SECO 2008 CE Program Faculty

Peggy Achenbach; OD
Dr. Peg Achenbach is a researcher, international speaker and business executive. As the Vice President of Medical Operations for SDR Pharmaceuticals, Inc., she has spearheaded research and product development in dermatology, oncology and antimicrobial agents. She also has experience conducting international clinical trials.

Paul Ajamian; OD, FAAO
Paul Ajamian is the Center Director of Omni Eye Services of Atlanta, the first optometric co-management center in the country. He currently serves as Chairman of the CE Committee for SECO International, and is a Past President of the Georgia Optometric Association. He is editor of Review of Optometry?s popular monthly column Co-management Q and A. He has lectured extensively in the United States, Canada, Europe and South Africa.

Kevin Alexander; OD
Kevin L. Alexander, O.D., Ph.D., was first elected to the American Optometric Association?s Board of Trustees in June 1999. Dr. Alexander became AOA's 86th President at the 110th Annual AOA Congress & 37th Annual AOSA Conference: Optometry?s Meeting in June 2007. In addition to his duties as President, Dr. Alexander serves as chair of the AOA Executive Committee and member of the AOA Agenda Committee. Dr. Alexander also serves as liaison to the American Academy of Optometry (AAO), Southern Council of Optometrists, and Southwest Council of Optometry among many others.

Jill Autry; OD, RPh
Dr. Autry received her pharmacy degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She worked in critical care at a hospital pharmacy before returning for her optometry degree at the University of Houston. Following graduation, she performed a residency in ocular disease and surgical co management at the Eye Center of Texas in Houston where she continues to practice today. Dr. Autry lectures on a variety of pharmaceutical and ocular disease topics and she is an adjunct faculty professor at the University of Houston.

Jimmy Bartlett; OD, DOS, ScD
Dr. Bartlett received his Doctor of Optometry degree from Southern College of Optometry. He is currently Professor of Optometry in the School of Optometry and Professor of Pharmacology in the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology at the University of Alabama School of Medicine. Dr. Bartlett is Co-editor of the classic textbook Clinical Ocular Pharmacology (now in its 4th edition), and he serves on the editorial advisory boards for Ophthalmic Drug Facts and Journal of Ocular Pharmacology and Therapeutics. Dr. Bartlett has delivered more than 1,000 lectures throughout the world to both clinical and research audiences, and he is the recipient of two honorary degrees. In 2000 he was selected by Review of Optometry as one of the most influential optometrists of the 20th Century.

Steve Beckerman; OD, FAAO
Dr. Beckerman is a 1982 graduate of SUNY College of Optometry. He completed a residency at the Illinois College of Optometry in Pediatrics/ Low Vision. Dr. Beckerman is an Associate Professor at the Illinois College of Optometry. He maintains a private practice in Glenview, IL. He is a vision consultant to DePaul University Athletic Dept., the Chicago Fire Soccer team and the AAU Junior Olympics. He has been recognized as the Sports Vision Optometrist of the year by the AOA Sports Vision Section. He had published extensively on the relationship between vision and athletics.

Dan Bintz; OD
Dr. Bintz opened his practice in Elk City in November of 1984. The original clinic was in the Baker Professional Building, across from Nagle?s Snappy Sak on West Third Street. In 1987, the current clinic was built, which was extensively remodeled in June 2004. During the last 20 years, Dr. Bintz has been involved in local, state, and national volunteer work. He is a past president of the Elk City Chamber of Commerce, the American Diabetes Association, Oklahoma Affiliate, and the Oklahoma Association of Optometric Physicians. He has also served on the Oklahoma State Board of Corrections, and the Elk City School Board. He is currently Chair of the American Optometric Association?s Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Project Team. He chaired the Oklahoma Diabetes Coalition from 1995-1997. He has been named Young OD of the Year, Outstanding Young Oklahoman, Alumni of the Year, and awarded the Endres Award for Excellence in Diabetes care.

Greg Black; OD
Dr. Greg Black graduated from Indiana University School of Optometry and completed his residency program at Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry. Dr. Black is the Chief of Optometry of the Broward Boulevard Eye Clinic of Nova Southeastern University, which serves an indigent population in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Dr. Black?s research interests include glaucoma and HIV.

Sondra Black; OD
Dr. Black graduated in 1980 from the University of Waterloo School of Optometry. Her lecture topics include "How to Build Your Refractive Surgery Practice", "Iris Registration", "Presbyopia", "New Technology in Refractive Surgery", "Restorvision Reading Implants" and "Is Your Patient a Refractive Surgery Candidate?". Dr. Black has also participated in the following clinical trials: Zyoptix Canadian trials, Wavelight Allegretto Canadian custom trials, RestorVision reading implants, Visx Presbyopia trials.

Mile Brujic; OD
Mile Brujic, OD graduated from the New England College of Optometry in 2002. He currently resides in Bowling Green, OH and is a partner of a multi-location group practice where he sees patients in Bowling Green and Lima, OH. Dr. Brujic practices full scope optometry. He is an active member of the Rotary Club, and is involved at many levels with organized optometry. Dr. Brujic began speaking shortly after graduation and has lectured at the local, state and national levels since then.

Frank Bucci; MD
Frank A. Bucci, Jr., MD is an internationally recognized expert in refractive and cataract surgery. He has been a pioneer in refractive surgery, having performed the first RK, AK, PRK and LASIK procedures in Wyoming Valley. He has performed over 8,000 refractive surgeries, in addition to performing almost 22,000 other microsurgical ophthalmic procedures. Dr. Bucci was the first ophthalmic researcher in North America and Europe to demonstrate that mixing and matching the two new Multifocal implants (the ReZoom and ReSTOR Multi-Lx Elite?) both achieved the highest levels of spectacle independence and patient satisfaction.

LeDonna Buckner; COA, FCLSA, NCLC-AC
Ledonna Buckner manages the contact lens department of a thirty doctor practice including six offices with contact lens service. Pediatric post-surgical and keratoconus fits are common. She is a Certified Ophthalmic Assistant, Fellow of the Contact Lens Society of America, Board of Director for the CLSA and Editor-in-Chief for Eye Witness Magazine. She is also a part time consultant for CooperVision, Inc. Ledonna has extensive experience as a speaker on a national level.

Carole Burns; OD
Dr. Burns graduated from The Ohio State University College of Optometry in 1984. She completed her vision therapy and pediatric residency at The State University of New York in 1985. She is an assistant clinical professor at The Ohio State University College of Optometry. She is a member of the Central Ohio Optometric Association, the Ohio Optometric Association, the American Optometric Association, The AOA Sports Vision Section, and is a Certified Fellow of the College of Optometrists in Vision Development.

Sharon Carter
Sharon Carter has over 17 years of optometric experience including working in an office as an office manager, sales and training for an optometric software company to consulting for private practices. She started her own consulting company in 2002, Eye Care Optometric Consulting (ECOC) and has personally worked in over 25 offices with more than 200 staff. She is very energetic and enthusiastic and for more than 4 years has been speaking and motivating staff at state associational meetings sharing her company?s philosophy to ?provide the best patient care and the money will follow?.

Anthony Cavallerano; OD
Anthony Cavallerano, OD, FAAO is an attending staff optometrist at VA Boston Health Care System and Director of Education and Training Programs for the VA Boston Ocular Telehealth Center. He was formerly affiliated with the telemedicine program at the Joslin Diabetes Center and holds the rank of Professor of Optometry at the New England College of Optometry, where he was the former Clinical Dean and Director of the Center for Continuing Education. Dr. Cavallerano has served as the editor-in-chief for two peer-reviewed professional journals, he is the lead author of the AOA Practice Guidelines on Age-related Macular Degeneration and has authored several book chapters and over 50 professional journal articles. He speaks at meetings around the world.

