together to provide the better than for someone else or
BON VOYEYES PROGRAM
where I belong.” ultimate patient experience and with a corporate entity’s input
— DR. JON REID supports each other in a team on when/how I practice.” SPONSORED BY
atmosphere. The gift of sight will — DR. KRISTIN REED
COOPERVISION AND
always be the ultimate joy.”
ALLERGAN.
— DR. BARRETT BROWN
14 VISIONS [SUMMER 2021 ]ALUMNI GATHER IN ATLANTA
1) SECO Executive
Committee member
Horace Deal, OD ’97
2) SCO Board member
Steve Compton, OD ’78
3) Robert Sams, OD ’62,
attending his 60th
consecutive SECO, Lisa
1 R. Wade, OD ’84, and
Dr. Sams’ daughter,
2 Amy.
4) T. Joel Byars, OD ’63,
and Martha Rosemore
Morrow, OD ’74
3 5) Leroy Norton, OD ’87
and Glen Steele, OD ’69
4
6) Scott Moscow, OD ’13,
former SCO Board
member Sharon Berger
Moscow, OD ’80, Billy
7 Moscow, OD ’78
7) Ted McElroy, OD ’93,
SECO Awards and
Recognition Chair
5
6 8) Xaundao Nguyen,
8 9
OD ’08
9) Erick Henderson, OD ‘17,
AOA’s Young OD of
the Year
10) Richard Durocher, OD
’96, SECO President,
and Lisa R. Wade, OD
’84
1 1) Class of 2020 residents
12) Cindy Baker, OD ’83,
and former AOA
10 11 12 President Andrea
Thau, OD
SCO alumni were well represented at this year’s event,
including newly installed President Richard Durocher,
OD ’96, who succeeded outgoing President Max Raynor,
SCO is appreciative to all our alumni and friends who visited the OD ’85. Andy Cook, OD ’81, received the SECO President’s Award,
college’s booth at SECO. If all goes well, the college is looking forward and former SCO Board member Jim Sandefur, OD ’65 was named
to hosting our popular reception for alumni and friends again at next Optometrist of the South.
year’s event.
Thanks to all our alumni who posed for photos with a backdrop
Alumni who interacted with SCO’s booth visited with Lisa Rossmeyer celebrating their alma mater back in Memphis, along with fun props
Wade, OD ’84, who represented the college and networking paying homage to Memphis icon Elvis Presley.
opportunities through the Hayes Center for Practice Excellence.
VISIONS [SUMMER 2021 ] 15LIFE OUTSIDE OF SCO
1968 Donald Blocker, OD, recently retired 1986 Stephen Lewis, OD, recently welcomed 2004
after 46 years of practice. Shelvi Shah, ’21, to her fourth-year Belinda Starkey,
externship location in Shreveport, OD, is being
1969 Rod Fields, OD, Louisiana. Alumni are invited to share honored by the
and several other photos of SCO externs for use on social AOA this summer
alumni were among media as we promote this aspect of our as OD of the Year.
those honored by professional program to prospective
the Mississippi students.
Optometric 2009 Matt Jones, OD, was interviewed by
Association at its an Arkansas television station for a
fall conference. Dr. Fields, pictured, story about recent surgical advances
received the OD Community Service in his state.
Award. Amy Crigler, OD ’80, was a
finalist for the James Brownlee OD of Christina Vranich, OD, became
the Year, while Max Edrington, OD engaged on New Year's Eve to Winston
’72, was a finalist for the Community Miller. The wedding is planned for next
Service Award. June. Dr. Vranich is a consulting faculty
Tiffany McElroy, 1996 Melonie Clemmons, OD, was member at SCO.
OD ’12, received selected as the nominee for the
the Helen St. Clair Georgia Optometric Association's
Young OD of the 2021-2022 secretary.
Year award, with
Katie Richardson, 1999 Marrie (Smith) Read, OD, was
OD ’16, and Mary Kathryn Wilson, named Director, Military Health
OD ’12, named as finalists. System Governance at the Office of
the Secretary of Defense.
