New Year's Resolutions: - Michigan Optometric Association ...

The Michigan Optometrist
OFFICERS AND TRUSTEES
MICHIGAN OPTOMETRIC ASSOCIATION
President: Matthew J. Maki, O.D., F.A.A.O.
President-Elect: David S. Cook, O.D.
Vice-President: J. Gregory Ford, O.D.
Secretary/Treasurer: Paul A. Hodge, O.D., F.A.A.O.
Immediate Past-President: Lillian T. Kalaczinski, O.D.
Trustee: Elizabeth M. Becker, O.D.
Trustee: Matthew A. Johnson, O.D.
Trustee: Jennifer A. Lintz, O.D.
Trustee: Mary E. Miller, O.D.
OFFICERS AND TRUSTEES
MICHIGAN FOUNDATION FOR VISION AWARENESS
President: Michael S. Becker
Immediate Past President: Mark P Williams, O.D.
President Elect: Dr. Matthew Klein
Secretary: Nancy Peterson-Klein, O.D.
Treasurer: Kristine Williams
Grants: Robert Nesom, O.D.
Newsletter Trustee: Cheryl Nametz
Scholarship Trustee: Julia A. Holmes, O.D.
Public Information: Robert A. Holmes, Jr.
Membership Trustee: Mark Manders
Trustee: Dan Wrubel, O.D.
ASSOCIATION DISTRICT PRESIDENTS
District No. 1: Michael J. Pack, O.D.
District No. 2: Amy E. Dinardo, O.D.
District No. 3: Julie L. McMullen, O.D. and
Lynnette Blostica, O.D.
District No. 4: Fredric D. Kapteyn, O.D.
District No. 5: John W. Marohn O.D.
District No. 6: Shelly D. Baker, O.D.
District No. 7: Jana M. Fisher, O.D.
District No. 8: Edward G. Stewart, O.D.
MICHIGAN OPTOMETRIC ASSOCIATION STAFF
Executive Director: Cindy A. Schnetzler
Legal Counsel: Shoshie Levine; Miller, Canfield, Paddock & Stone
Legislative Counsel: Steven E. Young, Erik C. Hingst
Governmental Consultant Services, Inc.
Office Staff: Carrie A. Barton, Bryan M. Dahl, Amy C. Possavino
MICHIGAN BOARD OF OPTOMETRY
Chair: D. William Lakin, O.D.
Vice Chair: David C. McClintic, O.D.
Members: Peter M. Agnone, O.D.; Gregory L. Patera, O.D.;
Stephen P. Thompson, O.D.
Public Members: William D. Dansby; Kays T. Zair.
4
President’s
Corner
A Message from MOA
President
Dr. Matthew J. Maki
November/December, 2011
www.themoa.org
President’s Corner
As I write this column on Thanksgiving weekend and
think of the things I am personally thankful for, I am
also reminded of the things I appreciate professionally.
Even considering the numerous challenges we face as
optometrists, there are many positive aspects that we
can sometimes too easily forget.
I am thankful for the nature of our profession.
Optometry is consistently named as one of the most
desirable occupations, based on compensation and
workplace environment. The opportunity to help
patients obtain the best vision possible in a pleasant and
relatively low-stress (I did say relatively) setting is something
most of us enjoy. Also, our patients appreciate the
services we provide to enhance their vision and lives.
We are currently able to practice at a level unprecedented
in our profession and are being reimbursed
accordingly. Considering population demographics,
demand for eye care, and improving instrumentation
technology, there is great optimism for this to continue.
Optometry has also positioned itself as the primary
provider of eye care. This will become increasingly important
as forces in healthcare place more emphasis on
primary care procedures. We have reached these points
in large part thanks to the many volunteers in our
national and state organizations. The AOA and MOA,
including staff and volunteer doctors, work hard to
advocate for optometry legislatively, on reimbursement
issues, and public relations. We should be very grateful
for the efforts these people give on our behalf.
I try not to take for granted the things I am thankful
for personally, knowing that circumstances can change
and what is here today may be gone tomorrow. This is
also true in our profession. We cannot assume the way
we practice now will always continue. The best ways for
each of us to ensure this continued level of practice is
membership in the AOA/MOA, financially supporting
AOAPAC, MOAPAC, and Grassroots Optometry
(GO!), as well as volunteering for an AOA or MOA
committee.
My thanks to all of you and enjoy a safe and happy
holiday season!