Inauguration Program

Saysha Blazier, OD, FAAO, received her Bachelor of Science in Cell and Molecular Biology in 2007 from Bradley University, her Doctor of Optometry in 2011 from Southern California College of Optometry (SCCO) and her residency from SUNY/Lighthouse International in 2012. Dr. Blazier served as Director of Low Vision Services and Clinical Instructor at University Hospital, associated with Rutgers University Medical School from 2012–2015. Dr. Blazier has been in private practice settings first in Jersey City, NJ and now Staten Island, NY since 2015. Dr. Blazier served as President for the AOSA from 2011–2012. Previous honors include young optometrist of the year for NJSOP 2015, NYSOA 2021 and AOA 2022, NJSOP Presidential Special Recognition award in 2018, and distinguished service award in 2019. She is a fellow of the American Academy of Optometry and has served on both the NJSOP and NYSOA Board of Trustees. She is now president for the New York State Optometric Association, as well as the Leadership Development Committee for the American Optometric Association. Dr. Blazier resides on Staten Island and in her free time loves spending time with her family, her dog and the outdoors.

Keshia S. Elder, OD, MS, MS, FAAO, FNAP, is the Dean and a Clinical Professor at the University of Missouri–St. Louis College of Optometry. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Science Teaching with a concentration in Mathematics from Clemson University, followed by a Doctor of Optometry, a Master of Science in Vision Science, and a Master of Science in Instructional Design and Development from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Dr. Elder has presented nationally on topics including contact lenses, dry eye, health disparities, diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as clinical procedures. She currently serves as President-Elect of the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry Board of Directors, Editor of The Journal of Optometric Education , and a member of the Membership Committee of the American Academy of Optometry. In addition to her academic and professional leadership, Dr. Elder remains active in her community through the St. Louis Optometric Society, the Missouri Optometric Association, and Leadership St. Louis. A United States Navy Veteran, she served at the Naval Health Clinic Annapolis and the Pentagon/DiLorenzo TRICARE Health Clinic.

Richard M. Soden, OD, FAAO, brings a wealth of experience to the field of optometry and healthcare. As a Clinical Professor at SUNY College of Optometry, he currently serves as the Director of Health Care Development. With a career spanning over four decades, Dr. Soden’s journey began at SUNY College of Optometry, where he graduated in 1979. Following graduation, he completed a residency program at the Northport VA Medical Center on Long Island, where he later served as the Associate Chief of Optometry Service for 26 years. During this time, he also contributed his expertise to a large optometric practice in Lake Ronkonkoma, NY, focusing on pediatrics, children with special needs, and low vision rehabilitation for children and adults. Dr. Soden is recognized as a low-vision specialist and has been dedicated to assisting the Commission for the Blind throughout his optometric career. Dr. Soden’s influence extends beyond clinical practice. He serves as a third-party consultant for the New York State Optometric Association and has made extensive contributions to third party reimbursement and practice management. His involvement in optometry organizations includes being a member of the AOA’s Coding Committee and the AOA Third Party Center Executive Committee. With his wealth of experience and dedication to optometric practice, Dr. Soden continues to shape the landscape of eye care and vision services. Dr. Soden received The Distinguished Achievement Award from the AOA in 2025. He is currently serving as President for the SUNY College of Optometry Foundation. SUNY COLLEGE OF OPTOMETRY INAUGURATION 9