NSUCO - The Visionary Fall 2017

26 • NOVA SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY Alumni News I am proud to discuss the recent developments at Nova Southeastern University’s College of Optometry. While I am sure many of you are aware of our specialty services at The Eye Care Institute (TECI), I am pleased to inform you about new services in our clinics. Due to the initiation and direction of one of our former colleagues, Surbhi Bansal, O.D., FAAO, FCOVD, the Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Service was developed within the Pediatric and Binocular Vision Service. Because of Bansal’s tireless commitment and dedication, within one year of its inception, it became a busy and well-established service that benefited many patients. Since her departure, the herculean effort of our pediatric and binocular vision faculty members has allowed the TBI Service to grow and provide care to more patients. This service is a tertiary care center for community health care professionals seeking to comanage, obtain consulta- tion, or refer patients with visual problems associated with incidents such as strokes and motor vehicle accidents. Doctors can see patients at The Eye Care Institute at the Fort Lauderdale/Davie Campus on Wednesdays. In addition to the TBI Service, our Pediatric and Binocu- lar Vision Service now offers advanced care services to the special-needs population. This service provides care for the community and/or health care professionals who seek to comanage, obtain consultation, or refer patients with visual problems associated with cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, and other conditions. Doctors can see patients at TECI at Kids In Distress on Thursdays. Our faculty members in the Pediatrics and Binocular Vision Service also see patients in the Strabismus and Amblyopia Service, as well as in the Autism Service. In addition to the aforementioned services, the Strabismus and Autism Service acts as a tertiary care center for community optometrists, ophthalmologists, and other health care professionals seeking to comanage, obtain consultation, or refer. Doctors can see patients at TECI at the Fort Lauderdale/Davie Campus on Mondays. As I mentioned last year, Andrea M. Janoff, O.D., FAAO, and Chandra Mickles, O.D., M.S., FAAO, FSLS, were developing a Dry Eye Care Center at TECI. Many patients suffer with dry eyes, and it is immensely gratify- ing when a health care provider can help them alleviate the continual discomfort. I am privileged to report that the Dry Eye Care Center is a fully functional tertiary care center for many patients with complex ocular surface disease. In other news, the Alumni Chapter celebrated the 1997, 2002, 2007, and 2012 classes at the 21st annual Clinical Eye Care Conference and Alumni Reunion, held at the Sonesta Fort Lauderdale Beach hotel. We always want to keep you apprised of the latest NSUCO events and activities, which are published in each issue of The Visionary . We also want to keep your classmates and all other alumni updated about your personal and professional accomplishments. Please send these updates to Michelle M. Morgado at mm2094@nova.edu . Also, if we do not have your current email address and contact information, please take a few minutes and provide us with that information. I also encourage our alumni to support our incoming stu- dents with scholarship gifts. Any amount is appreciated. I want to thank Vanessa McDonald, M.S.; Arnie Patrick, O.D.; Sherrol A. Reynolds, O.D., FAAO; Annette Bade, O.D., FAAO; and Cristina Llerena-Law, O.D., FAAO; for their help during the past year. You’re the best! c MARLON DEMERITT, O.D., M.B.A., FAAO ASSISTANT PROFESSOR AND PRESIDENT, NSUCO ALUMNI CHAPTER Alumni Chapter President’s Message