Southern College of Optometry hosted its fifth annual State Day event on January 9 as a group of current state leaders and legislators visited campus to discuss the importance of the legislative process and the need for students to become involved with their professional associations.
Leading off the day’s program was a presentation by Dr. Steve Loomis, AOA Secretary-Treasurer. Dr. Loomis discussed many legislative milestones in optometry, the changing role of optometry in healthcare delivery, and the importance of maintaining a strong optometric profession.
A group of current and former lawmakers spoke to students over two different sessions during a day of panels and networking opportunities first launched by SCO in 2009 as State Day. Legislators included:
- Louisiana State Senator David Heitmeier, OD,
- Tennessee State Representative Gary Odom, who also serves as Executive Director of the Tennessee Association of Optometric Physicians,
- Alabama State Representative Johnny Mack Morrow, married to SCO Board of Trustees member and Alumni Council Representative Martha Rosemore Morrow, OD ’74, and
- Former Missouri State Representative Terry Swinger, OD ’64, who served 10 years in the Missouri legislature.
The legislators each discussed their role as lawmakers and their interactions with the profession of optometry. Senator Heitmeier shared his belief that optometry is one of the most caring healthcare professions. He recalled how optometrists across the nation were the first to volunteer aid after his Louisiana practice was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina in 2005.
Joining the lawmakers in stressing the importance of optometry students becoming involved with their state and professional associations early in their careers were numerous representatives of 14 state associations and the American Optometric Association (AOA). During an afternoon tradeshow event with booths, these representatives networked with hundreds of students.
Participants included:
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Alabama: Martha Rosemore Morrow, OD ’74, Mark Shirey, OD ’00, Rep. Johnny Mack Morrow
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Arkansas: Vicki Farmer, Rusty Simmons, OD ’83, Matt Jones, OD ’09
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Colorado: Steve Loomis, OD – AOA Secretary/Treasurer
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Georgia: Tom Spetalnick, OD, Kelly Spetalnick, OD
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Illinois: Michael Hortsman, Charleen Marsh, Jeff Kempf, OD ‘01
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Iowa: Amanda Wood, OD ’02, Jarod Wood, OD ’02
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Kentucky: Steve Compton, OD ’78, Amanda Higdon, OD ’07, Brett Abney, OD ’99
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Louisiana: James Sandefur, OD ’65, William Gordon, OD ’82, State Senator David Heitmeier, OD
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Missouri: Former Rep. Terry Swinger, OD ’64
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Mississippi: Greg Loose, OD ’06, Brad Thompson, OD ’99
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Tennessee: Tonya Reynoldson, OD ’01, David Talley, OD, Rep. Gary Odom
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South Carolina: John W.L. Smith, OD ’80, Michael Campbell, OD
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West Virginia: Rebecca St. Jean, OD ’97
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Texas: Mario Contaldi, OD ’84, Fred Farias, OD ’87
- AOA: Stacey Liles, Rick Savoy, OD (Former Faculty Representative to AOA)
Thanks to everyone who participated and made SCO’s fifth annual State Day a success for our students. Visit our
photo gallery to see highlights from throughout the day.