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,
President
Pennsylvania Optometric Association
