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Visions
ALUMNI MAGAZINE
Winter 2021
Rare October Graduation
PAGE 8
’20 Graduate in In-Person Faculty Member’s
Video Spotlight Homecoming ALS Battle
Page 6 Returns Page 14
Page 10
2012 2021 AT THIS YEAR’S FALL HOMECOMING, JEFF COATS, OD ’14, AND JADE COATS, OD ’16, RECREATED ONE OF THEIR FIRST PHOTOS TAKEN AS A COUPLE BACK IN 2012. THE FORMER SVOSH PARTNERS, NOW HAPPILY MARRIED AND PRACTICING IN ARKANSAS, CREDIT SCO FOR BRINGING THEM TOGETHER AND MAKING THEIR PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL LIVES SO REWARDING.
ALUMNI MAGAZINE
A MESSAGE FROM Winter 2021
Our President
PRESIDENT
Lewis Reich, OD, PhD
VICE PRESIDENT FOR
INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT
LEWIS REICH, OD, PH.D.
George Miller, CFRE
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS
It may seem unusual to see the college has fared much The decisions we make Jim Hollifield
a commencement ceremony better than the surrounding today will benefit optometry SENIOR CREATIVE DESIGNER
Susan Doyle
covered in the winter issue of community and region, so our students in the years to come. WEBSITE AND SOCIAL
NETWORKING MANAGER
an alumni magazine, but the students and employees are Later this decade in 2028, SCO Erin Jaffe
VISUAL DESIGNER
last year and a half proved to be commended for working will welcome the entering Philip Tribble
to be anything but ordinary. together to stay healthy and class of students who will CREATIVE SERVICES COORDINATOR
Melissa Hansbro
As glad as we were to see our carrying out our mission graduate in 2032, SCO’s 100th BOARD CHAIR
Christopher W. Wroten, OD ’02
alumni at Fall Homecoming safely. anniversary year. Time passes
BOARD MEMBERS
& CE Weekend, maybe no one quickly, so we will be making Amanda Brewer-Lord, OD ’97
Now we look forward to a Betty Harville Brown, OD
was happier to be back in the decisions and plans to David A. Cockrell, OD ’81
better and brighter year, 2022.
Memphis than the Class build upon SCO’s reputation Steven L. Compton, OD ’78
Anita A. Davis, PhD
The new year brings two
of 2020. as a leader in optometric Vicki Farmer
significant anniversaries: SCO Mark R. Kapperman, OD ’87
education. James K. Kirchner, OD
After seeing their commence- will celebrate its 90th anni- Jennifer E. Lyerly, OD ’11
Stacey J. Meier, OD ’84
ment ceremony postponed versary of our founding back To all our alumni and friends Dave Sattler
last year, nearly 100 members in 1932, while The Eye Center who have supported the Lynn T. Shaw, AWMA
Terry L. Tucker, OD ’84
of the Class of 2020 reunited celebrates its 20th anniver- college through the years, FACULTY REPRESENTATIVE
Michael Dorkowski, OD ’04
for an official event in October. sary of its formal dedication especially in 2021, your impact
STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE
In the coming years, these back on September 20, 2002. is felt by our students. They Anna Britt, ’23
alumni will likely hold the appreciate the scholarships
Reflecting on 90 years of
distinction of being the only that help them manage their Visions is a magazine for alumni,
continuous success also faculty, staff, and other friends of
SCO alumni who will have student debt levels. They Southern College of Optometry.
reminds us that the clock It is published through the Office
ever graduated and celebrated appreciate greater flexibility of Institutional Advancement.
begins ticking as we start the A digital version is available
a reunion event at the in choosing their practice online at sco.edu/visions.
decade that will lead SCO into
same time. options after graduation. They Please forward comments,
its centennial just 10 years address changes, and contribu-
also appreciate the outstand- tions to:
As the Delta variant wanes, from now. Just as a previous Institutional Advancement
ing academic and clinical 1245 Madison Avenue
it’s been gratifying to see generation of leadership saw Memphis, TN 38104-2222
facilities that empower them
800-238-0180, ext. 4
signs of life once again the dream of a standalone
to succeed.
returning to normal. Our clinical facility become a
sco.edu
students have been able reality as The Eye Center, SCO Thanks to all of you for your
@SCOnews
to hold Optifest and other will begin to map out the next commitment and support.
@southerncollegeofoptometry
familiar events. With 98% of several years through strate- SCO is a better optometry southerncollegeofoptometry
the SCO campus vaccinated, gic planning. school because of you. SCOedu
VISIONS [WINTER 2021 ] 3
2021 ALUMNI AWARDS
Foster and Reid Honored
for Alumni Accomplishments
Dr. Kurt Steele was joined by Nora
Cothran, OD ’13, and Tennessee State
Representative Jeremy Faison in
accepting the award on Dr. Foster’s
behalf. In their remarks, they remem-
bered his selfless devotion to optometry
and encouraged the Class of 2020 to
continue participating in activities that
will advance the scope of practice for
the profession.
Also recognized at the ceremony was
the Young Alumni Award recipient,
JON REID, OD ’12. Dr. Reid practices at
Advanced EyeCare Centers in Illinois.
At SCO’s Fall Homecoming and CE Newport, Tennessee, where the practice
Weekend, the college formally recog- was established October 17, 1950, by Dr.
nized two outstanding alumni for Ford. In subsequent years, Dr. Foster was
their accomplishments. Posthumously joined by Drs. Kurt Steele (’95), Emily
receiving the Lifetime Achievement Eisenhower (’17), and other alumni in
Award was the late Jeff Foster, OD ’81, growing the practice.
and receiving the Young Alumni Award
In 1984, the Tennessee Association of
was Jon Reid, OD ’12.
