| Issue 30 | November/December 2010 |
- A M E S S A G E F R O M T H E P R E S I D E N T -
| |
 In this issue of FY EYE, we learn, as a result of Dr. Mort Soroka's recently completed "Eye Care Workforce Analysis of the State of New York", that sixty percent of all practicing optometrists in New York State are graduates of the SUNY College of Optometry. This figure serves as testimony to the tremendous contributions of the College toward the public health of our State over the past 39 years.
Dr. Soroka, Director of the College's Center for Vision Care Policy, began the study last winter to support the College's institutional research and planning efforts. The study's primary goal was to provide the workforce data needed by the College, and the profession, to plan appropriately for the provision of the future eye care needs of New York. His study represents the first effort of its kind, providing a complete census of the State's practicing optometrists, integrating that information with similar data for ophthalmology and projecting the future demand for vision care services.
This study allows the College to meaningfully engage in the re-examination of its enrollment goals over the next decade, and informs the planning process for our new Center for Career Development. Indeed, we move into the New Year, a year in which we celebrate the 40th anniversary of our founding, with a bit more knowledge for our future.
David A. Heath, O.D., Ed.M. President |
- M A I N F E A T U R E - | |
The College's Center for Vision Care Policy, under the direction of Dr. Mort Soroka,  recently concluded a workforce analysis of eye care providers in New York State. During the past year, Dr. Soroka conducted a survey and census of all optometrists in New York State to determine the number and characteristics of practicing optometrists in the State in 2010. The results from this study are being analyzed and will be examined in light of data recently published by the Center for Health Workforce Studies at the School of Public Health, University of Albany, "New York Physician Supply and Demand Through 2030", and which provides detailed data regarding ophthalmology in the State.
Dr. Soroka's study developed a web-based survey for completion by all active optometrists. The questionnaire included among other demographic data, whether they were in active practice in New York State or any other state; were they full-time or part-time (fewer than 25 hours); their primary mode of practice; if they provided care within any institutional settings; retirement plans; intentions of hiring an associate; and, whether they provided care in the evenings or weekends. Direct contact by telephone and mailings were made to all non-responders. Preliminary conclusions of the survey include:
- There are between 2,044 and 2,300 actively practicing optometrists in New York. They represent 55 - 57% of all eye care providers (O.D.s and M.D.s combined) state-wide.
- Approximately 60% of all practicing optometrists in NY are graduates of the SUNY College of Optometry.
- A mal-distribution of eye care providers exists throughout NY State; 14 counties have no ophthalmologist; 11 of these counties have at least one optometrist.
- Fifteen percent of optometrists indicated they plan to retire within the next 5 years.
The number of ophthalmologists was determined by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) Directory of Board Certified Medical Specialists 2010 and the Center for Health Workforce Studies at the School of Public Health, University at Albany, SUNY. Currently standing at 1,717, the supply of ophthalmologists in New York is anticipated to be reduced by 373 to 2030. Among all specialties, opthalmology was the second largest specialty projected to lose more physicians than any other group -- 19% of its existing doctors. In addition, the number of ophthalmology residents in New York State has decreased 30% since 1995.
According to Dr. Soroka, "Before this survey was conducted, it was generally believed that there were more optometrists than ophthalmologists in every state of the nation except New York, Maryland and the District of Columbia. Based upon the findings of our study, we know that today, there are more optometrists in New York than ophthalmologists." A full report on this study is being prepared for publication, but we anticipate its results will have significant implications for the future of eye care delivery in the State of New York. |
|
D I D Y O U K N O W ? |
- That over the past decade, the number of applicants to the SUNY professional program has doubled from 378 in 2001 to 758 in 2020? (Graph on left)
- While applications haves risen dramatically, enrollment has only increased slightly over the last 20 years. (Graph on right)
|
- H I G H L I G H T S -
| |
MSCHE Preliminary Site Visit
On Monday, November 22nd, Dr. Laura Schweitzer, President of Union Graduate Institute, visited the College to conduct a routine preliminary site visit on behalf of the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). Dr. Schweitzer, along with Dr. Roger Boltz, Associate Dean at the University of Houston College of Optometry, will co-chair the joint MSCHE and ACOE (Accreditation Council on Optometric Education) collaborative site-visit that will occur April 10 - 13, 2011. The results of this site visit will be used by MSCHE and ACOE to determine the College's accreditation status.
