NSUCO - The Visionary Fall 2010

the VISIONARY • Summer/Fall 2010 26 B Y OD-4 M ICHELLE L EVIN , P RESIDENT , F LORIDA O PTOMETRIC S TUDENT A SSOCIATION Site Student News eye Student Organization Spotlight Florida Optometric Student Association The Florida Optometric Student Association (FOSA) , which is the student branch of the Florida Optometric Association (FOA), encourages students to participate in organized op- tometry at the state level. In addition, we provide oppor- tunities for optometry students to make connections with local optometrists. Our goals could not have been met without the dedication of our officers and over 300 members. I also have had the privilege to work with the 2009-10 executive board mem- bers: Ernie Cepero (president elect); Charles Nunez, (vice president); Pravina Patel (treasurer); Niketha Ajodha (sec- retary); and class representatives Wendy Wendel (2010), Jessica Rivera (2011), Margi Patel and Anthony Vu (2012), and Stephanie Frankel and Betsy Jacob (2013). Thank you to all the FOSA officers and members that support our or- ganization every year. Optometry as a Legislative Profession: What Does This Mean and How Is FOSA Involved? In order for optometry to continue being the primary eye care profession it is and to continue expanding the way we practice, we must become active in the legislative process. This year, FOSA was very active. On March 25, a group of 30 students headed up to Talla- hassee by bus and joined other Florida optometrists to rally together for Legislative Day , which was organized by the FOA. We were there for an important reason: to meet with legislators about supporting Senate Bill 330, Optome- try/Oral and Topical Pharmaceutical Agents, and educate them about our profession. After a long day of hard work, we headed back home on a seven-hour bus ride, which went by quickly as we watched movies, played games, and celebrated the success of our meeting. Being active in the legislative process also means support- ing optometry-friendly candidates running for office that will stand up for our profession. On February 19, over 50 students came out to support a fundraising reception for Senate President Jeff Atwater, who is running for the chief financial officer post and was amazed to see such support from the optometry community. Combined with op- tometrists, ophthalmologists, and optometry students, there were over 250 people in attendance.