Continue optometry’s tradition of volunteering

Issue: April 2004

ByMichael D. DePaolis, OD, FAAO

Michael D. DePaolis, OD, FAAO [photo]
Michael D. DePaolis

This year the Heart Of America Contact Lens Society celebrated its 43rd anniversary. Forty-three years of serving optometry. Forty-three years of consistency and innovation. Forty-three years of providing quality continuing education.

Having attended this year’s Heart of America Contact Lens & Primary Care Congress I was truly amazed by the magnitude of this undertaking. Amazed not just by the educational program, but by how well the entire congress was orchestrated. I was also amazed by the attention to detail.

For sure, an event such as this doesn’t happen merely by chance. After all, providing a memorable educational and social experience for nearly 1,000 doctors and staff is no easy task. Planning is essential, execution is critical and attention to detail is imperative. And that is just what the professionals at Heart of America have done for 43 years.

Volunteers make meeting a success

What makes this accomplishment even more impressive is that this dedicated team is made up entirely of volunteers. Yes, volunteers. Colleagues who — despite very busy lives — find the time to contribute. Undoubtedly, it is the spirit of volunteering and contributing that makes the Heart of America Congress — and our profession — that much better.

When you think about it, volunteering is what optometry has always been about. We have always been there to assist the less fortunate — globally through VOSH programs as well as locally through community outreach vision care programs. Additionally, we have a demonstrated tradition of community involvement through service groups such as the Lion’s Club International, charitable organizations, places of worship, schools and youth athletic programs. Simply put, optometrists volunteer.

Now, if you’re one of our many colleagues who volunteer, I thank you! And if you’ve just never found the time to serve, we need you now more than ever.

Legislative efforts need help

In many respects our profession is at a crossroads. The recently enacted contact lens prescription legislation, renewed attacks on comanagement and the proposed Veterans Eye Treatment Safety Act are just a few examples of activities affecting the services we provide our patients.

Precisely what does all of this have to do with volunteering? Well, consider children’s vision. We see comprehensive eye care for pre-school children as a logical and well-intended endeavor. Unfortunately, not everyone agrees. However, by volunteering to speak with legislators we can better explain the merits of comprehensive eye care for early detection of vision and eye health problems. And by volunteering our time, we can be sure that those children without health insurance are appropriately cared for as well. In fact, there is no better way of demonstrating this commitment than by participating in optometry’s InfantSee program.

Indeed, we must continue optometry’s tradition of volunteering for our profession to thrive. So, wherever your interests lie and in whatever capacity you can, please get involved. You’ll be glad that you did, optometry will prosper and — most importantly — the communities we serve will benefit.