It’s such a
cliché, but certainly holds true in this case. It seems like just yesterday
that I was talking to you about my New Year’s Resolutions for 2014. What a year
it has been for both me and the POA!
For example,
you may recall one of my personal resolutions was to strive to become healthier
and hopefully trim my waistline a bit. Well, I can report that I’ve lost 10
pounds (it’s a start) and have become a pescatarian…OK, I’ll admit to an
occasional moment of weakness when Wendy, one of those Five Guys or Mr.
Fuddrucker draws me in like a moth to the flame! Leadership roles force one to
come face-to-face with both personal strengths and weaknesses. I have
definitely learned more about myself in the process.
I am proud
to look back over the past 11 months and reflect on the good work that has been
accomplished. The POA has moved forward in 2014, despite the barrage of
challenges we face each year. What an honor it was to help host the AOA’s
Optometry’s Meeting® in Philadelphia in June! Even though it
presented extra work for our staff, deviation from our yearly meeting schedule
and added responsibilities to our Board members, I believe it was well worth
the effort. Our Legislative Affairs Committee continues to be steadfast and
diligent in their oversight of our current scope of practice in Pennsylvania
during the 2013-2014 legislative session. We strengthened the POA’s
relationship with Salus University by working closely with its new president,
Dr. Mittelman, and PCO’s new Dean of Students, Dr. Lori Grover. This also
involved hosting our yearly September Board Meeting on campus with a student
event, which provided a fun and educational way for students to learn about organized
optometry.
As for the
“Year of the Child,” one of my primary goals was to share my passion for
pediatric optometry with you and work on specific initiatives to promote the
ideals of Kids Welcome Here® that began in Pennsylvania many years
ago. Back in May, things started off with a well-attended pediatric continuing
education program in State College given by Dr. Jim Spangler, chair of the
Pediatric Vision Care Committee, and Dr. Marla Moon. Dr. Spangler also helped
gain nationwide exposure for the Kids Welcome Here program at Optometry’s
Meeting in Philadelphia by staffing a POA-sponsored booth in the exhibit hall.
In early September, the AOA InfantSEE® program featuring Dr. Glen
Steele and Tom Sullivan made a stop at PCO. I had a wonderful opportunity to
speak to the students as an InfantSEE provider, pediatric optometrist and
organization leader. In honor of this event, a Pennsylvania Senate proclamation
was introduced by Senator Mike Folmer recognizing the InfantSEE program. Coming
up during this month, the POA is very excited to host a six-hour pediatric
continuing education program featuring Dr. Christine Allison; Professor of
Pediatrics and Binocular Vision at the Illinois College of Optometry, AAO
Diplomate in Pediatrics, COVD Board member and nationally recognized speaker,
as well as Pennsylvania’s own Drs. Spangler and Grover.
While it’s
wonderful to extol our accomplishments, the reality is that some areas still
need improvement. Despite the significant efforts of both Dr. Donna Buraczewski
and Dr. Greg Caldwell reaching out to our members and working with the AOA
staff this year, we were not able to see substantial increases in our AOA-PAC
donations. I must pass this continued work on to Dr. Richard Christoph for
2015.
I could not
complete my year as president without sending my heartfelt thanks to my fellow
2014 board members: Drs. Owens, Christoph, Margolies, Eiss, Wincek-Bateson,
Gray and Evans. No president of any organization could ask for a better team.
Despite the hard work and productivity, somehow we managed to enjoy ourselves
in the process! A second round of gratitude goes to our amazing POA staff: Deb
Blanchard, Ilene Sauertieg and our newest addition, Kelsey Rodkey. Very few
states in the nation have such competent and dedicated staff members. Ever
since I became an officer of the Central Pennsylvania Optometric Society many
years ago, I knew they were wonderful individuals to work with, and my
appreciation has only grown stronger with each passing year. This sentiment
certainly holds true for Dr. Stuckey, our executive director, especially when
one witnesses the significant respect and admiration he has earned from other
optometric association executives around the country and the AOA leadership. We
are so lucky to have him!
I cannot
break the tradition of my editorials, so here is my final ask (I hear many
sighs of relief): if at all possible, take a moment to thank any POA member you
know who serves in a volunteer leadership position; whether they serve in a
local, state or national role or as a committee member. The AOA and POA would
not exist without the never-ending dedication of all involved; these
individuals spend many evenings and weekends away from family and hours away
from their optometric practices. They do what they do for the profession of
optometry, the selfless sharing of talent, time and passion that benefits every
practicing optometrist. Ultimately, my wish would be to start seeing many new
association volunteers who are inspired by these individuals.
Thank you
for allowing me to serve as your president for 2014; it has definitely been one
of the most significant honors of my life. I also thank you for listening to me
share so much with you through my editorials. My goal was to not only convey
obligatory messages, but also to share a bit of myself in the process. As I
pass the torch to Dr. Christoph, I know the association will be in extremely
capable hands.
It’s not too
early to start working on your New Year’s resolutions for 2015; that bedazzled
ball will be dropping in Times Square before you know it!
Marianne Boltz, O.D., F.A.A.O.
POA President