Michael Chaglasian; OD
Dr. Michael Chaglasian is presently an Associate Professor at the Illinois College of Optometry and Chief of Staff of the Illinois Eye Institute. He is a graduate of State University of New York College of Optometry and completed a Residency in Primary Eye Care/Ocular Disease at the Pennsylvania College of Optometry. Dr. Chaglasian has been in charge of the Glaucoma Service at the Illinois Eye Institute for the past twelve years, providing patient care while instructing residents and students. His research interests include normal tension glaucoma, automated perimetry and the clinical use of scanning laser ophthalmoscopes.

Bobby Christensen; OD
In group practice in Midwest City, OK, Dr Christensen is a graduate of University of Houston 1973, specializing in contact lenses and primary care. He is past President of Heart of America Contact Lens Society, a Diplomat of Cornea and Contact Lens Section American Academy of Optometry and past President of Oklahoma Optometric Association. He is the Therapeutic editor and columnist for Optometric Management, in 1995 was voted Optometrist of the Year by the Heart of America Contact Lens Society and in 1997 the Optometrist of the Year by the Oklahoma Optometric Association.

David Chu; MD
Dr. David Chu serves as Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology and Associate Director of Cornea and Refractive Surgery for the Institute of Ophthalmology and Visual Science UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School. Dr. Chu is certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and is a graduate from New York University School of Medicine in New York City.

Dennis Cioni; RN, BS, COT
Dennis currently lives in Washington, Illinois. He has worked as a RN/COT at the Illinois Eye Center in Peoria, Illinois for over twenty years and pursuing an interest in a MSN in Education and Leadership. "I have had a unique opportunity to work in a variety of settings including surgery, education and clinic setting. During this time I have watched technology and old school merge, I hope to share this relationship with those who are interested".

Douglas Clark; OD
Dr. Doug Clark completed the Doctor of Optometry degree in 1982 from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) and from 1983 to the present has been in private practice in Pelham, Alabama and in Clanton, Alabama since 1985. Dr. Clark has served as a part-time clinical instructor for the School of Optometry at UAB and for ten years he served as a UAB externship clinical proctor. Currently, Dr. Clark serves as president of the Southern Council of Optometrists and is a member and past president of the Alabama Optometric Association. He is also a past president of the Birmingham Optometric Society. Active in the community, Dr. Clark has served as past president of the Safe house Board, Joseph S. Bruno Academy?s PTO and North Shelby Chamber of Commerce.

Robin Cooper; COMT
Robin has over 15 yrs of experience in Ophthalmology. She is currently the Program Director of the Ophthalmic Medical Technology Program at LSU Health Science Center in New Orleans La. Robin is also the director of technicians at the LSU Eye Center.

Susan Corwin; CO, COMT
Susan is currently Director of Education and Training with MARCO Technologies in Florida. Susan has over 26 years experience in ophthalmology and has taught basic refractometry class for the past 13 years, both automated and manual phoropter. Susan has also taught multiple orthoptic workshops. She has presented may lecturers and papers on those topics.

Susanne Cunningham; OD
Dr. Susanne Cunningham currently practices at Curtis Optometry Clinic and Dispensary in Columbus, Mississippi. She is a 2002 graduate of Southern College of Optometry. Dr. Cunningham currently serves as Vice President of the Mississippi Young Optometric Association. She was named the 2006 Mississippi Young Optometrist of the Year and was also the recipient of SECO's Young Optometrist of the South award in 2007.

Carla Curtsinger; BS
Carla has spent over two decades mastering the fields of marketing and creative communications, with positions in corporate training, radio, television and public relations. She uses her background and experience to assists clients in improving their speaking skills to communicate their messages to groups or speak extemporaneously. Her ability to make training fun makes her sessions a favorite with attendees.

Dawn DeCarlo; OD
Dawn K. DeCarlo, received her Doctor of Optometry and Master?s of Science from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in 1992. She then completed a hospital based rehabilitative optometry residency at the Chicago West Side Veterans Administration Medical Center. Dr. DeCarlo served on the faculty of UAB from 1993 until 2001, when she joined the faculty of Nova Southeastern University. She is a member of the journal review board for Optometry, Journal of the American Optometric Association and a member of the Patient Assessment and Management Committee of the National Board of Examiners in Optometry. Dr. DeCarlo is a member of the low vision sections of the AOA and AAO.

Brian Den Beste; OD
Dr. Brian Den Beste opened the first Laser Vision Correction facility in Orlando in April of 1996. In fact, it was one of the very first LASIK centers in the entire country. His first company purchased Visx laser # 64 and a few years later purchased Alcon laser #1. Brian has assisted on over 35,000 LASIK procedures and has helped train over 30 surgeons to use three different excimer laser systems. He has helped several companies obtain FDA approval for both laser applications and keratome approval.

Anthony Diecidue; OD
Dr. Diecidue graduated from the Catholic University of America with a Masters degree in microbiology then Pennsylvania College of Optometry in 1987. He served as President of the Pennsylvania Optometric Association in 2006. In addition to private practice in Pennsylvania he is president of Mountain Computer Systems, contributing editor for Review of Optometry, was a design consultant for E-Dr. and an international writer and lecturer on technology and eye care. He is currently an adjunct professor and on the Board of Directors for the Irving Bennett Practice Management Center at the Pennsylvania College of Optometry.

Sander Dorfzaun; OD
Is a 1973 graduate of the Illinois College of Optometry and is currently in private practice in Marietta, GA. Dr. Dorfzaun also serves as Adjunct professor for the Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, TN.

Diane Drake; LDO, ABOM, FCLSA
Mrs. Drake began her optical career in 1975. She is an approved speaker for ABO and NCLE as well as an advanced course approved speaker and lectures both locally and nationally. She was president and owner of ALL ABOUT EYES VISION CENTER in Griffin, Georgia for 19 years. She is a licensed optician in Georgia, advanced certified by both the American Board of Opticianry and the National Contact Lens Examiners and also has received her Masters in Ophthalmic Optics Certification by the ABO. She is a Fellow of the Contact Lens Society of America and Fellow of the National Academy of Opticianry. She has previously served on the Board of Directors for the National Academy of Opticianry, and the Opticians Association of Georgia, having served on numerous committees, and chaired several. She is a Past President of the Opticians Association of Georgia and the Southeastern Opticians Conference. She is a 1995 graduate of the OAA Refractometry program. Mrs. Drake was selected the Optician of the year for Georgia in 1992, and was honored with the prestigious Beverly Myers Achievement award by the National Academy of Opticianry in 1996 with further honors in 1997, 2000 and 2004.She has served as treasurer for the Commission on Opticianry Accreditation and is a current commissioner for COA. She co-authored the COA Evaluators Workshop. A regular contributing writer for Vision Care Product News, she has authored numerous articles for other publications as well. She regularly guest lectures at high schools, colleges and universities in her area. She is also active in her local community with local charities

Mark Dunbar; OD
Dr. Dunbar has been on staff at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute for over 15 years and is the Director of Optometric Services. Dr Dunbar has lectured around the world, has authored several papers, and writes the monthly "Retina Quiz" in Review of Optometry.

Kathryn Edelman
Kathryn Gross-Edelman resides in Sioux City, Iowa where she is Director of Education for Pech Optical Corporation. She travels the nation as an educator and business consultant. She began her optical career in 1974. Her educational background stems from the medical technology field. She is a nationally accredited speaker for the American Optometric Association Para Section, Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (JCAHPO), and the American Board of Opticianry (ABO). In 2004, Kathryn was selected as one of the 50 Most Influential Women in the optical industry.

John Flanagan; PhD, MCOptom, FAAO
John Flanagan is a Professor at both the School of Optometry, University of Waterloo and the Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, University of Toronto. He is Director of the Glaucoma Research Unit, Toronto Western Research Institute and a Senior Scientist at the Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network. He currently holds research grants from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and has supervised 24 graduate students. He has authored over 100 peer reviewed publications, 10 book chapters, 3 books, a CD-ROM on ?Automated Perimetry? and has given numerous invited lectures to both professional and academic audiences around the world.

Lisa Forte
Elizabeth (Lisa) Forte serves as a technician with Dr. Dawn DeCarlo at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

Tara Fowler; OD
Tara is a recent Doctor of Optometry graduate from Nova Southeastern University. She is also a 2003 from the University of Georgia—Magna Cum Laude in Nutrition Science, College of Family and Consumer Sciences. Tara currently serves as a resident in ocular disease at Omni Eye Services of Atlanta.

