What ODs are grateful for in 2018

It seems we have our own traditions at Optometry Times, and one of them is our annual gratitude story.

This year is our fourth annual edition.

Once again, as we gather around the table filled with family and friends to celebrate Thanksgiving, it’s time to consider our blessings.

At Optometry Times, we are grateful for you, our readers. Without you, there is no Optometry Times.

We are grateful for our advertisers, also without whom there would be no Optometry Times.

And last but by no means least, we are grateful for the ODs who give their time and expertise to author the content you read every month in the print publication and (we hope!) more frequently on our website.

See how gratitude has changed…or not….over the years:
What ODs are grateful for in 2017What eyecare providers are grateful for in 2016What eyecare providers are thankful for (our original story)

Find out what ODs are grateful for in 2018Ben Casella, OD, FAAO
Chief Optometric Editor
Augusta, GA

My family and our cat (who hasn’t given me the cold paw nearly as much as of late).

A. Paul Chous, OD, MA, FAAOTacoma, WA

An independent judiciary and smart women

Tracy Swartz, OD, FAAOMadison, AL

I am thankful for good family health, allowing us to travel as a family and make up for lost time due to way too much surgery.

Ben Gaddie, OD, FAAOLexington, KY

I’m grateful for all of our colleagues who spend their time and money to advocate for our profession and patients.

Jeff Anshel, OD, FAAOEncinitas, CA

I am grateful that I can still afford to be in private practice (not sure how much longer…).

Barbara Fluder, ODMerrillville, IN

I am grateful for health, doggies, cats, and vacations.

Diana Canto-Sims, ODChicago

I am grateful for my crew. These are the courageous people in my life who put up with me, help my mission, have my back, adjust my crown, and bring me down to reality as needed. I would be insanely unhappy and unproductive without them.

I use the word “crew” instead of “team” because I think “crew” takes it to a higher level. A crew is a group of people who works closley together.

Alan Glazier, OD, FAAORockville, MD

I am grateful for the people in my life who add love and meaning to it.

Stuart Richer, OD, PhD, FAAOChicago

Gratitude is my everyday attitude. It’s as important as any other wellness or nutritional pearl.

In 2018, it became apparent that combining digital imaging technologies with preventive medicine provides a powerful new motivating force for the evolution of our profession. One cannot ignore data. Each optometrist now has the power to impact the life of an individual patient, for the better.

I have gratitude for these tools.

Dori Carlson, ODPark River, ND

I am grateful for the profession of optometry. It allows us to take our passions in so many different directions. I’m currently working on my Masters of Arts in Leadership.

Crystal Brimer, OD, FAAOWilmington, NC

Perspective.

Chris Wroten, ODHammond, LA

In 2018, I’m especially thankful for my optometry “family.” We have a wonderful profession that so willingly gives of its time and resources to help our patients and our colleagues.

Our family’s home and one of our offices were devastated by a massive flood in the summer of 2016, and thanks to God’s help and the generosity of our optometry family, our friends, the AOA’s Disaster Relief Fund, and our families, we were able to complete the rebuild of our home this year (our office had already reopened).

We’re so grateful to be part of the profession of optometry!

Scott Hauswirth, OD, FAAODenver

I'm grateful to have an amazing family, and fantastic friends and colleagues in eyecare! It’s been a great year!

David Geffen, OD, FAAOSan Diego

I am grateful for my staff who makes my life easier and pleasant to be in the office!

Melanie Denton, OD, MBA, FAAOSalisbury, NC

I'm grateful that my Army husband finally lives with me again!

Justin Bazan, ODBrooklyn, NY

I'm grateful my patients can appropriately answer, “Why do you go to the eye doctor?”

Danica Morelli, OD, FAAOHouston

I am grateful for the opportunity to take care of patients and train new optometrists in the process. On a personal note, I’m grateful that my oldest daughter is graduating from college next month!

Michael Chaglasian, OD, FAAOChicago

I’m grateful for:
• My children and their success in college
• My health and my families good health
• The numerous opportunities for positive, professional engagement and activity over the past year

Sherry Bass, OD, FAAONew York City

I am grateful for having a home and office not threatened by fire or disaster. My prayers go out to our California colleagues whose holidays will not be as happy.

Pam Miller, OD, FAAO, JDHighlands, CA

I am grateful for all the normal things: my health, my family, my friends.

But actually I am most grateful and thankful that I have been given an opportunity to make a difference and to live a life that many of my friends and colleagues have missed only because their lives have been cut short. I would like to believe that their thoughts, dreams, and desires have been furthered through me.

Leo Semes, OD, FAAOPonte Vedra Beach, FL

2018 allowed me the good fortune to pursue my optometric interests while balancing leisure and family time. An academic milestone was receiving a professor emeritus appointment from the Trustees of the University of Alabama System. And a family milestone was the birth of our third granddaughter, Lyons.

Leslie O’Dell, OD, FAAOYork, PA

I am grateful for family-they support me as I continue to pursue this passion project of dry eye disease. Whether I am working in the office or traveling for conferences and speaking opportunities, I could not do what I do without my family. They say it takes a village, and I am thankful for mine!