Optometric Physicians named Dr. Foster Following his graduation from SCO,
Dr. Lewis Reich, SCO President, pre- the Young OD of the Year; in 1986, OD he completed a primary care residency
sented each award during the Class of of the Year; and in 2014 the OD of the at the Salem Veterans Administration
2020’s commencement ceremony held Decade. He was a past legislative chair Medical Center in Salem, VA. He is a
at the Peabody Hotel. of the TAOP, an area where his legisla- member of the American Optometric
tive leadership earned him respect and Association and Illinois Optometric
Lifetime Achievement Award recipient
appreciation from colleagues around Association and is a Fellow of the
JEFF FOSTER, OD ’81, was recognized
the state. American Academy of Optometry.
for his decades of leadership devoted to
advancing scope of practice legislation He was a past president of the Tennes- In 2021, he was named a recipient of
in Tennessee. Dr. Foster died of COVID- see Optometric Association, Tennessee the Partnership Award presented by the
19 on August 28, 2020. Academy of Optometry, and was a past Hayes Center for Practice Excellence
Chair of the Tennessee Board of Exam- at SCO. Dr. Reid resides in Carlinville,
After his graduation from SCO, Dr. Foster
iners in Optometry. He was a Diplomate Illinois, with his wife, Maya S. Reid, OD
joined the practice of Drs. Nathan Ford
of the American Board of Optometry. ’12, and their three children.
(’50) and William B. Henry (OD ’61), in
4 VISIONS [WINTER 2021 ]
Donor Profile Welcome
BILL OLIVER, OD ’63
First-Time SCO Donors Southern College of Optometry is pleased to welcome the following first-time contributors
to our donor ranks. Listed below are those who gave generously in July, August, and September
2021.
ALUMNI
Rock Hill, South Carolina residents Christine A. Sager, OD '16 Sandy Trenerry
Lauren J. Stone, OD '10 Jeff and LeAnne Garner
Bill Oliver, OD ’63, and his wife Nancy, Apostolos John Giannas, OD '81 Dr. and Mrs. William Kimble
recently visited Memphis and toured David and Deanna Dye
the SCO campus. Dr. and Mrs. Oliver FRIENDS Kat King McEntee
Lynne Songy
are long-time supporters of the college, Henry and Andrea Stratton
William and Lisa Frank
Julie Rodman, OD, MS
with their first gift being made more Jeff and Sherry Owens
Jerry and Holly Brown
than 33 years ago during SCO’s earliest PARENTS
Jerry and Debbie Lock
efforts to seek alumni support. Diane Swope Bobby and Martha Brannan
Scott Shettle OD and Nicole Shettle Jim and Julie Schnoebelen
In 1991, the Olivers created the William W. D. Sullins, III, OD and Christa Harrison Sulllins, OD Rachel Gremillion
Len and Cindy Riviere Jeff and Lori Varcoe
C. Oliver Family Endowed Scholarship, Annette and F. Joseph Werner, OD Kim Baxter and Nancy Baxter
and 30 years later, their generosity Christopher and Monica Johns
continues to benefit SCO students.
During their visit to SCO, the Olivers A Note about Postal Delays
met Savannah Hinzman, ’25,
In November 2021, SCO’s Office of Institutional Advancement received a batch of
a first-year recipient of their
more than 40 pieces of mail from the U.S. Post Office. A note of apology stated that
scholarship.
these business reply envelopes had been erroneously delayed.
“I am so grateful to have been SCO has contacted each donor and is appreciative of those who have been
awarded this scholarship and for the understanding about the ongoing postal delays being experienced around the country.
contributions of Dr. and Mrs. Oliver In the interim, any donor whose gift has not been acknowledged or deposited should
which made it all possible,” Savannah contact Development Director Lauren Trowbridge at (901) 722-3339 or at ltrowbridge@
said. “Their generosity has allowed sco.edu to let SCO know about any other potentially missing pieces of mail.
me to pursue my dream of studying Had their gifts not been delayed by the post office, several parents and friends of
optometry at SCO. In the future, I hope 2021 graduates would have been recognized in the spring commencement program.
to own a private practice in my home SCO additionally is grateful to Allan Barker ('75), Jeff and Michele Clay, William
state of South Carolina.” Cochran ('68), Walter Cygan ('69), Paul Derrick ('70), Bill and Patty Elrod, Jordan
In addition to endowing their family Hamric ('17), Charity ('06) and James Hertzog ('06), Angela Howell ('90), Leonard
scholarship, the Olivers have also gener- Indianer ('62), Timothy and Kay Ismond, Ray H. Johnson ('68), Robert Jordan
ously supported other scholarships and ('88), Gerald Krumbholz ('65), James M. Newman III ('73), David and Carol Nibert,
the Envision Our Progress campaign to Elizabeth Parsons ('16), F. Mason Smith ('76), James E. Stamper ('07), William Tillar
build SCO’s academic facilities in 2013. ('64), and Lauren Windham ('10).
As the end of 2021 approaches, don’t forget that you may also make a gift online
Alumni interested in learning how
for speediest processing, especially important for those wanting to make a gift for an
you, too, can endow a scholarship
end-of-year tax deduction.
may contact the Office of Institutional
Advancement for details. ALUMNI AND FRIENDS MAY ALSO SUPPORT SCO BY DESIGNATING THE
COLLEGE AS YOUR CHARITY OF CHOICE IN THE KROGER COMMUNITY
REWARDS OR AMAZON SMILES PROGRAM.