Greg Fox; MD
Dr. Gregory M. Fox is a vitreoretinal surgeon with Retina Associates, MO. He completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Notre Dame and earned his medical degree at the University of Michigan Medical School in Ann Arbor. Following his ophthalmic residency and medical retina fellowship at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute in Miami, FL, Dr. Fox completed a fellowship in vitreoretinal surgery at William Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, MI. Prior to joining Retina Associates; Dr. Fox held a number of professional positions. His work includes serving as vitreoretinal surgeon with Hunkeler Eye Centers, the Department of Ophthalmology at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, MD, and as a medical officer for the Ophthalmic Devices Branch of the US Food and Drug Administration out of Rockville, MD. A member of numerous medical organizations, Dr. Fox is the author of several scientific papers. His research activities include serving as principal and co-investigator for studies focusing on the treatment of wet and dry macular degeneration, evaluation of treatments for patients with diabetic retinopathy, retinal vein occlusion, and diabetic retinal edema.

Alan Franklin; MD
Dr. Alan Franklin attended medical school at the Medical College of Ohio University of Toledo. After graduating medical school, Dr. Franklin earned a PhD at Vanderbilt University in the Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics. His thesis focused upon the molecular biology of insulin producing cells. Dr. Franklin completed his ophthalmology residency at Saint Louis University where he was chief resident in 1996-1997. He then completed his training at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics for vitreoretinal diseases and surgery. His research work on an anti-vascular agent as a candidate to treat retinal diseases such as diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration was awarded the best research project by an ophthalmic physician in training. Dr. Franklin has continued his interest and progress in the treatment of diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in his vitreoretinal practice. He has served as principal investigator in a number of diabetic retinopathy and AMD trials.

Marcela Frazier; OD
Dr. Marcela Frazier is originally from Colombia. She graduated from the UAB school of optometry, where she finished a pediatric residency, and joined the faculty. She works in in the pediatrics clinic where a large proportion of her patients are Hispanic, and she teaches a Spanish for Eye Care course to the optometry students. She has been on several mission trips to South and Central American countries with groups of students, opticians, and other faculty from UAB to provide eye exams and glasses to Hispanic patients.

Alan French; OD
Alan French has owned and operated French Eye Care Center, PLLC in Eleanor, West Virginia since "starting cold" in 1998. He currently practices full-scope optometry with emphasis on deaf patients and orthokeratology. Dr. French also serves as interpreter to the deaf at Grace Gospel Church in Huntington, West Virginia.

Ian Ben Gaddie; OD, FAAO
Dr. Ben Gaddie is a University of Alabama-Birmingham School of Optometry graduate. Dr. Gaddie then completed a Residency in Ocular Disease through Northeastern State University College of Optometry. and Fellowship in Glaucoma and Laser Therapy. He is now in private group practice in Louisville, KY where he specializes in glaucoma. Dr. Ben Gaddie is an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Optometry at Northeastern State University College of Optometry. Dr. Gaddie is currently the chair of the Continuing Education Committee for the Kentucky Optometric Association and a member of the AOA Continuing Education Committee. He is a co-author of the textbook Primary Care of the Posterior Segment, 3d Edition, which is the standard text used by students, residents and doctors worldwide.

Michael Gallaway; OD
Dr. Gallaway is an associate professor at Pennsylvania College of Optometry, and is in private practice specializing in pediatric optometry and vision therapy in the northern New Jersey area. He is the Principal Investigator at PCO for the Convergence Insufficiency Treatment Trial, and is a Clinical Investigator for the Amblyopia Treatment Studies. He is a Fellow of COVD and the American Academy of Optometry.

Steven Gedde; MD
Dr. Steven Gedde is Program Director with Bascom Palmer Eye Institute in Miami, Florida specializing in cataracts and intraocular lens glaucoma. He also serves as Associate Professor of Ophthalmology at the University of Miami. Dr. Gedde graduated from the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine with an MD and has been in the profession for 16 years. He has published numerous articles on glaucoma and cataract surgery and is a respected lecturer nationally and internationally.

Jeffry Gerson; OD
Dr. Gerson graduated from Indiana University School of Optometry in 1997. He completed an ocular disease and low vision residency at the Kansas City VA medical center. After practicing at the University of Kansas Department of Ophthalmology and then in a private optometric practice, he settled at his current job as an associate at Mid America Retina Consultants in Kansas City, MO. He has lectured nationally, as well as internationally, mostly on retina related topics.

John Giurini; DPM
Dr. Giurini was born in Rome Italy and currently serves as Chief, Division of Podiatric Surgery at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston Mass.

He is a Diplomat of the American Board of Podiatric Surgery and Fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons.

He is the author of numerous original research manuscripts, abstracts and book chapters, editor of 2 textbooks and presenter at more than 100 local, regional, and national lectures. Dr. Giurini has also chaired and moderated discussion of 8 abstract presentations at the annual meeting of the ADA. This was attended by physicians, podiatrists, nurses and researchers (nationally and internationally) who devote their time to the area of the diabetic foot.

Stephanie Griffin; CO, COMT
Stephanie is a graduate of the Ophthalmic Technology and Orthoptic training programs at the University of Florida Department of Ophthalmology. She has worked in a variety of clinical environments. She has also provided training for eye care paraprofessionals as a consultant to Marco, an in-office training consultant in doctors' offices and as a workshop instructor for SECO. Stephanie will share her experience on the front line as triage personnel with the patient who calls to complain about his new glasses.

Thomas Griffith; OD
Thomas E. Griffith, O.D. is in private practice in St. Albans, West Virginia. He is a consultant and Chief of Eye Services at West Virginia Rehabilitation Center. He is also a consultant with the Disability Determination Section of the Social Security Administration. Dr. Griffith serves on the Diabetes Advisory Council of the West Virginia Department of Health. Dr. Griffith is the chairman of the Allied Ophthalmic Personnel Program, SECO International, LLC.

Laurie Guest; COT
Laurie Guest, COT is a professional speaker known for her imaginative ideas and fast-paced, entertaining style. She has over 20 years of eye care experience. During her administrative career she helped a multi-million dollar medical center become a regional leader of ophthalmic surgery. Her experience with direct patient care as well as marketing and management is what makes Laurie a favorite speaker among healthcare audiences. Laurie has been published in Ophthalmology Management, Optometry Today and American Society of Ophthalmic Administrator magazines.

Kevin Gurney
Kevin lives in the western foothills of Maine with his wife, Kathryn, and their two sons. He is a Critical Care Paramedic and Education Supervisor for Delta Ambulance in Waterville. Kevin volunteers for Industry Fire and Rescue in his spare time. He has taught numerous CPR and EMT related courses.

Kathryn Gurney; OD
After graduating from optometry school, Kathryn returned to her home town of Farmington, in the foothills of western Maine with her husband and two sons. Last year, Kathryn purchased a large private practice in Farmington. She volunteers for Industry Fire and Rescue in her spare time.

Jane Gwiazda; PhD
Dr. Gwiazda is a Professor of Vision Science and the Director of Research at the New England College of Optometry in Boston. Her research focuses on the risk factors for the development of myopia in children. She is also the Chair of the Correction of Myopia Evaluation Trial (COMET), an NEI/NIH funded clinical trial of progressive addition versus single vision lenses for slowing the progression of myopia in children.

Mandy Haiber; CPOA, LDO
Mandy Miller-Haiber, LDO, CPOA attained her Associates Degree in Optometric/Ophthalmic Technology from Owens Technical College in 1982. She has been employed in private Optometric practices since 1977. She received her Opticians License from State of Ohio in 1998. She is a member of the Paraoptometric section for the State of Ohio where she served as the President from 2002-2004. She was the 1999 Ohio Paraoptometric of the year. She served on the education committee from the East/West Eye Conference. She served on the Education Subcommittee for the CPC of the AOA. She is currently serving on the Test and Development Committee for the CPC of the AOA.

