2024 Annual Report

Transforming Vision 2024 Annual Report

Contents President’s Message............................................................................................... 3 Building the OD Workforce.......................................................................4 Future of Optometry..................................................................................7 Research....................................................................................................... 9 Education....................................................................................................13 Patient Care................................................................................................17 Community Focus......................................................................................21 Milestone Events.......................................................................................23 Foundation................................................................................................. 25 In the News................................................................................................27 Leadership. ................................................................................................ 29 Financials. .................................................................................................. 30

Transforming vision: Seeing change in our future

I am proud to present SUNY College of Optometry’s 2024 Annual Report—my first as president. This report highlights key milestones we’ve reached as a college and offers perspectives from some of our future leaders in vision care. It is particularly inspiring to see the accomplishments of colleagues I’ve worked with over my 16 years as Dean bring our missions in education and research into patient care. I am truly grateful for the dedication and support of our faculty, staff, students, alumni, and partners. It is because of their hard work, every day, that SUNY College of Optometry continues to lead in optometric education, eye and vision research, and outstanding eye care. The College is thriving. We’ve made significant upgrades to our clinical and research facilities and invested in advanced technology to enhance our classrooms and educational programs. These investments are particularly important as we gear up to welcome our first OD class in our Upstate program in 2026—an expansion that will increase access to optometric education and care across the region. Our research activity continues to be strong, with several faculty securing major research grants and forming new research partnerships. Meanwhile, our students are recognized leaders across the country receiving awards, presenting at international conferences, and contributing to important publications. We also celebrated some remarkable milestones in 2024. We celebrated the 100th anniversary of Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, which debuted in our

building in 1924. We launched the Center for Teaching and Learning, which provides essential support and resources for faculty and students. We hosted the inaugural Value of Vision Breakfast, and we welcomed our 50th Residency Class. The past year was also one of transition and transformation. We opened a national search for the next Dean as I moved into the presidency as well as welcomed several new faculty and staff. We are undertaking a strategic planning process to guide us into the future and we are deep into the planning for the SUNY College of Optometry Upstate Extension Program in Syracuse. We remain committed to our mission and will build on what we’ve accomplished, ensuring continued growth and innovation. I am grateful for the leadership and the contributions of everyone who has played a part in our progress. I can say confidently that SUNY College of Optometry is transforming vision care every day as we build careers, discover and innovate through research, and provide eye care to thousands. This report offers a glimpse of what we’ve accomplished together in 2024, but more importantly, it’s a preview of where we’re headed.

Dr. David Troilo President SUNY College of Optometry

2024 ANNUAL REPORT 3

BUILDING THE OPTOMETRIC WORKFORCE

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See the Future of the ODs in Upstate New York

16 Seats Applications Anticipated Summer 2025 First Class Expected Fall 2026 $400,000 Grant Awarded by The Lavelle Fund to Partner with Syracuse Community Health

2024 ANNUAL REPORT 5

BUILDING THE OPTOMETRIC WORKFORCE

why she chose SUNY Optometry for her own optometric education and what the Upstate campus will mean for prospective students and the community. Q: Why did you choose to study at SUNY College of Optometry? I chose SUNY for my education based on the prestigious reputation of the college and the faculty. I feel privileged to work alongside this group of faculty and now have the opportunity to expand our impact to Upstate New York through the development of our Extension Program. Q: Why did you choose to become an OD out of all the medical career paths that are out there? Aside from the fact that I find the eye fascinating, I chose to become an optometrist because we have the opportunity to interact more directly with our patients compared with many other specialties within healthcare. I feel incredibly fortunate to build relationships with all of my patients and gain their trust in the management of their ocular and visual conditions. Q: Why will Syracuse campus be unique for students? SUNY College of Optometry at Upstate will provide a unique hybrid model of optometric education. An on-campus, interactive, virtual classroom experience will provide students the opportunity to participate in lectures delivered at the main campus in NYC. Outside of the lecture hall, students will engage with local SUNY faculty in labs, small group

seminars, and clinical patient care. This program also offers the opportunity to collaborate directly with Upstate Medical University which will facilitate a strong interprofessional environment. Q: As the new program director, what is your vision for the upstate program? My vision for the Extension Program is to bring the excellence of SUNY College of Optometry to Upstate New York. This program will offer students the opportunity to train in an underserved area while receiving the same high caliber education that the main campus in NYC provides. Q: Describe the importance of accessibility to vision care that this program will bring for residents of Upstate New York. As an Upstate New York native, I understand firsthand the current challenges associated with accessibility to eye care in rural parts of New York State. In addition to providing eye care, optometrists also have the ability to detect systemic conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes. Without proper access to care, patients may have a delay in the diagnosis of an ocular or systemic condition which can lead to a poor outcome and a subsequent increased burden on the healthcare system. By providing training opportunities in Upstate New York, SUNY College of Optometry will improve access to eyecare which has the potential to improve the overall wellbeing of patients in New York State.

