The Heartbeat of the Organization
As we step confidently into 2026, I am honored to begin my term as President of the Pennsylvania Optometric Association and even more honored to reflect on the remarkable year we’ve just completed. When I look back at 2025, one theme stands out above all, the incredible dedication of our volunteers. The heartbeat of this organization has always been the optometrists, students, paraoptometrics, and partners who donate their time, energy, and expertise to strengthen our profession. I would like to recognize some of what the optometrist volunteers of the POA have accomplished this past year.
The Clinical Education & Meeting Planning Committee, chaired by Dr. Ashley Maglione, and the Clinical Practice Resource Committee, chaired by Dr. Christine Zlupko, continued to elevate our continuing education offerings by listening closely to our members’ educational needs. Their webinar series featured respected clinicians. They hosted two well-received in-person events: a lively Spring Congress at the Kalahari Resort with a new roundtable format and a gorgeous end-of-summer waterfront conference in Cambridge, Maryland, featuring two hands-on workshops. Creating education that is both engaging and fun is not a small task, and they delivered.
A sincere thank you to the Resolutions and Bylaws Committee, chaired by Dr. Gary Scheib, for keeping our governance updated, organized, and safely within parliamentary lines. Your attention to detail keeps the POA running smoothly.
Under the leadership of Dr. Erin Keim, the Children’s Vision Care Alliance (CVCA) organized education focused on effective pediatric examinations and supported the POA’s joint event with VSP Eyes of Hope in Harrisburg, where 150 patients received care. This is an outstanding contribution to children’s vision in our state.
The Low Vision Awareness Committee, led by the passionate Dr. Jeannie Astorino, strengthened our alliance with the Pennsylvania Academy of Ophthalmology. Their educational outreach included a newsletter article and a lecture to help all eye care providers better understand the invaluable role low vision specialists play in patient care.
Our Communications Committee, chaired by Drs. Kim Fazio and Dave Wagner, kept information flowing smoothly by gathering and distributing timely updates to local society leaders, ensuring members stayed well informed of POA and AOA activities.
The Third Party Committee, chaired by Dr. Steve Eiss, continued its relentless work combating insurer downcoding, improving diabetic eye exam bonus programs, and assisting members with billing and coding challenges. Dr. Eiss’ encyclopedic knowledge of insurance intricacies remains nothing short of awe-inspiring.
The Pennsylvania Diabetic Eye Health Alliance (PDEHA), chaired by Drs. Molly Ann Clymer and Roopal Rammohan, had another active year of public education including community outreach, a “Diabetes Download” VLOG appearance, and the creation of a new diabetic eye-health brochure. They also hosted their second year of diabetic webinars in November in recognition of National Diabetes Awareness Month—free for POA members!
Our Membership and DEI Committees, chaired by Drs. Alexis Wylam and Kelly Seibert, worked to change our lens patient care by hosting a lecture by an audiologist, created a comprehensive new-graduate career guide, hosted a student track at Congress with over 40 students, and held a new-grad social event.
The Legislative Affairs Committee, chaired by Dr. Richard Christoph, continued advocacy efforts with our lobbyists and legislators, capped by a successful May Lobby Day with 28 doctors and 9 students advocating for improved pediatric eye care.
The Keyperson Committee, led by Dr. Lori Gray, strengthened relationships across the Commonwealth and held a fall training event to support effective grassroots engagement.
And although fundraising is never glamorous, the POPAC Fundraising Committee, chaired by Dr. Christopher Kuc, worked tirelessly to ensure optometry’s voice remained strong in Harrisburg. We also extend heartfelt thanks to Dr. Kuc as he relocates to Kentucky. His advocacy and service have been invaluable.
We appreciate the efforts of our Awards Committee, chaired by Dr. Christine Weld, for shining a spotlight on the achievements and hard work of our members. And thank you to the Nominating & Evaluating Committee, led by Dr. Perry Umlauf, which continues its mission of discovering strong leaders from across the state to serve on our Board of Directors.
Looking ahead to 2026, I am excited to support the launch of a new Student and Young OD Mentorship Committee, led by Dr. Jillian Penny. More mentors for the committee are welcome.
Finally, none of this would be possible without the incredible POA staff, Executive Director Jennifer Keeler, the Board of Directors, our society leaders, and of course, our members.
Thank you for all you do. I look forward to another year of progress, connection, and service to the citizens of our Commonwealth. If you’d like to be more involved, please reach out; we’d love to welcome you.