VISIONS [WINTER 2021 ] 5
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
all 2021 was a busy one A professional film crew filmed
for VISHAL PATEL, OD ’20. Dr. Patel at one of Milan Eye
All within a span of several Center’s eight north metro Atlanta
weeks, he was married (see p. 17), locations where he practices. He
joined his classmates in cele- completed one of his fourth-year
brating the Class of 2020’s formal externships there under the
commencement ceremony, and tutelage of Charlie Ficco, OD, who
spent several days filming videos sat as a patient during the filming
to help influence high school and for ASCO’s videos.
undergraduate students to choose
Because family is very important
an optometry career.
to his life, Dr. Patel was also joined
on camera at home by several
family members, including his
wife, Lona Patel, who studied in
pharmacy school in Memphis;
his sister, Jaimisha Patel, a
dental school student in Augusta,
Georgia, and his parents, Mahesh
and Praksha Patel.
For a former SCO Student Ambas-
sador like Dr. Patel, appearing on
camera to promote optometry to
prospective students took him
back a few years.
A few years ago, the Association “The ambassador videos that
of Schools and Colleges of we shot during second year
Optometry (ASCO), received prepared me tremendously for
ophthalmic industry support to this experience,” he said. “Making
help start a marketing campaign it through that gave me the
to increase awareness about confidence to be myself in front of
optometry as a career choice. the camera this time around.”
The initial campaign featured ASCO is rolling out the new
three ODs in different work and campaign through online,
other settings centered around an social media, and other ads
“Optometry Gives Me Life” theme. targeting undergraduate and high
The initial campaign’s success school students interested in
is being followed by a new wave professional or healthcare careers.
of videos and photos featuring SCO will be proud to share these
Dr. Patel and another OD, both messages with young people who
of whom were chosen based on can be encouraged to follow Dr.
recommendations by different Patel’s lead in choosing optometry
optometry schools. as an outstanding career choice.
6 VISIONS [WINTER 2021 ]
VISIONS [WINTER 2021 ] 7
Class of 2020
Celebrates
Formal Commencement
After being delayed for a year the ceremony saw nearly 100 of the class were in absentia as
and a half because of the graduates walk in cap and gown they attended the wedding of
COVID-19 pandemic, the Class for their deferred ceremony. Haylee Taylor, OD ’20, on the
of 2020 returned to Memphis Dr. Lewis Reich, SCO President, same day.
for a formal commencement noted in his address to the class Since receiving their diplomas
ceremony held during that 25 percent of graduates had by mail in May 2020, the class
Fall Homecoming and completed a residency, while had welcomed four babies, with
CE Weekend. Hosted 20 members of the class had three on the way as of this year’s
at the Peabody Hotel, married. In fact, several members ceremony.
8 VISIONS [WINTER 2021 ]
Class Vice President followed by CALLIE
Cassandra Croy, OD ’20, MASHBURN, OD
and Class Secretary Hayley ’20, being recognized
Vasilko, OD ’20, delivered as Class Valedictorian.
class comments in which they Following the ceremony, a
celebrated the class’s historic reception turned into both a
distinction as the only optometry graduation and a class
students to have graduated reunion celebration. Some
officially in the year 2020, a date classmates had not seen
with optometric significance. each other for more than
TORRIE GARNER, two years since leaving for
OD ’20, was recognized their fourth-year extern-
as Class Salutatorian, ships two years ago.
VISIONS [WINTER 2021 ] 9
HOME
COMING
2021Alumni Reunite in Person
For the first time since 2019, SCO alumni
gathered in Memphis for an in-person
Fall Homecoming and Continuing
Education Weekend in early October.
Even on the occasions necessitating
mask wear, it was all smiles as alumni
enjoyed the fellowship and company of
Several alumni braved the rain to
participate in SCO’s early morning 5k
race and walk on Saturday morning,
with the big social event being a
Saturday evening gathering at the
Railgarten in midtown.
Of special note was an especially
Hayes Center continues to prioritize
bringing together soon-to-be graduates
with established practitioners looking to
retire or add partners to their practice.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS TO
ATTEND NEXT YEAR’S FALL
old friends and classmates. successful Alumni-Student networking HOMECOMING AND CE WEEKEND
event hosted by the Hayes Center for ON OCTOBER 6-9, 2022.
The event kicked off with a rooftop
Practice Excellence. More than 100
party at the Peabody Memphis,
alumni and students enjoyed meeting
followed by an outdoor, tented
each other and networking as the
barbecue on campus.
10 VISIONS [WINTER 2021 ]Kick Off
Party
VISIONS [WINTER 2021 ] 11ON CAMPUS
BBQ
12 VISIONS [WINTER 2021 ]Meet &
Greet
RAILGARTEN
After
Party
VISIONS [WINTER 2021 ] 13ALICIA A. GROCE, OD
E arlier this year, SCO Assistant Professor Alicia Groce received a diagnosis after months of increasingly
complex health issues: Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), sometimes referred to as Lou Gehrig’s
Disease. ALS is a neurodegenerative neuromuscular disease that results in progressive loss of motor
neurons that control voluntary muscles.
At Dr. Groce’s request, the news was shared with her colleagues on campus. She recently departed
the faculty to focus on her immediate care needs and to spend time with family and friends.
Dr. Groce returned to campus in September for SCO’s Fall Awards ceremony as Logan Lineberry,
’22, and Christopher Frampton, ’23, received the inaugural Dr. Alicia A. Groce Scholarship in Neuro-
Rehabilitation. The award was made possible by the generosity of numerous colleagues and others inspired
by her experience.
As she faces the challenges posed by ALS, Dr. Groce has relied on her family, including her two
daughters, and her husband, Josh, a minister. She has turned to her faith to share her story, giving
encouragement to others who face obstacles in their own lives.
In May, she and her husband traveled to Hawaii for a trip arranged in part by friends from her church.
She’s also shared her story in person at church and through online videos. She even gave a few optometry
lectures online earlier this year before her speech became more difficult.
From receiving a new power wheelchair in July to navigating the approval process for disability
benefits, Dr. Groce has shared episodes from her struggles in a series of social media blog posts entitled
“Alicia’s Faith Journey Through ALS.” Here are some of her thoughts from
recent months in her own words about her experiences.
