2020 Annual Report

Commencement 2020: From Classmates to Colleagues The State University of New York (SUNY) College of Optometry hosted a virtual “send-off” for 96 graduating members of the Class of 2020 on Thursday, May 21. The newly minted Doctors of Optometry represent the 46th group of students to become alumni of the College which opened its doors in 1971.

The SUNY College of Optometry Class of 2020 features a diverse group of students hailing from various socioeconomic backgrounds and regions, with unique stories to tell, yet all with the common goal of improving quality of life for others. In fact, as students they received the opportunity to interact with patients earlier than any other class that had previously trained at the College and they exceeded expectations. Now as doctors of optometry, they will be entering a healthcare environment that presents new and unforeseen challenges because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We are so proud to welcome you into the SUNY Optometry Alumni Association as fellow graduates and now our colleagues. You will take the profession by storm because of all you’ve had to endure to get to this point. It will be you who will change the profession and people’s lives for the better.” —Dr. Anna Marie Fernandez, President of the Alumni Association

104 Degrees awarded in 2020

40 Residency certificates

Graduation During the Pandemic

How has the College helped prepare the class for unforeseen upheavals? SUNY College of Optometry has kept a streamlined mode of communication, from regular updates from the college president to virtual seminars on telehealth to teach us how to think critically with limited resources. Our Student Affairs office has made it a priority to offer online networking events and maintain Capstone lectures such as how to find jobs, read contracts, and prepare for changes regarding billing and coding. Our clinic supervisors have worked tirelessly to ensure our virtual learning is as close to real clinic as possible and have been available at every step. —Dr. Nicole Mercho, Class of 2020 President

Nearly 45% of 2020 graduates plan to enter residency.

1 out of every 2 licensed optometrists in New York are graduates of SUNY Optometry.

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