2024 Annual Report

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