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Fall 2008A publication for the alumni and friends of the University of Missouri-St. Louis College of OptometryMessage Fromthe DeanUMSL Optometry ContinuesTwo Great TraditionsThe Next ChapterI feel that the greatest reward for doingis the opportunity to do more.--- Jonas SalkGreetings Friends and Colleagues-Stories are full of significant eventsthat capture our imagination and connect us with the situation. The mostmemorable stories are often those thatelicit elation. Everyone loves a happyending, especially when the outcome isthe result of hours of preparation, hardwork and focused attention to the task.The image of linebacker Mike Jonescompleting a critical tackle on the oneyard line during the final seconds preserving the St. Louis Ram's lead intheir 1999-2000 Super Bowl win willforever be etched in my mind. It was anexciting end to a tremendous season.This past week I had the privilege to bepart of an exciting win for the Collegeof Optometry. After our season ofmonths of preparation and focusedattention for the re-accreditation of ourprogram, the time of our site visit hadarrived. Like the 2000 Super-BowlChampions we believed that we weresufficiently prepared. However, one isnever completely certain about theimpact of that preparation until facedhead-on with the real-time challenge—in our case, the up-close-and-personalreview and analysis by representativesof the Accreditation Council onOptometric Education (ACOE).Continued, page 2Cynthia Owsley, MSPH, PH.D.The UMSL College of Optometry successfullycontinued two outstanding traditions last month.Fechner Day-2008, under the coordination of CarlBassi, Director of Research and Graduate Studies,was held October 17th at the Millennium StudentCenter. The invited speaker this year was CynthiaOwsley, MSPH, PhD on the topic of“Psychophysics: What it reveals about older driversafety and performance”. Dr. Owsley is theNathan E. Miles Chair of Ophthalmology and ViceChair for Clinical Research at the University ofAlabama at Birmingham. Her presentation waswell received by the many students and faculty inattendance (representing several departments) andwas followed by a Poster Session featuring UMSLoptometry students who participated in the 2008Summer Research program.Residency Day, under the coordination of VinitaHenry, Director of Residencies, was also held at theMillennium Student Center on October 15th. Thisall day program consisted of case presentations presented by residents affiliated with the UMSL Collegeof Optometry. The program was attended by allthird and fourth year optometry students as well asfaculty who could receive up to five hours of continuing education. After the program concluded, apanel discussion was held between the residents andthe students. According to Dr. Henry: “The benefitsof the program are twofold: the residents have theopportunity to present a case for a large group ofparticipants and the students have the opportunity tolearn more about residencies. I especially enjoy theenthusiasm of the residents as they share their experiences and encourage the students to pursue residencies. Many students share with me that their firstinterest in a residency program came fromResidency Day.”Olivia Do, O.D., UMSLContact Lens Resident2008-09 speaks atResidency Day.Jennifer Keiser, O.D.,UMSL Pediatric/BinocularVision Resident 2008-09
2Message From the Dean(Continued from page 1)The site visit could not have gonebetter. “Positive” and “engaging” arewords that describe the interactionsthat I had the opportunity to observe.We will have to wait until the nextformal meeting of the ACOE in early2009 to learn exactly how the storyends. However, in the meantime onething that we do know from this latest chapter is that the momentum isin our favor. The site team wasimpressed with our carefully prepared Self Study, and their conversations with students, staff, faculty andalumni of the College appeared tovalidate virtually every point in ourdocumentation.The faculty, students, staff and alumni are all critical players in our veryexciting story. Once again, thank youfor contributing to that story.All the best,Larry J. Davis, DeanNEWS & NOTESDr. Steven Tilley (‘98), as FloorLeader of the Missouri House ofRepresentatives, was the subject ofan article in the November 14St. Louis Business Journal.According to the article, Dr. Tilley“is the future” in Missouri politicsand is “truly the one to watch”when it comes to legislative forcesin Jefferson City. Dr Tilley alsomaintains an independent optometry practice in Perryville Missouri.Several UMSL faculty distinguished themselves at the AnnualAcademy of Optometry meeting inAnaheim. Dr. Julie DeKinderContinued, page 3Alumnus in Service to Currentand Prospective StudentsBarbara W. Brown, O.D., ‘88Barbara W. Brown, O.D., FAAObrings a unique perspective with relevantlife and career experiences that enhanceher valuable role in the broad scope ofStudent and Special Services within ourCollege: she is an alumna of both theCollege of Optometry (‘88) and theDepartment of Chemistry at UMSL(‘84), as well as a practicing optometrist.She also holds a graduate certificate innon-profit management and leadershipcompleted in 2005. As Manager ofStudent and Special Services, her variedcontributions in the areas of recruitment,coordination of scholarships, debt management and assistance with day-to-daystudent concerns (schedules, registration,and housing, among others) make herthe “go-to” person for prospective andcurrent students, as well as for fellowalums.As a well-connected placementcoordinator she has an uncanny ability toassist in matching our graduating students with rewarding career opportunities. Her longstanding and active alumnae network maintained through a variety of professional activities serves toengender support for her efforts toadvance alumni involvement in supportof our program. In recognition of hermany abilities and accomplishments Dr.Brown received UMSL's highest staffaward, the “Chancellor's Award for StaffExcellence” in 2006.Dr. Brown