For the first time in its more than 100-year history, the American Optometric Association (AOA) has seen a female president, president-elect and vice president assume those leadership roles. Jacquie Bowen, OD, FAAO, president; Teri Geist, OD, president-elect; and Terri Gossard, OD, MS, vice president, say this is a reflection of the changing demographics, expanding opportunities and increasing interest in a profession that truly changes lives. “Seventy percent of optometry students right now are women, and it’s important for leadership at the AOA board level to reflect that,” says Dr. Bowen.
They look forward to building on the legacy of all AOA leaders who have come before. As they head into their new roles and leave their own marks for coming generations, they each told Women In Optometry what drives them to be leaders.
INCOMING AOA PRESIDENT ENCOURAGES ENGAGEMENT
Jacquie Bowen, OD, FAAO, has dedicated her career to advancing the field of optometry—not just in the exam room, but also through advocacy and leadership at every level. As she prepares to step into the role of president of the AOA during the June meeting in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Dr. Bowen looks forward to building on the AOA’s progress in enhancing patient care and expanding the scope of practice for today’s optometrists.
DISCOVERING PASSION THROUGH SERVICE
Dr. Bowen’s path to leadership started in Colorado. “We are blessed with a legacy of leadership in Colorado,” she says. “There are always a lot of volunteers at our state level and the national level. And, with that, there are mentors—a lot of people that you can look up to if advocacy is something you’re interested in.”
Serving on committees opened her eyes to the unique camaraderie within the optometric community. “I realized, ‘Okay, we really have something special in this profession,’” she says. “There’s a passion that we have that I don’t see among other professions.”
THE NEED TO BE ENGAGED
As a legislated profession, optometry needs its advocates. “We are a profession that has to literally move Congress to increase our scope,” she says. “That historical necessity truly bonds us.”
And Dr. Bowen was ready to commit when she first ran for the Board of Trustees.”I did see myself going through all the steps at the AOA,” she says. “It’s a long, steep learning curve, and the investment that the association makes in you during the trustee years is necessary.”
Even so, most AOA presidents encounter surprises during their term. “You can make all the plans you want, but then a pandemic hits.” She was four years into her board role when COVID-19 arrived. “My first half of my time on the board was very different from the last half,” she says. “Because these things have happened to us as a society and a profession, our board is held more accountable than we’ve ever been.” This heightened responsibility has influenced her leadership approach, highlighting the importance of adaptability and resilience.
A VISION FOR THE FUTURE
Dr. Bowen has a clear vision for her upcoming presidency. “We need to realize that it’s a one-year presidency, so it’s not as effective to think in terms of what we can accomplish in one year but focus more on a continuum,” she says. Each year, as AOA members assume leadership positions, they take the baton from their predecessors, building on past progress.
The AOA developed a Future Practice Initiative several years ago, emphasizing a long-term strategy and a commitment to financially supporting optometrists in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. AOA leaders have agreed to collectively focus on what they call contemporary optometry, specifically advancing the scope of practice. The initiative epitomizes the role of leaders taking a long view on the priorities of the profession today—and its needs tomorrow.
EMBRACING CHANGE AND INNOVATION
The optometric landscape is rapidly evolving, as technological advancements and shifting demographics reshape the profession. Dr. Bowen recognizes the necessity of staying ahead of these changes. “Two-thirds of AOA members are employed now, which is a significant demographic shift,” she says. “We have to look through the eyes of all doctors, including the employed doctor, as much or even more so in serving our membership.”
Her commitment to understanding the needs of all optometrists is evident in her approach. Despite her busy schedule, Dr. Bowen still sees patients. “It’s important and very helpful when making decisions,” she says. “And it allows me to look through the lens of a doctor who’s going from room to room, dealing with time constraints, staffing issues, vision plan issues and purchasing decisions.” She wants to ensure her advocacy is informed by the experiences of today’s optometrists.
ENCOURAGING THE NEXT GENERATION
As she looks to the future, Dr. Bowen is passionate about encouraging the next generation of optometrists to get involved. “You will never have the time and money to afford to give as a volunteer for your profession, so don’t wait for that,” she advises young ODs. “If you don’t say yes and try it out, you’ll miss out on a lot.” She acknowledges that different stages of life present different opportunities for involvement. “At times—like when you’re starting a family or a new practice—the best you can do is pay dues; and that’s okay. Members at all levels are contributing one way or another.”
It’s a big tent, she says, noting that there is room for optometrists from every practice or career setting to be involved in the AOA and in promoting optometry as the primary eye care providers. “We’re all optometrists; we’re all working toward the same goals.”
Read about AOA’s President-Elect Teri Geist, OD, here.
Read about AOA’s Vice President Terri Gossard, OD, MS, here.