1972 Chris Moshoures, OD, suffered a fire
that destroyed one of his clinics in 2000 Jennifer Kungle, 2012 Jenessa Hartman, OD, recently opened
Shalotte, North Carolina, where his OD, was named her own practice, Sunflower Vision
niece, Corey Burr, OD ’20, practiced. OD of the Year Care, in Oregon.
by the Maryland
1974 Terry Marquardt, OD, recently retired. Optometric Adam Ramsey, OD, was honored by
In addition to practicing optometry, he Association. CooperVision's 2021 Best Practices
was a long-time state representative program for his practice, Socialite Vision
in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. Dr.
serving in New Mexico. 2002 Mike Smith, OD, was named the Ramsey authored a recent article for
Kentucky
1977 U.S. Senator John Boozman, OD, Optometric
Review of Optometric Business about
has confirmed his intention to run differentiating contact lens products to
Association's OD of
for a third term. He recently joined retain patients.
the Year during the
other GOP lawmakers with healthcare association's 2020
backgrounds in recording a video to Virtual Awards Maya Sinulingga
encourage COVID-19 vaccinations. Ceremony. Reid, OD, recently
1981 David Cockrell, OD, SCO Board joined Advanced
Chris Wroten, OD, SCO Board Chair, EyeCare in
of Trustees member, was named chair spoke on Modern Aesthetics for the
of The Health Care Alliance for Carlinville, Illinois.
Optometric Physician at SECO 2021.
Patient Safety.
2003 Sarah Fratesi, OD, received the 2021 2013 Kristen Thelen, OD, recently spoke
1985 Jean Ann Toomey, OD, recently Dr. W. David Sullins Jr. InfantSEE®
announced that she will be retiring from to the Emory Pre-Optometry Society
Award recognizing ODs who have about her time as an SCO student and
her practice, which will be carried on made significant contributions in the
by Dean Baggett, OD ’83, and Katelyn her work at Emory Eye Center.
profession or their communities through
McGee, OD ’20. the InfantSEE® program.
16 VISIONS [SUMMER 2021 ]Alumni
2014 Tina Schiller, OD, Jacob Dufour, Dillon Ott, OD, recently opened a new
OD ’15, Marie Bolin, OD ’16, Daniel practice in Aberdeen, Mississippi.
Nielson, OD ’17, and Jenna Steffen, OD
Spotlight
’17, recently were named Fellows of 2017 Erick Henderson, OD, was installed as
the COVD. a Trustee during the 2021 Pennsylvania
Optometric Association's meeting. He
2015 Amy Puerto, OD, recently shared this also was recently named the 2020 Additional spotlights can be
photo of SCO extern Lauren Watson, Young OD of the Year for the Western found on our website and social
’21, performing an intralesion injection Pennsylvania Optometric Society and media. If you’re interested in
for chalazion treatment. Dr. Puerto POA and was elected president of the participating or want to suggest
practices at Louisiana Family Eyecare, WPOS for the coming year. He is being a classmate, please email Beth
owned by Jeff Anastasio, OD '01, and honored as the AOA’s Young OD of the Fisher at bfisher@sco.edu.
Shelly Anastasio, OD '02. Their practice Year this summer.
serves as an externship and residency
site, where Dr. Puerto coordinates 2019 Shriya Ruparel, OD, and Nathan
the Residency in Ocular Disease, Dederman, OD '18, became engaged on ADAM YOUNG, OD ’14
with an emphasis in refractive and Christmas Eve. Both practice at Fort Bliss
ocular surgery. Army Base in El Paso, Texas, where Dr. Where do you currently live?
Dederman is an active duty OD and Kennesaw, Georgia
Dr. Ruparel is a civilian OD
What is your greatest professional
achievement or patient care success
story? My greatest professional
achievement is recently opening a
new private practice called First Class
Eye Care located in Duluth, Georgia.
2016 Jade Coats, OD, was named Social
Why did you choose SCO to pursue
Media & Brand Ambassador at Intrepid
your optometric education? I chose
Eye Society, Inc. 2020 Katelyn McGee, OD '20, and
SCO because of the family feel
Christopher Muegge, OD '20, were
Captain Trent Gaasch, OD, U.S. Army recently engaged in the same classroom environment. There was a genuine
Medical Service Corp, is pictured where they first met as undergraduate feeling that faculty cared about the
receiving his COVID-19 vaccine in well-being of each student, including
students at the University of Tennessee
January. SCO thanks Captain Gaasch and their post-graduate success.
at Chattanooga.
other alumni who sent in photos of their
vaccination process in recent months to Share your best memory from your
share with the SCO campus community A sizable number of Arkansas alumni
time at SCO. My best memory was
to encourage others to consider getting recently were credentialed for Advanced
the last week before graduation,
vaccinated. Procedures in the state. Their credential
reuniting with classmates and
allows these ODs to practice to the fullest
scope of practice law in the state and includes enjoying the city of Memphis, while
injections, incision and curettage of chalazions, reminiscing all the many memories
removal of lesions, laser capsulotomy, and we created together over the
laser trabeculoplasty. Congratulations to our four years.