“ I2021
did not know that March 25,
would be my last day seeing
and I can't practice optometry
anymore, I still know that God
patients. But on that last day of gave me a heart to serve.
pediatrics, I got to serve alongside Although my clinical time has
four wonderful ladies who recently come to an end, I trust that God
graduated and are practicing will still use this expression to
optometry now and help several help me serve him. I also know
kiddos get new glasses. This day in that there are other ways for
clinic was like many others before. me to express my calling.
Although the work was getting
harder to do, I served my students
and my patients with everything
“ Fear keeps us from the good
stuff and from living our best
I had. life. So we choose to live one
day at a time and live each day
“ Life is funny like that, you never
know when will be your first
to the fullest!
treatments, and trials or on the
or your last experience with
something. But if you go into
“ IALS,
am just starting this journey with
but I'm quickly learning that
phone is another day the disease
progresses in another day we
you have to fight for yourself! won't get back. I don't know how
each day giving it all you have and
I am so lucky that God blessed much of a difference I can make,
using the gifts that God has given
me with a medical background but I will not go down without a
you, that is the true blessing.
fighting day in and day out for fight. Although I cannot fight for
TOP
All we can do is live each day to
Christopher Frampton, ’23, was one patients to get the best care my patients on a daily basis these
the fullest and make each moment
of the first two recipients of the
possible. The ALS community is days, maybe my new fight is for
new scholarship bearing Dr. Groce’s count!
name at SCO’s Fall Awards program. a community of fighters. It is an the ALS community.
BOTTOM “ Ithedidhospital
not know I would end up in
a few days later going
underserved, underrepresented,
underfunded community. The “ ALS is hard. I have good days
Dr. Groce pictured with a young and bad days, and things are
patient during a foreign mission trip through test after test, to find out ALS community needs people to
constantly changing. My hands
from recent years. that I had ALS. Although I can't use fight for them! Each day wasted
are getting a little harder to use so
my arms and my legs like I used to, waiting for medicine, referrals,
technology, holding a cup, eating,
14 VISIONS [WINTER 2021 ]etc., are challenging. But we count does not help. In my mind that to work. Every day I was excited to between. When I was in the room
our blessings and cherish every means that only God knows. We go in and help people. Help people with a little kiddo or bedside in
good moment. are blessed to be surrounded by so see, help people experience the rehab facility listening to my
many that love us and walk beside their world differently, help patients explain their challenges,
“ The truth is that nobody knows
why ALS occurs. It makes it very
us in faith! people rehabilitate, help people
understand their surroundings
there was no better feeling
than being able to show them
hard to find a cure when you don't
know the cause. And each patient
“ IThat
have always had a heart to serve.
is the gift I always felt God
better and be able to use their eyes
and their brain better together!
something that would help them
or give them hope. I had the honor
with ALS is unique and has unique gave me. I am a natural helper. All of working with patients and
symptoms and progressions.
This also makes it hard to find
I want to do is help people. For this
reason, being an Optometrist felt
“ Iwith
had the privilege of working
special needs children, brain
students and residents. Each and
every encounter I tried to show
medicines that work. So no one like God's way of using me to serve injury survivors, kids with learning them what caring about people
really knows what helps and what others. I never felt like I was going disabilities and everything in and helping people was truly
about. Serving as an optometrist
TO MAKE A GIFT TO THE DR. ALICIA A. GROCE SCHOLARSHIP IN NEURO-REHABILITATION, was truly my honor.”
CONTACT THE OFFICE OF INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT OR DESIGNATE THIS GIFT IN
YOUR ONLINE CONTRIBUTION AT SCO.EDU.
VISIONS [WINTER 2021 ] 15LIFE OUTSIDE OF SCO
1965 Jim Sandefur, OD, recently 2005 Louis Hyde, OD, received the top 2012 Jared Cox, OD, and Stephanie
received the AOA President's eyecare award voted by readers McLin Cox, OD, shared this photo
Award for Distinguished Service. of his local newspaper in Morris- of their daughter Maddie wearing
town, Tennessee. her SCO onesie.
1968 Michael Manzo, OD, was inducted
into the Parkersburg High School 2009 Joe Sugg, OD, President of the
West Virginia Sports Hall of Fame Arkansas Optometric Association,
in West Virginia. Tim Stephens, visited students in the Arkansas
OD ’01, was in attendance. The Club. Attendees enjoyed dinner
high school is notable for having and technology demonstrations
ties to several SCO alumni. provided by Vision South.
1975 Scott Simpson, OD, recently retired 2010 Seth Salley, OD, and his son, Oliver,
after 46 years of continuous prac- dressed alike for future occupa-
Cecilia Koetting, OD, recently
tice. His father, J.G. Simpson, OD tion day at Harding Academy in
wrote about dry eye treatment for
’40, practiced for 44 years before Memphis.
Optometric Management.
his death in 1984. They were
proud to give 90 years of cumu-
Courtney Shay LaFreniere, OD,
lative service to the citizens of El
and her husband, Tim LaFreniere,
Dorado, Arkansas.
OD, welcomed a son, Joseph Ward
LaFreniere on November 1, 2021.
1981 Merle Baker, OD, and his wife,
Lisa, welcomed a granddaughter,
Huxley Rae Evon Baker, born June
1, 2021.
2011 Amber Busche, OD, was named
to a Notable Women in Health
Care list published by a Colorado
newspaper.
