2021-Annual-Report

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS

Our History From 1910 to today and beyond, we’re leading the way in optometric education

The College introduced a four-year Diversity Master Plan (2016–20) to improve recruitment and retention for underrepresented groups and a mission “to instill and celebrate diversity, inclusion, and equity in every aspect of the College’s operations.” Efforts included a Diversity Hackathon (2018) featuring over 70 diversity and inclusion experts from across the country.

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Continued commitment to the success of our students and leadership within vision research resulted in the completion of the Center for Student Life and Learning, including 20,000 square feet dedicated to study, laboratory, classroom, and recreation.

Shortly after opening, SUNY Optometry expanded its original home on East 25th Street to include space on East 23rd. Enrollment grew steadily for the next decade.

Columbia University opened the first university- based optometry program in the US, setting the stage for recognition of the profession.

SUNY Optometry moved to its current home across from Bryant Park, completing initial renovations the following year.

When Columbia’s optometry program closed, leaving a void in NY and the surrounding region, a small group of optometrists and philanthropists came together to form the Optometric Center of New York (OCNY), a health and education resource nonprofit.

The inaugural graduation saw 17 students receive their degrees. Today, nearly 100 students graduate from SUNY Optometry each year adding to our more than 3,400 alumni nationally and abroad.

The Clinical Vision Research Center was also created to expand research and patient access to new therapies and treatments.

Amidst the global pandemic, the Barbara

Dr. Edward R. Johnston was appointed as the College’s second president and remained until 1987.

The College adopted a comprehensive strategic plan entitled “A Shared Vision,” helping establish several key programs including the Graduate Center for Vision Research, Center for International Programs, Career Development Center, and more.

Saltzman Center for Pediatric Eye Care opened for patients in April.

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The New York Commissioner of Education passed a bill allowing only graduates of a university- affiliated school of optometry to qualify for the state board exam. This signaled the end of the apprenticeship system of licensure and initiated a new era in optometric education.

The College launched its first year-long, in-house residency program in vision therapy.

To accommodate the growth and expansion of programs, the College moved to East 24th Street and Park Avenue, which would remain the College’s home for the next quarter century.

Bringing health and eye care awareness to the greater community, the University Eye Center hosted the first Health and Wellness Expo on the College’s campus with nearly a dozen healthcare partners and over 700 attendees participating.

The OCNY launched a $10 million, five- year campaign to support the ambitious and growing needs of the College. That same year, the clinic was renamed the University Eye Center (UEC) and the referral service was established.

After more than a decade of lobbying, Governor Nelson Rockefeller signed the bill on April 14, 1971, officially establishing the State University of New York State College of Optometry. Dr. Alden N. Haffner became the founding president.

50th Anniversary of the SUNY College of Optometry The College celebrates its 50th anniversary along with the 65th anniversaries of the OCNY and the eye care clinic.

Dr. David A. Heath appointed the College’s third president after a national search following the retirement of Dr. Haffner.

Expanding access to vision and eye care and addressing health disparities across the five boroughs, the College joined forces with NYC Health + Hospitals and Community Health Network.

Dr. Haffner returns from SUNY System to lead the College for a second time.

6 SUNY OPTOMETRY ANNUAL REPORT

ANNUAL REPORT 7