John “Dan” Friederich hadmapped out his future.

After completing his bachelor’sdegree in biology from Truman StateUniversity, he was set to begin hisstudies at the College of Optometry atUM-St. Louis in the fall of ’03. Worldevents forced Friederich to detourthose plans.

Friederich is a member of theMissouri Army National Guard and hisunit, the 1221st TransportationCompany, was called to active duty inMarch ’03. Friederich ultimately foundhimself in An Nasiriyah, Iraq, separat-ed from his goal of completing hisdoctor of optometry degree by hun-dreds of days and thousands of miles.

Since late June of 2003, Spec.

Life Interrupted—One OptometryStudent Faces Big ChallengesFrom the Dean

Our Academic Mission—Learning to Serve

“…Through its academic program, theCollege instills in the graduate ... [the]ability and skills for life-long learning,and the basis for contributions to thesocial welfare of the community.” Excerpt from the College Strategic Plan

Optometry is a great profession in partbecause of the gracious volunteerefforts by countless colleagues toimpact the communities in which theylive and serve. In recognition of thevital importance of those activities, weare committed to providing our stu-dents service-learning opportunities,—some of which are part of the cur-riculum.

It is a distinct pleasure to recognize afew examples of how our students gobeyond the minimum expected as theypursue initiatives, although outside theregular curriculum, that have a tremen-dous impact upon the professional andgeneral communities. The future ofoptometry…our students…is bright.

Our students can often be found con-tributing their energies to various col-lege, professional and community ini-tiatives. Specifically, the involvementof our students in the StudentVolunteers of Optometric Service toHumanity (SVOSH) is consistentlyrecognized as outstanding by our col-leagues who accompany them. (See“The True Meaning of Enriching LivesThrough Vision” on page 4). Also,optometric student involvement duringlegislative days in Jefferson City for

Tracy Santhuff

(Continued on page 3)

(Continued on page 3)

Friederich has worked as a drivertransporting goods such as food, water,ammunition and vehicles in and out ofthe country. He is based out of AnNasiriyah, a city of a half-million peo-ple on the lower Euphrates River about233 miles southeast of Baghdad.If his unit hadn’t been activated,Friederich would now be enjoying astable, albeit challenging, routine —classroom work during the day andstudying at night. There’s nothing rou-tine or stable about his days and nightsnow.

“There is no typical day in Iraq,”Friederich said. “Sometimes we’ll starta mission at 0330 (3:30 a.m.) in themorning. Sometimes we’ll keep dri-ving well into the night.”

A publication for the alumni and friends of the University of Missouri-St. Louis College of Optometry

Vol. 23, No. 1, Spring 2004

Spec. John “Dan” Friederich takes time for a snapshot to send home.

2

School Briefs

Faculty

Dr. Gary Bachman received a grantin the amount of $28,650 from Essilorof America to study the effect of anti-reflection (AR) coated polycarbonatelenses on vision. This will be doneusing chromatic and achromatic stim-uli presented on a Vision Works sys-tem while subjects are wearing ARcoated or uncoated polycarbonatespectacle lenses.

Dr. Edward Bennett published a newtextbook: Bennett ES, Hom MM:Manual of Gas Permeable ContactLenses (Elsevier Pub.). Dr. Bennettalso presented a paper entitled:"Orthokeratology in the Real World"at the 11th Annual InternationalContact Lens Congress, Hunter Valley,Australia, March 15th-18th.

Dr. W. Howard McAlister was pro-moted to Colonel in the U.S. Air ForceReserve on March 1, 2004. Col.McAlister, who has served as anoptometry officer on active duty orthe reserve forces for over 28 years,is currently Chief of Optometry at the934th Airlift Wing, Minneapolis, MN.

Drs. Gary Bachman and KathleenBoland, and third year student KaylinYoung will present a poster at theAmerican Academy meeting inHawaii. The poster is titled“Unilateral Hemorrhage in a Non-compliant Type 1 Diabetic”.

Drs. Gary Bachman and TimWingert have a poster presentationaccepted at the American OptometricAssociation meeting in Orlando. Theposter is titled "The Effect of Wind-shield Salt Film on Driver Vision".