Steve Hitzeman; OD
Steven A. Hitzeman is Clinical Associate Professor and has been on the faculty of the Indiana University School of Optometry (IUSO) for over 30 years. He is presently Director of Clinics, Director of the Extern Rotation Program, Director of Residencies, and Director of the Sports Vision Program at the School of Optometry. He is Past-Chair of the American Optometric Associations Sports Vision Section as well as Chair of Screening Services for the AOA Sports Vision Section. He is co-chair of the AAU Junior Olympics Screening Team and was on the vision screening team for the 1991, 1995, and 1999 International Special Olympics and the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta. He serves on the American Optometric Associations Clinical Care Group as a member of the Eye Safety Committee. He is currently the President of the Indiana Optometric Association for 2007-2008.

Rebecca Johnson; COT, CPOT, COE
Rebecca Johnson has 25 years of experience in the ophthalmic field and has achieved certifications as an Ophthalmic Technician, Paraoptometric Technician, and an Ophthalmic Executive. Her experience includes Director and Instructor of a CoA-OMP accredited Ophthalmic Assistant Program at Carver Career & Technical College and Director of Training at the Virginia Eye Institute. Rebecca has taught over 100 continuing education and motivational courses with approval from JCAHPO, AOAPS, ABO and NCLE. She is a highly published author and is the Editor of The Self Study Course for Paraoptometric Certification, Third Edition. She is a member of the Optical Woman?s Association, the American Society of Ophthalmic Administrators, the AOAPS Education in Writing Committee, the AOAPS Speaker?s Bureau and is the recipient of the 2007 American Optometric Association Paraoptometric Special Service Award.Prior to joining OfficeMate as Director of Education, Rebecca utilized her passion for ophthalmic training through her staff-development consulting company, Foundation Ophthalmic Training & Development.

Marla Jones; RPh
Marla is currently a Medical Information Associate supporting the gastrointestinal division at Solvay Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Marla earned her Doctorate of Pharmacy degree at Mercer University Southern School of Pharmacy (currently known as Mercer University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences) and went on to practice as a retail pharmacist specializing in infertility medicine at Concord Pharmacy, Inc. in Atlanta, Georgia. Marla worked for Concord Pharmacy for five years, and was promoted to pharmacy manager prior to joining Solvay. Marla is currently active in several pharmacy organizations, including the Georgia Pharmacy Association and the National Community Pharmacists Association, and continues to work as a retail pharmacist for Concord Pharmacy on weekends.

Alan Kabat; OD, FAAO
Dr. Kabat is a graduate of the Pennsylvania College of Optometry. He completed his residency training at John F. Kennedy Memorial Hospital in Philadelphia. Dr. Kabat currently holds the rank of Associate Professor at Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He serves as an Attending Physician in the clinical program, and also teaches courses in Clinical Medicine and Physical Diagnosis. He serves administratively as Director of Residency Programs and Coordinator of the Urgent Care Service. Dr. Kabat is a Contributing Editor for Review of Optometry and Review of Cornea and Contact Lenses. He has published extensively and lectures regularly on topics of ocular and oculosystemic disease.

Kelly Kerksick; OD
Dr. Kerksick is a 2002 graduate from the Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, Tennessee. She founded Midwest Vision Care, LLC, in Columbia, Illinois in 2002 where she resides and practices.

Tom Kislan; OD
Dr. Thomas Kislan is the founder and Medical Director of Stroudsburg Eye Specialists, Hazleton Eye Specialists and The Dry Eye Clinic of Northeast PA. These practices focus on primary care along with the treatment and management of all ocular surface diseases. Dr. Kislan participates in ongoing clinical research and has presented studies at various national meetings. Dr. Kislan lectures extensively on Dry Eye Disease, Glaucoma, Ocular Use of Omega Fatty Acids, Refractive Surgery Co management and Practice Management. Dr. Kislan is a clinical consultant for Pfizer, Allergan and AMO. Dr. Kislan is also on the medical advisory boards of Allergan, AMO and Lifeguard Health.

Andrea Knouff
Dr. Knouff moved to Alpharetta, GA at age 14. After earning her bachelor of science in biology at Elon University in Burlington, NC, she attended The Pennsylvania College of Optometry in Philadelphia, PA. She received training in ocular disease and pathology at the world renowned Bascom Palmer Eye institute in Miami, FL. She also earned additional training in low vision and pediatrics. After developing a strong devotion to ocular disease she decided to pursue a residency in the treatment and management of ocular disease at Omni Eye Services of Atlanta where she is currently employed. Dr. Knouff resides in Atlanta.

Senthil Krishnasamy; MD
Dr. Krishnasamy's ophthalmic training began with his Ophthalmology residency at the University of California—San Diego, at the prestigious Shiley Eye Center. Under the direction of Dr. David Schanzlin, past president of the International Society of Refractive Surgery, Dr. Krishnasamy participated in research studies involving refractive procedures such as LASIK and Intacs. Dr. Krishnasamy was one of the few residents nationwide chosen to undertake additional fellowship training in Cornea, External Disease and Refractive Surgery, completed at the Duke University Medical Center. During fellowship, he developed proficiency in refractive surgery as well as the medical and surgical treatment of corneal diseases.

Dr. Krishnasamy is certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and is a fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery. His professional interests include corneal disease, laser vision correction (LASIK), cataract surgery, and general ophthalmology

Kimberly Lambreghts; OD
Dr. Lambreghts is a graduate of Pace University with an RN in Nursing and a BA in Biology. After graduating from SUNY College of Optometry in 1993, Dr. Lambreghts completed a dual residency in rehabilitative and primary care optometry at the Northport Veterans Administration Medical Center in Northport, NY. She served as staff optometrist at the Northport VAMC and an associate in private practice until coming to the UH College of Optometry in 1997. Currently she is an Associate Clinical Professor, Director of the Family Practice Service and serves as Family Practice Residency Director at the University Eye Institute in Houston. She has certification in minor surgical procedures from NSU-Oklahoma and is a fellow of the American Academy of Optometry.

Patricia Lamell; MEd, CO, COMT
Pattie Lamell is an orthoptist and ophthalmic technologist in Jacksonville, Florida. She is currently working as a curriculum consultant and instructor for the Ophthalmic Technician training program at the Florida Community College in Jacksonville. She is also a clinical application specialist for staff training. Her experience includes clinical application of orthoptic and ophthalmic diagnostic skills, and writing and lecturing on a wide variety of ophthalmic areas,

Bob Lanier; MD
Dr. Lanier attended Lamar University in Beaumont where he was recognized as a distinguished graduate, and the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston where he received his MD degree. After a pediatric internship at UTMB, Dr. Lanier served in the Air Force and completed a Pediatric Residency at Wilford Hall USAF Medical Center in San Antonio. He then was granted a civilian fellowship in Clinical Immunology at the Shrine Burns Institute in Galveston. He returned to the Air Force to help set up the first training program in allergy and immunology where he continued until moving to Fort Worth in 1977. Dr. Lanier founded Fort Worth Allergy and Asthma Associates in 1977 and continues in active practice at North Texas Institute for Clinical trials. He sustains a practice for the indigent and non-insured community and as medical director of Lanier Education and Research Network, a corporation devoted to educational technology and pharmaceutical research. Dr. Lanier founded the Society of Principal Investors, a professional society of physicians conducting FDA pharmaceutical trials. Dr. Lanier is a Clinical Professor at the University of North Texas Health Science Center, Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine. He has authored over 60 original contributions to the medical literature in peer reviewed journals, has written 2 textbook chapters in allergy and is active in the cutting edge of respiratory research through his firm North Texas Institute for Clinical Trials.

Lynn Lawrence; CPOT
Lynn E. Lawrence is currently assigned at Hurlburt Field, Florida, and is the Non-Commissioned Officer In Charge of the Optometry at the 16th Medical Group. Lynn is a native of Saint Louis, Missouri. He graduated from Ritenour Senior High School, St. John Missouri. He joined the Air force's delayed entry program in January 1979. He entered Basic Military Training School at Lackland AFB, Texas in August 1979. Currently, SMSgt Lawrence's role includes performing duties as Superintendent of Aero medical Flight, Optometry Services and the AFSOC Command Career Functional Advisor for the 4V0X1 career field. He is the Air Force Liaison to the American Optometric Association Paraoptometric Section (civilian counterparts).

