November, 2011
NOSA and ODs of Tomorrow
In November, the PCO chapter of NOSA (National Optometric Student Association) visited the Isaac A. Sheppard Elementary School in Philadelphia for a Science Discovery Day/Optometrists of Tomorrow event.
Third and fourth graders participated with a fifth grader who accompanied her younger sister to school. One of the day’s highlights was the dissection of cow’s eyes, which allowed the students to identify its structures. The students also learned about different eye conditions and diseases and were able to ask questions of the NOSA members, who enjoyed the event as much as the students.
Participants included NOSA members Tara Bucklew, Jennifer Luckie, Whitney Roberson, Charita Smith, Adrian Sutton, Xavier Thompson, and Yolanda Wiggins, all Class of 2014, and Class of 2015 members Shanee Chandler, Candace Ellis and Ruchi Shah.
Photographs courtesy of Charita Smith.
PCO Eyedol
The annual NOSA PCO Eyedol fundraiser was held in the Hafter Student Center on November 11. Faculty Melissa Trego, OD ’04, Elizabeth Tonkery, OD ’09 and Rachel Brackley, OD ’09 judged the open talent show featuring both students and faculty while students Shanee Chandler ’15OD and Candace Ellis ’15OD served as emcees. Event sponsor, Hoya Vision Care, donated an iPad2, a 32GB iPod touch and an 8GB iPod touch as prizes for the top three contestants.
According to NOSA president Camille Cohen, ’14OD, the exciting event was an opportunity for all classes and programs to come together and showcase their various talents to over 150 people in attendance . This year, the competition included a blend of songs and dances and an original tune about retinoscopy and binocular indirect ophthalmoscopy. Act one featured the “Strabizmus” dance team consisting of Kristina Ngo ’15OD, Jason Cheung ’15OD, Ada Noh ’15OD, and Jerson Desiderio ’15OD and Vijal Shah ’14OD. Two non-competing acts: The Worth 4 Dots consisted of Terrence Roberts ’13OD, James Carson ’13OD, Keion Mark ’13OD and Keston Regis ’13OD and The Eye Divas were Whitney Roberson ’14OD, Constance Berryman ’14OD and Camille Cohen ’14OD. Singers included Bryttani Sylvain ’15OD, James Carson ’13OD, Dustin Asay ’13OD and Tiffany Pao ’13OD.
PCO Eyedol jump starts NOSA’s annual week-long Thanksgiving drive, which collected 300 canned goods, stuffing and drinks to be combined with donated turkeys for baskets. This year, 19 baskets were arranged on Saturday, November 19 and delivered to needy families in the Elkins Park area on November 22.
October, 2011 - NOSA Mural Tour
Members of NOSA (National Optometric Student Association) participated in a Philadelphia Mural Tour in October.
Mary Jo Baum, OD '79, was the tour guide, providing a thorough history of each of the 30 murals, allowing members to better view the murals and gain in-depth knowledge about them.
Sponsored by Walmart, the event provided the more than 25 NOSA members in attendance with an opportunity to learn more about ordering equipment, the benefits of doing a residency, and how to open multiple successful practices. Todd Pierzchala, OD '92, a Walmart optometrist, gave a presentation and answered students' questions. NOSA is hoping to make this tour an annual event. To see all the photos...
NOSA National News
At the annual National Optometric Association meeting this summer, student officers were inducted.
- Congratulations to Erica Turner ’13OD, 2011-2012 NOSA National President and Andrew Williams ’12OD, 2011-2012 National Treasurer.
- Kennard Herring ’14OD, was elected as the 2012-2013 NOSA National Treasurer and Jennifer Luckie ’14OD, as 2012-2013 NOSA National Recording Secretary.
While attending the conference, PCO NOSA members
had the privilege of meeting NOA
co-founder Dr. C. Clayton Powell.
July, 2011 - NOSA at the National Optometric Association Annual Meeting - San Diego
PCO was well represented at the 43rd Annual NOA Convention in sunny San Diego, as NOSA members attended the three day conference from July 27-31.
During the convention, the annual NOA induction ceremony for this year’s national officers was held. Last year’s PCO NOSA chapter president, Erica Turner ’13, was inducted as NOSA national president, and Andrew Williams ’12 was inducted as the NOSA national treasurer.
Additionally, elections were held for national office for the 2012-2013 terms. Kennard Herring ’14 was elected as the NOSA National Treasurer, and Jennifer Luckie ’14 was elected as the NOSA national recording secretary.
To cap this exciting news, NOSA PCO SU was also named NOSA CHAPTER OF THE YEAR for 2010-2011!
April, 2011
25th Annual Awards Banquet
Tthe PCO chapter of the National Optometry Students Association (NOSA)held its 25th Annual Awards Banquet at the Blair Mill Inn, celebrating 25 years of service to the community. Dr. Karen Jones, former NOSA PCO chapter president (1997-1998) and PCO alumna (2000), was the event's keynote speaker. The 82 guests enjoyed a buffet dinner, as well as music and dancing.
25 Years of Community Service
The chapter celebrated 25 years of community service at the annual NOSA Awards dinner on April 15. Held this year at the Blair Mill Inn in Hatboro, PA, the dinner featured speakers Dr. Thomas L. Lewis, president of the University and Dr. Karen Jones ’00, who gave the keynote address. Awards were presented to NOSA members and the NOSA Member of the Year award was given to Camille Cohen ’14.
An induction ceremony was held for the incoming officers, all members of the Class of 2014:
- President - Camille Cohen
- Vice president - Jennifer Luckie
- Treasurer - Kennard Herring
- Secretary - Adrian Sutton
- Vision screenings/
- Community service chair - Yolanda Wiggins
- ODs of Tomorrow chair - Whitney Roberson
- Fundraising chair - Xavier Thompson
April, 2011 Dodge Ball Event
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March, 2011
Pediatrics Presentation
Dr. Ruth Shoge, TEI instructor and PCO alumna, presented on pediatric optometry. Dr. Shoge discussed the expected binocular vision findings, gave a summary of diagnostic findings for common accommodative binocular vision disorders, as well as the best treatment approach by diagnosis. The information she provided will prove to be invaluable in clinical practice.
Networking Event
Dr. Ruffin's networking presentations provided useful information that students could utilize at any networking event. She discussed establishing a relationship; seeking knowledge and retaining information; dressing appropriately, and the importance of making eye contact and having a firm handshake. Dr. Ruffin also discussed traits that an effective networker should possess, such as being confident, having a positive attitude, and being genuinely interested in the conversation. The evening was hosted by Wal-mart, who provided dinner for the attendees.