(School Briefs continued on page 3)

Vol. 23, No. 1, Spring 2004

FACULTY PROFILE: Dr. Timothy A. Wingert, MOA President

Dr. Tim Wingert, Associate Professor ofOptometry and Chief of Third Year Primary CareService, joined the UM-St. Louis College ofOptometry faculty in 1988, and his active participationin the Missouri Optometric Association spans many ofthose years. He became the liaison from the College ofOptometry to the MOA Board of Trustees in 1997.After serving in that role and on numerous MOA com-mittees, he was elected Secretary of the MOA Board,then Treasurer, President-Elect and now President. Hehas continued to serve on committees dealing withchildren’s vision problems, membership, governmentalaffairs and the Department of Health and SeniorServices.

His work with the American OptometricAssociation volunteer structure has been with the Geriatric and Nursing FacilityCommittee and the Commission on Ophthalmic Standards. Dr. Wingert was namedto the Geriatric and Nursing Facility Committee in recognition of his work in shiftingthe paradigm to bring health care to the patient as an alternative to transportingpatients to healthcare provider offices. He was a contributing author of a “how-to”manual for providing such care, a publication which is still available through theAOA to optometrists interested in serving this population.

As the American Academy of Optometry liaison to the College of Optometry, Dr.Wingert works to keep students and faculty apprised of Academy activities. UM-St.Louis student participation is at the highest percentage of all optometric institutionsworldwide except one. Student participation in the Academy contributes to a roundedacademic experience and awareness of the vast scope of the profession of optometry.As Diplomate Chair of the Section on Public Health and Environmental Vision, Dr.Wingert recruits and mentors new candidates for the program. The Diplomate inPublic Health and Environmental Vision has been awarded only 25 times. As a mem-ber of this elite group, Dr. Wingert as Diplomate chair seeks to identify candidateswith the expertise to successfully complete the program and its research responsibili-ties that will go on to shape solutions to eyecare concerns worldwide.

In service to the Associated Regulating Boards of Optometry and the Council onOptometric Practitioner Education, Dr. Wingert has served as a panel reviewer, evalu-ating speaker credentials and courses presented in state, regional, national and inter-national forums for their quality and relevance. This evaluation system is now usedthroughout the United States to verify that legislated mandates for continuing educa-tion credits are met with quality courses.

In addition to his teaching responsibilities and service on numerous College andUniversity committees over the years, Dr. Wingert was a recent nominee for the UM-Saint Louis Chancellor's Service Award. He has also served as a consultant to theMissouri State Board of Optometry and the Missouri Attorney General’s Office. Asa volunteer consultant to the Accrediting Council on Optometric Education since1994, he serves on site accreditation teams which serve to ensure the quality of opto-metric educational programs through visits to schools and colleges and their affiliatedresidency programs.

Finally, Dr. Wingert also serves his community through his volunteer work withthe Chamber of Commerce and the Kirkwood Theater Guild. During his work in thecommunity, he has raised awareness of the UM-St. Louis campus and its contribu-tions to local residents.

Timothy A. Wingert, O.D.

3 Vol. 23, No. 1, Spring 2004

From the Dean (cont. from page 1)

the Missouri Optometric Student Association (MOSA) and the Associated Studentsof the University of Missouri (ASUM) is at an all time high. These initiatives serve adual function--to familiarize students with the legislative process and to educate thepolicy makers about optometric education and the profession of optometry in general.

In closing I would like to remind everyone of the 9th Annual “Sprint For Sight”sponsored by the American Optometric Student Association (AOSA) U.M.-St. LouisChapter (See page 4 ad). Proceeds for the event, which will take place on campus themorning of April 17, 2004, benefit two organizations that help individuals who havevision impairments--The St. Louis Society for the Blind and Visually Impairedhttp://www.slsbvi.org/ and the Delta Gamma Center for Children Having VisualImpairments http://www.dgckids.org/. This event organized and administered by ourstudents is just another example of the ways in which they are learning to contributeto the social welfare of the community. Without a doubt our graduates will continuethe tradition of volunteer service.

Best regards,

Larry J. Davis, ODDean

School Briefs

Dr. Vasudevan Lakshminarayananserved as mentor for a SOLUTIAAward for Excellence in Researchaward recipient. Nam Kim, a studentat Parkway North High School, co-wrote a paper entitled “The Role ofSymmetry in Perception of HumanFaces,” Solutia STARS is a six-weeksummer program in which studentsin grades 11 and 12 and high schoolteachers are invited to work withresearch mentors from three majoruniversities – University of Missouri-St. Louis, Washington University inSt. Louis, and Saint Louis University– in order to experience variousaspects of the scientific enterprise.Congratulations to both of you!