Dr. Sarah Gleason, ’18, R’19, named Program Director

Dr. Sarah Gleason joined SUNY College of Optometry’s faculty when she completed her residency and is now serving as an associate clinical professor. In early September, she was selected from a nationwide search to be the Founding Director of the SUNY College of Optometry Upstate Extension Program in Syracuse. The first class will enter this program on the campus of SUNY Upstate Medical University in Fall 2026. Dr. Gleason shared some of her insights and thoughts about in Upstate New York Finding the Future ODs

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CLASS OF 2025

CLASS OF 2028

FUTURE OF OPTOMETRY TRANSFORMING THE

TRANSFORMING THE FUTURE OF OPTOMETRY

a community where new students were welcomed with open arms and invited to join the family. From the start, I was paired with a big sister and a peer mentor who gave me advice and encouragement. During club presentations, the upperclassmen encouraged our involvement through roles like “first year liaison,” which is the position I currently hold in Student Chapter of American Public Health Association (SAPHA). We also shadow third- and fourth-year students during integrative seminar and have social events together. The student body is a cohesive whole where we learn and grow together. It’s clear that the curriculum was built meticulously and I’m often appreciative of the way most classes deliberately overlap to reinforce our knowledge and clinical skills. There are so many modes of learning between labs, lecture, clinic observations, and specialty speakers, which cater to individual learning needs and ensure that no one falls behind. Q: What advice or insights would you give to a student considering SUNY College of Optometry and why? Aside from the warm school community and strong academics, SUNY College of Optometry is in the heart of one of the most vibrant cities in the world. There is so much to do and it’s all right in front of you! You will never be bored. If you’re a resident of New York, SUNY’s in-state tuition is one of the most affordable in the nation; and if you’re not a resident you can file for residency after your first year to receive the same benefits. Choosing a school is an important decision,

but I am definitely happy with my choice.

Q: Recently you spoke about being a first generation college student— why is this meaningful for you? I was born into a strong culture where women are discouraged from working outside of the home. My mother was valedictorian of her elementary school, but dropped out of school at the age of 16 to marry my father, who was 27 years old at the time. My father went to school in Syria and was beaten there, so he dropped out as soon as he could. My parents never had the opportunity to develop their academic potential, but I always knew that it was important to me to do things differently. At SUNY, there is an abundance of female strength, brilliance, and accomplishment that I revel in, and I’m inspired every day by our diverse student body. Regardless of where you come from, you belong here. Q: Is there a particular area of optometry and/or eye care that intrigues you? Perhaps an area you would like to specialize in while you are a student here? Yes, although I have not taken ocular disease courses yet, it is an area that I find intriguing. The professors include clinical correlations to the content that we learn, and I have always found those sections to be the most interesting. I am also considering residency in the emergency room, where I’d be exposed to various types of trauma. I enjoy fast-paced, high-pressure environments so I feel that it may be a good fit. Also, I’d be able to apply my knowledge and skills in a very different way to gain a unique set of experiences.

Yolette Bukai, ‘28

Yolette Bukai is a proud member of the Class of 2028. Yolette shared her insights on being a first-year student at SUNY College of Optometry as she begins her optometric journey. Q: As a first-year student, what excites you most about being at SUNY College of Optometry? I haven’t been here for very long, but I can already confidently say that this is a very special place. I learned early on that this school is as a SUNY Optometry Student Seeing New Horizons

