F OC U Si n g ON optomet r i c i n t erns in p rivate p r actice
with ex p er i en ce, comes vi s i o n
Alumniscope
FOCUSing ON op tometric in ter n s i n p r i vate p r ac ti c e
Optometric
Interns
in Private
Practice
On-site experience
reinforces SCCO’s
four-year practice
management curriculum
For the past several years students have had
the option in their fourth-year of completing a
12-week clinical rotation at the office of a private
practitioner committed to the College’s educational program. This
private practice option complements the
long-standing partnerships at Indian Health
Service, Veterans
Administration and
military sites offered
through the College’s
Outreach Clinical
Program.
“Optometrists need
to understand that our
externship program is
education-based and
ties into four years
of practice management that’s integrated
in SCCO’s curriculum,” notes Associate Dean
for Clinical Education Julie A. Schornack, O.D.,
M.Ed. “Optometrists selected for this program are
good role models who are balancing a professional
life and a personal life while at the same time interfacing with the community. The private practice
setting provides an invaluable experience for our
students.”
For an optometrist to take on this special
educational commitment they need to have an
adequate number of patients for which the student
can provide care, a diversity of patients, and space
in which the student can work. And, according to
Dr. Schornack, they also need to understand that,
“first and foremost this is an educational experience. The student is not there as a technician or as
an observer.”
The value of the Externship Program to
SCCO’s educational program is that it provides a
realistic day-to-day view of the rhythm of private
practice and the way the doctor treats patients and
interacts with staff. Today, eight optometrists in
California and Utah are participating in the everexpanding program.
“Private practice ownership is a different dynamic than other practice settings to which our
students are exposed,” Dr. Schornack said. “We
value our relationships with Indian Health Service,
Veterans Administration and military sites that
provide a different type of diversity and practice
experience for our optometric interns. After all, our
partnerships with these facilities have for decades
provided the foundation for the College’s worldrenown Outreach Clinical Program.
“However the private practice setting provides a look into managing a business,” explains
Dr. Schornack.
“Everything that happens is the responsibility of the business
owner, in this case the
optometrist. That’s an
important distinction
for our students.
“Through the
Externship Program
our optometric interns
experience a different avenue of practice
and are able to put
practice management
lectures and reading
into action,” notes Dr.
Schornack. “For our
doctors it’s an opportunity to impart the wisdom
that comes from years of owning and managing
a private practice. We’re very excited about this
clinical program opportunity for our students and
grateful to the participating doctors.”
Following are interviews with doctors and
interns who have participated in the externship
program.
The value of the
Externship Program to
SCCO’s educational
program is that it
provides a realistic day-today view of the rhythm
of private practice.
2 Alumniscope
Editor’s Note: Optometrists interested in participating in the Externship Program are asked to contact Dr. Julie Schornack at: jschornack@scco.edu.
Private Practitioner
Irvine, California
1 . Wh y do you w e lco m e a n i n t e r n i nto
you r off i c e fo r a 1 2 - w eek ex t er n ship ?
Two reasons. One, I have experience in teaching and our
responsibility as optometrists is to expose our students
to different environments. To let them see and experience how one organizes their day in optometry, organizes office staff and services and then expands knowledge
in the practical application of basic science in the office.
We plan our office schedule so that a student can start
with a patient and provide continuous service for that
patient for 12 weeks.
The second reason is for the relationship. The student gets to help us. We select for the student a patient
who will provide a certain patient care experience. For
example, we have a new student this week in the practice
(May 27, 2008), Linda Luong, Class of 2009. She observed an adult patient’s first strabismus evaluation and
that patient was very vocal and outgoing. Because the
patient has a good prognosis Linda will be providing the
vision care, including contact lenses and vision therapy.
2 . How does a n i n t e r n h e l p you r
p r ac ti c e ?
Students help with the patient flow in the office. I can
quickly teach a student what to do and then confidently
hand-off the patient. I also reference course materials
used at SCCO and ask the student to go back and read
a specific chapter that pertains to the case. They are motivated to do this as this type of assignment helps to link
the didactic with the clinical aspects of patient care.
3. F ro m a n educ at i o n a l s ta n d p o i n t,
h ow do e s a 1 2 - w eek ex t er n s h i p i n you r
p r ac ti c e h el p t h e s t uden t ?
In my practice there’s a unification of all types of optometric services in one spot. I strive to provide for the
student a model of how they can integrate what they’ve
learned so soundly at SCCO along with other references
we discuss and the experiences they encounter at my
office for use in their own practice.
Students learn that there’s one theme in optometry
— you have to satisfy the patient’s needs. It’s about identifying and making the right decisions with and for each
patient.
4. How do you wo r k w i t h s t uden ts?
I work one-on-one with the intern on specific patients
— we plan out what to do, what their part will be, I ask
them to look-up information and to prepare specific
procedures, we go over how to do the procedures and
how to work with equipment in the office that may differ from what they’ve worked with previously, and they
Private Practitioner Julie B. Ryan, O.D., M.S.Ed., with Optometric
Intern Linda Luong, Class of 2009.
get to work with other trained staff over the 12-week
period.