During her visit, Dr. Schweitzer met with various groups, including the Faculty Executive Committee, the College's Vice Presidents, Curricululm Committee, representatives of the College Council, Self-Study Steering Committee, department chairs, track coordinators and members of the student body. Based on her careful reading of the draft self-study report and her meetings during the preliminary visit, Dr. Schweitzer provided guidance that will allow the College to further strengthen its processes and self-study.
A revised self-study report will, again, be widely distributed to the College Community for comments before it is finalized. Please take the time to read through the document and provide the Self-Study Steering Committee with your input.
SUNY Holds Campus Foundation Summit Program
SUNY Chancellor Nancy Zimpher held a summit of the SUNY campus foundations in New York City on Monday, November 1st. The first such meeting ever held brought together leaders of the 64 SUNY campus foundations, campus presidents and campus chief advancement officers to discuss SUNY's future and the role that fundraising will play in the advancement of "The Power of SUNY", the University's strategic plan. Held at the SUNY Global Center in Manhattan, the program opened with remarks from Chancellor Zimpher followed by a luncheon panel of philanthropists who discussed their views on the impact philanthropy can have on public higher education. President David Heath and Ms. Ann Warwick, along with Ms. Claudia Rouhana, Ms. Jan Rose and Mr. Adam Sheer, trustees of the Optometric Center of New York (OCNY) the College's affiliated foundation, participated in the summit.
Special Donor Recognition Evening at Sotheby's
The Trustees of the Optometric Center of New York (OCNY) were treated to a private showing of unique English Furniture during a Special Donor Recognition evening at Sotheby's. The program consisted of a welcome from OCNY Board President Richard Feinbloom, greetings from Mr. Michael Mariani, a member of the OCNY Trust and Estate Advisory Committee and Managing Director, Deputy General Trust Counsel and Director of Trust and Estate Services, Fiduciary Trust and President David Heath. A presentation on Sotheby's Valuations and Estate Management was given by Mr. Philip Jelley, Sotheby's Sr. Vice President. Forty-five people attended the event.
|
|
Founding President of SUNY State College of Optometry Honored
 On Thursday, December 2, 2010, a reception and dinner was held at the Harvard Club in tribute to Dr. Alden N. Haffner, founding and former President of the SUNY State College of Optometry. Hosted by the Optometric Center of New York, the New York State Optometric Association and the SUNY College of Optometry, over 100 people attended the event, including family, close friends and former colleagues. Among the speakers that evening were Dr. Clifton Wharton, Former Chancellor of the State University of New York and former CEO of TIAA-CREF, Mrs. Gretchen Stone, Chair of the SUNY College of Optometry's College Council, Assemblyman Richard Gottfried, Dr. Andra Thau, Trustee of the American Optometric Association, Dr. Denise Whittam, President of the New York State Optometric Association, Mr. Jan Dorman, Executive Director of the New York State Optometric Association and Dr. Irwin Suchoff, Distinguished Service Professor Emeritus. In recognition of Dr. Haffner's many years of service to the College and the optometric profession, Mr. Richard Feinbloom announced the Dr. Alden N. Haffner Innovation Chair and agreed to donate $250,000 towards the establishment of the chair.
