SUNY Annual Report 2019

President’s Message David A. Heath, OD, EdM

Embarking on the second year of our Care, Lead, Advance strategic plan in 2019 continues to propel SUNY College of Optometry forward in new and exciting directions. Our students are leaders in the field before they graduate. Our distinguished faculty are sought after experts who are helping change the landscape of optometry in the classroom, in the clinic, and in our research labs. We continue to cultivate programs that support our students and residents throughout their academic journey. We face considerable challenges in eye and vision care especially in terms of disparities in access, inequities in quality, treatment, and services available, lack of integration of eye care services in health systems, and a shortage in trained eye care professional around the world – especially in at-risk rural communities. However, our students, residents, fellows, and faculty are tackling these challenges through innovation, partnership, research, and volunteerism positioning them as experts and change agents. Whether through mission trips around the world or deepening a partnership right here in our own neighborhood with Health + Hospitals, the College is poised to advance population health while simultaneously leveraging a robust learning opportunity. There is much to celebrate as we head into “the year of vision” in 2020 and the College’s 50th Anniversary the following year. Our facilities continue to transform with the completion of our state- of-the-art teaching and learning suite on the lower lobby level, the groundbreaking and naming of the Barbara Saltzman Center for Pediatric Eye Care, and renovated lab space for translational research. Our faculty’s scholarly contributions are impressive as there is an ever-increasing number of articles in high-end publications, licensing agreements and partnerships with industry sponsors, and presentations to peers. Our programs leverage the lessons we have learned from our past and our broader college community to ensure our students and residents are prepared for the future of optometric practice. This year’s annual report highlights only a selection of our accomplishments. It is a testament to our values of leadership, professionalism, inquiry, innovation, diversity, and service. However, these achievements are only possible through the dedication, commitment, and support of our faculty, staff, students, and supporters. Thank you!

2019 Annual Report 3