From Connection to Commitment: A Journey in the POA

Back in 2007, shortly after graduating from Pennsylvania College of Optometry, I attended one of my first local society meetings. This particular meeting wasn’t my very first—I remember because my first meeting came with an unintended souvenir: a speeding ticket—but this one stayed in my memory for a different reason entirely. It was not the continuing education that I remember, or if they talked about legislative efforts, or if they asked for a PAC donation, though most likely all of those things happened. What I remember is the friendly face of Dr. Becca Bateson. She immediately introduced herself, made me feel welcomed and included, and in so many words “voluntold” me that being an officer of the Southwestern Optometric Society Board was not a matter of if, but when. 

That simple connection was transformative. Dr. Bateson's encouragement sparked a journey that has since grown into a professional and personal network spanning the Commonwealth. Today, as I write to you as President of this remarkable association, I reflect on how one person’s gesture opened the door to years of friendships, mentorships, and mutual support.

The Value of Membership: More Than the Tangible

The decision to join or renew membership in an organization is based on perceived value. Tangible benefits like continuing education, legislative advocacy, and third-party support are significant, but the unspoken, often overlooked benefit is perhaps the most impactful: relationships.

My focus for 2025 is on membership. I have an ambitious goal of adding 100 new members in 2025. These new members will bring new ideas, viewpoints, and talents that can support the POA’s vision to create access to high quality eye-health and vision care for all citizens of Pennsylvania. And we will continue our mission to provide education, advocacy, and support for the optometrists of Pennsylvania with greater strength in numbers.

How Can We Achieve This Together?

Dr. Maya Angelou wisely said, “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” I can attest to the truth of this statement, and we hopefully all have similar stories of how we have been made to feel welcome at our local society or POA meetings. Each of us has the power to replicate that experience. Every POA member is an ambassador for the association, capable of reaching out to non-members and inviting them to experience the camaraderie we share. A simple gesture—like offering a seat at the table—can make all the difference.

A Call to Action

The decision to join or renew membership is based on perceived value. What greater value is there than the relationships that we have in life? This association thrives on its members’ collective strength and commitment. I challenge each of you to think about your role in fostering these connections. Can you be the friendly face that welcomes someone new? Can you show the relational value that forms the foundation of our professional benefits?

Let’s make 2025 a milestone year for membership, community, and advocacy. Together, we can ensure the POA continues to be the organization for all optometrists in Pennsylvania.

Jessica Young, O.D.

POA President

Advancing the Scope of Practice for Pennsylvania Optometry

As optometrists, we have the privilege of being the first line of defense in protecting our patients' vision and eye health. However, as the demands of healthcare evolve, so too must our ability to provide comprehensive care. The need to advance the scope of practice for optometry in Pennsylvania has never been more critical. It’s not just about enhancing what we can do—it's about ensuring that our patients receive the best possible care and that our profession continues to thrive in the future.

Across the country, we’ve seen significant strides in scope expansion. States like Kentucky, Louisiana, and Oklahoma have successfully advanced their scope of practice, allowing optometrists to perform procedures such as laser surgeries, administer injections, and manage a broader range of ocular conditions. These advancements didn't happen overnight—they were the result of persistent advocacy, rigorous training, and a commitment to patient safety.

One of the most compelling arguments in favor of scope expansion comes from a study that evaluated the safety and effectiveness of advanced optometric procedures. This study found that doctors of optometry perform these procedures with a high degree of safety, comparable to other healthcare providers. The findings underscore what we have known all along: that with the right training and education, optometrists are more than capable of delivering advanced care safely and effectively.

So, why should Pennsylvania optometrists advocate for scope expansion? Here are the top five reasons:

1. Improved Access to Care: Expanding our scope allows patients to receive comprehensive care more quickly, without unnecessary referrals or delays.
2. Enhanced Patient Outcomes: With the ability to manage more complex cases, optometrists can provide more timely interventions, leading to better outcomes for our patients. 
3. Cost-Effective Care: By enabling optometrists to perform advanced procedures, we can reduce the overall cost of eye care by minimizing the need for multiple specialists.
4. Reduction in Healthcare Burden: As primary eye care providers, expanding our scope allows us to alleviate the burden on other healthcare providers, particularly in underserved areas.
5. Professional Growth and Satisfaction: Scope expansion opens new avenues for professional development, allowing us to grow and excel in our careers while meeting the evolving needs of our patients.