|
| - U N I V E R S I T Y E Y E C E N T E R - | |
UEC Participates in Health Day
 The University Eye Center participates in school based vision screenings throughout the year. As part of the Health Day at the Transfiguration School Located on Mott Street in Manhattan, held Friday, October 22nd, Dr. Lyndon Wong, Chief of the Primary Care Unit, and interns from the unit, conducted vision screenings. Dr. Wong and the interns received a warm welcome from the students and the principal shared his appreciation for their participation in the school's Annual Health Day. November is Diabetes Awareness Month  The Ocular Disease and Special Testing Service held a Diabetes Awareness event on Thursday, November 4th. Diabetes is a highly prevalent and under-diagnosed disease. Almost 24 million Americans have diabetes, and, unfortunately, over one-fifth of these individuals are unaware that they have the disease. Forty percent of adults over the age of 40 with known diabetes have diabetic retinopathy and 8.2% of these adults have vision-threatening retinopathy. The event was held to better educate people on diabetes -- its complications and treatment options. An eye screening and a presentation was given by three practitioners. Dr. Zarina Motowala, a physician from One Medical Group in Manhattan, spoke about the disease  process; how it affects the body and the importance of monitoring and controlling blood glucose levels. Ms. Jennifer Flax, a nutritionise from Midtown Nutrition Care, spoke about the improtance of healthy eating habits; and, Dr. Richard Madonna, Chief of the UEC Ocular Disease and Special Testing Service, addressed the issue of diabetic retinopathy, visual consequences and the importance of regular eye examinations. The audience's response was overwhelmingly positive and future events will be planned. UEC Announces the Creation of a Dry Eye Clinic Ocular surface disease (commonly referred to ad Dry Eye) affect 25-30 million people in the US, most of whom are 40 years old and greater. Whether it is related to contact lens wear, systemic or ocular medication, systemic disease or environmental factors, it is well known that it can negatively impact the quality of life of individuals. It is also well known that it is severly under diagnosed, poorly evaluated and patients do not get the consultation and/or follow-ups that they need due to the time constraints of our typical examinations. The usual treatment is handing the patient a bottle (or two) of tears and asking the patient to return if it doesn't help. Then, the patient is scheduled to return in a year. In order to better address the well being of the patients of the UEC, a Dry Eye Clinic has been created. It is to attract the patients whose vision care practitioners feel would benefit from greater attention to their diagnosis and treatment options following established protocols developed by the Tear Film and Ocular Surface Society. Another goal of the service is to partner with pharmaceutical companies and other funding sources to participate in clinical researhc related to Ocular Surface Disease. Patients may be referred by calling 1-888-327-5533 to arrange for an appoointment and specifying a consult in the Dry Eye Clinic. Doctors who refer patients will receive a comprehensive report with copies of all testing results. If you have any questions about the service, please contact Dr. Harriette Canellos, Referral Service Director, 212-938-5920 or at hcanellos@sunyopt.edu.
|
|
- R E S E A R C H -
|
Faculty Presentations at the American Academy of Optometry
Rosenfield, M., Bababekova, Y., Huang, R., Hue, J. "Font Size and Viewing Distance of Hand-held Smart Phones", presented at the American Academy of Optometry, November 17-20th in San Francisco, California.
Chu, C., Rosenfield, M., Portello, J. "Computer Vision Syndrome: Blink Rate and Dry Eye During Hard Copy or Computer Viewing", presented at the American Academy of Optometry, November 17-20th in San Francisco, California.
Yuan, J., Zhang, F., Reinach, P.S. "PPARy Mediates Hypertonicity-induced Increases in Proinflammatory Release in Human Corneal Epithelial Cells", presented at the American Academy of Optometry, November 17-20th in San Francisco, California.
Bass, S. and Sherman, J. "Spectral Domain (SD)-OCT in 'Amblyopia' Associated with Unilateral High Myopia and Myelinated Retinal Nerve Fibers", presented at the American Academy of Optometry, November 17-20th in San Francisco, California.
Bass, S., Ng, D., Sherman, J. "Bilateral Coats Response in a Female Patient Leads to Diagnosis of Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy", presented at the American Academy of Optometry, November 17-20th in San Francisco, California.
Bass, S., and Patel, R. "Molecular Genetics Helps to Define the Diagnosis of Bull's Eye Maculopathy", presented at the American Academy of Optometry, November 17-20th in San Francisco, California.
Scheiman, M., Mitchell, G.L. (Ohio State University), Cotter, S. (Southern California College of Optometry), Kulp, M., (Ohio State University), Bartuccio, M. (Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry), Boas, M. (Pennsylvania College of Optometry at Salus University), Chung, I. (SUNY College of Optometry), Gallaway, M. (Pennsylvania College of Optometry at Salus University), Hopkins, K. (University of Alabama at Birmingham), CITT Investigator Group. "Effectiveness of Vision Therapy for Improving Accommodative Amplitude and Facility", presented at the American Academy of Optometry, November 17-20 in San Francisco, California.
Kulp, J., Mitchell, G.L., Scheiman, M. (Pennsylvania College of Optometry at Salus University), Cotter, S. (Southern California College of Optometry), Chung, I., Cooper, J. (SUNY College of Optometry), Coulter, R. (Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry), Gallaway, M. (Pennsylvania College of Optometry at Salus University), Hertle, R., Hopkins, K. (University of Alabama at Birmingham), Tamkins, S. (Bascom Palmer Eye Institute), Tea, Y. (Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry), Study Group CITT. "Does Accommodative Insufficiency Affect Success of Convergence Insufficiency Therapy?", presented at the American Academy of Optometry, November 17-20th in San Francisco, California.