Dr. Jeffrey Weaver became aDiplomate of Public Health andEnvironmental Vision of theAmerican Academy of Optometry atthe December AAO meeting. Lt. Col.Weaver is commander of the 7228thUS Army Medical Support Unit atFt. McCoy Wisconsin.

SERVICE AWARDS

Congratulations to the following faculty members for their years of service.

20 YearsRalph P. Garzia, O.D.Carol K. Peck, Ph.D.

15 yearsWilliam "Gary" Bachman, O.D.Carl Bassi, Ph.D.Timothy A. Wingert, O.D.

10 YearsLarry J. Davis, O.D.Vasudevan "Vengu"

Lakshminarayanan, Ph.D.

When told he was deploying, the23-year-old says he was in denial untilhe actually boarded the plane. Nowthere is no denial, Friederich and hisunit are presented with new challengeseach day, and are especially aware ofthe potential dangers that wait at theend of each mile traveled. He says hisexperiences in Iraq have taught him alot about himself.

“Life is but a breath, so take a bigone,” Friederich said summing up hisexperiences.

“I’ve learned that my fear is myonly courage. I have learned there isso much that I have always taken forgranted. I wasn’t able to realize it untilall those things were taken way fromme… I cherish everything that I amfighting to protect so much more nowthat I’ve been here. I will alwaysremember the sacrifices that so manypeople have made here,” Friederichsaid.

Most rewarding for this native St.Louisan is the bond he now shares

with other members of his unit who hetrusts daily with his life. Despite theseuncertainties, Friederich is still lookingto the future. Due to his military com-mitment, the College of Optometry hasrespectfully reserved his position in theentering class of 2004.

“It has meant so much to me,”Friederich said of the opening. “I wasvery relieved and grateful. Knowingmy slot is being held has made thisdeployment so much easier. Having aplace held allows me to concentrate onmy job here, without having to worryabout what school-related problems lieahead of me upon my return to theUSA. I know the College ofOptometry is patiently waiting for myreturn, and that is very comforting inan otherwise uncomfortable place.”At the latest, Friederich expects toreturn by June 25, which will enablehim to begin classes this fall and com-plete the program by 2008.

Life Interrupted (continued from page 1)

(School Briefs continued on page 5)

4 Vol. 23, No. 1, Spring 2004

Sprint for Sight 2004 Recent Graduate “Writes Home” About Residency

Penny Straughn, O.D., a 2003graduate of UMSL College ofOptometry recently wrote an open let-ter to the students at the College ofOptometry about her experience in aresidency program. Dr. Straughnentered the Lake City Veterans AffairsMedical Center July 2003. Her enthu-siasm for the work she is doing andwhat she is learning brightened thepage…“The types of doctors I workwith include a general ophthalmolo-gist, retinal specialist, ophthalmologyresident, and three optometrists. Oneof the optometrists has completed aresidency in low vision, and we worktogether one day per week in the lowvision clinic. The chief optometristcompleted a residency in ocular dis-ease, and the third optometrist rotatedthrough Bascom Palmer Eye Institute.Beyond doctors and patient encoun-ters, Lake City VAMC offers new

technology including the OcularCoherence Tomographer, ORBSCAN,IOL Master, digital camera, and lasers.We also have nine (9) fully equippedexam lanes, a Humphrey visual field,and a Goldmann visual field.”

Penny Straughn, O.D.

Service Mission: The True Meaning ofENRICHING LIVES THROUGH VISION

Several of our students have par-ticipated in a unique and meaningfulexperience during their third year. In aspirit of cooperation, these volunteerswere tireless advocates for “EnrichingLives Through Vision.”

Early this year, Angie Heppermanand Abby Schuff joined 33 other vol-unteers from the Illinois VOSH orga-nization to travel to Oaxaca, Mexico,in order to provide free eye care thelocals would not otherwise receivewithout their help. They served over2,000 people. Last semester, JackieMinier and Shawna Hill also partici-pated with the Illinois VOSH in volun-teering eye health care to the citizensof Morocco. In each country, highschool students and other citizensoffered their services as translators. Lenscrafters, in cooperation with the

International Lion’s Club, sponsorednumerous “Gift of Sight Missions”.

