DURING MY SPEECH AT SUMMER CONFERENCE, I INVITED YOU TO ELEVATE THE PROFESSION OF OPTOMETRY. I ALSO MENTIONED THAT OPTOMETRY HAS GIVEN ME THE OPPORTUNITY TO TEACH OUR FUTURE OPTOMETRISTS.
One of the noblest things one can do is be a leader, mentor and teacher to those joining their chosen profession. When we do these things, we have a hand in shaping the future of optometry, guiding those who will be taking care of the next generation of patients by practicing to their fullest potential.
Working with these students is truly one of the great joys of my life. It is interesting to see how they relate to patients, others and the world as young adults. The ones I have had fortune to teach have been caring, conscientious, and highly engaged in their learning. They want to be the best doctors they can be for their patients, which gives me great optimism about the profession. I know, I know. Optimism can be in short supply. The day-to-day drudgery of operating a practice can weigh us all down. If you are like me, you sometimes wish you could take a breather and recharge.
Why not recharge while elevating the profession? Get out of the office and visit a school group (they'd love to have you!) to talk about the link between vision and academic performance. Speak to parents about why back-in-school eye exams are so important. Find a career day and discuss all that optometry has to offer.
The profession is elevated when those practicing optometry share what they know with the public and conduct themselves with the integrity imparted on them by their mentors and teachers, who lead by example. Who knows? The person you speak with today may be in the exam lane next to you in 10 years!
Dr. Nadine Humen Forché , OD, FAAO
GOA PRESIDENT 2024-2025