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RESEARCH TRANSFORMING

EDUCATION TRANSFORMING RESEARCH

Inspired to Help Others See Better Research with an Eye on the Future of Myopia

on myopia research when he joined SUNY Optometry in 2008. Q: What is the most exciting research project that you have worked on, to date, and what was so exciting about it for you? Every new research project is very exciting for me. There is always the uncertainty of what we will find, and whether we are heading in the right direction. I am grateful to have a fantastic research team unafraid of exploring new ideas with me, some of which take time and effort to develop and do not necessarily succeed. At the moment, my lab is focused on studying the impact that sustained myopia has on the structure and function of the eye, from its genetic to clinical implications, and whether this impact may be the reason why myopic patients are a higher risk of other ocular conditions like glaucoma. Q: What new research projects might you want to explore in the not-too-distant future? The research field of myopia has transformed rapidly over the last several years. We are no longer exclusively discussing optical treatments to correct defocus, but have optical, pharmacological and behavioral interventions to slow down myopia progression. As the field advances, so does its science and multidisciplinary approach. We are advancing fast thanks to collaborations between vision scientists, biologists, physiologists, neurologists, and engineers. I see great potential in the use of big data and artificial intelligence to understand why eyes become myopic, and develop new strategies to prevent myopia associated blindness.

myopia, were the main reasons I attended the College of Science and Medicine in my hometown, Valladolid, in Spain, where I received my degree in Optometry and Optics. Q: At what point did you decide or realize that you wanted to dive into the world of research as it pertained to optometry? And why? That same curiosity I had about eye tests as a child made me move to the United Kingdom to continue my studies. I earned my Master’s degree in Investigative Ophthalmology and Vision Science from the University of Manchester, which was focused on understanding the genetic predisposition to corneal graft rejection. That research experience was extremely fulfilling and inspired me to continue my research training in more depth. Some years later, I earned my PhD degree in Vision Science from Aston University. Q: Why did you choose to conduct your research at SUNY Optometry? After completing my MS and PhD degrees, I continued my research training with two postdoctoral fellowships, one in Birmingham and another in London. I remember receiving the invitation to visit the New England College of Optometry where Dr. David Troilo worked on myopia research, and was looking for a post-doc. I was familiar with and fascinated by his work because of the impact of his publications, and shortly after my visit, I moved to NYC to work

Alexandra Benavente-Pérez, MCOptom, MS, PhD, FAAO, FARVO

Dr. Benavente-Pérez is a Research Professor at SUNY College of Optometry celebrating nearly 16 years at the College. We invited her to share her experiences and insights into the world of research as it pertains to optometry. Q: Why did you choose to study optometry and pursue it as a career? As a little girl, I visited my eye doctor regularly because of my myopia. I remember wondering what the eye tests meant, and why it mattered if the letters were clearer on a red or a green background. I remember taking my glasses off and wondering if those objects that I could not see clearly were really there. This curiosity never went away and, combined with my childhood

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Cutting-Edge AI Tools Tested at the CVRC Under the leadership of CVRC Director L. Wayne Spencer, the CVRC completed Stack Education’s AI Copilot Onboarding. Dr. Kristen Fry initiated collaboration with Stack Education on the development and beta-testing of their new AI tool, designed to assist with clinical research performance during a six month Early Access Program.

Optejet Device Academy Presentation Dr. Josianne Manasse and Dr. Denise Pensyl led an American Academy of Optometry (AAO) presentation of Eyenovia Inc.’s study data. The presentation included data for a study conducted within the CVRC, demonstrating the impact of medication delivered with Eyenovia Inc.’s Optejet device.

Key Areas of Research and Innovation • Neuroscience & the Visual System • Retina & Optic Nerve Cell Regeneration • Eye Growth & Refraction • Mechanisms of Corneal Diseases • Traumatic Brain Injury & Vision • Computer Vision Syndrome

Grant Activity 2023-24 $3.9 million

Total Grants in Fiscal Year 2024 51

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EDUCATION TRANSFORMING RESEARCH

Prestigious NIH Grant on Myopia’s Impact Dr. Carol Lin, OD/MS, ‘20 was awarded a four-year K08 Mentored Clinical Scientist Career Development

CVRC Study Leads to FDA Breakthrough Device Designation The Clinical Vision Research Center study sponsor, SightGlass Vision, received Breakthrough Device designation from the FDA for their

DOT spectacle lenses earlier this year. Dr. Xiaoying Zhu has been the principal investigator on these studies at the College since 2018. SUNY Optometry alumnus Dr. Joseph Rappon, ‘00, served as the chief medical officer of Sight Glass, overseeing clinical developments and medical affairs initiatives.

