2023 Annual report

PATIENT CARE

A Q&A with Dr. Michael McGovern, ’97, R ’98 View into Patient Care

for most of our patients, will help us continue our commitment to offering the most technologically advanced patient care and outstanding student education. The beautiful new clinic will consist of 24 exam rooms, a large diagnostic testing room, interprofessional-practice space — all furnished with state-of the-art equipment and technology. In addition, there will be an optical shop offering a large selection of eyeglass frame and lens styles. Q: How have your past experiences and being an alum shaped how you lead the UEC as CMO? A: I have been in practice for well over 25 years and my career path has afforded me the opportunity to work in various settings and with very diverse groups of patients. I started patient care right in the heart of New York City while a student at SUNY Optometry, when the College was on 24th Street. My residency and then subsequent practice took me out to the suburbs of Long Island. Over those 20 years, I cared for patients in my private group practice and at the Northport Veterans Administration Medical Center — where I served veterans and taught students and residents. In addition, I provided services at half a dozen assisted living facilities and nursing homes. I came full circle when I joined the administration of the University Eye Center at SUNY Optometry. I was right back in the heart of NYC where my journey had begun. This broad and diverse and wonderful career path has definitely shaped how I view and approach my role as Chief Medical Officer. And it all comes down to what I have learned from the countless patients and colleagues that I have had the privilege of working with over the past few decades.

Q: What makes the University Eye Center (UEC) a destination for our patients? A: As a premier academic health center, the providers at the University Eye Center are among the top specialists in their field. Not only do they teach the next generation of young doctors in the clinic and classroom, they lecture nationally and internationally, conduct research, publish articles in scientific journals, author chapters in textbooks, and are often sought after for their expert opinion in their area of specialization. Q: What makes the UEC stand out among other eye care centers training future ODs? A: What makes us stand out is our unparalleled location. As the UEC is in the heart of NYC and is easily accessible to New York City, Long Island and New Jersey residents, we are a leading destination for a broad and diverse faculty, staff, student and patient base. And as with so many things associated with our great city, this diversity leads to an environment that offers a sense of belonging, better patient care and education, and improved clinical outcomes. Q: How is the UEC a leader in the field of patient care and optometric clinical education? A: As one of SUNY’s 64 campuses, the UEC is housed within the College of Optometry and attracts many of the brightest and most dedicated students in the country. As a proud member of New York City’s renowned healthcare system, the UEC is committed to always

having the newest and most advanced technology, practicing evidenced-based care consistent with the latest and best research and standards of practice, and offering a wide array of clinical services and procedures, as well as a large selection of high-quality eyewear and contact lenses. Q: How will the Primary Eye Care Clinic renovation advance the vision for patient care and optometric education? A: Thousands of New Yorkers trust their eyesight and eye health to the outstanding providers at the University Eye Center. This includes patients with very complex and serious eye conditions, many of whom are referred to us for care from outside providers. The renovation of our Primary Eye Care Clinic, which is the entryway to the UEC

Dr. Michael McGovern, ’97, R ’98 Chief Medical Officer

16 SUNY OPTOMETRY ANNUAL REPORT