Several of our students have par-ticipated with other volunteers acrossthe nation: Kaylin Young and SarahDavis recently returned from CostaRica where they joined other volun-teers in treating over 23,000 patients,Ryan Lempp and Jeremy Fast – Peru,Lisa Masters – Mexico, Carl Westphaland Kenyon Anderson – Bolivia, andShawna Hill and Sara Strasser –Panama.

All of these students agree that thecommon goal of the “missions” instillsin them the basis for contributions tofar-reaching communities in providingunderstanding and ability to care forpatients. The experiences bring themin contact with global populations anddiverse patient care they may not everget to see in their future practices.

9th Annual Sprint for Sight

Benefiting Delta GammaCenter and St. LouisSociety for the Blind

5K Run & 1.5 Mile Walk

Saturday, April 17, 2004

Run starts at 8:30 a.m. followedimmediately by the 1.5 milewalk. Start and finish for all

events will be at the Mark Twainbuilding on UM-St. Louis north

campus.

For more informationplease call:

Chad Klein(314) 629-9695

cek5w5@studentmail.umsl.edu

Vicki Nash

Barbara W. Brown, O.D.

5 Vol. 23, No. 1, Spring 2004

Pre-Optometry Workshop DrawsWorldwide Attendance

All optometrists know how won-derful our profession is, and over 60%of graduates note that the reason fortheir interest in optometry is becauseof their optometrist. Once the studentdetermines that he/she is interested,many have begun participating in theCollege’s Pre-Optometry workshop asa means of familiarization with pre-requisites and preparation for theapplication process.

The Office of Student Services inthe College sponsors three workshopsannually (one in January, one in Mayand one as the new application seasonbegins—either in late August or earlySeptember). Dana Seipp (StudentServices staff member) commentedthat the last workshop held inSeptember had… “prospective optom-etry students from as far away as NewYork and California. The furthest dis-tance traveled is from Korea, so far.We’ve had requests to attend fromother countries.”

Topics which are covered include:exploring the profession of optometryand the UM-St. Louis College ofOptometry program; learning aboutadmission requirements; finding outabout the Optometry Admission Test(OAT); learning about our applicationprocedures; estimating the cost of

optometric education and developing abudget; and learning how to financeprofessional school education.

Additionally, a panel of facultymembers and current residents discusswith the prospective students theirideas about optometry and careerpaths. A panel of students and a fewspouses discuss life in optometry.Student leaders discuss professionaloptometric activities available to stu-dents. All faculty members and stu-dents talk with the prospective stu-dents over lunch so that the prospec-tive students have the chance to askspecific questions. Dr. Barb Brown,who coordinates and conducts theworkshop, notes that, “I ask studentsand their guests to take the time towrite down every question they have. Idon’t end the workshop until all ques-tions are answered.”

This year, our applications haveincreased by 12% over last year. Theaverage OAT score and GPA haveincreased as well. Not only have thesecollective efforts resulted an increaseto applications, but an increase inhighly qualified applicants. If youknow of a potential applicant, pleaserefer the student to our website:www.umsl.edu/~optometry/work-shop.html.

Barbara W. Brown, O.D.

School Briefs

Student Awards

Five optometry students throughoutthe U.S. were each awarded $2,000scholarships, during the 2004 Heartof America Contact Lens Society’sawards luncheon, February 14. Ourown Bethany Curtis, (‘04) was thestudent selected from UM-St. LouisCollege of Optometry.

Congratulations are also due toBethany Curtis for the VISTAKONACUVUE Eye Health AdvisorStudent Citizenship Scholarship.These second or third year optometrystudents are selected based on theiracademic and extra-curricularachievements along with other pro-fessional pursuits such as involve-ment with patients through intern-ships, community service, and othervolunteer activities. Recipients bestexemplify ideal eye care standards ofpractice including: the importance ofeye health; proper contact lens wearand care; community service and vol-unteerism. A $1,000 cash scholarshipand a personalized plaque are award-ed to each recipient.

Congratulations to Brian MatthewRoss for the VISTAKON Award ofExcellence. Brian received a person-alized plaque and $1,000 cash award.It is awarded to graduating fourthyear optometry students who demon-strate excellence in clinical contactlens patient care during their opto-metric education.