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Investigator Award from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Dr. Lin’s K08 research project focuses on understanding the

Research Spotlight SUNY Distinguished Professor Qasim Zaidi and the research team in his Perceptual Neuroscience Laboratory at the College employ mathematical and computational models to understand the neural mechanisms underlying visual perception. One ongoing research project, supported by two NIH grants, involves Dr. Zaidi, his graduate students, and several

cellular mechanisms by which myopia increases glaucoma susceptibility in the retina.

faculty researchers investigating the cortical basis of amblyopia. Amblyopia is a visual condition characterized by an imbalance in visual input from the two eyes due to ocular misalignments,

defocus, or unilateral cataracts. This imbalance results in persistent visual deficiencies even after the underlying cause has been corrected. The Zaidi laboratory’s computational models are currently being developed to elucidate the functional deficits associated with amblyopia and help the design of effective treatments.

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Dr. Robert McPeek’s current research project uses cutting edge techniques to reveal the neural mechanisms that enable us to move the eyes to the right place at the right time. Rapid and accurate eye movements are crucial for performing a wide range of tasks including reading, cooking, and driving. A

Scan to learn more: Nicholas Premnauth and Rebecca Treen, Class of 2026, were part of a research team that was published in Review of Optometry , “Nutrition and Lifestyle Choices for Neuroprotection in Glaucoma.” This article and collaboration Students Publish Article on Nutrition and Glaucoma

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was made possible by Dr. Neda Gioia, ‘06, and California based ophthalmologist Steven Pratt, MD.

dysfunctional eye movement system impairs all of these everyday activities.

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EDUCATION TRANSFORMING

TRANSFORMING EDUCATION

Beyond the Books: How Leadership Plays a Part in the Academic Journey

Taylor Greaves is a fourth-year student at SUNY Optometry, and is also a student leader. Ms. Greaves shared with us her insights on the wonderful balance that she has achieved in both the academic and leadership paths she has travelled while at SUNY Optometry. Q: Why do you think it is important for students to consider leadership positions, either at their school or on a national level? I think it is important to take on leadership positions because it allows students to develop communication, decision-making and problem-solving skills. Q: You were recently named the Vice President of the National Optometric Student Association (NOSA). Can you tell us a little bit about the position and your hopes for the future? Becoming Vice President of NOSA means I have the opportunity to advocate for minority populations in optometry schools and in the communities we serve. During my term, I hope to increase the number of black and brown students in optometry through the Diversifying Optometry Initiative. This is a joint mission between NOSA and the American Optometric Student Association (AOSA) to increase awareness of the optometric profession for high school and college students from underrepresented backgrounds.

My term is one year, from July 2024 through July 2025. In collaboration with the AOSA, I am rolling out a national program geared towards recruiting minority undergraduate and high school students into optometry (taking place virtually in Spring 2025). Q: What advice would you give new students about getting involved? Join something you are passionate about so when you have to do something for it, it doesn’t feel like work.

Taylor Greaves, Class of 2025

SUNY Optometry Student Organization Named Top NOSA Chapter of the Year SUNY College of Optometry National Optometric Student Association (NOSA) took top honors at the National Optometric Association (NOA) Conference held in Philadelphia and was named Top NOSA Chapter of the Year. Fourth-year student Taylor Greaves was also named NOSA Vice President.

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SUNY OPTOMETRY RESIDENCY PROGRAM

RESIDENCY CLASS OF 2024

Fourth SUNY Optometry Alum Wins National Residency Award Dr. Gulnoza Azieva, ‘23, R’24, was honored with the 2024 AAO Hopkins Comprehensive Eye Care Residency Award at this year’s Academy in Indianapolis. This award

11 Residency Affiliated Sites Across 4 States Residency Stats 35 Current Residents 21 Residency Programs in Total 1,090+ ODs Have Completed at SUNY Optometry Residency

signifies a dedication to excellence in patient care, ongoing contributions to vision science research, and passion for educating future optometrists.

Resident Programs at SUNY Optometry

1st Resident Program for Optometry in the Country in 1975

Grew from 1 to 21 Residency Programs

4 Residents in Vision Therapy in 1975

10x the Number of Positions Now Available

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TRANSFORMING EDUCATION

The Future Leaders of Tomorrow The 2024 SUNY Optometry Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program (CSTEP) Graduates. A total of 37 students participated across three different CSTEP programs in 2024: the Winter Program, the Spring Program and the Summer Academic Program.