Arkansas alumni as well as ODs in nearby
Mississippi who also recently secured advances
in their scope of practice.
In Memoriam Ramona Porter Clifton, OD ’46, was Watson Hewell Black, OD ’59 David Kirby, OD ’80
believed to be SCO's oldest living alumna. Thomas Boeke, OD ’60 Stephen Sutton, OD ’83
Dr. Clifton was a pioneer in Kentucky John W. Denson, OD ’62 Barbara Kogan Anan, OD ’84
Houston Cobb, JD, PhD, joined SCO's optometry and established Chloe Chitwood, OD ’63 Brian Lantman, OD ’96
faculty in February 1971 and taught for a scholarship at SCO. James P. Crutchfield, OD ’65 Adam York, OD ’09
31 years before his retirement on June Stephen Franzblau, OD ’66
Thomas Beall, OD ’50
30, 2002. He was a longtime professor Norman Hinkle, OD ’67
Charles Koger, OD ’50
and served as Director of Instructional Charles Lowell Jones, OD ’75
Charles Holtzclaw, OD ’55
Technology before his retirement. He Francis Abessinio, OD ’77
Thomas R. Morris, OD ’55
passed away on April 3, 2021 at home in Michael H. Harris, OD ’77
Malcom Chitty, OD ’58
Patagonia, Arizona, with his wife, Sara, at Tim McKinnon, OD ’78
John T. Beckum, OD ’59
his side.
VISIONS [WINTER 2020] 17CHERISHED LIFE MOMENTS
If you get married or welcome a new arrival (or
even a grandchild), we welcome your high quality
photos to share with your fellow classmates here
in Visions, in our alumni e-newsletter, and on
social media. Please email them to bfisher@sco.
edu. Congratulations!
Anna Roxberg, OD '19, and Roy Miles, OD '19
December 5, 2020
Reena Lepine, OD '11, and Joshua Jackson Michael Jakowitsch, OD ’00, and Kirsten Cooper
February 6, 2021 April 4, 2020
Grace Dorado, OD ’91, and John Lennon, Jr., OD (PCO ’89) Corey Burr, OD '20, and Ethan Long Nicole Lamb, OD '18, and Jonathan Allee, OD '18
October 17, 2020 October 10, 2020 October 10, 2020
18 VISIONS [SUMMER 2021 ]Catherine Abbott, OD ’13, and husband, Travis Thompson,
Matt Zemanovich, OD ’11, and wife, Lesley: Jenny Hines Warwick, OD ’15, and husband, Rob:
OD ’13: Scarlett Renee, January 12
Anna Mary, April 11 Robert Banks, February 24
Alex Compton, OD ’16, and wife, Laura Compton, OD ’17: Joanna Miranda Truong, OD ’17, and husband Bryan Truong, Tiffany Hesse, OD ’18, and husband, Patrick:
Benjamin Lee, January 30 OD ’17: Olivia Grace, April 10 Scarlett, June 2, 2020
(Grandparents are Steve Compton, OD ’78, and wife, Jane) (read Scarlett’s story on page 22)
Brandon McChesney, OD ’19, and wife, Erika: Aaron Tollett, OD ’20, and wife, Lisa:
Olivia Blake, January 1 Rhett Allen, February 12
VISIONS [SUMMER 2021 ] 19CAMPUS NEWS
Faculty Spotlights
Kristin Adams, OD, and Glen Scott Ensor, OD ’01, recently Paul Harris, OD, Marc Taub, with SCO Board member Jennifer
Steele, OD ’69, gave virtual recorded a new CE lecture which OD, and Alicia Groce, OD, Lyerly, OD ’11, and Defocus
presentations to the Optometric was added to SCO’s online wrote about yoked prisms for an Media. He also recently published
Extension Program Foundation. CE library. article published in Review of an article in Contact Lens and
Optometry. Anterior Eye.
Marie Bodack,
OD, was named Cynthia Heard, OD, was Morgan Ollinger, OD, has become
to The College selected to participate in the a Fellow of the COVD.
of Optometrists American Academy of Optometry
in Vision Development (COVD) Foundation's Clinical Investigator Janette Pepper, OD, has been
Board of Directors for the 2021- Certification program. She also appointed to the Women in
2022 term as President Elect. was interviewed by the American Optometry advisory board.