6 Vol. 23, No. 1, Spring 2004

Corneal Classic 2004 Van Horn Room: Memories from the HeartHeart of America, 2004

Did You Know? The Van Horn Rooms at the Kansas City Hyatt Regency CrownCenter hold the unofficial distinction of having been the annual meeting grounds forthe largest gatherings of students and alums every year since the inception of theSchool of Optometry in 1980. Even prior to the first graduation in 1984, studentsand faculty from the various classes of UM-St. Louis’ new School of Optometry gottogether to socialize and network with others in the Van Horn Rooms at the Heart ofAmerica. Because “Heart” is a regional meeting drawing our alums and otheroptometrists and students from throughout the Midwest, the tradition lives on. Inkeeping with its history, our annual Van Horn reception at Heart hosts the year’sbiggest group of College of Optometry collegial reveling, reminiscing and profession-al strategizing among alums and associates, faculty and students. Here are a fewglimpses into the Van Horn Room ’04:

Corneal Classic2004

Saturday, May 1, 2004

Hosted by AOSA

Four person scramblecharity golf tournament at

Belk Park Golf Course.

Proceeds benefit St. LouisSociety for the Blind

and AOSA.

Entry fee includes golf,food, drinks, dinner

and prizes.

Contact Jimmy Smart(314) 608-9452

jimmysmart@hotmail.com

Form and entry feesdue April 23rd.

Julie Gram

7 Vol. 23, No. 1, Spring 2004

College of Optometry Advisory Board News

Heart of America is also the venue for a College Advisory Board meeting eachFebruary, one of two to three meetings each year. The Board serves in an advocacyand advisory capacity for the faculty and administration of the College as we seek tomaintain a vibrant professional optometric educational program of excellence.

A changing of the guard took place at the February ’04 meeting, where currentChair Wes Kemp, O.D. (GOOS) welcomed new members Drs. Rex Newcomb (MOFPresident), Dan Obermark (SEOS), and David Whitson (NEOS). Drs. Andy Kramer(COS), W. Carter Glass (MOF President), and Joni LaFerla (KCOS) retired from theBoard after loyal, productive and much appreciated service terms. The Board is cur-rently active in strategizing related to emerging issues in optometry, professionaldevelopment, public relations and marketing for the College, alumni and friendsdevelopment, and resource development. The Board is comprised of representativesfrom each of the local societies in MO, as well as a number of ex-officio members,members of statewide optometric and health-related professional communities, andmembers of the faculty, students and staff at the College.

Julie Gram

Special School District Students Get Assistance

For many years, the College ofOptometry and the students served bythe Special School District in St. LouisCounty have worked to provide thesevery special students with eye care.Often, these children living with physi-cal, cognitive and mental disabilitiesrequire very special care. They oftenare living with multiple disabilities andtheir families are not always able toprovide the student with the specialequipment needed. Additionally, thispopulation of students and families areno different than the average Americanfamily. Thus, about 20% of the fami-lies cannot afford eye care and visioncorrection.

The children sometimes cannotperform well in unknown places, andtherefore, the social work staff andoptometry faculty and students try toassess the students in familiar sur-roundings. This fall the College ofOptometry received a grant from thePearle Vision Foundation to assist in

the cost of providing these services tothis special student population. Toqualify for this assistance, the SpecialSchool District social work staff con-firm that the family cannot afford eyecare (nor eye glasses, or other visionaids, if necessary) and do not haveinsurance to assist them. More than 10students have been referred for ourassistance under this grant.

If you would like to donate forthis specific program, $105 will assistone student with an examination andeyeglasses (with polycarb lenses). Ifthe child requires low vision aids,assistance for these are provided fromanother fund. Please send your tax-deductible gift to UMSL, College ofOptometry/Advancement, 331 MH,8001 Natural Bridge Road, St. Louis,MO 63121-4499. Please note “SSDEye Care” on the memo line of yourcheck. 100% of your gift supports achild. No funds are used for adminis-trative or other costs.

Barbara W. Brown, O.D.

Viva Las Vegas 2004

The 4th Annual Las Vegas 2004continuing education program washeld at the Flamingo Las VegasHotel on March 10-12. One hundredand six optometrists attended whichwas a twenty-five percent increaseover last year's attendance. Theaccolades attributed to the quality ofthe program indicated an enthusias-tic acceptance of our in-depth, clini-cally applicable classes. The over-whelming majority of the optom-etrists surveyed rated the coursegood to excellent in the categoriesof overall course rating, usefulness,lecture style and relevancy. TheCollege of Optometry wishes tothank its generous sponsors for theirsupport and contributions to thesuccess of the program:

