The Visionary Fall 2009

The Visionary – Fall 2009 • Page 12 S ince becoming dean of NSU’s College of Optometry in January 1997, David Loshin, O.D., Ph.D., M.S., has played an instrumental role in leading the institution to impressive heights of accomplishment by implementing progressive educational programs, enhancing research opportunities, and providing both students and faculty members with the most cutting-edge clinical equipment available. His reputation as a skilled academician and administrator may be well known to those who are acquainted with him both personally and professionally. But what was the impetus that led him to pursue a career in optometry and become a leader in the field? Dr. Loshin’s road to optometric accomplishment began in the quaint city of Danbury, Connecticut, where he enjoyed a happy childhood with his parents and two sisters. “My father owned a glass store that sold various items, including mirrors and windshields,” said Dr. Loshin, who spent many hours working in the store along with his mother. “I began helping out in the store when I was seven years old and really enjoyed working with my hands. In fact, that’s where I developed my love of tools and my love of woodworking.” As he progressed through his adolescence, Dr. Loshin cultivated a significant interest in optics and photography, which led him to construct a temperature-controlled dark room in the basement of his parent’s home. “At that time, optometry was the farthest thing from my mind,” he admitted. “I was into optics, optical engineering, and photography. I really was a huge photography buff, so I served as a photographer for my high school’s football team and yearbook and even did some sports photography for the local newspaper.” Because he was so engrossed in photography and the particulars of how camera lenses worked, Dr. Loshin made the logical decision to attend the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) in New York, which is where he earned his A.A.S. and B.S. degrees in 1969 and 1971 in photographic science and instrumentation (optics emphasis). Focusing in on Optometry While pursuing his bachelor’s degree at RIT, Dr. Loshin resolutely believed his destiny lay in the field of optical engineering. However, during his third year at RIT, a guest speaker from the University of Dr. David Loshin Reflects on a Career Filled with Professional Milestones By Scott Colton, B.A., Associate Editor, The Visionary Baby Loshin