provides leadership forthe continuation and expansion of anumber of student initiatives offeredthroughout the College. These includecollaborative efforts with other departments on campus to develop “3 4”programs (Physics & Honors College)that provide qualified students theopportunity to complete their B.S. andO.D. degrees in 7 years, with completion of the final year of the baccalaureate coinciding with the first year ofoptometry school. Through ongoingprofessional relationships with campushousing, her efforts ultimately resultedin establishment of the “OptometryVilla” complex (adjacent to the HonorsCollege on campus). The Villa settingoffers housing for over 30 of our students with living arrangements focusedon common goals of the pursuit of serious scholarship. She has also developedsound relationships with the Center forStudent Success, whose members provide first-year seminars on study skillsand stress management, as well asProfessional Development workshopsfor College staff. Dr. Brown has alsointroduced several programs for optometry students desiring tutoring assistance, including the availability of athird-year student enlisted to devote sixhours per week to any interested firstyear students. Assistance is availablefor all courses in the first year curriculum.The students in turn, are greatlyappreciative of her efforts. According toContinued, page 7
3Moving ForwardDionne Lewis, Development OfficerThe College of OptometryLeadership Council held its first meeting on Oct. 3. This council is part of auniversity-wide effort to revitalize itsvolunteer boards so members can better assist the University of Missouri-St.Louis in fulfilling its mission to provide the highest quality teaching,research and service.The council has three specificroles. It will support the College's academic activities. This includes, but isnot limited to, monitoring clinic andoutreach efforts, aiding in the reaccreditation process and enhancing partnership and rotation opportunities.Members also will help communicatewith various constituencies, such as theAmerican Optometric Association andthe Missouri Optometric Association.Finally, the council will assist withfundraising efforts.Dean Larry Davis presented the“Vision for Missouri's College ofOptometry,” which is a plan for a newhealth sciences building that will housethe College of Optometry and theCollege of Nursing. The structure willencourage multi-disciplinary learningthrough its shared clinic space andexpanded laboratories. The Universityhas received 300,000 for planningfrom the state of Missouri and is currently selecting an architect. While theribbon cutting is still years away,enthusiasm is high and council members look forward to helping the college accomplish this important goal.The Leadership Council is a vitalpart of the College's continued success.Special thanks to the many alumni,optometric and community leaderswho have agreed to serve.The Honorable Anne C. Ream, O.D.,ChairJames Bureman, O.D.Carmen F. Castellano, O.D.Thomas Cullinane, O.D.Raymond Fada, O.D.Patrick H. GadellLawrence A. Gans, M.D.Thomas F. Greene, O.D.Matthew IovaldiJoni K. LaFerla, O.D.Sean P. Mulqueeny, O.D.Daniel Osborn, M.D.Jay Pepose, M.D.G. Ryan Powell, O.D.Karen B. Rosen, O.D.Christina M. Sorenson, O.D.Steve SutherlinJeffrey L. Weaver, O.D.Make Annual Giving Your Holiday TraditionDionne Lewis, Development OfficerThe holiday season is a time to enjoy family and friends, as well as show appreciation for the people and organizations that make a difference in your life or the lives of others. The University of Missouri-St. Louis College of Optometry is proud of the contributions our students, staff and alumni make to their communities. With your assistance, theCollege can do even more to enhance its academic programs, scholarships and resources.Annual support is extremely valuable. It allows the College to address immediateneeds, expand learning opportunities and plan for the future. The College is not immuneto the current economic situation. In fact, this past summer, staff members spent hourshelping students secure financial support after companies that once offered loans pulledback due to the credit crisis.Please consider making a donation to help UMSL continue to excel in its mission toprovide a quality, affordable education. You can designate your gift to optometry scholarships, indigent eye care, the general optometry fund or any area that interests you. Allgifts, regardless of size, are accepted and appreciated. Please visit our Web site,http://giveto.umsl.edu, to learn more about our great programs and to make your giftonline.NEWS & NOTESpresented a continuing educationcourse on contact lenses for presbyopia and Dr. Jeff Weaver presented in the Public Health andEnvironmental Optics section symposium. Drs. Vinita Henry and CarlBassi presented a poster on postgraduate training at UMSL and Dr.Ed Bennett presented a poster onhow to become a Diplomate in theCornea and Contact Lens Section.In addition, poster presentationswere given by UMSL graduates Dr.Kim Kohne ('04) and Dr. KurtHepworth ('07).New UMSL College of Optometryfaculty member, Dr. Guoqiang Liwas invited to join a subcommitteefor the Optical Society of Americato plan their “Frontiers in Optics2009” meeting.Dr. Ed Bennett was elected Chairof the Cornea and Contact LensSection of the American Academyof Optometry.Dr. Vinita Henry was elected ViceChair of the Association ofOptometry Contact Lens Educators(AOCLE). This announcement wasfeatured in the September, 2008issue of Women in Optometry.UMSL graduate Dr. Valerie Barber('95) published an article in theSeptember, 2008 issue of Women inOptometry.The Pupil Project, a collaborationbetween the College of Optometryand the College of Education at theUniversity of Missouri-St. Louis,was the subject of a feature in theAugust issue of St. LouisMagazine. The article focuses onhow the project uses vision therapyand tutoring to help visually andacademically struggling childrenimprove in school. A feature storywas also included in the Fall issueof the UM-St. Louis Magazine.