MISSISSIPPI ALUMNI EARN AWARDS
Several SCO alumni recently were honored by the Mississippi Optometric Association, including:
Tiffany McElroy, OD ’12 David Parker, OD ’95 Mandi Smith, OD ’10 Mallory Collins, OD ’19 Mary K. Wilson, OD ’12 Sarah Fratesi, OD ’99
HELEN ST. CLAIR 2021 COMMUNITY FINALIST FINALIST FINALIST FINALIST
YOUNG OD OF THE YEAR SERVICE AWARD JAMES BROWNLEE HELEN ST. CLAIR HELEN ST. CLAIR 2021 COMMUNITY
AWARD OPTOMETRIST OF THE YOUNG OD OF THE YEAR YOUNG OD OF THE YEAR SERVICE AWARD
YEAR AWARD AWARD AWARD
16 VISIONS [WINTER 2021 ]BOARD MEMBERS HONORED Mary Kate Walters Sain, OD,
SCO’s Board of Trustees recently accepted a faculty
wrapped up its fall position at the University of
meeting by honoring two Houston College
Board members whose of Optometry as
terms will be ending a Professor of
early next year. Board Practice. She will
Chair Chris Wroten, serve as the Clinic
OD ’02, presented plaques and gifts to Steve Compton, OD ’78 (L), and Terry Director of the
Tucker, OD ’84 (R), thanking them for their service and leadership. Northside Eye Care Center in Fort
Worth, Texas.
2021 Shandi Beckwith,
Brittany (Brinkley) Tatum, OD, OD, has joined The
is now an Assistant Professor John A. Moran Eye
of Ophthalmology in the School Center in Salt Lake
of Medicine at Oregon Health & City, Utah.
Science University.
2016 Jade Coats, OD, was named
to Modern Optometry's One to
Jon Reid, OD, represented the Illi-
Watch list. She also had an article
featured in the inaugural issue of
InMemoriam
nois Optometric Association as he Nancy Ramirez, OD ’47
Presbyopia Physician.
talked to SCO's Midwest students Neil Gurwitz, OD ’50
during Homecoming Weekend. Brett O'Connor, OD, wrote about Jack Buxton, OD ’52
ways to talk with patients about Melvin B. Fox, OD ’54
2014 Andrew Bradbury, OD, was named myopia management in a Review
one of the recipients of the Greater Carl Odom, OD ’60
of Myopia Management article.
Winston-Salem’s Under 40 Leader- Marlene Palmer, OD ’60
ship Awards. Fletcher Blaugh, OD ’65
2020 Alyssa Invergo, OD, and
Cori Jones, OD, were honored William B. Dunlap, Jr., OD ’72
Jeff Coats, OD, participated in Dale Herder, OD ’72
with Residency Awards from
the Gentlemen of Distinction
the Academy of Optometry Austin Quinn, OD ’73
fundraiser in Rogers, Arkansas.
Foundation during the 2021 William W. Spiegler, III, OD ’75
Academy meeting in Boston. Steven M. Smith, OD ’79
2015 Jessica Haynes, OD, Jim
Williamson, OD ’97, and McArthur Griffin, OD ’92
Vishal Patel, OD ’20, married
Mohammad Rafieetary, OD, Branden Dalrymple, OD ’94
Lona Patel in an August 2021
authored an article about Jeffrey J. Johnson, OD ’96
ceremony attended by several of
retinal imaging for Review Brunilde Tassone Matuszak, OD ’04
his classmates.
of Optometry.
Amy Puerto, OD, was interviewed
by her hometown newspaper
about her professional journey
to optometry. She participated in
September on a panel of American
Academy of Optometry members
talking about vaccine hesitancy
during COVID.
VISIONS [WINTER 2021 ] 17CAMPUS NEWS
Faculty Briefs
Marie Bodack, OD, provided
NEW FACULTY WELCOMED
two virtual lectures to
the Nebraska Optometric Theresa Cassidy, OD ’18, recently joined SCO’s faculty as an instructor.
After graduating from SCO, Dr. Cassidy completed her residency at the
Association’s Fall
Memphis VAMC and subsequently worked at Memphis Eye and Cataract
Convention.
Associates and Laser Center.
Lindsay Elkins, OD
’07, helped officiate as
SCO’s Beta Sigma Kappa meeting, he also partici- Kristina Haworth, OD, Colleges and Universities
Optometric Honor Society pated in two different work- PhD, was recognized for Association Hall of Fame.
formally welcomed 60 new shops, including one in his reviewing 2,661 articles for
members at an induction capacity as Vice President of the Cochrane Report.
ceremony in October. the Scleral Lens Education
Society. Cynthia Heard, OD, and
Scott Ensor, OD ’01, delivered Janette Pepper, OD,
a course on drug diversion participated in ASCO and
and narcotic prescribing to the NOA's Cross Country
the Tennessee Academy of Welcome virtual event for
first-year students from Glen Steele, OD ’69, Dan
Optometry.
underrepresented minority Powell, OD, and Wil McGriff,
backgrounds. OD, attended the American
Patrick Fiddler, OD, and
Public Health Association
his wife, Jackie, exchanged
Catherine Hogan, OD ’17, meeting in Denver. Dr.
vows in St. Louis on
was named a Topical Editor McGriff is immediate past
September 25, 2021.
for the American Academy chair of the Vision Care
of Optometry Podcast series. Section, which saw a new
integrated diabetes care
John Mark Jackson, OD ’99, policy adopted by the full
wrote about tips for getting APHA at the meeting. Dr.
David Hall, OD, and Mary started with orthokeratology Steele completed his term
Hoang, OD ’14, became in the November issue of as a Governing Councilor,
Fellows of the American Contact Lens Spectrum. while Dr. Powell continues
Academy of Optometry. in the same capacity.