While many optometrists in Pennsylvania are content with their current practice, it is essential to recognize that scope expansion is not just about today—it’s about our future. It's about ensuring that the next generation of optometrists has the tools and authority to meet the challenges of tomorrow's healthcare landscape. 

If we are not advancing, we are moving backward, not just simply standing still. By resisting change, we risk being left behind, not only as a profession but in our ability to provide the highest standard of care to our patients. As we look to the future, let’s remember that the fight for scope expansion is not just for us—it’s for every optometrist who will follow in our footsteps, and for every patient whose vision and quality of life depend on our care.

Let’s work together to ensure that Pennsylvania remains at the forefront of optometric care, providing our patients with the best that our profession has to offer.

In Service and Progress,  

James Deom, O.D., M.P.H., F.A.A.O., F.S.L.S. 

President, Pennsylvania Optometric Association

A critical moment for children’s vision legislation

Dear colleagues,

As we reflect on the recent completion of the Pennsylvania state budget, we find ourselves at a critical juncture. While many important issues were addressed, our children's vision legislation, which aims to make comprehensive eye exams mandatory for children prior to entering school, was not passed or even voted out of committee. However, we have one final opportunity to change that—a chance akin to a hail Mary pass in football or a buzzer-beater shot in basketball. This fall, before we enter a new legislative session next year, we must rally together to advocate for this crucial legislation.

The Importance of Comprehensive Eye Exams for Children

Every day, we see firsthand the difference that early detection and treatment of vision problems can make in a child's life. Comprehensive eye exams are essential for diagnosing conditions that can significantly impact a child's learning and development. Issues such as amblyopia, strabismus, and significant refractive errors often go undetected without a thorough eye exam, leading to difficulties in school and beyond.

The future of the children of the Commonwealth depends on us. By making comprehensive eye exams a standard requirement before children enter school, we can ensure that every child has the visual foundation necessary to succeed academically and socially. This legislation is not just about eye health; it’s about giving our children the best possible start in life.

Rallying for Change: Engaging Hearts and Minds

To achieve this goal, we must appeal to the hearts and minds of our patients and legislators. Share your stories with your patients—stories of children whose lives have been transformed by timely eye care. Encourage them to contact their legislators and express their support for the children’s vision legislation. Personal testimonials can be incredibly powerful in demonstrating the real-world impact of this initiative.

Additionally, you must reach out to your local representatives. Explain the importance of early detection and treatment of vision problems and how this legislation can make a profound difference in the lives of countless children. Emphasize that investing in children’s vision now will pay dividends in their future success and well-being.

A Unified Effort

Our association is committed to supporting you in this advocacy effort. We will provide resources, talking points, and guidance on how to effectively communicate with patients and legislators. Together, we can create a groundswell of support that cannot be ignored.

In closing, I urge each of you to take action. The window of opportunity is narrow, but with a unified and determined effort, we can achieve our goal. The future of the children of the Commonwealth is in our hands. Let us seize this moment and ensure that every child has the chance to see clearly and succeed fully.

Thank you for your dedication and commitment to this vital cause.

Sincerely,

Dr. James Deom

POA President

Navigating life's path

Dear Colleagues,

As the Pennsylvania Optometric Association moves through another year, it's crucial to remind ourselves of the core mission that binds us together: advocating for our patients and tirelessly working to protect and expand the scope of practice for optometrists to the full extent of our education and training. Our dedication to this mission is exemplified through our extensive educational outreach and the ongoing efforts to ensure that every Pennsylvanian can experience the highest quality of life through optimal vision health.

This year has been particularly significant as we mark the culmination of over two decades of advocacy and public education focused on children's vision. Our efforts have always been fueled by the transformative stories of children who see the world clearly for the first time, thanks to the simple yet profound impact of a correct vision diagnosis followed by treatment with glasses or contact lenses. These stories inspire us and highlight the profound difference our profession can make.