The student and I also have intermittent meetings
where we cover four topics. One is vision development
review where we review all of the philosophies related to
vision therapy. The second topic is the programming of
vision therapy for different conditions. The third topic
is behavior management with little children, and the
fourth topic is the business of vision therapy.
Megan Van Over, O.D., ’07
Chandler, Arizona
“I wanted to do a VT externship because
I was interested in vision therapy and not
sure if I wanted to commit to a one-year
VT residency. The 12-week externship
in Dr. Julie Ryan’s practice provided me
with a different perspective on how to
work with vision therapy patients. Dr.
Ryan offers perceptional and occupational
therapy in addition to regular VT which
is different from other VT practices.
She works with patients of all ages and
patients with autism and cerebral palsy
as well. Overall, the most valuable thing
I learned from Dr. Ryan was how to
perform a thorough pediatric eye exam
and evaluate the entire visual motor
system including strabismus. I gained
so much from her years of experience.”
Summer 2008 3
FOCUSing ON op tometric in ter n s i n p r i vate p r ac ti c e
Julie Berg Ryan, O.D., M.S.Ed.
FOCUSing ON op tometric in ter n s i n p r i vate p r ac ti c e
Brian R. Whitne y, O.D., ’88
Private Practice
Cedar City, Utah
1 . Wh y do you w e lco m e a n i n t e rn into
you r offi c e fo r a 1 2 - w eek ex t e r n ship ?
I initially accepted interns to help them save a little
money on rent and to get them closer to home for the
last few rotations. But after a few rotations I began to
see that they were actually beneficial in many ways to
my practice.
2 . How does a n i n t e r n h e l p you r
p r ac ti c e?
Having an intern in my practice is beneficial in many
ways. They have tons of information on retina, neuro,
vision therapy, drug interactions and dosages, etc., that I
would normally have to look up on the internet or from
books. Interns are also very thorough in their exams and
give the patients a feeling of having the best exam they
have ever had. And, last but not least, I learn different
methods of doing a procedure than the way I may have
been doing it for the last 20 years.
3. F ro m a n educ at i o n a l s ta n d p oin t,
h ow do es a 1 2 - w eek ex t er n s h i p in you r
p r ac ti c e h el p t h e s t uden t ?
With insurance billing what it is today that would
be the most beneficial to the student that is thinking
of going into private practice. Coding and billing has
become a full-time job for one person and sometimes
two. Learning how to get paid and then getting paid
are two totally different subjects, something I never
Dr. Whitney with a patient in his Cedar City, Utah practice.
learned or had to worry about when graduating from
optometry school.
4. How do you wor k with stude n ts?
I let the intern have their own exam room and check on
them for the first couple of days and then, if they have
any questions during the exam they can come get me in
my office or exam room. We go over unusual findings
and discuss possibilities of diagnosis and treatment if
necessary. We do some elementary school work that all
my interns are excited to help with. This year we took
100 cow eyes and did dissections with the middle school
students. This was quite a hit and will be the highlight
of these kids’ lives for quite sometime to come.
Jos eph V. K atsc hke, O.D., ’07
Sheridan, Wyoming
“I was encouraged by Dr. Whitney to make my
own decisions in the management of each patient’s
care. This forced me to use my thinking skills and
I could sense how I wanted to take care of my
patients in my own practice someday. In this private
practice setting, I was given a good opportunity to
work-up the case, do the entire eye exam, help the
patient select fames and lenses and really see the
whole process, including working with the staff on
billing and coding. My confidence was the most
valuable thing I gained during the externship.”
4 Alumniscope
Cedars-Sinai Medical Group
Beverly Hills Vision Center
Beverly Hills, California
1 . Wh y do you w e lco m e a n i n t e r n i nto
you r off i c e fo r a 1 2 - w eek ex t er n ship ?
Here at Cedars-Sinai Medical Group, Beverly Hills
Vision Center, we have the capability of offering a wide
patient range to students as part of a multidisciplinary
setting including private and insurance based patients.
In one afternoon, the student may see a glaucoma patient, a specialty contact lens evaluation, a red eye evaluation, and a LASIK surgery. Everyday is not the same
here. When students complete this externship they leave
with a broader scope of patient experiences, a real understanding of private practice, and an increased knowledge
of clinical care.
2 . How does a n i n t e r n h e l p you r
p r ac ti c e ?
Maximizing all the exam lanes maximizes revenue.
It’s challenging working with students; it’s a balancing
act coordinating patient care and student mentorship.
Students may work independently on their own while
I may be seeing another patient in the next exam room.
This allows for continued patient care while maximizing
all the exam rooms.
3. F ro m a n educ at i o n a l s ta n d p o i n t,
h ow do e s a 1 2 - w eek ex t er n s h i p i n you r
p r ac ti c e h el p t h e s t uden t ?
Having 12 weeks allows students to really get comfortable with the office work flow. Learning how to use
different equipment is also an emphasis. It is part of
our program to make sure every student knows how
to perform and interpret results on equipment including Humphrey Visual Field, Optical Coherence
Topographer, pachymeter, and corneal topographer.