McLeod, H. and Richter, S. "Peripheral Neovascularization Response in Cobalamine C Deficiency Associated Retinopathy", presented at the American Academy of Optometry, November 17-20th in San Francisco, California.
Thiagarajan, P. and Ciuffreda, K. "Visual Fatigue Effects on Accommodative Dynamics", presented at the American Academy of Optometry, November 17-2th in San Francisco, California.
Thiagarajan, P., Ciuffreda, K., Ludlam, D. "Steady-state Variability as an Indicator for Vergence Fatigue", presented at the American Academy of Optometry, November 17-20th in San Francisco, California.
Portello, J., Rosenfield, M., Chu, C.A. "Incomplete Blinks and Computer Vision Syndrome", presented at the American Academy of Optometry, November 17-20th in San Francisco, California.
Ciuffreda, K., Yadav, N., Han, E., Ludlam, D., Peddle, A., Hulse, P., Walter, S. "Distance Perception in Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (MTBI)", presented at the American Academy of Optometry, November 17-20th in San Francisco, California.
Nehmad, L. (SUNY College of Optometry), Denial, A. (New England College of Optometry), Appel, J. (SUNY College of Optometry). "An Investigation of Clinical Teaching Methodology at Two Optometry Colleges", presented at the American Academy of Optometry, November 17-20th in San Francisco, California.
Kao, K., Han, E., Shaby, S. "Sensory Adaptation Considerations in Strabismics: A Case Report Focusing on Horror Fusionals", presented at the American Academy of Optometry, November 17-20th in San Francisco, California.
Mitchell, G.L., Borsting, E. (Southern California College of Optometry), Chase, C. (Western University of Health Sciences - College of Optometry), Scheiman, M. (Pennsylvania College of Optometry at Salus University) Kulp, M. (Ohio State University), Cotter, S. (Southern California College of Optometry), Coulter, R. (Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry), Hopkins, K. (University of Alabama at Birmingham), Steiner, A. (SUNY College of Optometry), Tamkinjs, S. (Bascom Palmer Eye Institute) CITT-RS Study Group. "The Correlation Between Intelligence and Reading Ability in Children with Symptomatic Convergence Insufficiency", presented at the American Academy of Optometry, November 17-20th in San Francisco, California.
Lu, T., Dul, M. (SUNY College of Optometry), Swanson, W. (Indiana University). "Reducing Effects of Retinal Illuminance and Blur on Perimetric Stimuli", presented at the American Academy of Optometry, held November 17-20th in San Francisco, California.
Patel, R., Ciuffreda, K., Tannen, B., Kapoor, N. "Elevated Coherent Motion Thresholds in Mild Traumatic Brain Injury", presented at the American Academy of Optometry, held November 17-20th in San Francisco, California.
Wang, Z., Yang, H. (SUNY College of Optometry), Wolosin, M. (Mount Sinai Hospital), Capo-Aponte, J., Reinach, P. (SUNY College of Optometry). "JNK-1 and DUSPI1 Mediate TRPV1 Control of Inflammation in Human Corneal Epithelial Cells", presented at the American Academy of Optometry, November 17-20th in San Francisco, California.
Borsting, E., Mitchell, G.L. (Ohio State University), Scheiman, M. (Pennsylvania College of Optometry at Salus University), Chase, C. (Western University of Health Sciences - College of Optometry), Kulp, M. (Ohio State University), Cotter, S. (Southern California College of Optometry), Coulter, R. (Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry), Hopkins, K. (University of Alabama at Birmingham), Steiner, A. (SUNY College of Optometry), Tamkins, S. (Bascom Palmer Eye Institute), Study Group CITT-RS. "ADHD and Problem Behaviors in Children with Symptomatic Convergence Insufficiency", presented at the American Academy of Optometry, November 17-20th in San Francisco, California.