Sharon Leonard; FNAO, ABO-AC, FCLSA
Sharon Breivogel-Leonard has been a New York State licensed optician and contact lens practitioner for over 37 years. She currently is a Director for the National Academy of Opticianry, and also serves on the Commission for Opticianry Accreditation. She is also a former Director of the American Board of Opticianry. She is a contributing editor for Vision Care Product News, and a frequent national speaker. Ms. Breivogel-Leonard is in private practice with Dr. Bruce Levinson at Eye Care of CNY in Syracuse, N.Y.

Natalie Logan; RD, LD, ACSM-CPT
Natalie is the registered dietitian at North Point Personal Training in Atlanta. She is also a certified personal trainer through the American College of Sports Medicine. She has experience working with prenatal and postpartum nutrition, weight loss, diabetes and other health-related conditions. She earned her bachelor?s degree from the University of Georgia. Over the years, Natalie has worked with many groups, from young children to older adults, and has worked in public health, wellness and community center settings.

Daryl Mann; OD
Dr. Daryl F. Mann, Center Director of Southeast Eye Specialists of Chattanooga, Tennessee, received his doctor of optometry degree from Indiana University and completed a residency in optometric medicine at Southern College of Optometry in Memphis. He is a former assistant professor at the Indiana University School of Optometry. He served as Center Director of Omni Eye Services of Chattanooga from its inception in 1984 until 1999. Dr. Mann is Past-President of the Tennessee Optometric Association. He currently serves our profession as a member of AOA?s Federal Relations Committee in Washington. He is a nationally and internationally recognized speaker on ocular disease.

Valerie Manso; ABOC, FNAO
Valerie Manso, a 30+ year veteran of the optical industry, is the owner and President of Manso Management Resources, Inc., a company that specializes in training and business development for the ophthalmic industry. Valerie is an American Board of Opticianry Certified Optician and her experience includes 14 years in retail, fulfilling such roles as, store nanager, district manager, national training and development manager and director of retail operations for a 60 store retail chain. Valerie has worked with two ophthalmic lens manufacturers and held several key positions at Optical Dynamics Corporation

Katherine Mastrota; MS, OD
Katherine Mastrota, MS, OD is Center Director of Omni Eye Services and Surgery Center in New York City. Her areas of special interest include Pseudoexfoliation Syndrome, Ocular Surface Disease and Meibomian Gland Dysfunction. She has lectured nationally on these topics and is developer of the Mastrota Meibomian Gland Paddle.

Dennis Mathews; OD
Dr. Mathews received his undergraduate degree in biology from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. He graduated from the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Optometry in 1982 and completed a residency in hospital based optometry at the Tuscaloosa VA Medical Center in 1983. Dr. Mathews is an associate professor at the Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, was co-director of the Memphis Health Center Eye Clinic and was Center Director at Omni Eye Services of Memphis until 1993. Dr. Mathews continues to practice Consultative Optometry with the Vitreoretinal Foundation, having joined the practice in 1993. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry and a post member of the Tennessee Board of Optometry. Dr. Mathews has lectured extensively throughout the world and has had numerous articles and studies published in eye literature. His primary areas of interest are diseases of the eye with emphasis on medical glaucoma and neuro-optometry.

Rick Mayo
Rick Mayo is the President and Founder of North Point Personal Training in Atlanta. Rick has over 15 years experience in sports and fitness training and is a Certified Personal Trainer. He is certified with NSCA (National Strength and Conditioning Association), ACE (American Council on Exercise) and is a master level trainer. He is a contributor to local television and news media, is an author, lecturer and small business consultant.

Robert McCullough; OD
Dr. McCullough has been a member of the GA OPTOMETRIC ASSOCIATION since 1981. He has served as a Naval Officer and Staff Optometrist for the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland as well as a contract Optometrist for the United States Penitentiary in Atlanta. Dr. McCullough has lecturered nationally and has been published in the Journal of the American Optometric Association. He has been in private practice in Jonesboro, GA since 1979.

John McSoley; OD
John J. McSoley, OD is a graduate of The New England College of Optometry. Shortly after completing an optometric residency in ocular disease, he joined the optometric staff at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, where he is currently Assistant Director of Optometric Services. He has lectured and authored articles on topics related to glaucoma. With his optometric colleagues, he participates in an optometric residency and student externship program. He is also an adjunct clinical faculty member of Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry and The New England College of Optometry. He is a founding member of the Optometric Glaucoma Society.

Ron Melton; OD, FAAO
Ron Melton, OD, FAAO, is currently in a large group practice in Charlotte, North Carolina where he has staff privileges at Presbyterian Hospital. Dr Melton earned his OD degree from the Pennsylvania College of Optometry in Philadelphia. He then served as a clinical optometrist in the U.S. Army, where he attended the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology course in Ophthalmic Pathology for Ophthalmologists. Dr Melton has lectured internationally on ocular disease and pharmacology. He sits on the editorial boards of Optometric Physician and Primary Care Optometry News and is a contributing editor to Clinical and Refractive Optometry. He has authored or co-authored over 100 papers on optometry and is the co-author of the popular annual "Clinical Guide to Ophthalmic Drugs" for Review of Optometry. Dr. Melton has acted as an investigator in more than 40 clinical research trials.

Gary Moss; OD, MBA, FAAO
Dr. Gary L. Moss, is an Associate Professor at The New England College of Optometry and Director of the Eye Clinic at The New England Shelter for Homeless Veterans. He co-authored the textbook Eyecare Business: Marketing & Strategy and contributed four chapters to Business Aspects of Optometry. He has his MBA, and founded the consulting firm Practice Appraisal & Mediation. He has appraised over 400 practices in 22 states and Canada since 1985 and has testified in 6 states involving disputes over practice value and professional goodwill. He is also an adjunct faculty member at Emmanuel College, Boston, and Regis College, Weston, MA where he teaches Marketing, Strategic Management, Business Policy and Research, Organizational Behavior and Human Resource Management.

Kelly Nichols; PhD, MPH, OD, FAAO
Dr. Nichols received her Doctor of Optometry degree from the University of California, Berkeley, Dr. Nichols completed a residency in ocular disease at Omni Eye Specialists of Colorado. Dr. Nichols completed a Master's degree in Public Health and a PhD in Physiological Optics at The Ohio State University. Since joining the faculty in 2000, Dr. Nichols has received a NIH-funded grant to study dry eye in postmenopausal women enrolled in the Women's Health Initiative in addition to other grants in the areas of public health, dry eye, diabetes, and women?s vision. Dr. Nichols currently serves as the East West Eye Conference education committee chair and is section counselor for the American Public Health Association Vision Care section.

Gary Odom
Gary Odom has served as the Executive Director of the TENNESSEE OPTOMETRIC ASSOCIATION Since 1981. He has been active in the AMERICAN OPTOMETRIC ASSOCIATION as a volunteer for most of his career, and is the first non-optometrist to serve as a chairman within the AOA's committee structure.

Gary's political career began in 1984 when he was elected to the NASHVILLE METROPOLITAN CITY COUNCIL. Two years later, in November 1986, he was elected STATE REPRESENTATIVE FOR THE 55TH. HOUSE DISTRICT. Representative Odom is recognized across Tennessee for his leadership on health and environmental issues, consumer protection initiatives and his efforts to assist victims of crime.

