Optometry Program News

The Class of 2012 needed to raise money and, according to class president Jamie Wohlhagen, while the students were attempting to find a “creative way to help fund our financial obligations as a class” they came up with the idea of selling T-shirts. They approached Dr. Charles Wormington, associate professor and creator of the Wormington Card, who agreed to let them use his image “for a good cause.”

Designed by fellow classmate Dan Strybos, the brightly colored shirts have an image of Dr. Wormington with the words “I’m a Cardholder” displayed on the front, and an image of a Wormington Card displayed on the back. (Wormington Cards are a popular diagnostic tool used by optometry students).

Building on Dr. Helen Kaiser’s suggestion of a photo of everyone in their shirts, the students turned the project into “Wormington Appreciation Day,” said Ms. Wohlhagen.     “Dr. Wormington has gone to great lengths to pass along the knowledge and skills that we need to be equipped with as optometry students.” She added, “We wanted to recognize a dedicated and passionate professor while doing it in a ‘fashionably eccentric’ way.”

Class officers distributed the shirts on January 28 in the Bennett Lounge of the Hafter Student Community Center, where the students and faculty posed with Dr. Wormington and PCO Dean Linda Casser for the photo above. Also in attendance was Salus president, Dr. Thomas L. Lewis, who is not in the photo.

The students sold more than 70 shirts last month and due to popular demand are taking orders for a second release. The shirts are $16.00 and come in a choice of colors. For those interested in purchasing a shirt, please contact odclassof2010@salus.edu for more information and to place your order.

Pictured above are (L to R): Mark Parsons, Jed Ellwood, Laura Ng, Rachel Nadeau, and Lidsey Perno, all members of the
Class of 2013.

What was billed as the first annual SOSH Bowl-A-Thon was held on Friday, January 22,as part of the fundraising efforts of SOSH (Students in Optometric Service to Humanity) members for their annual optometric service trip. This year SOSH students will go to EL Salvador and, in addition to Valentine’s Day candy-grams and other fundraisers, the Bowl-A-Thon as one in a long list of fun and creative ways they are raising the money to go.

Eight teams of students had a good time as they bpwled, enjoying pizza and soft drinks. The winning team included first year OD student Joey Tran and his friends, Minh, Hai, Tuan and Jay.

SOSH members are dedicated to providing optometric services to those who would not otherwise receive eyecare and, in addition to vision screenings and eye exams, the group distributes reading and sun glasses.

• Saturday, March 14,  9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  Lions Club Health Fair - Hafter Student Center

• Sunday, 18 April 2010
  The Joseph C. Toland Excellence in Education Conference
  Six hours of quality continuing education. To register >>

• April 28 - May 2, 2010
  The American Academy of Optometry - New Jersey Chapter presents:
  The 8th Annual Educational Conference - Details >>
• May 1 - 2, 2010
  Alumni Reunion - Classes ending with 0 and 5: This is your reunion year!