Alcon

Bausch & Lomb

Heidelberg Engineering

Medical Ophthalmics

Paragon Vision Sciences

Talia Pharmaceutical

8 Vol. 23, No. 1, Spring 2004

Dr. Vinita Henry Named Director of Residencies

On September 1, 2003, Dr. VinitaHenry, Clinical Associate Professor,assumed the role as the Director ofResidencies in the College ofOptometry. The Director ofResidencies is responsible for therecruitment of optometric residents,and in cooperation with the individualProgram Coordinators, maintaining theresidency educational goals, objectivesand accreditation. The College ofOptometry supports two on-site resi-dencies (Cornea and Contact Lensesand Pediatrics and Binocular Vision),and three affiliated residencies at theVeteran's Administration MedicalCenters in St. Louis, Kansas City andColumbia, Missouri.

Dr. Henry completed her profes-sional education from U.M.-St Louis

College of Optometry Welcomes New Faculty Members

Dr. Linda Marks, a recent Resident in Pediatric Optometry in the College ofOptometry at the University of Missouri-St. Louis joined the clinical faculty at theCollege in August 2003. Dr. Marks’ primary responsibilities will include participationin primary and secondary care of infants and children with special needs populations,diagnosis and management of binocular vision anomalies, and inter-disciplinary prac-tice with educators. She received her undergraduate education from Ferris StateUniversity in Big Rapids, Michigan in 1998. She continued her post-graduate educa-tion at Ferris, completing her Bachelor of Vision Science and Doctor of Optometrydegrees in 2002. Dr. Marks received numerous honors and awards throughout heracademic career. In July, 2003, she completed her Residency in Pediatric Optometryhere at UM-St. Louis, College of Optometry where her residency focused on the spe-cialty areas of pediatric optometry, binocular vision, vision therapy, and primary careservices. Dr. Marks is an active member of a variety of optometric organizations.

Dr. Christine Garhart, previously a Research Associate in the department ofPathology at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, joined the faculty at theCollege of Optometry in July 2003. Dr. Garhart’s primary responsibilities includeinstruction in the Biomedical Sciences track of the professional degree curriculum.She received her undergraduate education in Biology, graduating Summa Cum Laudefrom Cornell College in Iowa. She then completed a Doctor of Veterinary Medicinedegree in 1978 from the University of Missouri at Columbia. In May, 2002, she wasawarded a Ph.D. from the Department of Pathology at Case Western ReserveUniversity in Cleveland, Ohio. Dr. Garhart’s previous positions include teaching andresearch in pharmacology, pathology and neurology at Tufts University School ofMedicine and Massachusetts General Hospital.

in 1985. The following year she wasthe first to participate in the on-siteCornea and Contact Lens Residency inthe college. She will continue to serveas the Program Coordinator of the resi-dency in Cornea and Contact Lenses.

Dr. Henry succeeds Dr. HowardMcAlister, Associate Professor, whowas appointed the first Director ofResidencies in 1993, serving 10 yearsin the position. During his service thetwo on-site residencies and two of thethree affiliated residencies underwentcomprehensive self-studies and suc-cessful initial accreditations. The firstresidency in the College, the affiliatedresidency at the Veteran's Administra-tion Medical Center in Kansas City,also underwent a successful site visitearlier this year.

Dr. Vinita Allee Henry

Dr. Christine Garhart ------>

<------ Dr. Linda Marks

9 Vol. 23, No. 1, Spring 2004

Dr. Ivetta Siedlecki, having completed her Cornea and Contact Lens Residency at theUniversity of St. Louis-Missouri, College of Optometry joined the clinical faculty at theCollege in August 2003. Dr. Siedlecki’s primary responsibilities include clinical instruc-tion in the areas of contact lenses and primary care, as well as participation in coordinat-ing clinical studies in programs involving cornea and contact lens care and specialty areasof keratoconus, orthokeratology and refractive management. She received her undergrad-uate education from Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois in 1996 and she received herDoctor of Optometry degree from Indiana University School of Optometry in 2002. In2003, she completed a joint Residency in Cornea and Contact Lens at UM-St. Louis,College of Optometry, at Washington University School of Medicine, Department ofOphthalmology, and at Morey-Mulqueeny Eye Center. Dr. Siedlecki continues to maintainan active role in both community and profes-sional organizations.

