2024 Annual Report

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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14 SUNY OPTOMETRY ANNUAL REPORT