4. How do you wo r k w i t h s t uden ts?
I work one-on-one with a student. The students get
direct feedback immediately on many aspects of the
exam. This may include technical performance, problem focused testing, differential diagnosis, and effective
communication. Clinical teaching encompasses patient
awareness and recognizing their various needs. I also
spend time with the student in helping them understand
the financial aspects of the business from purchasing
to staffing to coding to establishing fees. Working directly with one student at a time allows for complete
personal attention.
Doctors May Yuen Isbell and Sarah Cole.
Sar ah Cole, O.D., ’08
Sherman Oaks, California
“The externship at Cedars-Sinai Medical
Group allowed me to provide optometric
care to patients of diverse ages, ethnic
backgrounds and optometric needs. I
was given the opportunity to work sideby-side with an ophthalmologist and
observe ocular surgeries, such as cataract
extraction, LASIK, and blepharoplasty.
The office transitioned from paper charts
to electronic medical records while I was
there and I was able to see the involved
process. Overall, I gained experience
in a private practice-type setting while
also having the advantages of being a
part of a medical group. The externship
allowed me to get a taste of what it
would be like to work everyday in a
private practice. The experience was
wonderful and truly irreplaceable.”
Summer 2008 5
FOCUSing ON op tometric in ter n s i n p r i vate p r ac ti c e
May Yuen Isbell, O.D., ’97
commen cemen t 2 0 0 8
Commencement 2008
Candice A. Galvan, O.D., received the
ceremonial doctoral hood from her
father, SCCO Trustee Mark A. Galvan,
O.D. Her brother, Brent, is a 2005
SCCO alumnus.
6 Alumniscope
Members of the Class of 1958
attended Commencement Day
Festivities including a luncheon held
in their honor. Enjoying the occasion
was Rose Eng, O.D., and President
Les Walls, O.D. M.D., D.O.S.
Ninety-two members of the
Southern California College of
Optometry’s (SCCO’s) Class
of 2008 received their Doctor
of Optometry degrees during
ceremonies on Friday, May 23.
Family and friends numbering more than 1,200 gathered
to witness the hooding of the
92 new optometrists; the special recognition given to the
Commencement Speaker; the
achievements of optometrists
completing residencies and fellowships; and the expression of
appreciation given to the Class
of 1958.
Fourth-Year Student Emily Sandoc
Lallana, received the
PEN/ABB Con-Cise Award at the
Graduating Student Awards
Reception held during festivities for
Commencement Week. The $1,000
award is presented to a graduating
student who has displayed a high degree
of professionalism and commitment to
the independent practice of optometry.
On-hand to make the presentation
were company representatives Kirk
Washington and Melissa Bernath and
SCCO President Les Walls, O.D., M.D.,
D.O.S. Overall, 35 awards totaling
$36,500 were presented to members of
the Class of 2008.
The Presidents of SCCO past, present and
future (l-r): President Emeritus Richard
L. Hopping, O.D., D.O.S., D.Sc.; President
Lesley L. Walls, O.D., M.D., D.O.S.; and
Incoming President Kevin L. Alexander,
O.D., Ph.D.
The Valedictorian for
SCCO’s One-hundred and
Fourth Commencement Exercise
was Tawny Kaeochinda Walrath,
B.S., from Azusa, CA. Four
members of the Class of 2008
graduated, Summa Cum Laude;
seven earned Magna Cum
Laude honors; and 14 students
attained Cum Laude recognition. Members of the Class
of 2008 represented 17 states
and Canada. In addition to
California, members of the Class
of 2008 were from: Arizona,
Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa,
Kansas, Minnesota, Nevada,
North Dakota, Oregon, South
Dakota, Texas, Utah, Virginia,
Washington and Wyoming.
SCCO honored J. Pat
Cummings, O.D., with its
Award for Distinguished
Service. Dr. Cummings, vice
president, Professional Group
and Customer Development,
Vistakon, Johnson and Johnson
Vision Care, Inc., was recognized
for his service and contributions
over time that have advanced
the stature and integrity of
the optometric profession. Dr.
Cummings received the award
following the presentation of his
Commencement Address, “Our
Profession…Who Would Have
Thought?”
Twenty-eight optometrists
were also recognized during
the morning Commencement
Exercise for the completion of
their one-year residency programs and one optometrist was
honored for the completion of
a Fellowship in Research. In
addition, members of the Class
of 1958 were celebrated as they
marked the fiftieth anniversary
of their graduation from optometry school.
Summer 2008 7
commen cemen t 2 0 0 8
Members of the Platform Party
included (l-r): Vice President and Dean
of Academic Affairs Morris S. Berman,
O.D., M.S.; Commencement Speaker J.
Patrick Cummings, O.D., vice president,
Professional Group and Customer
Development, Vistakon, Johnson &
Johnson Vision Care, Inc.; Incoming
President Kevin L. Alexander, O.D.,
Ph.D.; Valedictorian Tawny Kaeochinda
Walrath, O.D.; President Les Walls, O.D.,
M.D., D.O.S.; and Chairman, Board of
Trustees Charles A. Munson, C.P.A.
commen cemen t 2 0 0 8
AOA Trustee and SCCO Alumnus
Mitch Munson, O.D., ’86, and his
wife and classmate, Susan Brunnett
Munson, O.D., thanked the crowd
for its warm welcome. Dr. Mitch
Munson addressed the Fourth-Year
Class during Commencement Week
Festivities on Wednesday, May 21.
