OCNY Trustee Prospectus

SUNY College of Optometry Foundation

See the Opportunities

Board Prospectus

www.ocny.org

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Welcome from SUNY College of Optometry Foundation President

For more than 50 years, the SUNY College of Optometry Foundation has proudly supported eye and vision care for patients, provided forward-thinking education to optometrists, and advanced leading edge vision research. We envision a world where high quality eye and vision care provided by leaders in the field is accessible to all. To achieve this ambitious reality, we seek ways to work smarter, engage new partners, and share our story with a wider audience so that we may increase our impact. Our alignment with SUNY College of Optometry for the past fifty years has allowed us to carry out our mission with one of the top optometric education and research institutions in the country. We fully appreciate how competitive it is to capture the imagination of prospects and new trustees, to educate our donors, and to nurture these relationships for the ambitious and aspiring future we envision. The SUNY College of Optometry Foundation raises over $1 million per year to invest in key programs, initiatives, and patient care through SUNY College of Optometry. However, we see the need for even greater investment if we are to meet our ambitious goals. Over the past several years, we have successfully recruited new members to our Board of Trustees, each of whom bring unique experiences, talents, and skill sets to advance our mission. This is an unprecedented time to join our Board as we look to the future of eye care, optometric education, and vision research. Through these pages and conversations, we welcome you to learn more about the SUNY College of Optometry Foundation, to meet our dedicated Trustees and the College’s leadership, as well as to join us on impacting the future of eye care.

Originally founded as the Optometric Center of New York in 1956, the Foundation filled the gap after the closing of Columbia University’s Optometry program. Our leadership were some of the advocates that helped established SUNY College of Optometry in 1971.

Sincerely,

Dr. Richard Soden President Optometric Center of New York

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ABOUT US…

Our Vision SUNY College of Optometry Foundation changes lives through sight-saving patient services and progressive research while educating leaders in eye, health, and vision care.

Our Mission To secure critical resources supporting SUNY College of Optometry in being a leader in vision health through education, advancing research, and providing optimal eye care to patients

Our Shared Values › Leadership › Professionalism › Inquiry › Innovation › Diversity › Service

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SEE OUR IMPACT…

SUNY College of Optometry Foundation $13.2 Million (as of 9/30/2021)

$2.5 Million for new 5,000 sq. ft. Barbara Saltzman Center for Pediatric Eye Care opened in 2020

$180,000 for the Charitable Care Fund serving over 1,000 patient visits each year to those in need

nearly 4,500 community members impacted through screenings, homebound visits, and services at the Bowery Mission (pre-pandemic)

Patients & Community

$632K annually for student scholarships and grants

~100 students supported by scholarships each year

Over $330K for basic, translational, and clinical research

Education & Research

99 Partner sites around the world including 68 externship, 12 residency, and 8 NYC Health + Hospitals contract sites

2,064 Participants in our Continuing Professional Education programs

3,400 Alumni worldwide

Programs & Services

including those who actively participate in volunteering, events, and giving

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SEE OUR HISTORY…

1983 Recognizing the need for enhanced scientific research into the visual system, the Board of Trustees move to establish a research institute at SUNY College of Optometry. The following year, longtime benefactors Adolph and Ruth Schnurmacher made a naming gift of $1.5 million which still benefits vision scientists today. Launched and successfully conducted “Our Vision for Children Campaign,” a $2.5 million pediatric and family centered eye care focused initiative. Emboldened by a historic $1.28 million gift from former OCNY Board President, Barbara Saltzman, the 5,000 sq. ft. center was named in her honor in 2020. 2016

1995

1971

1956 Founded and chartered in 1956 by a group of dedicated optometrists and benefactors as a nonprofit health and professional education resource for optometrists. Then known as the Optometric Center of New York (OCNY), this pioneering effort also resulted in the establishment of a vision-care clinic. 2000 Supported by the Foundation and its board, the College moves to 42 nd Street, across from Bryant Park. The historic 20-story building serves as the center for research, education, and patient care in the heart of Manhattan. Since arriving, the building has undergone significant renovation to ensure a leading-edge environment.

2020/2021 Challenged with COVID-19, OCNY worked to provide much needed glasses, contacts, and low vision devices to patients, secure funding for an increased need by underserved patients, and aid SUNY Optometry in bringing greater diversity and inclusion to the profession of optometry. all NYS optometrists were appropriately trained and qualified to provide the expanded scope of service through the Continuing Education Program which relies on donations to help keep the cost down. In the wake of the Therapeutics Bill which transformed optometry, the College ensured

Through the advocacy of many people, including OCNY leaders and Dr. Norman Haffner, SUNY College of Optometry is established, the only college of optometry in New York State. The OCNY is transformed into the affiliated foundation for the College. 2009 To provide critical support for growing educational, patient care, research, and community outreach needs, OCNY initiates “The Vision and the Promise” campaign which ultimately successfully raises more than $10 million supporting SUNY College of Optometry.

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SEE YOURSELF AS A

SUNY COLLEGE OF OPTOMETRY FOUNDATION TRUSTEE…

The Role of a SUNY College of Optometry Foundation Trustee

Trustees see and believe in the mission, vision, and values of SUNY College of Optometry Foundation including: › Contribute actively in setting strategy, engaging partners, and building resources for the organization › Serve as an advocate for the importance of eye health and vision care › Approve budgets and investments continuing the financial stability and growth of SUNY College of Optometry Foundation › Ensure focus on the SUNY College of Optometry Foundation mission and create a powerful vision for the future Trustees are the visionaries of the SUNY College of Optometry Foundation through: › An ability to see opportunities and contribute to the strategic vision › Partnering effectively with fellow trustees, SUNY College of Optometry leadership, and other organizations › Challenging themselves and others to continually learning and addressing issues related to healthcare, education, and vision impairment › Enhancing resources and relationships for a leading-edge institution › A desire to continually advance SUNY College of Optometry Foundation steering us to a high performing, agile organization that maximizes the impact on society. Personal Specifications & Attributes

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Terms of Trustee Appointments

The SUNY College of Optometry Foundation Board of Trustees shall be made up of representatives from the civic community and the optometric profession including SUNY College of Optometry alumni.

Duration

› The term of office is a 3-year renewable appointment with elections held annually. › Officers serve for one-year; the President may serve for a maximum of six years.

Commitment

› Full board meetings occur quarterly (4 times per year) and committee meetings are held 3 4 times per year. › Each member of the board elects to participate in at least one committee › Attendance occurs in-person and virtually throughout the year; however, all board members are required to attend the Annual Meeting (September) in person. › Each board member makes an annual financial commitment › Participation at key events such as the annual fundraiser and the scholarship awards is strongly encouraged

Location

New York City

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Would you like to be a part of something special?

OPTOMETRY CENTER OF NEW YORK (Soon to be SUNY College of Optometry Foundation)

SUNY COLLEGE OF OPTOMETRY 33 West 42nd Street New York, NY 10036 212-938-4000

33 West 42nd Street New York, NY 10036 212-938-4000