SOAPP Wins Preston Cup for the Second Consecutive Year SUNY Optometry and the Student Optometric Association for Private Practice (SOAPP) were awarded, for the second time, the 2024 Preston Cup at the annual SOLutioN Conference. The Preston Cup is awarded each year to

the most deserving Student Optometric Leadership Network (SOLN) private practice or practice management club.

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99 Foundation Scholarship Winners 430 Enrolled Students & Residents Student Showcase

340 Average OAT Score Class of 2028 Snapshot 3.7 Average GPA 32% First Generation College Students 20% EyeCARE Camp Alum

26 Active Student Clubs 442 Student Club Hours

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PATIENT CARE TRANSFORMING

TRANSFORMING PATIENT CARE

From Classroom to Clinic: The Journey of a Third-Year Student After being honored with the traditional white coat at an on campus ceremony in the spring, Anastasia Dakis began the next phase of her optometric journey with the rest of her classmates— working in the University Eye Center. Born and raised in Queens, NY, Anastasia shared some insights on her time in the clinic working with both staff and patients. Q: How has the transition from classroom to clinic been? The transition from classroom to clinic has been both challenging and rewarding. Clinic has pushed me in the best ways, providing the building blocks for a strong clinical foundation. I found the summer quarter to be the most challenging, as it marked the first time my peers and I were managing patients independently. While we had the guidance of our preceptors, being alone with a patient for the first time was a surreal experience. Truly feeling the gravity of my duty to my patients is something I reflect on

opportunity to think critically, expand my knowledge base, and receive invaluable feedback that helps me improve as a future doctor. Q: Have you learned anything about optometry that you hadn’t realized before going into the clinic—like an area of specialty you might like to pursue further? My interest in specialties has evolved throughout my time in clinic. Initially, I was most drawn to anterior segment disease, but as I progressed through my coursework, my fascination expanded to include posterior segment disease, particularly during the summer and fall quarters. Currently, I am in the fourth and final section of the Ocular Disease curriculum, neuro optometry, which has also sparked my interest. While I plan to pursue a residency in ocular disease, my clinical experience has emphasized the importance of being a well rounded clinician.

Anastasia Dakis, ‘26

often, and it continues to motivate me. Each encounter reinforces the importance of providing the best care possible and reminds me why I chose this profession. Q: What has been the most rewarding part of working in the clinic for you? The most rewarding part of working in the clinic has been the opportunity to engage with patients, collaborate with colleagues, and grow as a clinician. I truly value every patient encounter and strive to advocate for them by simplifying complex medical jargon and ensuring they feel heard. Receiving heartfelt thanks from a patient, for something seemingly small yet impactful, is deeply fulfilling. I also appreciate the collaboration and problem-solving that take place behind the scenes. Applying knowledge from didactic courses to real-life scenarios is both energizing and gratifying. This is especially true when my preceptors challenge me with questions. I enjoy the

Total Annual Patient Encounters (>57K UEC Encounters Included) 250,000+

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The Evolution of the Primary Eye Care Clinic With a target date of early Spring 2025, the 7th floor clinic renovation is well underway with state-of-the art resources. The updated and centralized Eye Wear Center is also approaching completion. Open House celebrations to re-introduce the University Eye Center to the community are under development.

Patients Currently Enrolled in the Online Patient Portal 10K+

State Senator Hosts Eye Screening Fair with SUNY Optometry Students In October, New York State Senator Brad Hoylman Sigal hosted an Older Adult Resource Fair at the

of Our Patients Were New in 2024 25%

Lincoln Square Neighborhood Center. The University Eye Center, represented by Dr. Amy Steinway, Assistant Chief of Primary Eye Care, and a team of SUNY College of Optometry students, provided complimentary eye screenings to more than 30 adults.

