I have always been so fortunate in my career. A high school job as an optometric assistant led to my interest in optometry. Upon graduation from The Ohio State University College of Optometry, I expected to enter private practice like most of my colleagues. As it turned out, I happened onto another course and became a staff optometrist at a multidisciplinary clinic. That experience opened the door to my selection as the first optometrist at the Cleveland VA. During my 35 years as the Chief of Optometry there, I have had wonderful opportunities. In addition to caring for those who have selflessly served our nation, I have had the opportunity to teach and develop programs for residents and externs from Ohio State and other optometry programs as well as for students and residents from the Case Western Reserve School of Medicine. I was also instrumental in growing the optometry services at the Cleveland VA to a group of 22 optometrists in 12 eye clinics. I’m most grateful to have been a member of our profession during very exciting and evolutionary times and am thankful for my very supportive family: Dave (Optometry ’77), our son Tom, our late son Dan, and many friends and colleagues and extended family.
