ASCO Summer Meetings Once Again Held Virtually

ASCO Summer Meetings Once Again Held Virtually

The ASCO Board of Directors meets three times per year and convened in June virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

A sampling of topics discussed and actions taken during the Board Meeting were:

• Review progress of the ASCO Strategic Plan.
• Learn more about VOSH (Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity) and other International activities.
• Approve the application process for residency title recognition as a category level subspecialty.
• Approve the FY22 Budget and Budget Assumptions, the Procurement Policy, and review the new Fundraising Plan.
• Presentations from Corporate Contributors, Luxottica and Topcon.

All ASCO Corporate Contributors were also invited to a virtual Town Hall.

Topics discussed were:

• An update to ASCO’s public awareness campaign, Optometry Gives Me Life, with metrics showing a positive increase in both quality and quantity of applicants to optometry institutions, including increases in both Hispanic and Black/African American applicants.
• Corporate Contributors were interested in policies that institutions have implemented with regards to in-person classes and labs; allowing visitors on campus; PPE needs; staffing challenges; and vaccination requirements (if applicable).

The Town Hall was a great opportunity to have an informal discussion with the Board and sponsors and for the Board to show their gratitude for all their support during this very challenging time.

ASCO’s Annual Business Meeting was open to the public and also held virtually:

• The Special Recognition Awards were presented
• Resolutions were presented to:
  • Dr. John Flanagan honoring and thanking him for a great year as ASCO President
  • Dr. Gunilla Haegerstrom-Portnoy as she retires from Berkeley School of Optometry
  • Dr. David Loshin as he retires as Dean of Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry
  • Dr. John Townsend as he retires from the role of Director, Optometric Service Office of Specialty Care Services
  • The Illinois College of Optometry in celebration of its 150th anniversary
  • The State University of New York College of Optometry in celebration of its 50th anniversary

And lastly, the Executive Committee was approved for fiscal year 2022. The officers are: Dr. Kelly Nichols, President; Dr. Melissa Trego, President-Elect; Dr. Mark Colip, Treasurer; Dr. Michael Bacigalupi, Secretary; Dr. John Flanagan, Immediate Past-President.

November Meeting Plans

Plans are underway for the November Board of Directors meeting.

ASCO’s Board will meet in person on November 2, in Boston, in conjunction with the American Academy of Optometry’s Annual Meeting.