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TRANSFORMING PATIENT CARE

New Technology and Innovations for The University Eye Center The University Eye Center is constantly identifying and utilizing cutting-edge technology and innovations for its patients. One example of this in 2024 was the use of the Anterion Swept Source Anterior Segment OCT (Heidelberg Engineering). This device allows optometrists to get extremely detailed views of the anterior segment (the front part of the eye), helping doctors to diagnose and manage various diseases such as narrow or closed angle glaucoma, cataract imaging, uveitis, corneal conditions, and more. Another innovation to improve treatment was Tyrvaya (varenicline soln nasal spray 0.03mg). This medication is a novel, drop-free treatment for dry eye that works on stimulating tear production.

Thru Your Lens: 2025 Photo Challenge To celebrate the renovation and reopening of the Primary Eye Care Clinic in 2025, a photo challenge was created for the submissions of imagery to be used as artwork on the newly renovated 7th floor. Over 225 images were submitted by members of our community including patients, students, faculty, staff, and friends of the College and UEC. The photos range from tranquil scenes to iconic New York landmarks.

$229,000 Total Charitable Care

Nearly 2,400 Hours of Clinical Experience for Each OD Student Across Four Years

14,893 Referral Visits

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COMMUNITY FOCUS

New Leadership Appointments Announced Clinical Professor Tracy Nguyen, OD, PhD, was named Interim Dean and Vice President for Academic Affairs, and Biological and Vision Sciences Professor Miduturu Srinivas, PhD, was named Interim Chair for Biological and Vision Science.

Scholarship and Creative Activities: Dr. Daniella Rutner Excellence in Teaching: Dr. Eva Duchnowski Excellence in Professional Service: Parbatie Chitolie Excellence in Classified Service: Anna Meykler 2024 Chancellor Award Winners

Two Graduates Received SUNY’s Highest Student Honor Hassan Elhage, ‘24, and Sakshi Vasiu, ‘24, were recognized with the 2024 Chancellor’s Award for

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Student Excellence. The award recognizes students for their outstanding achievements throughout their SUNY experience in areas including academics, leadership, campus involvement, community service, and the arts.

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COMMUNITY FOCUS

SUNY Optometry Welcomes Five New Clinical Faculty Members

Students and Faculty Achieve National/International Recognition

Kendra Kim, ‘25, was one of three third-year students nationwide to receive the 2024 Best Practices Award from CooperVision.

Dr. Joy Harewood, R ‘12, Director of Diversity, Inclusion, Equity and Belonging, was named the 2024 National Optometric Association (NOA) Optometrist of the Year.

Dr. Gulnoza Azieva, ’23, R’24 – Clinical Instructor

Dr. Beth Katz, Clinical Instructor

Dr. Travis Pfeifer, ’23, R’24 – Clinical Instructor

Dr. Emily Selenow, ’18, R’19 – Assistant Clinical Professor

Dr. Nazia Tahia, ’23, R’24 – Clinical Instructor

Mark Rosenfield, PhD, Professor of Biological and Vision Sciences, was appointed for a six-year term as a visiting professor at West China School of Medicine / West China Hospital, Sichuan University.

William Doan Nguyen, ‘25, received the 2024 OCULUS

New Director of Clinical Vision Research Center

Optometry Student Scholarship, which included a cash award and an OCULUS Easyfield®, donated to SUNY Optometry.

L. Wayne Spencer, CCRC, BA, was named Director of the Clinical Vision Research Center (CVRC) in September.

President’s Award For Years Of Service

35 Years of Service Dr. Steven Larson 30 Years of Service Aubry Assim

25 Years of Service Patricia Chavez Dr. Mitchell Dul Dr. Richard Madonna Dr. Tam Ngo

20 Years of Service Dr. Margarita Bauman Sidney Contreras Tsz Ng Jacqueline Sanchez

Dr. Miduturu Srinivas Betshally Torres

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MILESTONE EVENTS

SUNY College of Optometry Welcomes Fourth President

After a six-month national search, the State University of New York Board of Trustees appointed Dr. David Troilo on August 28, 2024 to be the fourth president of the SUNY College of Optometry. Dr. Troilo joined SUNY Optometry in July 2008 as professor, vice president, and dean for Academic Affairs. As the chief academic officer at SUNY Optometry, Dr. Troilo has been responsible for the professional degree program in optometry and the graduate degree programs (PhD and MS) in vision science. Scan to learn more:

Kaleidoscope of Sound: A Tribute to George Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue February 12, 2024, marked the 100th anniversary of Gershwin’s iconic musical piece. Avalanche Orchestra presented an evening of Gershwin and Jazz Age music at SUNY Optometry, which sits on the exact location of the original concert venue, Aeolian Hall. The evening also featured a special appearance by Broadway Scan to learn more:

performer and singer,

Mary Callanan (Mamma Mia, Bandstand).