Representative Odom is a member of the HEALTH AND HUMAN RESOURCES COMMITTEE. He has been a strong advocate for Tennessee Optometry in both the TOA and as a member of the TENNESSEE GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

Jackie O'Keefe; ABOC
Jackie O?Keefe, ABOC is licensed in the states of Massachusetts and Virginia and has been practicing Opticianry for over 26 years. She is a contributing editor and writer for Vision Care Product News and currently dispenses at Shell Optical in Suffolk, Virginia. Jackie has written and published numerous courses and lectures on a variety of optical topics. She has been active in the International Association of Lions Clubs, a volunteer for Maine's Prevention of Blindness Programs, Inc. and is on the speakers' bureau for the Suicide Prevention Awareness & Resource Council. She is a member of the Opticians Association of Virginia and a founding member and Past President of the Opticians Association of Maine.

Phyllis Oppenheim
Ms. Oppenheim has been in the managed vision care industry for almost thirty years. For the past several years in addition to being the Director of Quality Assurance, she has served as the HIPAA Privacy and Compliance Officer for Avesis. Ms. Oppenheim has developed HIPAA, Sexual Harassment and Cultural Competency training programs for internal staff.

James Owen; OD, MBA
Dr. Owen is a graduate of the Illinois College of Optometry and has a Masters in Business Administration from San Diego State University. He is currently the Director of Professional Development for TLC Vision and the Clinical Director for TLC LaJolla. Dr. Owen has experience with four different excimer lasers and his center in LaJolla is the first laser center in California to use the Tracey Wavefront Analyzer. Dr. Owen lectures often on laser vision correction and other eye conditions.

David Pearce
David M. Pearce, NCLEC, is president of Responsible Marketing Consulting Services in Plattsburg, NY. He is a well-known eye care industry author, lecturer and Internet marketing expert. Before launching Responsible Marketing Consulting Services, Mr. Pearce served as director of sales and marketing for Champlain, NY- based Imperial Optical. Mr. Pearce's goal is to provide excellent marketing services and support to small business owners, primarily those in the eye care industry.

B.W. Phillips; FCLSA
B. W. Phillips, Jr., President-Elect, Foundation Chairman and Fellow in the Contact Lens Society of America, Past Chairman for the NC State Board of Opticians, and an RGPLI Advisory Board Member, has been Director of Duke University Eye Center?s Contact Lens Service since 1991. Specializing in keratoconus, post-surgical corneas, traumatic injuries and pediatric contact lens fitting, he is also an educator and lecturer to ophthalmologists, optometrists and opticians nationwide.

Vickie Portis; FCLSA, NCLC-AC, COA
Vickie Portis is an NCLE and JCAHPO certified instructor since 1978. She is a member of the Contact Lens Society of America and has served on their board of directors. Vickie has also written many feature articles in CLSA's Eyewitness magazine.

Christopher Quinn; OD
Dr. Quinn is President of Omni Eye Services, a regional optometric co-management center with offices in New Jersey. He is a graduate of Pennsylvania College of Optometry and participated in a hospital based residency at the Baltimore VA Hospital. He is Past President of the New Jersey Society of Optometric Physicians. He is the principal author of the AOA?s clinical practice guideline on Care of the Patient with Conjunctivitis. Dr. Quinn is frequent lecturer on topics related to co-management and ocular disease.

Phyllis Rakow; COMT
Phyllis Rakow is Director of Contact Lens Services for The Princeton Eye Group, a multi-specialty eye care practice with three offices in central New Jersey. She is a JCAHPO-certified Ophthalmic Medical Technologist, an NCLE Advanced-Level Contact Lens Technician, and an Honored Fellow of the Contact Lens Society of America. She has lectured throughout the United States and Canada, writes for numerous trade and professional publications, served a three-year term on the Board of Directors of the Contact Lens Society of America, is serving her third term on the Board of Directors of the National Contact Lens Examiners and is on the RGPLI Advisory Committee. She wrote a chapter, ?Art and the Eye,? that was published in the 8th edition of The Ophthalmic Assistant.

William Russ; AAS,BAS
Bill Russ earned an Associate's Degree in Opticianry from J.S Reynolds Community College and has a Bachelor's Degree in Human Resource Management from the University of Richmond. He maintains a Virginia Optician's License and Contact Lens Certification. Bill has over 24 years of industry experience and joined the PVG team after working for nine years as the Optical Director of the Virginia Eye Institute, a multi-disciplinary center with offices around the greater Richmond area. Bill was in charge of four dispensaries, twenty employees and an annual sales revenue of over three million dollars. Prior to that, Bill worked in, owned, and managed a variety of optical and eye care locations.

Buddy Russell; FCLSA, COMT, LDO
With over twenty five years experience fitting contact lenses, Buddy is currently an associate of the contact lens service at Emory University, in Atlanta, Georgia. Buddy is a clinical instructor in Emory?s Ophthalmic Technology Program and teaches students and ophthalmology residents contact lens technology. He lectures frequently at national, regional, and state meetings on contact lens related topics. Buddy has written articles for various publications and has written two chapters for CLSA?s advanced training manual. He is also a contributing editor for CLSA?s Eyewitness journal.

Christopher Russell; MD
Dr. Russell received his bachelor of science degree from the Georgia Institute of Technology in 1987. He received his medical degree from Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta, Georgia. Dr. Russell completed his internship in internal medicine and his residency at Emory University School of Medicine. In 1997 he was selected Chief Resident. He is highly trained in EMG, EEG, and neuroradiology. He is currently affiliated with Piedmont Hospital and Crawford Long Hospital. Dr. Russell is board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.

Graciela Sable; OD
Graciela Sable graduated from Harlandale High School in San Antonio, Texas as valedictorian in 1999. Graciela began her higher education at Boston University where she graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology in May 2003. During her time in Boston, she spent countless hours volunteering and working multiple part-time jobs. She also became the co-founder and president of the Pre-Optometry Professional Society designed to promote volunteer activities and information for prospective optometry students.

James Sandefur; OD
Dr. Sandefur earned the Doctor of Optometry degree from the Southern College of Optometry in 1965. He then went on to post graduate studies in Pharmacology at Louisiana Polytechnic Institute and the University of South West Louisiana. He has served as an adjunct professor of Optometry at the Southern College of Optometry since 1980. Since 1995, Dr. Sandefur has been on staff at the Oakdale Community Hospital. He has been in private and group practice for the past 42 years and was awarded Optometrist of the Year from the Louisiana State Association of Optometrists in 1992-93 where he has served as Executive Director since 1997.

John Scibal; OD
Dr. John Scibal is a graduate of PCO and completed a residency in Family Practice Optometry at UAB. He is in private practice in Coastal North Carolina. His office uses cutting edge technology including electronic medical records, and has been paperless for the past four years. He has written a number of articles and spoken at Optometric conferences on practice management and office computerization.

Leo Semes; OD, FAAO
Leo Semes received his doctorate from the Pennsylvania College of Optometry. Following graduation he served a one-year fellowship in Primary Care at the Eye Institute of PCO. Dr. Semes then joined the faculty at UAB. Currently, he is associate professor and director of continuing education. He has received AOSA?s excellence in teaching award on three occasions as well the UAB President?s award for teaching excellence. Dr. Semes is the author of over 20 referenced scientific papers and posters and has published over 60 articles. In addition, he has contributed to the optometric literature through numerous book chapters. so

Peter Shaw-McMinn; OD
Peter G. Shaw-McMinn, OD, is a graduate from the Southern California College of Optometry where he is presently an assistant professor teaching the practice management courses. He is currently the chairman of the AOA Practice Management Committee, a member of the AOA Membership Services Executive Committee and immediate past chairman of the ASCO special interest group, the Association of Practice Management Educators. He is the senior partner of Sun City Vision Center, a group practice including four optometrists in Riverside County, California. He writes and lectures extensively on practice management topics. Dr. Shaw-McMinn is a consulting editor to the AOA News Practice Strategies and co-author of the recently released book Eye care Business: Marketing and Strategy published by Butterworth-Heinemann.

John Sheppard; MD, ScB, MMSc
Dr. Sheppard is Clinical Director of the Thomas Lee Center for Ocular Pharmacology, and principal investigator on 45 clinical trials. He has presented over 500 invited lectures worldwide, and 100 peer review papers, abstracts, and chapters.