Recognizing the Optometric
Residents and the Honor Recipients
was Vice President and Dean of
Academic Affairs Morris S. Berman,
O.D., M.S.
The Class of 2008 with President Les Walls, O.D., M.D., D.O.S.
8 Alumniscope
The College’s Award for
Distinguished Service was presented
to J. Patrick Cummings, O.D., for his
service and contributions that have
advanced the stature and integrity
of the optometric profession. Dr.
Cummings was honored following
the presentation of his address to
the Class of 2008 entitled, “Our
Profession…Who Would Have
Thought?”
Dr. Les Walls enjoying a moment at
the College’s 104th Commencement
Exercise.
of the Alumni Association;
and, we are proud that
324 members have become
“Life Members” of the
Southern California College
of Optometry’s Alumni
Association. “Life Members”
make a one-time gift of
$500 ($125 per year over
four years) to join this group
and proceeds support the
Alumni Association’s
endowment. To learn more,
contact SCCO’s Vice
President of Advancement
Bill Heaton at 714.449.7464
or wheaton@scco.edu.
Anthony V. Adornetto, O.D., ’62
Michelle Ahumada, O.D., ’01
Ronald H. Akashi, O.D., M.D., ’60
Moses Albalas, O.D., Ph.D., ’71
Edgar H. Alderman, O.D., ’81
James Almaraz, O.D., ’78
Charles Alson, O.D., ’67
Richard K. Anderson, O.D., ’70
Amy Apisa-Isaia, O.D., ’98
L. Wesley Aplanalp, O.D., ’64
J. Davis Armistead, O.D., ’48
Barbara J. Armstrong, O.D., ’76
Michele Atiz, O.D., ’98
Lawrence Babow, O.D., ’62
Brad Baggarly, O.D., ’90
Richard Baker, O.D., ’64
Paul Balliet, O.D., ’86
Keith Barker, O.D., ’75
Gary L. Barnes, O.D., ’68
Terra Barnes, O.D., ’95
Donald L. Barniske, O.D., ’74
Chris Bartelson, O.D., ’66
Nelson R. Bates, O.D., ’73
Robert D. Belajic, O.D., ’75
Terry A. Belmont
Stephan Bensussen, O.D., ’66
Lee S. Berman, O.D., ’74
Terry H. Berner, O.D., ’81
William A. Bescoby, O.D., ’81
Todd Birch, O.D., ’91
John D. Blackburn, O.D., ’99
Paul A. Blaze, O.D., ’82
Coni L. Bloomingcamp, O.D., ’86
Carl A. Boeck, O.D., ’79
Geri Bonde-Rosser, O.D., ’83
Larry J. Bonderud, O.D., ’75
David R. Boniface, O.D., ’80
Stanford A. Bracken, O.D., ’73
Vernon Bridges, O.D., ’56
Valerie W. Broadman, O.D., ’87
Bruce Brockman, O.D., ’84
Grace Buenaventura, O.D., ’95
Eva E. Buker, O.D., ’96
William L. Burk, O.D., ’72
Christopher Burt, O.D., ’93
Christopher C. Carpenter, O.D., ’00
Martin H. Carroll, O.D., ’81
Fred W. Carter, O.D., ’67
Marilyn A. Carter, O.D., ’66
Thomas Casagrande, O.D., ’83
Carlton L. Chan, O.D., ’90
Harry J. Charm, O.D., ’73
Dickson Chen, O.D., ’92
Paul A. Chenard, O.D., ’71
Robert Y. Cheung, O.D., ’75
Dennis Chinn, O.D., ’52
Bonnie Chow, O.D., ’03
Marcellus Chow, O.D., ’99
Garth N. Christenson, O.D., ’85
Amy T. Chu, O.D., ’94
Robert Collins, O.D., ’64
Donald W. Cook, O.D., ’68
Michael Corben, O.D., ’68
Arthur B. Corish, O.D., ’77
Wiley F. Curtis, O.D., ’82
David S. Davis, O.D., ’88
Suzanne Day, O.D., ’00
James R. Deardorff, O.D., ’78
Larry W. Decker, O.D., ’92
Duane deCroupet, O.D., ’70
Vincent DeFrancisco, O.D., ’67
Gabriel Dery, O.D., ’75
Thomas F. Determan, O.D., ’87
Movses D’Janbatian, O.D., ’83
Joe W. Dobbs, O.D., ’63
Steven S. Dobson, O.D., ’80
Harold I. Drapkin, O.D., ’66
Ann A. Easly-DeBisschop, O.D., ’84
Craig Eckroth, O.D., ’93
David H. Eldridge, O.D., ’66
Richard Elhaj, O.D., ’01
Edwin Y. Endo, O.D., ’80
David Esquibel, O.D., ’83
Robert L. Evans, O.D., ’67
Becky Fartash, O.D., ’82
Joseph W. Fife, O.D., ’01
Edmundo Fimbres, O.D., ’79
Patricia A. Fimreite, O.D., ’86
Winona J. Firth, O.D., ’90
James L. Flickner, O.D., ’75
Troy S. Ford, O.D., ’90
Lawrence Fromm, O.D., ’62