Rick Savoy, OD, Wil McGriff,
Paul Harris, OD, was a OD, and Chris Borgman,
participant in the virtual OD, held their annual
Australian College of two-day Law Enforcement
Behavioural Optometrists Conference to teach police
(ACBO) National Conference. officers and prosecutors
Dan Fuller, OD, received a basic ocular anatomy and
Paul Harris, OD, and Marc
certificate of excellence in eye movements related to
Taub, OD, wrote about a Marc Taub, OD, and Pam
recognition of outstanding impaired driving situations.
new method of measuring Schnell, OD ’01, were named
leadership in keratoconus
visual acuity in the October Glen Steele, OD ’69, was the recipients of the 2021
care from Glaukos and
2021 edition of Review of selected for induction into Skeffington Legacy Award
the National Keratoconus
Optometry. the Tennessee Independent by the Optometric Extension
Foundation. At the Academy
Program Foundation.
18 VISIONS [WINTER 2021 ]Hayes Center Accepting Applications for 2022 Awards
Members of SCO’s Classes of 2012-2020 are eligible to receive one of three $5,000 awards recognizing the pursuit of excellence
HCPE SPOTLIGHT
in private practice optometry. Application details are available at www.sco.edu/practice-of-excellence-award. The deadline to
apply is January 31, 2022. Email lwade@sco.edu for more details.
Hayes Center is the
Link for Successful
Practice Transition
The decision to retire is often a from their first meeting in the fall
mixed bag of emotions. There is of 2019, Dr. Toomey knew that Dr.
the excitement about a new McGee would be a great fit.
chapter in life, but for practice
Dr. McGee’s fiancé, Chris Muegge,
owners, finding a good buyer who
OD ’20, also used HCPE resources
will care for existing patients looms
to find his home at Oakmont
large as a concern.
Eyecare, in Cleveland, Tennessee,
“Finding a successor who is the with Walter Peterson, OD ’59, Blake
‘right fit’ can take years of careful Peterson, OD ’85 (a classmate of
networking and planning,” says Dr. Toomey’s), and Kari (Klemm)
Lisa Rossmeyer Wade, OD ’84, Hudson, OD ’96.
Director of SCO’s Hayes Center for
“Dr. McGee is dedicated to the
Practice Excellence (HCPE).
idea of private practice and being Dr. Toomey is pictured with Dr. McGee, center, and others at her recent retirement party.
“The HCPE is thrilled to have played a business owner,” Dr. Toomey
a role in connecting Jean Ann says. “She was well prepared by Dr. than I was, as far as practice • “Enlist the help of
Toomey, OD ’85, with Katie McGee, Wade with questions and knowl- management is concerned,” Dr. professionals such as
OD ’20, and helping to facilitate edge for such a transaction.” Toomey notes. the Hayes Center and/or
such a successful transition for consultants such as PVG.”
After graduating in 2020, For other SCO alumni, Dr. Toomey
both,” Dr. Wade says.
Dr. McGee joined the practice. recommends to start preparing Now happily retired, Dr. Toomey
“Our primary goal is to enable and Dr. Toomey began working two for retirement two to three years enjoys spending time with her
develop beneficial connections days a week and Dean Baggett, earlier than one might think. Her family, including her husband, two
between those seeking associates, OD ’83, three days a week. specific thoughts and advice: daughters and their husbands,
partners, and purchasers with SCO Over the course of a year, both
• “I had always heard that you and five grandchildren. She reads,
students and graduates – through were impressed with their new
need to choose a business explores history, and travels. When
the placement service, networking colleague’s preparedness, skills,
partner as carefully as a the pandemic improves, she hopes
events, and expertise and knowledge, and compassion for
spouse, and that is true.” to spend Mays through Septembers
resources of the HCPE.” her patients.
in Alaska.
After thinking about retirement a “A year was enough time for me • “Write down the kind of
“My best memories of my career
decade ago, Dr. Toomey looked to know that my patients would person you want to take
are the patients that allowed me
for a partner who would carry on be well taken care of and treated over, if that is the plan.”
to be a part of their world,” she
Toomey & Baggett Eyecare Clinic, kindly,” Dr. Toomey says.
• “I did not realize that private adds. “Some became good friends
PLLC, in Athens, Tennessee. A
Early in 2021, plans were made for practice and small towns and most shared their families and
position was listed with the Hayes
Dr. Toomey to retire on June 30 were not really high on most sometimes their heartaches with
Center’s Placement site. Following
and for Dr. McGee to buy her half of of the current graduates’ me. Optometry and eyecare are
a conversation with Dr. Toomey at
the practice. Dr. Toomey is owner list.” fascinating, but it is the patients
a conference, Dr. Wade began to
financing the buyout, a process that have my heart. Staff also
identify potential students. • “If you have the option
that has worked well. becomes like family and you do life
Dr. Katie McGee, then a fourth-year to transition like I did and together. It’s the human factor that
“I believe that due to the Hayes
student, stood out as a match. The work less days, it makes the made it so special.”
Center and Dr. Wade, students are
HCPE made the introductions, and change easier.”
much more prepared for practicing
VISIONS [WINTER 2021 ] 19AAO SNAPSHOTS
Academy Meeting Returns
Faculty, students, residents, and alumni enjoyed representing SCO at the first in-person
meeting of the American Academy of Optometry in two years.
Held in Boston, the Academy meeting drew a large number of SCO attendees eager to
participate after last year’s meeting in nearby Nashville went virtual during the height of
the pandemic.
SCO’s student team placed third out of 23 optometry schools in the Essilor
Academic Challenge. Congratulations to Meredith Fry, ’23, Regan Stone,
’22, Maria Bontrager, ’22, and faculty team advisor Morgan Ollinger, OD,
for a job well done.
A total of 34 SCO academic posters were
presented. Two SCO residents/recent graduates, Alexis
Williams Smith, OD ’21, and Casey Krug, OD ’21, joined SCO’s
Chief of Low Vision, Karen Squier, OD, in a winning academic
poster. Ocutech, a low vision device company, started a new
program to fund travel to the Academy meeting for low vision
researchers with the winners chosen on the basis of their
academic poster submission.
