Framing the Future: SUNY College of Optometry Hosts 12th Annual Career Symposium
The State University of New York College of Optometry Career Development Center hosted the 12th annual Career Symposium on Sunday, April 7th. The program entitled, Framing the Future: Shaping Tomorrow’s Vision Care provided students, residents and alumni a unique opportunity to learn from working professionals and network with potential employers. More than 30 employers attended the day-long event with over 200 attendees registered.
After registration, the students gathered for opening remarks by Dr. Gui Albieri, where he began the day by encouraging the audience to, “Turn the switch on to your career.” As he discussed “The future you’re going to live,” he went on to talk about, “Purpose, direction and clarity.” Dr. Albieri then demonstrated the exciting advances in Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) technology by using an A.I. generated version of himself that conversed in a number of languages. This was the perfect lead in for the first speaker of the day, Will Flanagan from the VSP Global Innovation Center. Mr. Flanagan spoke to the potential power of A.I. and its exciting place in the world of eye care. He pointed out that the new technology was by no means a replacement, but an enhancement and aide for health care and health care professionals.
The first concurrent sessions of the afternoon began with Artificial Intelligence: A New Reality in Optometric Careers and Acing the Recruitment Process. The second A.I. discussion of the day was led by Dr. Anupam Laul and Dr. Alex Martin, virtually. The Recruitment Process featured EwuVonka Flournoy Perkins (MyEyeDr), Dr. Joshua Rogers (National Vision), Ashleigh Dumont (Eye to Eye Careers), Dr. Michael Hosford (EssilorLuxottica), and Reggie Rossobillo (Warby Parker). A speed networking event with members of the Recruitment Process panel followed, where panelists were joined by industry professionals that included Dr. Osama Said (MyEyeDr) and Skeet Scoville (VSP Vision).
The second round of sessions also featured concurrent panels. The first was From Debt to Dollars: Navigating the Financial Journey to Optometry School & Beyond, featuring financial insights from David Birnbaum (Morgan Stanley) and virtual commentary by Drs. Chris Lopez and Aaron Neufled (ODs on Finance). At the same time there was an alumni-led panel, From Student to Doctor: The Transition to Professional Excellence in Optometry. This featured Dr. Himakshi Bhatt, ’21; Dr. Cledis Ramirez, ’20; Dr. Timothy Yuan, ’22; Dr. Stephan Murray,’22; and Dr. Sophia Johnson, ’23.
The afternoon panels concluded with another concurrent pair: Independent vs. Associate vs. Corporate vs. Industry: What Mode is Right for You and Framing the Future: Optometry Leadership. What Mode is Right for You panel speakers included Dr. Alicia Jones, ’20; Dr. Constadina Manettas, ’20; Dr. Aleksandra Wianecka, ’02; Dr. MJ BustamAnte, ’20; and Dr. Kristin Anderson. This explored the diverse options available to optometry grads in a variety of career paths. Optometry Leadership featured Dr. Jay Yoon, ’09; Dr. Ukti Vora; Dr. Maria Pribis; Dr. Ray Corbin-Simon, ’94; and Dr. Osama Said. This session spoke to the immense opportunities to lead in advancing the profession.
Career Symposium 2024 also welcomed the new Director of Career Development, Dr. Deborah Wang, ’20. “I am delighted to extend my warmest greeting to all our attendees, with a special welcome to our recent grads!” Dr. Wang again echoed the excitement around this year’s topics that included, “The theme of embracing the advancements in optometric technology, notably the integration of Artificial Intelligence while also delving into the transition from student to doctor.”
The day concluded with an industry networking fair, reception, and raffle for student and alumni attendees.