It is a pleasure to introduce and welcome Dr. Eric Ritchey to the full-time faculty of the Collegeof Optometry as a Clinical Assistant Professor. Dr. Ritchey served as preceptor in the CenterFor Eye Care (part-time) and coordinated the ophthalmic optics laboratory in the Fall of 2003.In addition to his continued service in various teaching areas, he will join Dr. Garzia as a co-investigator for the Every Child Ready to See and Learn project which is funded by the CDC.After completion of the degree Doctor of Optometry at The Ohio State University, Dr. Ritcheywent on to receive an M.S. degree upon completion of an Advanced Practice Fellowship in

Cornea and Contact Lenses at the same institution.

Dr. Kathleen "Kate" Boland, Clinical Assistant Professor in Primary Care and CommunityServices, is another welcome new addition to the full-time faculty of the College ofOptometry. Dr. Boland has served as preceptor and instructor (part-time) in the College,including the Harvester Eye Center, since receiving her O.D. from the UM-St. Louis Collegeof Optometry in 2002. She has a diversity of interests including primary care, children'svision, low vision and geriatric care, along with a desire to pursue scholarship in these areas.Dr. Boland has futhered her clinical experience most recently by participation in Lighthousefor the Blind workshops and by working with Dr. Maino at the Kansas City Veteran'sAdministration Medical Center.

In addition to her service as preceptor in the Center ForEye Care, Dr. Boland will serve as course coordinator for theGeriatric and Low Vision courses.

College of Optometry Welcomes New Faculty Members

Dr. Kate Boland ------>

<------ Dr. Eric Ritchey

Dr. Ivetta Siedlecki ------>

10 Vol. 23, No. 1, Spring 2004

The University of Missouri hasshown its commitment to increasingstudent awareness and participation indispensing high quality ophthalmicproducts by renovating the clinic dis-pensary within the last year. This ren-ovation, which included painting, car-peting, and new built in display cases,represented an investment by theUniversity in this aspect of the pro-gram of over $30,000. Our program

Optometry Receives $10,000 Essilor Grant

intends to focus on helping studentsrealize the rewards of using superioroptical technology to address theirpatient’s vision problems. This pro-ject, which will provide reliable, mod-ern equipment to them as they learnthe basics of ophthalmic optics, willhelp them acquire the basic skills nec-essary to make knowledgeable recom-mendations for their patients.

The College of Optometry, through theefforts of Drs. Timothy A. Wingert andGerald A. Franzel, received $10,000from Essilor for meeting the equip-ment costs of this project. This fund-ing is part of Essilor’s commitment toadvancing education in the applicationof high quality optical devices to bestserve patient’s needs. The remainderof the cost will be borne by theUniversity in remodeling the space.An atmosphere with quality equipmentthat is conducive to learning willenhance student education and elevatethe standards and visibility of oph-thalmic dispensing for students as wellas faculty.

Bids have been obtained forremodeling the laboratory space. Thisincludes updating utilities, flooring,cabinets and furniture for workstationsfor the students as well as painting. Acomputer will be added that will allowstudents to work with software pro-grams related to ophthalmic materials.Additional lab equipment will beadded as well. It is planned to addapproximately ten new lensometers, anautomated lensometer, as well as otherlab equipment such as lens clocks,calipers, and demonstration lenses.

Barbara Brown, O.D., Elected to MOF Board

Dr. Barbara Brown, AdvancementOfficer for the College of Optometry,was recently elected to the Board ofDirectors of the Missouri OptometricFoundation. As the new Secretary ofthe Foundation, she joins Drs. RexNewcomb, President (’84), TheHonorable Anne Ream, Vice President(’84), W. Carter Glass Treasurer/Immediate Past President, and StephenRice, Member At-Large. Dr. Brown suc-ceeds Dr. Miriam Anderson (‘85) whorecently retired from the Board aftermany years of dedicated service.

The MOF mission is to supportoptometric education and private practice

Dr. Barbara W. Brown

Pictured from left to right: Dr. Timothy A. Wingert, Dr. Larry Davis, Dean, College of Optometry, andDr. Gerald Franzel.

Julie Gram

opportunities in optometry. Now thelargest donor of scholarships for Collegeof Optometry students, the MOF alsofunds stipends to support both VA andprivate practice externship experiences inspecialty areas such as contact lenses andpediatrics/binocular vision. With its broadmission of supporting optometric educa-tion, the Foundation also funds stipendsfor students from other schools and col-leges to participate in externships atMissouri Veterans Administration facili-ties. Congratulations to Dr. Brown on herelection to the Board, and her newestrole, among many, in support of optomet-ric education.