Irwin Shwom; OD
Dr Shwom is in the Private Practice of Optometry in Everett, Massachusetts. He is an Associate Professor at The New England College of Optometry in Boston Massachusetts as well as a member of The Board of Trustees at the college. As a faculty member of the Vision Science Department, he teaches courses in Eyewear/Eye care Analysis, Environmental Vision, Problem Based Learning and Ophthalmic Fabrication. He has published articles in Optometric Management, Ocular Surgery News, Primary Care Optometry, and Optometry Today. He has been involved in the teaching of Paraoptometrics as well as Opticians and Optical Techs for well over twenty-five years and lectures extensively throughout the country.

Christine Sindt; OD
Dr. Christine W. Sindt is a 1994 graduate of The Ohio State University College of Optometry. She completed a disease based residency at the Cleveland VA Medical Center where she also did sub-specialty rotations in low vision and advanced contact lens fitting. Dr Sindt joined the Faculty of the University of Iowa Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences in 1995, where she is an Assistant Professor of Clinical Ophthalmology and Director of the Contact Lens Service. Dr Sindt writes the monthly contact lens solutions editorial for Review of Contact Lens. Her current clinical interests include pediatric, keratoconus and post surgical contact lens fits.

James Slightom; ABOM, FCLSA
Jim Slightom is a Fellow in the Contact Lens Society of America, a Master Optician certified by the American Board of Opticianry. Jim has been an optician and contact lens technician for over 28 years, owned his own optical business for the first 18 years, was the Contact Lens Clinical Director at the University of Missouri Kansas City Ophthalmology Department for 8 years, spent three years as a Clinical Specialist teaching and consulting with practitioners on how to fit Paragon?s Corneal Refractive Therapy lenses, and is currently the Lead GP Contact Lens Consultant at ABB Optical.

Bob Stanton; MD
Dr. Stanton is a Principal Investigator in the Section on Vascular Cell Biology and the Chief of the Nephrology Section at Joslin Clinic, as well as an Associate Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School. He received his medical degree from Hahnemann Medical College in Philadelphia and completed residency training at the Oregon Health and Science University, where he was the Chief Resident in Internal Medicine. He completed his fellowship in Nephrology at Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women's Hospital and postdoctoral training in Physiology at Tufts University School of Medicine. Dr. Stanton's research is focused on an essential enzyme that plays a major role in regulating oxidative stress levels in all cells, glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase. His work is aimed at elucidating the basic cellular mechanisms underlying diabetic complications and, with collaborators, his work also focuses on the causes of hypertension and cardiovascular disease. Dr. Stanton is an author of many original articles and chapters, and serves both in reviewer and in editorial positions for academic journals.

Glen Steele; OD, FCOVD
Dr. Glen Steele is a clinical professor and Chief of the Pediatric and Vision Therapy Services at the Southern College of Optometry. He also has a private practice emphasizing the eye and vision care needs of the infant and child. He is a past president of the College of Optometrists in Vision Development and the current president of the Optometric Extension Program Foundation. He is currently a member of the AOA Infant Vision Project Team. Dr. Steele was the first chair of Operation Bright Start ? Tennessee, a program to emphasize the need for eye and vision care of the infant. Most recently, he received Southern College of Optometry?s Lifetime Achievement Award.

Joan Stein; BS
Ms. Stein is the Founder of ADA, Inc., a Pittsburgh based consulting firm that provides a wide range of ADA consulting services to public organizations and private businesses across the United States. Ms. Stein has developed and presented the company's Customer Service Sensitivity Training Programs, and has developed and refined customized training programs for a wide variety of the company's clients. She is sought after as a public speaker on the subject of the Americans with Disabilities Act and has presented programs to more than 300 organizations. She writes extensively on the ADA for trade publications and is a member of the International Association of Emergency Managers and serves on the Special Needs Committee.

Michael Stewart; MD
Dr. Stewart attended medical school at McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada. His internship was at University of Miami and his residency at Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA. He is currently the Assistant Professor and Chair of the Department of Ophthalmology at the Mayo Clinic Foundation in Jacksonville, Florida. Fellowships include Vitreoretinal diseases, University of California, Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, CA and Vitreoretinal diseases, Retinal Research Foundation, Touro Infirmary, New Orleans, LA. He is certified with the American Board of Ophthalmology. Interests include Medical and surgical diseases of the retina, diabetes, age-related macular degeneration and uveitis. For a listing of recent publications, refer to PubMed, a service provided by the National Library of Medicine.

Tom Stout; OD
Dr Stout is a 1980 PCO graduate who frequently lectures on ocular surface/dry eye disease and contact lens advances. He has been an invited speaker at such national forums as the American Optometric Association annual congress, Vision Expo West, and Midwest Eye Conference/Eyequest. The West Virginia University School of Pharmacy has appointed Dr Stout adjunct faculty status since 1982, where he lectures on contact lens care, ocular disease triage, and ophthalmic pharmaceuticals. He has been an advisor for the numerous ophthalmic companies, such as CIBA Vision, Bausch & Lomb, and Alcon Pharmaceuticals.

Donna Suter
Donna Suter is a nationally known speaker and consultant who provides on-site practice analysis and staff training for eye care practitioners. With her marketing and business background, clients find her practice advice and staff training on-target and revenue-makers. Donna has extensive background in all facets of marketing and public relations and routinely speaks at national and regional conferences. Donna sits on the editorial board of LW&W?s Optometric Management magazine as well as the advisory board for Jobson?s Dispensing Technician. Her ideas on maximizing staff potential, innovative ways to compete in today?s health care market and improving patient satisfaction have positively impacted hundreds of practices and earned her a reputation as a leading consultant in practice management. Donna has served as Adjunct Instructor for the following: School of Communications, UT at Chattanooga; School of Business Administration, Southern College of Seventh-day Adventists; and School of Business, Chattanooga State College 1993 - 1999.

Brad Sutton; OD, FAAO
Dr. Brad Sutton is a clinical assistant professor at the Indiana University School of Optometry and is the clinic director of the School?s Indianapolis Eye Care Center. His main areas of interest include the management of ocular disease and post-operative surgical care. Dr. Sutton has given numerous continuing education lectures at the local, state, national, and international level. He has also been named the Young Optometrist of the Year in both Tennessee and Indiana.

Billie Taylor; ABO, NCLC-AC, CPOT
Billie Taylor is a licensed optician and contact lens dispenser. She is also an adjunct professor at Wytheville Community College in West Virginia and is the recent recipient of the Chancellor's Award for Outstanding Instructor as well as being named Optician of the Year at the annual convention of the Optician's Association of Virginia. She was also named Optician of the South at SECO 2004. Ms. Taylor also serves on the AOA's commission on Paraoptometric Education and Virginia's Board of Opticians.

J. James Thimons; OD
Dr. Thimons is a 1978 graduate of Ohio State University College of Optometry. He completed his hospital residency at the Chillicothe, VA Medical Center in 1979 and then served as Chief of Optometry Service until 1985. He became Chairman of the Department of Clinical Sciences, and Director, Glaucoma Institute at the State of New York. In 1998, he accepted the position of Executive Director of TLC and Ophthalmic Consultants of Connecticut. Dr. Thimons has received numerous awards for his service to the profession and has published extensively in the area of ocular disease. He is a nationally and internationally recognized speaker. In 1999, he was awarded Optometry?s Top Educator and was selected as one of the Top Ten ODs of the decade by Optometric Management. In 2005 he was inducted into the Optometry Hall of Fame. He recently served as President, Connecticut Association of Optometrists and is now serving the AOA as a member of the Millennium Project Team.

Craig Thomas; OD
Dr. Thomas graduated from the University at Houston College of Optometry in 1983. He has been in private practice in Dallas, Texas since then. Dr. Thomas has been very active with the Texas Optometric Association - particularly in the legislative arena. He is also active in Boy Scouts, YMCA, Church, and numerous community service activities.

