The Visionary Fall 2009

T he Florida Optometric Association (FOA) installed its new board of directors at its annual convention, which was held in July at the Fontainebleau Hotel in Miami Beach. There are currently three NSU alumni on the board, which is listed below: President: Dr. Emilio H. Balius (Coral Gables) President Elect: Dr. Michael A. Fregger (Fort Walton Beach) Vice President: Dr. Kenneth D. Boyle (Melbourne, NSU class of 1994) Secretary/Treasurer: Dr. David W. Rouse (Cooper City) Trustee: Dr. Steven R. Kepley (Vero Beach) Trustee: Dr. Barry J. Frauens (Coral Springs, NSU class of 1996) Trustee: Dr. Kenneth W. Lawson (Bradenton) Trustee: Dr. April L. Jasper (West Palm Beach, NSU class of 1995) After a productive year as president and many years of loyal service, Dr. R. Andrew Wiles of St. Augustine assumed the role of chairman of the board. Dr. David S. Loshin remains as the NSU liaison to the board. This year was a very active one politically for the FOA. I, along with several others, had the opportunity to testify in front of the Senate Health Care Committee in Tallahassee in support of optometry’s oral-drug legislation. At the end of the day, power politics prevailed and the bill was defeated by a vote of 6-3. This was an eye-opening experience that I will not soon forget. Legislation will be introduced again this upcoming session. This legislation will name 13 oral medications selected for the most encountered ocular conditions, which will allow us to provide the necessary care to our patients. We look forward to obtaining optometry and ophthalmology support for this legislation, which will ultimately be a win for our patients. This year, one of our alumni—Dr. Mark Marciano of Palm Beach Gardens, class of 1997—announced his candidacy for the Florida House of Representatives District 83. His first race will be the Democratic primary on August 24, 2010. In addition, Dr. Alice Sterling of Orlando has announced her candidacy for the Florida House of Representatives District 33. This is a Republican district where the winner of the primary on August 24, 2010, will most likely win the election. Both of these candidates are exceptionally strong and need our support. I would ask each of you to help lend your support in whatever way you can. Having an optometrist, or possibly two, in the Florida legislature would be very favorable for our profession. The remainder of 2009 and 2010 will prove to be another exciting time for the Florida Optometric Association. I encourage all of you to become members of your association and become involved. The future of our profession depends on it! By Barry J. Frauens, O.D., FAAO, Associate Professor of Optometry and Chief of Primary Care Service, The Eye Care Institute at North Miami Beach FLORIDA OPTOMETRIC ASSOCIATION UPDATE In Memoriam George Burke, O.D. (’98) Reverend Heiner Hoffmann (husband of faculty member Josephine Shallo-Hoffmann, Ph.D.) Anthony Krevatas (infant son of Rosalia Caruso Krevatas, O.D. (’04) and Nicholas Krevatas, O.D. (’04)) Raymond Pierie, O.D. (former chief operating officer, The Eye Care Institute) The Visionary – Fall 2009 • Page 10