Darlyne H. Fujimoto, O.D., ’83
Kenneth Fukuda, O.D., ’99
Carolynn Caffrey Gabriel, O.D., ’78
Louis A. Galasso, O.D., ’56
Gary Gallagher, O.D., ’78
Carl Garbus, O.D., ’80
Sharlene S. Gee, O.D., ’96
N. Rex Ghormley, O.D., ’64
Timothy A. Giles, O.D., ’85
Mark A. Gillispie, O.D., ’85
Warren H. Giss, O.D., ’58
Robert T. Gmelin, O.D., ’66
Steven L. Goedert, O.D., ’74
David B. Golden, O.D., ’87
Harvey R. Goldstone, O.D., ’71
Robert L. Gordon, O.D., ’71
Debbie Goya, O.D., ’92
Nicholas Green, O.D., ’72
James H. Grimes, O.D., ’75
Jennifer B. Grove, O.D., ’92
Frances Guerrero, O.D., ’96
Nicole Ha, O.D., ’96
Sean Hamashige, O.D., ’90
Craig R.W. Hamilton, O.D., ’74
James D. Hamilton, O.D., ’93
Annette Hanian, O.D., ’95
Dwight Hansen, O.D., ’86
John G. Hasbrouck, O.D., ’80
Kevin T. Hashimoto, O.D., ’98
Richard Hatch, O.D., ’74
Richard L. Hatcher, O.D., ’61
Michelle Hayes, O.D., ’88
Daniel Hennessey, O.D., ’83
Kevin K. Hirano, O.D., ’89
Lisa Hopkins, O.D., ’95
Richard L. Hopping, O.D.,
D.O.S., D.Sc.
Ronald L. Hopping, O.D., ’78
Jack L. Hostetler, O.D., ’80
Linda W.T. Hsu, O.D., ’87
Nathan Hsu, O.D., ’86
Douglas L. Huff, O.D., ’81
Eric Ikeda, O.D., ’86
Nancy Imamoto, O.D., ’00
Donald Jarnagin, O.D., ’70
Larry Jerge, O.D., ’74
Ann M. Johannsen, O.D., ’82
George Ken Johnson, O.D., ’79
Roger Jordan, O.D., ’80
Anna Kame, O.D., ’00
Gregory Kame, O.D., ’99
Akio Kanai, O.D., ’72
Tina N. Kastler, O.D., ’01
Rose Kaw, O.D., ’92
Brian S. Kawasaki, O.D., ’00
Cindy F. Lum Kawasaki, O.D., ’00
Carol L. Kelley, O.D., ’93
Chang H. Kim, O.D., ’90
Daniel K. Kimura, O.D., ’00
Michael M. King, O.D., ’63
Barry Kissack, O.D., ’67
Janet E. Kohtz, O.D., ’67
Wesley S. Kohtz, O.D., ’63
Charles J. Korth, O.D., ’90
Ryan Y. Koyama, O.D., ’67
Richard Kramb, O.D., ’51
Reid Kunitake, O.D., ’89
Steven K. Kurata, O.D., ’74
Robert A. LaFont, O.D., ’77
Edward C. Landon, O.D., ’78
John E. Larcabal, O.D., ’88
Carmela T. Larino, O.D., ’95
Larrance E. Larson, O.D., ’79
Franklin Lau, O.D., ’82
Anyika C. Lee, O.D., ’01
Darren G. Lee, O.D., ’93
Gary Lee, O.D., ’75
Yvonne Lee, O.D., ’99
Jerome A. Legerton, O.D., ’68
Clifford G. Leong, O.D., ’65
Leon Lipkis, O.D., ’40
Alvin Lo, O.D., ’92
Jeanne W. Louie, O.D., ’02
Charles C. Luu, O.D., ’86
Lynne D. Luu, O.D., ’87
Theresa Luu, O.D., ’97
Jeffrey E. Marshak, O.D., ’73
Calvin P. Martindale, O.D., ’83
Anne Matsushima, O.D., ’81
Joseph Maycock, O.D., ’03
Ken Mayemura, O.D., ’92
Bert L. McCoy, O.D., ’65
Robert McPheron, O.D., ’88
James N. Merryman, O.D., ’43
Phillip Miles, O.D., ’62
Pamela J. Miller, O.D., J.D., ’73
Howard L. Misheloff, O.D., ’73
Mark M. Morris, O.D., ’63
Jon D. Morrison, O.D., ’75
Mercedeh Motameni, O.D., ’91
Gary T. Mukai, O.D., ’74
Nelson Lorne Muth, O.D., ’70
Dennis Y. Nakatani, O.D., ’65
Byron Y. Newman, O.D., ’54
Natalie N. Nguyen, O.D., ’00
Peter H. Nguyen, O.D., ’92
Steve Tuan Nguyen, O.D., ’92
Arthur Y. Nomura, O.D., ’61
Thomas W. Nooney, O.D., ’48
Yvette Renee Nooney, O.D., ’48
Joseph R. Occhipinti, O.D., ’89
Don S. Ohanesian, O.D., ’66
Steven Omoto, O.D., ’77
Carmencita T. Palma, O.D., ’90
Glenn S. Parnes, O.D., ’87
Christopher J. Parot, O.D., ’91
Dan A. Paul, O.D., ’86
Robert L. Pazen, O.D., ’62
Donald E. Pearcy, O.D., ’83
Robert Pearson, O.D., ’86
Barton M. Pedersen, O.D., ’63
Samuel Pesner, O.D., ’71
James D. Peterson, O.D., ’52
Scott D. Peterson, O.D., ’83
Thao Pham, O.D., ’01
Tiffany Pham, O.D., ’94
Tram Pham, O.D., ’01
Quynh T. Phan, O.D., ’00
Mark J. Piekarski, O.D., ’75
Lawrence A. Polikoff, O.D., ’63
Jennifer M. Poole, O.D., ’00
Bruce Potter, O.D., ’63
Joshua D. Prager, O.D., ’86