4NEWS & NOTESThe Center for InternationalStudies (CIS) is supporting theresearch of a growing cadre ofinternational studies faculty. Drs.Howard McAlister and TimWingert are among the faculty fellows in the CIS in 2008-09.Congratulations to the Class of2012 co-ed volleyball team for finishing second in the UMSL intramural league this Fall.College of Optometry Mourns Lossof Former Faculty MemberFormer Clinical Assistant Professor at the UMSL College of Optometry, Monica J.(Harris) Espelien ('94) passed way suddenly on September 4, 2008 at the age of 40.Upon graduation from the College of Optometry, Monica was awarded the Charles C.Matlock Award for Clinical Excellence in Pediatric Optometry. After completing aresidency in pediatrics and binocular vision, she joined the UMSL faculty where sheserved for several years as a popular instructor in the pediatric clinic as well as aninvaluable contributor as a member of both the Admissions and NBEO committees.She has served as Director of Special Projects for the Washington University Schoolof Business and, most recently, as Manager, Strategic Resources Team for AscensionHealth.UMSL Optometry Graduate Selectedfor Aerospace Optometry ProgramTwo future optometrists enter theworld. Congratulations to JillRadkowiec ('10) for the birth ofher daughter, Grace Mary, on July29th. She was 6 lb 6 oz and 19.25inches long.Congratulations to James Hsiau('10) for the birth of his daughter,born on September 15. PaulinaGrace Hsiau was 7lb and 20.5inches long.Kyle Dohm, OD ('06) was recentlyselected for the aerospace optometryprogram, only the 21st individual to beprovided with this opportunity sincethe inception of this program in 1989,He is currently in Florida for a sixmonth training program in which he isthe only optometrist among a class ofphysician flight surgeon candidates.The Navy is the only branch of themilitary that offers such a program.Dr. Dohm is very excited about thisopportunity. “My follow-on tour willbe at the Naval Air Facility in Atsugi,Japan, for three years. Ann and I arevery excited about that--what anKyle Dohm, O.D.adventure! There, in addition to running the clinic as the solo OD, I willalso fly out to the carrier (USS GeorgeWashington) every other month or sofor a week or two at a time. Weexpect to leave the states in Maysometime.”Mark your calendar for UM-St. Louis Alumni WeekendApril 17 & 18, 2009http://www.umslalumni.org
5Future ODs “Test-Drive” Optometryas a ProfessionEric Harris (‘11) (right) performs a depthperception test on a visiting high schoolstudent.of the field throughpre-collegiate studies,relative practitioners,or patient experience.With the help of bothNOSA members andother volunteering 4thyear optometry students, these seniorswere given preliminaryinstruction and allowedto practice optometricprocedures on eachother, including slitlamp biomicroscopy,color vision testing,stereopsis, visual acuity, and direct ophthalmoscopy. The eventenabled current students and role models to present valuable eye care information to the students to pass on totheir respective communities and togive students a hands-on approach inmock optometric clinical settings.This “Future ODs” event was enthusiastically embraced by this year's participants, and we look forward to seeingsome of these familiar faces again in afew years.In mid-October seven luckyNormandy High School Seniors hadan opportunity to spend time at ourCollege listening, learning, watching,and navigating some direct hands-onexperiences to find out more aboutoptometry as a possible future profession.The NationalOptometric StudentAssociation (NOSA)chapter at UMSLstrives to providecareer exposure specifically to members of ahigh school audiencewhere the field ofoptometry tends to beoverlooked and sometimes overshadowedby the field of medicine. One of theirgoals is to introducehigh school seniors toour profession--particularly minority students who may haveKatrina Washington (‘09 (left) demonstrates the examination oflimited prior knowledge pupilary light reflexes.NEWS & NOTESNatalie Crothers, ‘11, was partof the cast in the UM-St. Louistheater production UrinetownThe Musical, Nov. 13-15.Tom Sullivan, blind since birth,spoke at UMSL on October10th to recount his lifelongjourney of turning negativesinto positives, disadvantage intoadvantage. An inspiring speaker, Tom lives life to its fullest asan athlete, singer, actor, author,writer, producer. His interests,insights, wisdom and passionfor excellence, have motivatedaudiences all over the world.Along with Helen Keller, Tomis the only recipient of aLifetime Achievement Awardfrom The American Foundationfor the Blind.The Clinical Manual of ContactLenses (3rd edition), authoredby Drs. Ed Bennett and VinitaHenry was published byLippincott Williams & Wilkinsand became available inNovember, 2008.Linda Stein, AdministrativeAssistant in the Office ofStudent Services, received theUMSL campus-wide Employeeof the Month Award inSeptember, 2008 in recognitionof excellent teamwork.