11 Vol. 23, No. 1, Spring 2004

The American Optometric Foundation is an affiliate of the American Academy of Optometry. For more information on AOF-funded programs or sponsorship opportunities, visit www.ezell.org.

Dr. Gerald Lowther (left), Dean of IndianaUniversity School of Optometry, with Dr. Pete Kollbaum, 2003 Ezell Fellow.

The American Optometric Foundation’s (AOF)

Ezell Fellowship program has

successfully supported optometry’s future

leaders for over 50 years. Won’t you join us

in investing in the future of your profession?

Dr. Earl Smith (right), Dean, University of Houston College of Optometry, with Dr. Srihari Narayanan, 2003 Ezell Fellow.

Dr. John Schoessler (center), Dean, The Ohio StateUniversity College of Optometry, with the 2003 EzellFellows, Drs. Melissa Bailey and Michael Twa.

AOF’s ezell fellows are thefuture leaders in optometry

The American Optometric Foundation gratefully acknowledges the support of our Ezell Fellowship sponsors.

SECTION ON CORNEA& CONTACT LENSES

Calendar 2003 Continuing Education

April

13 SLOS Meeting15 Grand Rounds17 Sprint for Sight18 CE- Mid-America

Vision Conference(Lis, (314) 516-5615)

22 White Coat Ceremony25 ARVO Annual Meeting

May

1 Corneal Classic1 Pre-Optometry Wkshp.

(Dr. Brown, 314-516-6030)10 CE- Senior Seminar

(Lis, (314) 516-5615)11 SLOS Meeting17 AOA Congressional

Congress

June

8 SLOS Installation Banquet

11-13 MOA Leadership Retreat

21-24 ASCO Annual Meeting24-27 AOA Congress

July13 SLOS Meeting15 Grand Rounds

August

8 CE- Annual(Lis, (314) 516-5615)

10 SLOS Meeting16 New Student

Orientation - 1st Years18 Fall Semester Begins28 Pre-Optometry Wkshp.

(Dr. Brown, 314-516-6030)

The EyeWire is published by the Office of the Dean at the University ofMissouri-St. Louis College ofOptometry. Please send news andaddress changes to:

Janice White, Editor & DesignerCollege of Optometry, UM-St. Louis, 8001 Natural Bridge Road, St. Louis, MO 63121-4499Tel: (314) 516-5566Fax: (314) 516-6708E-Mail: janice.white@umsl.edu

Contributors: Dr. Larry Davis, JulieGram, Barbara Nahlik, Tracy Santhuff,Dr. Barbara W. Brown, Vicki Nash,Maria Taylor, Dr. Joni LaFerlaDean: Larry J. Davis, O.D.

Visit our web site at:www.umsl.edu/~optometry.html

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Optometry@umsl.edu

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Please assist us in our continued efforts tomaintain communication with alumni andfriends. A limited number of paper copieswill continue to be available. If you desireto remain on the regular mailing list, pleaseindicate such by phone, email or writtencorrespondence. (Please see top of page)Thank you for your cooperation!

12 Vol. 23, No. 1, Spring 2004

Mid-America Vision ConferenceSunday, April 18, 2004

Co-sponsored by the UM-St. LouisCollege of Optometry and theOphthalmic Education Institute.

• 8 hours of CE• Tuition: $185 (includes lunch)• Location: The program will be

held on the University of Missouri-St. Louis campus.

• Time: 8:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.

Senior SeminarThursday, May 13, 2004

Co-sponsored by the UM-St. LouisCollege of Optometry & theOphthalmic Education Institute.

• 4 hours of CE• Speaker: Richard Kattouff, O.D. • Tuition: $95.00 (includes a light

dinner buffet)• Location: Millennium Student

Center, Century Rooms A & B, UM-St. Louis

• Time: 5:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

Annual August AcademeSunday, August 22, 2004

Co-sponsored by the UM-St. LouisCollege of Optometry & theOphthalmic Education Institute.

• Speaker:Robert Wooldridge, O.D. • 8 hours COPE approved.• Location: Millennium Student

Center, Century Rooms A & B, UM-St. Louis

• Tuition: $195.00• Time: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Please contact Lis Ellerbusch at (314) 516-5615 for more courseinformation. Please contact AnnLarsen at (314) 516-5948 for registration.