Kristy M. Remick, O.D., ’83
Robert A. Reynolds, O.D., ’75
Charles A. Richards, O.D., ’77
Steve Richlin, O.D., ’83
Eric I. Richman, O.D., ’90
William Richter, O.D., ’57
Kent Robertson, O.D., ’89
Caroline Robison, O.D., ’98
John Rossi, O.D., ’84
Myron M. Sakamoto, O.D., ’79
Justin E. Sandholm, O.D., ’01
A.L. Sarantinos, O.D., ’59
Craig Bruce Scheffel, O.D., ’75
Ronald W. Schisler, O.D., ’79
Michael R. Sellers, O.D., ’78
Dale I. Sellon, O.D., ’40
James P. Serino, O.D., ’84
Steven D. Shaffer, O.D., ’84
William Shaffer, O.D., ’74
Kauser V. Sharieff, O.D., ’95
Benny Shao, O.D., ’01
Peter Shaw-McMinn, O.D., ’78
Gail Shibayama, O.D., ’81
Lisa Shimada, O.D., ’87
Takao Shimazaki, O.D., ’68
Gene R. Sieben, O.D., ’62
Andrea C. Silvers, O.D., ’70
James L. Simonson, O.D., ’74
Cindy W. Siu, O.D., ’00
Kurt R. Skinner, O.D., ’87
Roy P. Smith, O.D., ’47
David L. Snyder, O.D., ’70
David B. Souza, O.D., ’70
Richard L. Sowby, O.D., ’56
Continued on next page
Summer 2008 9
Alum n i Associ ati on Li fe M emb er s
All graduates are members
Alumni Association Life Members
continued
Alumni Notes
Dennis J. Spiro, O.D., ’87
Michael N. Spitzer, O.D., ’80
Herb A. Starlin, O.D., ’89
Marcia S. Stauter, O.D., ’85
David Stein, O.D., ’84
Jonathan E. Stine, O.D., ’83
Nida Steiner, O.D., ’91
Beau Stocking, O.D., ’76
Eric Strautman, O.D., ’90
Wallace Stuart, O.D., ’70
Donald Studt, O.D., ’51
Zen-Ni Su, O.D., ’98
Mark Svennungsen, O.D., ’67
Akira Tajiri, O.D., ’51
Carolyn A. Takaesu, O.D., ’91
Roy Takemura, O.D., ’74
May Tam, O.D., ’02
John D. Tassinari, O.D., ’87
Joseph Taylor, O.D., ’49
Yin Tea, O.D., ’99
Mindy D. Toabe, O.D., ’98
Kieutien P. Tonnu, O.D., ’94
James Truong, O.D., ’96
Setsuya Tsuda, O.D., ’75
Irvin I. Tsumoto, O.D., ’79
Jason D. Tu, O.D., ’99
Lyly Ung, O.D., ’93
Katrina Van Patten, O.D., ’83
Joseph Vansuch, O.D., ’77
Elliot Vaupen, O.D., ’60
J. Michael Vidal, O.D., ’76
Suzanne Lee Vigilia, O.D., ’89
Dawn Viramontes, O.D., ’96
Teresa Vu, O.D., ’00
Yen Vu, O.D., ’01
Larry Waggoner, O.D., ’76
Kenneth W. Wainwright, O.D., ’67
David T. Wakabayashi, O.D., ’70
Lesley L. Walls, O.D., M.D.,
D.O.S.
Barbara T. Washburn, O.D., ’87
Teruo Watanabe, O.D., ’73
Yvonne Weisz, O.D., ’94
Carl E. Wek, O.D., ’49
Denton H. Wells, O.D., ’72
Hershel B. Welton, O.D., ’64
Timothy Welton, O.D., ’93
Eric M. White, O.D., ’86
Jeffrey S. Williams, O.D., ’79
Mike E. Wise, O.D., ’68
Walter R. Wolleat, O.D., ’71
Carolyn M. Wong, O.D., ’82
Cecilia Wong, O.D., ’96
Mike Vy Wong, O.D., ’95
Paul L. Woolf, O.D., ’93
Pamela I. Wu, O.D., ’97
Harvey H. Yamamoto, O.D., ’61
Irene Yim, O.D., ’91
Shaw Yorizane, O.D., ’76
Dan O. Yoshii, O.D., ’71
Boyd F. Young, O.D., ’90
Chen K. Young, O.D., ’95
Dale A. Young, O.D., ’74
Jennifer C. Young, O.D., ’97
Sharon L. Yurko, O.D., ’85
Golnar Zarnegar, O.D., ’89
Michael V. Zundell, O.D., ’72
1951
Akira Tajiri, O.D., Reedley, CA, has invented
10
10 Alumniscope
Alumniscope
and patented a fast, accurate, low-cost, on-site
fabrication of prescription glasses. Dr. Tajiri’s
latest invention was born out of his frustration
with only being able to provide limited help
to people when on medical mission trips to
Mexico. It took him about 18 months to develop the procedure and then invent a portable
saw that could cut the lens as needed even in
remote locations. He also started the Precise
Vision Enhancement Nonprofit Foundation to
provide the world’s needy with glasses that are
as close to the exact prescription for each eye, to
correct astigmatism, as well as provide bifocals
as needed utilizing a stock of new lenses and a
standardized new frame.