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MILESTONE EVENTS

The Solar Eclipse Students, faculty, and staff sported protective eclipse glasses to watch a 90% eclipse of the sun on April 8, 2024. Eye safety around viewing the eclipse was also promoted by faculty member Dr. Nicole Putnam in social media posts leading up to the big event.

Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL) Opens The first of its kind in the country for a school of optometry, the CTL creates a dynamic hub where students, faculty, staff, and community members come together to cultivate a vibrant, active learning environment that fosters academic excellence. Dedicated to enhancing student success and well-being, the CTL offers a range of student support services and faculty teaching development opportunities, uniting faculty and students on the path to success.

SUNY Optometry Faculty Shares Experience as Paralympic Qualifier Dr. Robert Chun was featured in a Q&A that chronicled his experiences as one of two optometric professionals in the United States who are certified to test and confirm the eligibility of athletes to compete in the low vision categories at the Summer Paralympics Games, which this year were held in Paris. Forty

five (45) optometrists and ophthalmologists participate in the qualification of athletes in the low vision categories worldwide.

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FOUNDATION

The Inaugural Value of Vision Breakfast Esteemed honorees, scholarship students, and passionate advocates came together to showcase dynamic testimonials about the great ongoing work at the college and University Eye Center.

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A New Board Members Joins the Board of Trustees The Foundation named Jason Eckert

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to its board of trustees for a three-year term.

Scholarship Support Continues to Grow for Students in 2024 At this year’s annual event, 28 named scholarships went to 55 students. The Dr. David A. Heath Academic Leaders Scholarship was a newly created award for this year. It was part of nearly $420,000 in total scholarship and grant support that generous donors continue to contribute to help students complete their optometric journey.

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FOUNDATION

2024 Alumni Weekend Two days of events celebrated all alumni, including an alumni awards presentation, All Alumni Cocktail Party, Yankees game, historic tour, a Broadway show and brunch with President Troilo.

2023 Functional Expenses

6%

23%

2024 Functional Expenses

19%

Student Support Campus Support Clinical Support Research

11%

23%

32%

16%

2.8%

International Programs Management & General Fundraising

%

5.5%

13.8%

11.5%

Total Expenses: $1,639,209

28%

Total Expenses: $1,809,298

As of December 31, the Foundation’s net assets are approximately $14 million. The 2024 audit conducted by Sax, LLP shows how funds were used to support students, patients, research, and the College community.

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IN THE NEWS

Raising Our Voice on Social Media and Making Headlines From Consumer Reports to BroadwayWorld , SUNY Optometry was in the media as much as it was very active on social media. LinkedIn and YouTube continued to be strong facets of our ever-expanding

media landscape as we work with our students and faculty within the College and at the University Eye Center. Follow @sunyopt and @universityeyecenter on social media for a closer look at our events, insights into commonly asked eye care questions as well as the rich community that makes SUNY Optometry and the UEC so wonderfully unique and exciting. For more information about clinical services, visit universityeyecenter.org

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IN THE NEWS

Tell Me a Story... Or more accurately, “Tell me a story and show me a video!” This year we continued to evolve our social media campaigns with increased focus on common conditions and questions, presented in an easy-to-understand format by our incredible faculty and staff. The topics ranged from cataract symptoms to proper eye care around all types of water in the summertime.

University Eye Center Instagram +269% Video Views

SUNY Optometry Instagram +187%

SUNY Optometry / UEC Facebook +47%

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LEADERSHIP

President’s Council David Troilo, PhD President Guilherme Albieri, PhD VP for Student Affairs & Engagement David Bowers, MP, MBA VP of Administration & Finance Guerda Fils, MS Assistant VP for Human Resources Joy Harewood, OD, R’12 Chief Diversity Officer Liduvina Martinez-Gonzalez, MS, FACHE VP for Clinical Administration/Executive Director, University Eye Center Tracy Nguyen, OD, PhD Interim Dean/VP of Academic Affairs Wendy Ravitz, Esq Chief Campus Counsel Dawn Rigney, MPH VP for Institutional Advancement/ Executive Director, SUNY Optometry Foundation Richard Soden, OD, ’79 Director of Health Care Development Carolina Gomez-Jones Senior Assistant to the President College Council Gretchen Stone Chair