Yang, H., Wang, Z. (SUNY College of Optometry), Wolosin, M. (Mount Sinai Hospital), Capo-Aponte, J., Reinach, P. (SUNY College of Optometry). "Dual Specificity Phosphatase 6 Regulates EGF Induced ERK, NKCC1 Phosphorylation and Proliferation in Corneal Epithelial Cells", presented at American Academy of Optometry, November 17-20th in San Francisco, California.
Parekh, N. Wang, Z., Yang, J., Reinach, P. "PPARa Modulation Alters Inflammatory Response to Hypertonic Stress in Human Corneal Epithelial Cells (HCEC)", presented at the American Academy of Optometry, November 17-20th in San Francisco, California.
Millas, T., Copeland, M., Wilkinson, M. (Kings County Hospital Center). "Misdiagnosed Meniers Disease", presented at the American Academy of Optometry, November 17-20th in San Francisco, California.
MacIver, S., Patel, R., Bodis-Wollner, I., Sherman, J. "SD OCT Abnormalities in Parkinson's Disease and Related Disorders", presented at the American Academy of Optometry, November 17-20th in San Francisco, California.
Sherman, J., Taussig, A. (SUNY College of Optometry), Karamchandani, G. (Pennsylvania College of Optometry at Salus University). "Normal Pupils in Optic Nerve Atrophy", presented at the American Academy of Optometry, November 17-20th in San Francisco, California.
Boneta Waite, J., Sherman, J., Sherman, M. (SUNY College of Optometry), Nath, S. (Private Practitioner), Taussig, A. (SUNY College of Optometry). "Early, Pre-perimetric and 'Slit' RNFL Defects Detected with Optomap P200C and P200", presented at the American Academy of Optometry, November 17-20th in San Francisco, California.
Boate, A., Leonard, B. (The University of Ottawa Eye Institute), Clayton, R., Gribben, J. (Annidis Health Systems), Coupland, S., (The University of Ottawa Eye Institute), Devenyi, R. (University of Toronto), Sherman, J. (SUNY College of Optometry), Richer, S. (VA Medical Center). "Structural and Functional Evaluation of Macular Pathology by Multi-Spectral Fundus Imaging", presented at the American Academy of Optometry, November 17-20th in San Francisco, California.
Kao, K. Han, J., Morano, G. "Overview of the Irwin B. Suchoff Vision Therapy and Rehabilitation Residency at SUNY College of Optometry", presented at the American Academy of Optometry, November 17-20th in San Francisco, California.
Dr. Kevin Jackson, an adjunct faculty member, gave a lecture and presented a poster at the American Academy of Optometry, November 17-20th in San Francisco, California. The lecture was titled "Blood, Guts and Glory: A Clinician's Guide to Labs, Cultures and Smears".
Jackson, K. "Earthquake Related Eyecare: An Epidemiological Study of Ocular Injury Aboard USNS Comfort in Haiti", presented at the American Academy of Optometry, November 17-20th in San Francisco, California.
Publications and Invited Talks
On November 1, Dr. Robert McPeek gave an invited lecture titled "Target Selection for Visually-guided Action" at the Rutgers Center for Cognitive Science.
Z. Pan, H. Yang and P.S. Reinach "TRP Genes Encode Channels in the Eye". Human Genomics. (In Press)
S. Mergler, G. Fabian, M. Sahlmuter, P.S. Reinach, F. Paulsen and U. Pleyer "Thermosensitive Transient Receptor Potential Channels (thermo-TRPs) in Human Corneal Epithelial Cells". Journal of Cellular Physiology. (In Press) |
- P E R S O N N E L -
| |
RETIREES
Three additional members of the SUNY community have made the decision to take the early retirement incentive offered by the State of New York to its employees. They are:
- Ms. Mary Anne Byington, Assistant for Alumni Affairs (1985 - 2010)
- Ms. Bridget Doman, Director of Medical Records (1997 - 2010)
- Dr. Deborah Goodman, Assistant Clinical Professor (1985 - 2010)
The incentive requires that any employee opting to take the package will no longer be on the payroll as of December 30, 2010.
In addition, Dr. John Picarelli, Chair, Department of Biological Sciences, and Dr. Steven Levy, Assistant Clinical Professor, will also retire, effective December 30, 2010. However, both Dr. Picarelli and Dr. Levy will return as members of the faculty on a part-time basis.
We wish everyone good health and much success as they start a new chapter in their lives.
|
|
|
|
|
|