1952
SCCO Trustee Warren Harvard Low, O.D.,
1976: Terrace L. Waggoner, O.D., Gulf
Breeze, FL, has helped the Lotus College of
Optometry in India design a pediatric color
vision test using symbols that children in
that country would recognize. He’s pictured
with a first edition.
Lomita, CA, was one of several WWII veterans
who were recognized on Super Bowl Sunday
at a gathering at Trump National. He served
for six years on active duty in the Navy during
the war and the Korean Conflict. The National
Republican Congressional Committee also recently honored Dr. Low with its highest honor,
the 2008 Presidential Commission.
1998
Susan E. Sawyer, O.D., Phillips Ranch, CA,
has a busy practice, but makes time to volunteer her talents to “Angels for Sight,” a nonprofit group in Compton, CA. Dr. Sawyer has
provided this group vision screenings, examinations and glasses to underserved youth and
seniors since 2004.
In Memoriam
SCCO was saddened to hear of the deaths of
the following alumni and friends.
Walter E. Michaelis, O.D., ’48
Coeur d’Alene, ID
Gaylord M. Pohlenz, O.D., ’49
Blackwell, OK
Norman R. Miller, O.D., ’53
Trustee, 1964–65, 1972–87
Trustee Emeritus, 1987
Yucaipa, CA
Arthur W. Thomas, O.D., ’60
SCCO Faculty, 1960–71
Vista, CA
G. Allen Floodman, O.D., ’72
Yukon, OK
Send Us Your Ne ws
Yes, we want to hear from you!
E-mail your news and digital photos
to: alumni@scco.edu.
1993: Mel L. Lindauer, O.D., is campaigning
for election in November 2008 as a
Washington State Representative, District
6. Dr. Lindauer, a Republican, is president
of Optic One Eye Care Centers of Spokane,
which operates three clinics in Spokane
and Cheney. He is co-owner of Lindauer
Real Estate Development LLC, a land
development company that owns property
throughout Spokane County. Dr. Lindauer
and his wife, Carolyn, reside in North
Spokane with their two sons. To learn more:
www.electmel.com
2007: Beautiful Wyoming was the site for
the September 1, 2007 wedding of Megan
M. Maass, O.D., and Joel Van Over. The
newlyweds are living in Chandler, AZ, where
Dr. Van Over will complete a one-year SCCO
Residency in Primary Eye Care / Ocular
Disease at Hu Hu Kam Memorial Hospital in
Sacaton on June 30.
A rou n d t he C a mpus
Summer/June 2008
Volume 31 / Number 2
Southern California College of Optometry
Board of Trustees
Charles A. Munson, C.P.A.,
Chairman
Tammie K. Akiyoshi, R.N., M.A.
Thomas M. Calderon
Gene D. Calkins, O.D., J.D., ’68
Sueling Chen, M.B.A., Ed.D.
Carling H. Childs
Duane A. deCroupet, O.D., ’70
Joe W. Dobbs, O.D., ’63
Robert V. Dolan, M.D.
Mark A. Galvan, O.D.
Carl W. Gregory, M.B.A.
Craig R.W. Hamilton, O.D., ’74
Jerome Hunter, Ed.D.
Duncan Johnson, Ed.D.
Richard H. Kendall, O.D., ’51
Frances M. Knott
Steven K. Kurata, O.D., ’74
Warren Harvard Low, O.D., ’52
Carol Najera, J.D.
John S. Rossi, O.D., ’84*
Glenda B. Secor, O.D.
Wayne D. Wedin, M.S.
Let’s Celebrate: The Campus Community gathered to specially celebrate President Les Walls, O.D., M.D.,
D.O.S., at the Annual End-of-the-Academic-Year Barbecue. The May 2 event provided a fun and casual
setting for all members of the Campus Community to honor Dr. Walls on the occasion of his June 30
retirement. Can you find him pictured amongst the students? Photo by Matt Breneman, Multi-Media
Assistant.