Dr. Soden, Ms. Rigney, Dr. Nguyen, and Dr. Troilo

Foundation Board of Trustees Richard Soden, OD, ’79 President Thomas P. Farrell Vice President Dennis P. Gehr Treasurer Dawn Rigney, MPH Executive Director and Secretary Marge Axelrad Mary Botelho, OD, ’17 Jason Eckert Mark S. Feder, OD, ’83 Richard Feinbloom Kevin Gioia, MD Ronald M. Millman, OD William J. Moran, MBA, CPA Christopher J. Quinn, OD

Claudia Rouhana* Beryl Snyder, Esq.* Alumni Association Board Mary Botelho, OD, ’17 President Samar Awad, OD, ’92 Sherry Bass, OD, ’80 Katie Brogan, OD, ’18 MJ Bustamante, ’23 Marianna Butera, OD, ’21 Anna Marie Fernandez, OD, ’85

Mark Gendal, OD, ’80 Sophia Johnson, ’23 Kaira Kwong, OD, ’12 Vito Proscia, OD Diane Russo, OD, ’10

David Dexter, OD David Dozack, OD Charles Gold, OD Frank Pirozzolo, OD James Ruhl, PhD Jessie Zhu, ’26 ***

* Trustee Emeritus *** Student Representative

Aravella Simotas David Troilo, PhD Ryan Raynaud, ’26*** Jerry Warner Harold Wilshinsky*

2024 ANNUAL REPORT 29

FINANCIALS

Financials

2023–2024 Receipts

Core

IFR Research Foundation

Total

Tuition, Fees, Deposits

$13,364,411 $11,951,562 $2,255,562 $29,121,539

$ 337,469 $23,790 $459,899 $11,123,151

- $13,701,880 - $11,975,352 - $11,851,997

State Support

Clinics Other

$1,550,004 $10,301,993

$3,923,052 $6,638,513 $3,923,052 $44,167,743

From (to) Fund Balance Reserves

($1,858,345) $42,309,398

Total Receipts Expenditures

Core

IFR Research Foundation

Total

Payroll

$23,186,770

$7,560,035

$1,816,950 $32,563,755 $1,928,101 $9,745,643 $3,745,051 $42,309,398

Other than Payroll Total Expenditures

$4,793,522 $3,024,020 $27,980,292 $ 10,584,055

2022–2023 Receipts

Core

IFR Research Foundation

Total

Tuition, Fees, Deposits

$11,990,053 $10,181,387

$653,769

- $12,643,822 - $10,181,387 - $10,543,637

State Support

-

Clinics Other

$1,550,004 $8,993,633

$963,105

1,976,574

$4,076,075 $7,015,755 $4,076,075 $40,384,600

$24,684,549 $11,623,976

From (to) Fund Balance Reserves

($780,657) $39,603,943

Total Receipts Expenditures

Core

IFR Research Foundation

Total

Payroll

$20,389,811 $8,684,992 $3,189,114 $3,552,223 $23,578,925 $12,237,214

$1,991,128 $31,065,931 $1,796,676 $8,538,012 $3,787,804 $39,603,943

Other than Payroll Total Expenditures

Source: For State support, including campus-generated revenue, receipts and disbursements are taken from the SUNY Business Intelligence data system. For the Research Foundation, receipts and disbursements are taken from the Expenditure Profile Report, including both sponsored programs and corporate accounts.

Designed by Onward Publishing, Inc. 631-757-8300

30 SUNY OPTOMETRY ANNUAL REPORT

Our Mission

The State University of New York College of Optometry advances visual health and patient care through leadership in education, research, and service.

Leadership We develop leaders and scholars in education, research, and patient care. Professionalism We conduct ourselves with integrity and civility, and embrace evidence-based practice and lifelong learning. Inquiry We support discovery and understanding through basic, translational, and clinical research. Innovation We foster an environment that promotes creativity in optometric education, research, and patient care. Diversity We respect the dignity of all individuals and value their unique cultural traditions and perspectives. Service We enhance public health by making the highest quality patient care accessible to a broad range of communities. Our Institutional Values

2024 ANNUAL REPORT 31

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