NSUCO - The Visionary Fall 2017

COLLEGE OF OPTOMETRY • 17 “With each new project, I learn more about the eye and visual system,” she said. “Inevitably, these forays into research keep me humble and motivated to continue to learn and contribute however I can.” Career Fulfillment, Personal Bliss Tyler’s life has been a mix of contentment and gratitude thanks to her thriving NSUCO career and her longtime marriage to fellow NSUCO faculty member Gregory Black, O.D., assistant professor and chief of the Primary Care Service at The Eye Care Institute’s Broward Boulevard clinic. Black and Tyler, who met while they were classmates at the Indiana University School of Optometry, started off as friends. However, as the months passed and they spent more time together working as teaching assistants in ophthalmic optics, their romance blossomed. “He is a laid-back, super-friendly, smart man with a heart of gold. We definitely fall into balance with each other. I help him plan, and he keeps some spontaneity in my life,” Tyler explained. “We got engaged just before we became residents together at NSUCO and got married during our residency in December 1996.” Unlike his wife, who remained at the college after completing her residency training, Black ventured into private practice and independent contracting for several years before rejoining the NSUCO fold in 2000. Not surprisingly, their ties to the college are steadfast and strong. “The main advantage we have of working in the same college is that we share the NSU family experience,” said Tyler, who has received more than a dozen teaching awards from her grateful students. “We have been blessed with so many great friends and experiences over the years. Greg and I have shared many amazing adventures and life experi- ences with our colleagues, such as traveling to continuing education workshops and mission trips or supporting each other when times have been challenging.” Tyler also cites her numerous patient interactions as a reason for her professional satisfaction. “I really love taking care of our patients,” she said. “I remember being at the disease clinic where I completed my optometry degree, and it was full of diabetics who were well controlled and insured. It’s nothing like the patients we have the opportunity to serve here, who have serious optometric and medical issues. We can really make a difference in their lives.” When she’s not working, Tyler loves indulging her favorite hobby: visiting all 50 U.S. states. “We do love to travel; and in the summer of 2016, Greg completed his 50 states,” she said. “I’m currently at 45 states and hoping to knock off at least 2 more this year.” On July 3, 2016, Julie Tyler celebrated with her husband, Gregory Black, when he visited his 50th state, Rhode Island. Continued on next page