A Message from President Horn
As we start a new academic year, we are excited for the opportunity to educate the future of our profession. We will welcome our newest members of our community, the Class of 2028, and also continue to support the students within our programs. In addition, we continue to support our faculty and staff at our member institutions where we are honored to be a resource and to help create a sense of community within our profession.
ASCO represents the 24 Schools and Colleges of Optometry throughout the United States of America, as well as our Associate members in Canada and Affiliate organizations. Our community supports individuals from all backgrounds, and for many years, ASCO has been committed to creating and sustaining a diverse and inclusive culture that supports our member institutions in doing the same.
This commitment is expressed as our top Core Value enumerated in ASCO’s Strategic Plan:
ASCO sustains a strong sense of community among those involved in optometric
education. ASCO creates an environment where students, residents, faculty,
administrators, patients and their families, other healthcare practitioners, researchers,
scientists, and staff all feel heard, safe, included, respected, and supported.
As we enter another election season, ASCO encourages compassion and respect for all members of our community, and in the spirit of professionalism, we expect the same from all those in the practice of optometry. We hope that this message sets the tone for our 2024-2025 academic year and helps to foster a culture of respect and support amongst each other.