Thanks to all our alumni who attended SCO’s first large scale reception for alumni and
friends. The Class of 2021 had the best attendance as they enjoyed a mini-reunion of sorts
with more than two dozen of the recent graduates in attendance.
Alumni, students, faculty, and residents,
enjoyed the networking they had missed
over the last two years, including a mini-class
reunion pictured at the bottom center. In
addition to SCO faculty, students, and residents
making poster presentations, several recent
graduates also participated as residents at
other schools’ programs, including above, from
top to bottom: Marie Huegel, OD ’21, Tommy
Cung, OD ’21, Stephanie Martich, OD ’21,
Pheba Shibu, OD ’21.
20 VISIONS [WINTER 2021 ]AAO | BOSTON, MA
FACULTY POSTERS RESIDENT POSTERS
Anna Douglass, ’22; Abigail Klick, ’22; Ashlee Hobson, ’22; Ashley Bascom, OD, MS, Vision Rehabilitation Resident;
Patricia Cisarik, OD, PhD 1 Barry Tannen, OD 1
EFFECT OF ICE WATER STIMULATION ON PHARMACOLOGICALLY- VISION REHABILITATION FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF
INDUCED “HORNER’S” ANISOCORIA CONSECUTIVE EXOTROPIA
Patricia Cisarik, OD, PhD; Lindsay Elkins, OD Monica Bhula, OD, Primary Care Optometry Resident;
HOW OAT SCORES AND 1ST TERM PERFORMANCE RELATE TO TEST JulieAnne Roper, OD, MS; Patricia Kranz, OD
SCORES IN THE 2ND TERM FOR 1ST YEAR OPTOMETRY STUDENTS UNDER PRESSURE: A CASE OF UNILATERAL SEQUENTIAL NAIONS
WITH SYMPTOMATIC SYSTEMIC HYPOTENSION
Allison Wirt, ’22; Paul Harris, OD; Patricia Cisarik, OD, PhD
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN READING COMPREHENSION SCORE AND Phoebe Chen, OD, Ocular Disease Resident
READING EYE MOVEMENT PARAMETERS AS MEASURED BY THE HOW OCULAR MANIFESTATIONS CAN LEAD TO A 2
READALYZER IN GRADUATE LEVEL STUDENTS DIAGNOSIS OF NEUROSARCOIDOSIS
Laurel Heskett, ’23; Patricia Cisarik, OD, PhD Aspen Chun, OD, Cornea, Contact Lens & Refractive Surgery Resident;
THE EFFECT OF REVERVE CONTRAST POLARITY VS NORMAL Lily Wang, OD; Daniel Fuller, OD
CONTRAST POLARITY ON ACCOMMODATIVE MICROFLUCTUATIONS EXPOSED AHMED TUBE SHUNT SECONDARY TO SCLERAL LENS WEAR
Lindsay Elkins, OD; Melissa Powers, MEd; Patricia Cisarik, OD, PhD Alexia Clark, OD, Pediatric Optometry Resident 6
ARE OAT SCORES FOR READING COMPREHENSION AND ACADEMIC PARKINSON’S DISEASE WITH AN UNCONVENTIONAL TREATMENT
AVERAGE RELATED TO SELF-REGULATED TEST DURATION IN FIRST
YEAR OPTOMETRY STUDENTS? Olivia Gada, OD, Ocular Disease Resident 3
WHEN MAC TEL GOES BAD
Chawan Rasheed, OD; Daniel Fuller, OD 2
CHANGES IN PACHYMETRY IN THIN KERATOCONIC CORNEAS Julianne Gant, OD, Ocular Disease Resident; Kelly Singleton, OD, MS;
EXPOSED TO HYPOTONIC RIBOFLAVIN DURING CORNEAL
William Denton, OD; Marlee Silversmith, OD
CROSS-LINKING
BRINGING LIFE BACK INTO FOCUS; BALANCING MENTAL HEALTH
Paul Harris, OD; Chris Johnson, PhD WITH MAXIMIZING VISION THROUGH AN UNCONVENTIONAL PLAN
FOR CONTACT LENS WEAR
INVESTIGATION OF THE EFFECTS OF LENSES AND LIGHTING ON
MELBOURNE RAPID FIELDS
Sophia Johnson, OD, Ocular Disease Resident
PRESUMED CHOROIDAL OSTEOMA RECLASSIFIED AS SOLITARY 4
Meredith Fry ’23; Yueren Wang, OD; Laurel Kelley, OD
IDIOPATHIC CHOROIDITIS WITH MULTIMODAL IMAGING
COMPARISON OF S5 MINI SCLERAL LENS INSERTION DEVICE TO
TM
TRADITIONAL DMV® VENTED SCLERAL CUP
TM
Kanesha McBee, OD, Ocular Disease Resident
DRAMATIC IMPROVEMENT WITH DROPS IN HLA-B27 ASSOCIATED CME
Aaron Kerr, OD 3
A TELEHEALTH VISUAL ACUITY TEST APPLICATION VS. SNELLEN
Rimpi Nakhwal, OD, Brain Injury Rehabilitation Resident 7
VISUAL ACUITY: A COMPARISON STUDY
NEURO OPTOMETRIC LENS INTERVENTIONS: CASE SERIES
Reena Lepine, OD; Elsa Speth, OD; Rachel Grant, OD 4
Liana Renteria, OD, Ocular Disease Resident
OPTOMETRY STUDENTS’ PERCEPTION TOWARDS ASSIGNED 5
LAB PRACTICE TIMES UNDIAGNOSED PARACENTRAL SCOTOMA FOUND TO BE
LONGSTANDING CHOROIDOPATHY UPON USING OCT ANGIOGRAPHY
Chris Lievens, OD, MA; Randy Brafford; Catherine Hogan, OD; AND FUNDUS AUTOFLUORESCENCE
Laurel Kelley, OD; Mike Christensen, OD, PhD; et.al
Cubdeerix Robinson, OD, Ocular Diease Resident
UNDERSTANDING COMFORT DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PATADAY
ONCE DAILY RELIEF EXTRA STRENGTH AND VISINE® ALLERGY EYE RETINAL CAPILLARY MACROANEURYSM IN A PATIENT WITH MDS
RELIEF MULTI-ACTION DROPS
