Well the start of fall semester has been very eventful, to say the least! After a ten day break following mini-term, we quickly got back into the groove of having a full course load and lots of campus events to keep us busy. A week after the start of classes, close to 50 SCO students (including myself) had the opportunity to attend the AOA Congressional Advocacy Conference in Washington, D.C. After a day of hearing updates from various government officials and leaders in optometry, over 600 optometry students and optometrists headed to Capitol Hill to meet with elected state representatives. During our meeting with a few staffers of a Tennessee senator, I was able to share a bit about how the particular bill we were lobbying for directly impacted me, as an optometry student. (For those who were wondering which bill I’m referring to, it is the National Health Service Corps Improvement Act of 2013 – H.R.920). I enjoyed every bit of the trip and was a great experience in advocacy for the advancement of my chosen profession.
Here I am with my fellow optometry students, SCO’s very own Dr. Glen Steele, and AOA President, Dr. Mitch Munson.
September was also a month full of vision screenings! Whether mandatory or voluntary, screenings are probably some of my favorite opportunities to get out in the community and sharpen my clinical skills. The first event I participated in this month was with SCO’s Fellowship of Christian Optometrists. We provided vision screenings to families that were housed yet have no health insurance. We were able to provide vision screenings for almost 100 guests! As part of the second year curriculum, we have a course that serves as our introduction to clinical communication and patient care. As part of the course, we are assigned to shadow in The Eye Center and participate school/community screenings once a week. In my first screening assignment, I participated in Project Homeless Connect and we provided exams for over 170 guests! Last spring I was able to participate as a guest escort, so it was great being a part of this awesome event in a more clinical role. I have also gone on my first school screening, which was also a great experience screening a pediatric population for the first time. Those kids certainly have a way of keeping you on your toes!
Some of my classmates and I at Project Homeless Connect!
Outside of school obligations and activities, I try to maintain an outlet for my interests and hobbies. Since being in Memphis, I’ve made an effort to attend dance classes and I even joined a studio. A couple of weeks ago, I had the opportunity to teach a few dance workshops as part of the studio’s open house fundraiser. It was SO much fun!
Optifest, one of the biggest events that SCO’s AOSA puts on every year, took place not too long ago. It was an awesome event with lots of optical and opthalmic vendors on site. This time last year, I was trying to figure out what retinoscope brand to purchase, now I have to decide which binocular indirect ophthalmoscope (BIO) brand to purchase. With that said, I was able to meet with a few representatives so I can make an informed purchase. And of course, I couldn’t walk away without buying some fabulous frames — I think my spectacle count is up to four now!
Currently, all of SCO is gearing up for Convocation and Homecoming activities taking place this weekend. The Class of 2017 will be officially welcomed into the profession as students and receive their white coats and we will also celebrate our alumni and award recipients. This year, there is another special event taking place during this exciting weekend — the ribbon cutting for our beautiful new facility.
October is looking to be just as eventful as September was. Between exams and practicals, I’ll be attending two conferences this month and there are so many events taking place on campus and around the city. Let’s just say, I’m excited for the month ahead!
Until next time,
Feyisayo