Academy of Optometry for its She was also interviewed on
Chris Borgman published an Dan Fuller, OD,
observance of Black History the Keepin 'It O.D. podcast for
article, “Compressive Trochlear received the
Month and participated in Pre-Optometry students. Dr.
Nerve Palsy Caused by Ischemic inaugural
an online virtual panel about Pepper and Mary Hoang, OD
Stroke,” in the March 2021 issue Educator of
diversity and inclusion sponsored ’14, appeared on a Women in
of Clinical and Experimental the Year Award from the Gas
by ASCO and other optometry Optometry Voices Podcast Series
Optometry. Permeable Lens Institute (GPLI)
organizations in May. to talk about ways that ODs can
during the Global Specialty
take action against racial bias
Patricia Cisarik, OD, and Melissa Lens Symposium's annual
Mary Hoang, OD ’14, through education and speaking
Powers from SCO’s Information 2021 meeting. His poster with
participated in an ASCO Town up for colleagues and patients.
Services Department, authored an Dr. Kevan Smith also earned
Hall meeting for the nation's
article, “Does Self-Regulated Test second place at GSLS 2021. He
optometry faculty to discuss ways Karen Squier, OD, was awarded
Duration Correlate with Vision also presented CE on Basic and
to combat anti-Asian racism. a scholarship by the Medical
Science Test Score in First-Year Advanced Scleral Lens Fitting.
Group Management Association
Optometry Students?” in the Vice President of the Scleral Lens
Catherine Hogan, OD ’17, wrote to assist in obtaining a Masters in
Winter/Spring Edition of the Education Society for 2021,
a review about the role of vitamin Public Health degree through the
Journal of Optometric Education. Dr. Fuller was invited to present
D in glaucoma for Primary Care University of Memphis.
Dr. Cisarik also delivered a research to the International
Optometry News.
virtual lecture to the Association Forum on Scleral Lens Research Karen Squier, OD, and Cynthia
for Ocular Pharmacology and earlier this year. Laurel Roberts Kelley, OD Heard, OD, joined members
Therapeutics.
’18, wrote about her journey to of SCO's Low Vision Club for a
academic optometry in a guest Virtual Paint Night as the club
Halie Cottrill, OD ’16, and Tyler
blog post for ASCO. organized a paint-at-home event.
Kitzman, OD ’16, brought their
Participants wore low-vision
six-month-old son Graham to The
Carrie Lebowitz, ’06, Director simulator goggles as a learning
Eye Center for his very first eye
of Academic Support Services, experience and also discussed
exam. The family is seen with
and Mike Robertson, Director artwork galleries of visually
Kelsey Whitcomb, ’21, who
of Admissions & Enrollment impaired painters.
assisted Glen Steele, OD ’69, with
Graham's InfantSEE assessment. Paul Harris, OD, traveled to Services, recently were inter-
Sarasota, Florida to provide viewed on the Keepin' It O.D.
sports vision testing to Baltimore podcast dedicated to preparing
Orioles minor league players pre-optometry students for
during spring training. He was their careers.
joined by former SCO residents
Amar Sayani, OD, and Steven Chris Lievens, OD, is appearing
Weifenbach, OD. on a new podcast in conjunction
20 VISIONS [SUMMER 2021 ]Glen Steele, OD ’69, appeared on GSLS | VIRTUAL MEETING Sylvia E. Sparrow, OD ’98 and Jared Dix, ’22
WMC-TV's Action News 5 to talk Bilateral Band Keratopathy in an Asymptomatic Patient
about increased digital eyestrain Daniel G. Fuller, OD, and Kevan Smith, OD (Resident)
Corneal Sagitta as a Predictor of Final Scleral Contact
in children.
Lens Sagitta
Glen Steele, OD ’69, and Marie
COVD | VIRTUAL MEETING
Chawan Rasheed, OD ’20 (Resident)
Bodack, OD, presented a session Jacob Boehme, OD ’20 (Resident); Patricia Cisarik, OD,
Steep Corneas and Severe Distance Blur? Step Away
at SECO in Atlanta entitled, From the Minus PhD; Lindsay Elkins, OD ’07; and Paul Harris, OD
Integrating the PEDIG Research Can Readalyzer Evaluation Predict OAT Scores in
Students Accepted Into an Optometric Program?
into Clinical Practice.