Eliza Seros, OD, Primary Care Optometry Resident
Samantha Blanke, BS; Morgan Ollinger, OD MANAGING MULTIPLE MYOPIC RETINAL COMPLICATIONS
THE EFFECT OF CAFFEINE ON EYE TRACKING AND READING SIMULTANEOUSLY
COMPREHENSION 6
Erlein Tacastacas, OD, Ocular Disease Resident
Camille Cohen, OD; Janette Pepper, OD WHEN MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS LEADS TO CHRONIC
THE NATIONAL OPTOMETRIC ASSOCIATION’S TUTORING COMMITTEE: OCULAR INFLAMMATION
MENTAL HEALTH MANAGEMENT FOR NBEO TEST PREPARATION
Lindsey Thomas, OD, Ocular Disease Resident
Chawan Rasheed, OD; Daniel Fuller, OD CHOROIDAL GRANULOMA: THE ONLY MANIFESTATION OF
THE INFLUENCE OF CONTACT LENS POWER AND POLYMER ON SARCOIDOSIS IN AN ASYMPTOMATIC PATIENT
REBOUND TONOMETRY VALUES
Lisa Wadolowski, OD, Pediatric & Vision Therapy and Rehabilitation
Alexis Smith, OD; Casey Krug, OD; Karen Squier, OD, MS Resident; Darah McDaniel-Chandler, OD 8 7
DOES GRIT SCORE CORRELATE TO PERSISTENCE OF LOW VISION DELAYED MANAGEMENT OF DEPRIVATION AMBLYOPIA:
DEVICE USE? A PILOT STUDY A CASE SERIES
Melissa Zarn, OD; Janette Pepper, OD; Lauren Watson, OD 5 Kelsey Whitcomb, OD, Ocular Disease Resident
USING INTERPROFESSIONAL EDUCATION TO INTRODUCE INCLUSIVITY UTILIZING OCT-A IN THE DIAGNOSIS AND MANAGEMENT
TRAINING IN PRE-CLINICAL STUDENTS OF GLAUCOMA
Bailey Yee, OD, Ocular Disease Resident
BITEMPORAL HEMIANOPSIA IMPROVEMENT AFTER SUPRASELLAR
ARACHNOID CYST REMOVAL 8
VISIONS [WINTER 2021 ] 21PRECEPTOR SPOTLIGHT
CELEBRATING HER 25-YEAR CLASS REUNION THIS YEAR, DR. BYNUM IS AN SCO PRECEPTOR AT NORTHWEST
TENNESSEE EYE CLINIC IN MARTIN, TENNESSEE. HERE SHE DESCRIBES THE PRACTICE AND THE OPPORTUNITIES
ENJOYED BY EXTERNS.
FRANCES D. BYNUM, OD ’96, FAAO
DESCRIBE YOUR accounting practices, learning to manage and
EXTERNSHIP LOCATION.
develop a staff. Develop practice (and personal)
“This preceptor site is located in a rural goals and strategies for lifelong learning.
town and offers an opportunity to see a
Each extern has an opportunity to
solo practitioner that enjoys taking care
attend local meetings and be involved in
of people from ages 0-99. I have been in
the community while here in Martin. The
practice for 25 years.
student will attend a Vision Source local
The clinical experience here includes meeting where they have an opportunity
fitting of soft, toric, multi-focal, and scleral to meet other local optometrists and
lens; management of cataract pre- and discuss optometry office challenges
post operative care; glaucoma and MIGS and solutions. Also, the student will
participate in staff meetings and
management, diabetic and macular
learn to develop a presentation for
degeneration care, application of amniotic
doctors and staff."
membranes, injections for removal of
neoplasms, and managing other ocular
WHY DID YOU DECIDE
diseases. Learning how to implement
TO BECOME AN EXTERNSHIP
and use technology: OCT, Optos, visual PRECEPTOR?
field, tear lab, low light therapy, Adaptdx,
“After much "arm-twisting"
topography, IOL Master, automated
from Dr. Al Spivey (’67), I
refractive systems, etc.
joined SCO's extern program
The practice management experience about five years ago. I have a passion for optometry and
includes understanding billing and enjoy teaching. I have a motto: “learn something new every
coding, understanding vision plans, day.” Hopefully students (myself included) are challenged
Medicare, Medicaid plans, designing an daily in patient care and practice management.
office, buying equipment for your practice,
It is rewarding to see students grow, not only professionally
developing a budget for a practice,
but personally. It is a pleasure seeing others succeed!
22 VISIONS [WINTER 2021 ]I would challenge
other optometrists
to open their practices to externs. Each of us have a
responsibility to give back to the profession that has made us
“ WORK HARD, PLAY HARD,
successful. Hopefully, I will leave the profession better than PRAY HARD!”
I found it!”
VISIONS [WINTER 2021 ] 23Non-Profit Organization
SOUTHERN COLLEGE U.S. Postage
OF OPTOMETRY PAID
1245 Madison Avenue Memphis, Tennessee
Memphis, TN 38104-2222 Permit Number 151
PLEASE JOIN US AT OUR SECO COCKTAIL RECEPTION ON THE
EVENING OF FRIDAY, MARCH 11, 2022 AT THE ERNEST N. MORIAL
CONVENTION CENTER IN NEW ORLEANS!You can also read
