SUNY Annual Report 2019

Dr. Julie Appel ’91 Named 2019 Alumna of the Year Dr. Julie Appel was named the 2019 Alumna of the Year by the SUNY College of Optometry Alumni Association. The 1991 graduate was recognized during the 16th annual Eyes on New York Awards Celebration at Cipriani 42 in New York City on March 22. In 2015, Dr. Appel received the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in

Teaching. Additionally, she was recognized with the New York State Optometric Association’s Optometric Educator of the Year Award in 2017. She is a fellow of the American Academy of Optometry and a diplomate of the American Board of Optometry.

Dr. Appel was an integral member of the College’s alumni association board for two decades. She championed its first capital campaign, helped establish the Pacesetter Award and advocated for the 2018 merger with the Optometric Center of New York (OCNY). The award celebrates SUNY Optometry alumni who remain involved with the College through volunteerism and financial support; demonstrate dedication to the profession through education, organized optometry, publications or research; and participate in community service organizations and/or international missions. “We are delighted to finally have the opportunity to thank Julie for her incredible leadership, volunteerism and professional contributions. She is a true ambassador for the College and a voice for alumni.” –Dr. Anna Marie Fernandez, Alumni Association President Dr. Appel has served on the SUNY Optometry faculty since 1992 and is an associate clinical professor having previously worked in private practice and as director of the optometry service at the Spellman Center for HIV- Related Disease. She is a clinical education coordinator for third-year interns and develops assessment and remediation programs.

Dr. Appel is the 23rd graduate to receive this honor since 1998.

1,009 members of the alumni community are registered users of SUNY Eye Network

58% of SUNY Eye Network members users have volunteered to help with professional development

320 alumni are married to alumni

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