Randall Thomas; OD, MPH, FAAO
Dr. Thomas is a 1981 graduate of the Pennsylvania College of Optometry. He is in full-time clinical practice in Concord, North Carolina. He was presented the ?Glaucoma Educator of the Year? award by the American Academy of Optometry in 1997. He and Dr. Ron Melton co-author Review of Optometry?s ?Annual Drug Guide to Ophthalmic Drugs?, now in its twelfth year. He is on the professional staff at Northeast Medical Center, where he also serves on the teaching faculty of the Department of Family Medicine. Dr. Thomas has served as a consultant to the American Optometric Association on its Council on Clinical Optometric Care and Hospital Privileges Committees. He has served as an ophthalmic drug principal investigator for the FDA. Dr.Thomas has lectured world-wide with Dr. Melton on the diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases.

Patricia Tolar; LDO, ABOC, NCLC
Senior level executive and entrepreneur with more than thirty years of broad-based and progressively responsible experience, Ms. Tolar has expertise in general management, with a solid background in business development in various capacities. As a nationally recognized speaker Ms. Tolar offers consultation on organization, and business development, operations management, strategic and project development, sales and marketing, consulting, training, and customer service.

Julie Tyler; OD
Dr. Tyler is currently the Chief of Primary Care for The Eye Institute at Davie. During her time at Nova Southeastern, Dr. Tyler has been promoted to Assistant Professor and received numerous teaching awards. She has developed lectures for local and regional CE presentations. She has authored several posters for SECO International and the American Academy of Optometry. In addition she has published articles in Optometry and Vision Science and Review of Optometry, including a featured article on Lyme disease.

William Underwood; BS, ABOM, FCLSA, FNAO
William B. Underwood is the Program Director for the Opticianry program at Hillsborough Community College, Tampa, Florida. He received his Associate degree in Opticianry from Erie Community College, Buffalo, New York. He earned his Bachelor's and Master?s degree in Education from the University of South Florida. Mr. Underwood is an ABO Master Optician, NCLE certified, and licensed in the states of New York and Florida. He is a Fellow of the National Academy of Opticianry, an Honored Fellow of the Contact Lens Society of America, and current President of the National Federation of Opticianry Schools. Mr. Underwood lectures frequently at state and national meetings.

Robert Vandervort; OD, FAAO
Dr. Robert Vandervort is the Center Director of The Omaha Eye & Laser Institute, an optometric co-management center in Omaha, Nebraska. Dr. Vandervort is a 1979 graduate of Indiana University, School of Optometry. He completed his residency in hospital-based optometry at the Lexington, Kentucky VA Medical Center in 1980. Following this, he was a full-time faculty member at Southern California College of Optometry from 1980-1985 where he was an assistant Professor and Chief of Primary Care Optometry. He assumed his present clinical position in 1985 and continues to serve as an adjunct faculty member of several schools and colleges of optometry teaching optometric interns at his center. Dr. Vandervort specializes in ocular disease and low vision.

Vicky Vandervort; OD
Dr. Vicky Johns Vandervort earned her Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education with a minor in early childhood development from the University of Iowa in 1974. After teaching several years in Lincoln, Nebraska, she entered Southern California College of Optometry and graduated with her Doctor of Optometry degree in 1983. Utilizing her previous career and training, Dr. Vandervort is in private practice at the Heartland Eye Consultants limiting her practice to resolution of adult and pediatric binocular vision disorders and learning related vision disorders.

Branch Walton
A nationally-renowned speaker on the topic of workplace violence prevention, he continues to work as a security trainer and consultant. He has been a volunteer with the Identity Theft Resource Center since 2004. Mr. Walton was an officer in the U.S. Marine Corps immediately after college. He went on to become a criminal investigator for the Office of Naval Intelligence (now Naval Criminal Investigative Service). Subsequently, he joined the U.S. Secret Service and retired after a 21-year career. His many assignments included Special Agent in Charge of Springfield, IL. Field office; Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the Office of Training; Senior Instructor - Office of Training; Presidents Carter and Nixon and Candidate Reagan Details, and the Omaha and Kansas City field offices. Branch Walton, a former member of the U.S. Secret Service, has an extensive background in law enforcement, criminal justice and corporate security. He is currently the Manager of Safety and Security Compliance at Ft. Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.

Walter West; OD, FAAO
Dr. West, who is in private practice in Brentwood, TN, received his degree from the Southern College of Optometry. Currently he holds memberships in the Academy of Optometry, The American Optometric Association, and the Tennessee Optometric Association. Dr West lectures nationally and internationally on eye care related topics and is the Chief Optometric Editor for Optometric Management.

Debra White; MSEd, ABOM, FCLSA
Ms. White is a graduate of Erie Community College, and is the former Program Director of the Opticianry Program at Mater Dei College in upstate New York - having taught there for 16 years. She is the 1995 National Federation of Opticianry Schools "Educator of the Year".

Debra served as the Chair for the Commission on Opticianry Accreditation from 1993-1995. She has held many positions in the New York State Society of Opticians, currently as Education Coordinator. Ms. White is co-author of "Management for Opticians", and currently is a contributing author to Vision Care Product News publication. Ms. White has served on several VOSH missions to Mexico to provide eyewear to the needy. Debra White is a member of Essilor's Speaker Bureau.

Suzanne Wickum; OD, FAAO
Dr. Wickum received her Doctorate in Optometry at the University of California Berkeley, School of Optometry. She subsequently completed a residency in Pediatric Optometry at the University of Houston, College of Optometry. Dr. Wickum is a Clinical Associate Professor at the UH College of Optometry. Her clinical practice and teaching focus on pediatrics, binocular vision, and neuro-optometric rehabilitation. Dr. Wickum is the Co-Director of Vision Rehabilitation Services at The Institute for Rehabilitation and Research and serves as the Pediatric Optometry Residency Director at the University Eye Institute. She is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry, a member of the American Optometric Association, and serves on the AOA Journal Review Board.

Lawrence Woodard; MD
Dr. Woodard was born in Grambling, LA and graduated from Morehouse College. He then completed medical school at Duke University School of Medicine, followed by an internship at Mount Sinai Medical Center in Cleveland, OH. His ophthalmology residency was at the Scheie Eye Institute of the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. He then completed a fellowship in Cornea, External Disease, and Refractive Surgery with Dr. Richard Eiferman in Louisville, KY. He now serves as Medical Director of Omni Eye Services in Atlanta, GA. This is an optometric referral based practice, where he specializes in cataract and corneal surgery.

Albert Woods; MS, OD
Albert D. Woods, MS,OD,FAAO, is an Associate Professor and Director of the Electro-diagnostic Service at the Nova Southeastern University. Dr. Woods graduated from the Pennsylvania College of Optometry and completed a hospital-based residency at the Baltimore VA Medical Center. He also holds a Master?s Degree in Cellular Biology from the Florida Institute of Technology where his research involved the effect of aging on the neurological system. Dr. Woods currently teaches courses in neuro-eye disease, ocular manifestations of systemic disease, hands-on physical diagnosis, and post-graduate online courses in web-based medical information searching, evidence-based medicine, and advance ocular disease for clinical research. He has lectured nationally and internationally, and has been awarded multiple times both the Professor of the Year and the Golden Apple for Excellence in Teaching while at Nova Southeastern University.

Mark Wright; OD, FCOVD
Dr. Wright has been in private practice since 1980. He is the founding partner of Professional Vision Care, an 8 doctor, two location practice. He teaches practice management at The Ohio State University. He is the current chair of the Association of Practice Management Educators. He is the current chair of the COVD Third Party Committee. He is the ASCO representative to the Infants and Children?s Vision Coalition. He is married to Dr. Carole Burns and they have two children who present them with new ethical dilemmas daily.

Karla Zadnik; OD, PhD
Karla Zadnik, OD PhD, is the Glenn A. Fry Professor in Optometry and Physiological Optics at Ohio State. She is currently the Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Studies at the Ohio State University College of Optometry. Dr. Zadnik is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry, a Diplomat of its Section on Cornea and Contact Lenses, a member of the Academy?s Board of Directors, and chair of the American Optometric Association?s Council on Research. She received the American Optometric Foundation?s Glenn A. Fry Award in 1995 and Bausch & Lomb?s Visionaries Award in 2004.