HOAECC | VIRTUAL MEETING Jacob L. Brown, OD (Resident, EyeCare Professionals, PC)
Visual Snow Syndrome: Case Series with a
Patrick Fiddler, OD (Resident) Review of Patient Presentations, Treatments,
Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation of Hemispatial Neglect and Outcomes
Following Stroke
Patrick Fiddler, OD (Resident)
Shermita Mitchell, OD (Resident) Visual Sequelae of Post Trauma Vision Syndrome
Acquired Unilateral Collateral Vessels: Glaucoma vs.
Optic Nerve Sheath Meningioma
Alicia Groce, OD
Rehab Hospital Mysteries: The Perfect Storm
David Baldwin, OD (Resident, W.G. Hefner VAMC) in the Midbrain
Diplopia: Order the MRI
Marc Taub, OD, and Chris
Emma Karlin, OD (Resident, EyeCare Professionals, PC)
Borgman, OD, were invited as
Julia Reimold, OD ’20; et al. (Resident, Bond-Wroten Eye Clinic) Three Diagnostic Tests in the Assessment of
lecturers to the West Florida The Effect of Posterior Capsular Opacification and Other (non traumatic) Acquired Brain Injury
Optometric Association's Sip and Confounders on OCT Image Quality, Scan Accuracy, and
CE event June 3-6 in San Destin. Management of Patient Care
Brandee Nelson, OD (Resident)
The Long Road to Recovery – Vision Rehabilitation
Marc Taub, OD, and Alicia Groce, Alice Wong, OD; et al. (Resident, Community Health Centers for Post CVA
OD, recently lectured virtually of the Central Coast)
Posterior Uveitis Secondary to Syphilis Exposure
for the Academy of Ophthalmic Liza Stremick, OD (Resident)
Education in Canada. Prism Effects on Balance in Brain Injury Patients
Jennifer L. Jones, OD ’06, and Alexis Grycko, ’22
Morning Glory Syndrome vs. Optic Nerve
Marc Taub, OD, and Paul Ashleigh Yates, OD; et al. (Resident, Wow Vision Therapy)
Head Coloboma
Harris, OD, wrote about their A Multidisciplinary Approach to Areteriovenous
Malformation Rupture
prism work with a patient for an
Emily C. Patterson, ’22, and Jennifer L. Jones, OD ’06
article published in Review of
Neovascularization of the Disc vs.
Optometry. Kristin Adams, OD
Collateral Vessel Growth
An Interdisciplinary Approach to Visual Spatial
Inattention and Visual Field Defects
Melissa Zarn, OD, delivered a Samantha Blanke, ’23, and Morgan Ollinger, OD
lecture presentation for the FedEx Survey of Self-Reported Reading and Video Gaming
Claire Russell, ’22, and Patricia Cisarik, OD, PhD
Institute of Technology (FIT) Habits and Ocular Discomfort
Vertical Saccadic Function as Assessed by Number
telehealth series entitled, Breaking Naming: Effect of English as a Second Language
Barriers to Literacy across the John B. Phifer, OD ’20 (Resident, W.G. Hefner VAMC)
Lifespan: Perspectives from Acquired Unilateral Collateral Vessels: Glaucoma vs.
Elizabeth Pallante, OD (Resident)
Optic Nerve Sheath Meningioma
Audiology, Education, Optometry, Use of Home VT in a Case of Hypomyelinating
and Speech/Language Pathology. Leukodystrophy Type 10
Elyse Rayborn, OD ’20 (Resident)
Conjunctivitis Medicamentosa
VISIONS [SUMMER 2021 ] 21TIFFANY HESSE, OD ’18
2018 Graduate Shares Her
Child’s CDH Story
pushed all the way over against her right
chest wall. Her left lung was so small it was
nearly nonexistent and her right lung was
under developed as well.
At that first appointment we were given a
20% chance that she would survive after
delivery. We were absolutely heartbroken but
we had faith that our little girl was a fighter.
Scarlett was born on June 2, 2020. She was
intubated and placed on a ventilator before
she was even fully delivered. Unfortunately,
at only 18 hours old, Scarlett went in to
respiratory failure and had to be surgically
placed on ECMO, a heart lung bypass
machine (the highest form of life support).
At 11 days old she had surgery to repair
the defect in her diaphragm and to put her
organs back in her abdominal cavity.