6A Sincere Thank You to Our DonorsThe College of Optometry's success isdue, in part, to the generosity of itsalumni and friends. Donors help provide academic resources, scholarships,clinical care and more. The people listed below contributed to the Collegelast fiscal year (July 1, 2007-June 30,2008). Their assistance is greatlyappreciated. Our goal is to expand thisbase of supporters. If your name is onthis list, thank you. We hope to haveyour continued support in the future. Ifyou are not listed, please consider agift to the College of Optometry.A sincere thank you is extended to ourgenerous donors for Fiscal Year 2008. 20,000 and aboveMissouri Optometric Foundation, Inc.Myron Dmytryszyn 1,500 TO 19,999Alcon Laboratories, Inc.American Optometric AssociationCooperVisionThomas F. and Sally D. GreeneLions Club International District 26-A1Vision Service Plan 500 TO 1,499Alice J. BennettLarry and Janice DavisPatrick H. Gadell andMarietta K. AbelePalombi Vision CenterSaint Louis Optometric SocietyChristina M. SorensonOphthalmic Education Institute 200 TO 499Karen S. AldridgeBarbara W. BrownLori A. Feezor-RibbleTerri A. GieskeDavid C. and Stephanie HoelKathleen C. KleekampOlivia T. LeLarry D. and Jeanie B. Snider 100 TO 199Antoine Eye Care LLCGary D. ArnGail J. Bass DerscheidTimothy A. and Kimberly D. BengtsonEdward S. and M. Jean BennettRobert L. and Tracy BernskoetterJames E. and Sherry K. BuremanMark A. and Lois F. CaldarolaJennifer A. CiakMaurice A. ClarkBruce H. and Elizabeth H. CohenStephen V. and Donna G. CusumanoStephen M. and Jan DeanLarry S. and Judy DeutschJohn E. and Tracey J. DrenonKenton R. Driver and Stacy A. ClarkLora J. ElliottEye Associates ofSaint Charles CountyJerome A. and Connie A. FaySylvia GarziaBryan C. Gironella andKathleen E. BuffingtonLisa M. GreeneShawna L. HeddinghausJessica D. HeinkeLynda J. IrelendaSharon L. JohnsonTroy W. JohnsonShane R. and Amy KannarrArica A. LogeaisWanda J. LongTodd N. and Cynthia J. LucasKevin G. and Susan M. LydonCharline A. McClellanGerald A. and Phoebe McLaughlinMidland Optical CompanyRandall B. MiltenbergerPaul A. and Lisa MocciaKimberly B. NesterTodd A. and Jill NitchmanNix & Associates, Inc.Angel M. NovelRussell G. and Peggy PalmerCraig D. PerryEric E. and Christine PolkKristy S. PorterKaren B. RosenMichael A. SantarlasTraci L. Schmalle-JacobsColleen C. ShearBrian R. Stephens and Karen S. GalvinSearfoss Family TrustJohn J. and June M. TurleyMichael A. WheelerPeter H. and Marilyn ZimmermanUp to 99Patricia A. BequetteDouglas G. BiggsJoseph M. BrettMelissa B. BrownDaniel D. and Laura J. CeruttiJulie L. DeKinderMaureen L. FinchMark W. GiffordJulie M. GramJack HartsteinThomas J. and Marla K. HavilandBeth A. HendersonVinita A. HenryRachel L. JohnsonThomas J. JohnsonJames M. and Jill KirksMarcia KopitskyTron Y. LallyLinby Ltd.Lip
Department of Chemistry at UMSL (‘84), as well as a practicing optometrist. She also holds a graduate certificate in non-profit management and leadership completed in 2005. As Manager of Student and Special Services, her varied contributions in the areas of recruitment, coordination of scholarships, debt man-agement andNEWS assistance with .