However, today, I want to share a different kind of story—a reminder that our work impacts lives beyond the immediate scope of childhood vision care. Recently, a 68-year-old man visited my office. While waiting, he read a flyer about the POA's children’s vision initiatives. This gentleman was 20/50 best corrected in both eyes, a condition that went undiagnosed until his 30s when he first received glasses during a prison term. He shared with me how he felt that his undiagnosed vision problems contributed to his challenges in school and ultimately led him down a path that resulted in his incarceration. He wondered if his life might have been different had he received the vision care he needed as a child.

This encounter serves as a powerful reminder of the broader social implications of vision care. It underscores the importance of our commitment to ensuring comprehensive eye health and vision care for all ages. This man’s story is a testament to the critical need for universal access to optometric services—not only for children but for every individual at every stage of life.

As we continue to advocate for the access of optometric practice, let us also remember the profound societal impact that can result from our dedication to vision health. Our efforts have the power to change lives in ways that reach far beyond the exam room, influencing the educational, social, and even judicial trajectories of those we serve.

Let's carry forward our commitment to advocating for comprehensive eye care, reinforcing the notion that good vision is a cornerstone of overall health and well-being. Together, we can ensure that no one, irrespective of age or life circumstance, has to navigate life's path without the clear vision they deserve.

Warm regards,

James Deom, O.D. MPH F.A.A.O. FSLS 

President

Pennsylvania Optometric Association

The Keystone to Atomic Habits: Transforming Optometry Practice through Self-Reflection

In the dynamic world of healthcare, particularly within the domain of optometry, the pursuit of excellence and the continuous advancement of our practice is paramount. As dedicated members of the Pennsylvania Optometric Association (POA), we strive to elevate public health standards across the Commonwealth through comprehensive eye care. My personal journey, deeply intertwined with this mission, has led me to explore various methodologies that can enhance our effectiveness as practitioners and individuals. One such transformative approach is the theory behind atomic habits, a concept that, when applied, can revolutionize our professional and personal lives.

Atomic habits, a term popularized by James Clear, refers to the small, incremental changes we can make in our daily routines that cumulatively lead to significant outcomes. This theory suggests that success does not stem from monumental, overnight changes but from the minute, almost imperceptible adjustments we make consistently over time. It's the idea that if you improve just 1% every day, those small gains will compound into remarkable achievements.

As optometrists, the application of atomic habits can profoundly impact our practice and patient care. Consider the power of integrating small, positive habits into your daily routine—writing thank you cards to all new patients, following up with a phone call to all emergency patients, or simply committing to look patients in the eye as we talk. Each small action is a step toward becoming a more effective and compassionate provider. 

However, the core of atomic habits—and indeed, the foundation of any meaningful change—is self-reflection. It's about understanding who we are, what we value, and what we believe in. For me, as a committed member of the POA, every decision I make, every habit I form, is driven by my dedication to advancing the public health of the Commonwealth through eye care. This conviction shapes my actions, from the simplest to the most complex, ensuring they are aligned with my core mission. I have committed that I AM the voice of optometry to my local legislators and it was this conviction that landed me at a local fundraiser recently that introduced a new legislator as a friend to the POA for myself and several other members. 

This principle of self-reflection extends beyond professional practice. It invites us to consider how our identity and beliefs influence our daily habits. Are the actions we're taking each day reflective of who we are and what we want to achieve? Are we making decisions that bring us closer to our goals, or are we caught in patterns that hinder our progress?

In closing, I encourage each of you to ponder the incremental changes you can implement in your life and practice. Reflect on your core mission and let it drive your habits, decisions, and actions. Together, as dedicated doctors of optometry and members of the POA, we can create a ripple effect of positive change, advancing not only our profession, but also the health and well-being of our communities.

James Deom, O.D., MPH, F.A.A.O., FSLS

About the 2024 president...

My name is Dr. James Deom, and I am a proud Doctor of Optometry. In 1985, I was born into a family of five children in the town of Hazleton, PA. I like to say that I was the miracle baby because there was a ten-year age gap between myself and the previous baby of the family—and my mom agrees! 

My mom was a schoolteacher, and my dad was an artist who had various jobs while I was growing up. I had a good childhood, played sports, was active in school, and didn’t want for anything. A pivotal moment in my childhood was the passing of my father from a long battle with cancer in 1996, which I think ultimately taught me from a young age the importance of health and the fragility of life.