Scarlett has had quite a long
journey since then. She spent
67 days on ECMO. She was
intubated three times for a
total of 151 days. She’s had
My daughter, Scarlett, was born on HERE IS OUR STORY:
June 2, 2020 with a birth defect called eight other major surgeries
a congenital diaphragmatic hernia, also In October of 2019 my since birth, including a heart
known as CDH. CDH is a birth defect husband, Patrick, and I found stent, g-tube placement, and two
in which a portion of the diaphragm out we were expecting our first child, brain surgeries.
fails to form in utero, allowing organs
a baby girl; we were beyond excited.
that would normally be located in the
However, at our 16-week ultrasound She’s had countless tests, scans, and pokes;
abdomen to move up in to the chest.
These misplaced organs put pressure we received some devastating news; our but she’s been so strong through all of it.
on the developing heart and severely Finally, on March 30, 2021, after 301 days in
baby had a congenital diaphragmatic
restrict lung growth. the NICU, we were able to bring our baby girl
hernia. The left side of Scarlett’s
CDH occurs in about 1 out of every home! She is still on oxygen and is ventilator
diaphragm had failed to form and her
2500 live births, there is no known dependent, but she has overcome many
cause, and the national survival rate stomach, spleen, intestines, bowel, and
is only 50%. CDH occurs as commonly the entire left lobe of her liver were all obstacles to get to this point and we are so
as cystic fibrosis yet most people have in her chest cavity. Her heart was incredibly proud of her!
never heard of it.
22 VISIONS [SUMMER 2021 ]NEWS BRIEFS
SCO Welcomes New Staff Students Receive
SCO recently welcomed two new staff members who will interact frequently with alumni in
National Honors
their positions. Lauren Trowbridge has been named Director of Development in Institutional Two SCO students were selected by
Advancement, and Delores Johnson was named Continuing Education Coordinator in Optometry Cares - The AOA Foundation
Academic Affairs. as the national recipients of two
different prestigious optometry
LAUREN TROWBRIDGE brings a strong background in fundraising/
student scholarships.
development to our institution. Her most recent position was Corporate Development
ELLILTA MEZGEBU,
Officer for Make A Wish Foundation. She previously was associated with the American
’22, was selected by the
Cancer Society, with responsibility for Northeast Arkansas and the Memphis area as the
Optometry Cares Scholarship
Community Development Manager. She began her development/fundraising career
with the March of Dimes, also in Arkansas. She holds an undergraduate degree from Committee as the winner
Liberty University and a master’s degree from Liberty Theological Seminary. of the $10,000 Bernard
Maitenaz Scholarship, while
DELORES JOHNSON came to SCO from American National University, AALIYAH COLE,
where her last position was Director of Health Information Management. Her ’22, was selected as the
responsibilities included not only student instruction and administrative responsibilities recipient of the $2,500 Dr. Larry
associated with program maintenance and accreditation but also oversight, leadership,
J. Alexander Scholarship for
and direction in the Health Information Management program. She has also held various
Education. Congratulations to both of
positions in healthcare in several organizations, including Baptist-Trinity Healthcare
these students for representing SCO
Services and Methodist Health Systems. She holds an undergraduate degree in Health
at the national level in such an
Care Management from Southern Illinois University and a master’s degree in Health
outstanding fashion!
Informatics and Information Management from UT Health Science Center.
Virtual State Day Held
SCO's State Day is still going strong after the college became the first to launch
an annual event of its type more than a decade ago. This year's event went
virtual, as national and regional optometry leaders interacted with a large
audience of students and faculty via remote video. In addition to individual
meetings with various state associations, a program and Q&A session centered
around the state of the profession, scope of practice advances, and current
legislative issues.
Panel members included: (L to R below) WILLIAM REYNOLDS,
OD ’85, AOA President, DR. SHERROLL REYNOLDS (NOA
President), STACEY MEIER, OD '85 (Arizona Executive Director and
SCO Board member), LORI GROVER, OD, (SCO AOA Trustee), ERICK
HENDERSON, OD ’17, (Pennsylvania), TESSA LAU, ’22 (AOSA State
Day Chair), and moderator JAMES VENABLE, OD ’89 (SCO VP of
Clinical Programs).
VISIONS [SUMMER 2021 ] 23Non-Profit Organization
SOUTHERN COLLEGE U.S. Postage
OF OPTOMETRY PAID
1245 Madison Avenue Memphis, Tennessee
Memphis, TN 38104-2222 Permit Number 151
CLASS REUNION
CONTINUING EDUCATION
SCO HOMECOMING
FALL CE WEEKEND
reconnect
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