How to Reach Us
Alumni Relations Office. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 714.449.7462
Optometric Placement Service “In-Sight” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.scco.edu
Address/Record Changes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 714.449.7462
Campus Store. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 714.449.7434
Continuing Education Office. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 714.449.7442
Development Office . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 714.449.7464
Eye Care Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 714.449.7400
M.B. Ketchum Memorial Library. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 714.449.7440
Publications Office. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 714.449.7463
Student Affairs Office . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 714.449.7444
Admissions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 714.449.7444
Financial Aid. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 714.449.7448
SCCO Home Page. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.scco.edu
Core Values
The core values of the Southern California College of Optometry are those qualities that constitute the
educational philosophy and spirit of the institution, and permeate every aspect of the campus community.
The College emphasizes and enhances these values in its students throughout the professional program. The
core values of SCCO are leadership, ethics, professionalism, compassion, commitment, pursuit of excellence,
pursuit of knowledge, collegiality, and sense of community.
Vision Statement
Enhancing the quality of life through vision care.
Mission Statement
The mission of the Southern California College of Optometry is to provide the highest quality optometric
education through excellence in teaching, patient care, research, public service and institutional
management.
*The President of the Alumni Association of
SCCO serves as a member of the College’s Board
of Trustees.
Alumni Association Board of Directors
John S. Rossi, O.D., ’84
President
Gregory Y. Kame, O.D., ’99
Vice President
Charles C. Luu, O.D., ’86
Secretary / Treasurer
Lee S. Berman, O.D., M.B.A., ’74
Immediate Past President
Directors
Jenny S. Choi, O.D., ’99
Maryanne Marcolivio, O.D., ’90
Lisa R. Matsui, O.D., ’93
Byron Y. Newman, O.D., ’54
Andrea C. Silvers, O.D., ’70
Cindy W. Siu, O.D., ’00
David T. Wakabayashi, O.D., ’70
Timothy H. Welton, O.D., ’93
President’s Executive Council
Lesley L. Walls, O.D., M.D., D.O.S.
President
Lisa K. Albers, C.P.A.
Vice President of Financial Affairs
and Chief Financial Officer
Morris S. Berman, O.D., M.S.
Vice President and Dean of Academic Affairs
William E. Heaton Jr.
Vice President of Advancement
John H. Nishimoto, O.D., M.B.A., ’87
Vice President and Dean of Clinical Affairs
Lorraine I. Voorhees, O.D., M.S., ’71
Vice President of Student Affairs
College Relations
William E. Heaton Jr.
Vice President of Advancement
Debra J. Marks, M.A.
Director of Publications
Editor, Alumniscope
Frances A. Rozner, M.A.
Director of Development
Photography
L. Ernie Carrillo, B.A.
Director of Multi-Media Services
Matt Breneman
Multi-Media Assistant
On the Cover:
In her Irvine, California practice, Julie Berg Ryan, O.D., M.S.Ed., is pictured with SCCO Optometric Intern
Linda Luong, Class of 2009, and patient Rebecca W. See page 3 for details.
Alumniscope is published three times per year by the Southern California College of Optometry, in
cooperation with the Alumni Association, 2575 E. Yorba Linda Blvd., Fullerton, CA 92831.
Printed on recycled paper.
Summer 2008 11
Mark Your
Calendars
Continuing
Educ ation*
SCCO Online CE
Co-Sponsored by Vision West, Inc.
& Alcon
Seven Courses; 2 CE credits each
Register at: www.scco.edu/ceonline
Sunday, August 24
Advances in Ocular Disease
7 CE Credits / SCCO
Sunday, September 7
Treatment & Management
of Ocular Disease
Presented by VA Faculty
7 CE Credits / SCCO
Sunday, October 12
CE Program for Alumni Reunion
Topics: Ocular Disease, Vision
Therapy, Technology
7 CE Credits / SCCO
Wed.–Sun., October 22–25
American Academy of Optometry
Anaheim, CA / www.aaopt.org
Sunday, November 9
Tenth Annual GP Lens /
Therapeutics Symposium
7 CE Credits / SCCO
Alumni Association of the
Southern California College of Optometry
2575 Yorba Linda Blvd.
Fullerton, California 92831
Address Service Requested
www.scco.e du
Sunday, December 7
Optometry Update
Presented by SCCO’s Eye Care
Center Clinical Chiefs
7 CE Credits / SCCO
*Continuing Education offerings are
subject to change. Please contact
SCCO’s Office of Continuing Education
for registration information: Voice
714.449.7442; FAX 714.992.7809;
Website: www.scco.edu
Special Announcements
Alumni Reunion Weekend
Saturday & Sunday, October 11 & 12
Saturday
SCCO Campus
All Family BBQ
Campus Tours
Fullerton Marriott Hotel
Reunion Reception & Banquet
Reunion After Glow Party
Sunday
SCCO Campus
Continuing Education Program
7 CE Credits
Reunion Information: 714.449.7462
CE Information: 714.449.7442
Distinguished Alumnus to be announced
The Alumni Association’s 2008 Distinguished Alumnus of the Year
will be honored at the Reunion Banquet on Saturday, October 11.
Shared Visions Art Exhibit
An Art Exhibit by Artists Who Are Blind or Legally Blind
The 2008–2009 Exhibit: Opening Reception
Tuesday, September 23, 7–8:30 p.m.
Carling Huntington Childs Family Eye Care Center, SCCO
Nonprofit Organization
U.S. postage
PAID
Fullerton, CA
Permit No. 388