Later, I graduated from Bishop Hafey High School, then started at Muhlenberg College and finished at Wilkes University before matriculating into Salus University, where I would attain the degree of Doctor of Optometry as well as Master of Public Health. 

Fast forward ten years since my graduation from Optometry school, and I am living a life beyond my wildest dreams. I met the love of my life in undergrad—Jillian, who is a Doctor of Physical Therapy—and married her. We’ve already had three beautiful children, and we have another on the way. I could not be more grateful for all the wonderful gifts the profession of Optometry has given us. 

I am the proud co-owner of a four-location private practice with nine of the best docs around. There is not a day that goes by that I am not excited to go to work and help people lead better lives. I love Optometry and that is why I decided on the first day of orientation in Optometry school that I was going to work to do whatever it was within my power to make sure the profession of Optometry not only continued, but also improved. 

We have much work to do but as we embark on 2024 and the endless possibility it provides, let’s not forget who we are and the gifts we have been given. I would like 2024 to be the year of communication so that you feel plugged in and connected and aware of the hard work the volunteers and staff are doing. So, stay tuned for regular updates from your favorite eye guy from Hazleton! It’s going to be a great year! 

James Deom, O.D.

POA President

The year we've had

As the end of 2023 approaches, I am incredibly proud of the Pennsylvania Optometric Association (POA) this year. We embarked on our journey with a goal of “breaking down the silos” and fostering increased lateral communication within our organization. What I have come to realize is, through our efforts, while those silos grew stronger, we developed better interconnectivity with sideward communication, effectively bridging the pillars of our organizational structure. We should take pride in the foundational work we have laid, and we will continue to build upon this spirit of collaboration. 

Let's delve into more of our collective achievements over the past months. We have actively contributed to Salus University's strategic efforts to attract more students to the profession of optometry. Our Proactive Optometry Initiative has gained significant momentum with pledges from many of our members. If you have not already pledged, please do so here. Our keyperson program has undergone thorough evaluation and is evolving into a more comprehensive strategy. This restructuring will provide a solid foundation for our grassroots efforts as we progress toward our legislative goals.

Additionally, we have successfully trained dozens of optometrists across our Commonwealth to perform advanced laser procedures, in partnership with and presented by Salus University on both the eastern and western sides of Pennsylvania. We are well-positioned to explore the modernization of our scope of practice in the near future. Our collaborative efforts with the Pennsylvania Academy of Ophthalmology have expanded, with their request for referral sources for scleral contact lenses and low vision services. We promptly answered this request for action. Please sign up here and here if you would like to be considered as an office providing these services and materials. Our initiative allows ODs, DOs, and MDs to refer through the POA to participating offices. 

In late September, the POA partnered with VSP and the Salvation Army to provide comprehensive eye exams and glasses to individuals in need in Harrisburg. Over two days, our doctors and supporting staff cared for over 220 people, making a substantial difference in their lives. Recently, the POA has enlisted new legal counsel from Tucker Arensberg, PC. They are a full-service law firm with over 80 attorneys who will specialize in addressing the diverse needs of the POA and its members. The POA is deeply grateful for the decades of service and expertise provided by our former counsel, Attorney Greg Knight. We wish him well in his future endeavors and will always consider him a friend of the POA. 

Our legislative affairs committee remains dedicated to advancing our children's vision bill. Once this law is codified, it will be crucial that our Children's Vision Care Alliance (CVCA) be prepared for action, so sign up here. This alliance is not exclusive to vision therapy or pediatric optometrists; it is open to all who work with children giving them access to a first line comprehensive eye exam. If you see kids in any capacity, please sign up. 

In closing the year, the POA will be involved in assisting the Governor’s Office with his executive order directing the Pennsylvania Department of Aging to develop its Master Plan for Older Adults. Identifying early and treating visual conditions in an aging population will be a prominent focus within this Master Plan. 

As we reflect on all we have accomplished this past year, I am filled with optimism for our future. Let's continue to move onwards and upwards, as 2024 is just around the corner! I look forward to seeing you there!

Jesse
Jesse Jones, O.D.
POA President