Since graduating from The Ohio State University in 1996 with her doctorate in optometry and master’s in physiological optics, Terri Gossard, OD, MS, has emphasized many priorities, including the importance of embracing technological advancements. She’s continuing that call as the incoming vice president of the American Optometric Association (AOA), at a time when technology is advancing quickly.
“It takes a concerted effort to not be afraid of new technology,” she says. “It’s instinctual to question why you should change your operations if they work. But when you reflect on the advances we’ve made since the beginning, optometry, as a hands-on and nimble health profession, has been forward-looking, particularly when it comes to new technology that improves care. We’ve always embrace change.”
Joining the AOA in 1992 as a student, Dr. Gossard benefited from the auto-enrollment membership program that many optometry schools offer. Her early involvement laid the groundwork for her future contributions to the organization. She gained a unique perspective on the advanced technology used in practice, as well as an understanding of the potential technological opportunities to advance care. “When I was in school, we were graded on how well we drew the retina,” she says. “Now students are graded on how well they image the retina and use technology to deliver what patients want while giving them the care they need.”
SEEKING OUT A LOCAL NETWORK POST-GRAD
After graduation, Dr. Gossard settled in Cincinnati, where she quickly recognized the value of a supportive local network. This foundation paved the way for her future endeavors in leadership. Dr. Gossard notes that opportunities to get involved often arise through the connections you make along the way. “It seems like someone always asks you to volunteer. One of my dear friends said, ‘We would really like to have you on the Cincinnati Optometric Association board,’” she says. This invitation led her to the Ohio Optometric Association, where she continued to climb the ranks. “Sure enough, people on the Ohio board said, ‘We really think you should be on the AOA board.’ And the rest is history,” she says.
Dr. Gossard’s passion for optometry fueled her ascent through local, state and national leadership. “I enjoy telling the story of optometry,” she says. “We do amazing things for patients. We allow them to see clearly and more comfortably, from cradle to grave.” This narrative is crucial for educating health care professionals, legislators, policymakers and the public about the vital role optometrists play in health care.
As secretary-treasurer of the AOA, Dr. Gossard prioritized financial stability, allowing for decisions that benefit optometrists nationwide without fiscal constraints while adhering to the AOA’s mission: to advocate for the profession and serve doctors of optometry in meeting the health and vision care needs of the public.
This strategic focus is crucial as the profession navigates challenges posed by an aging population and rising demand for eye care services. “It’s time for optometry to fully recognize its place in primary care, secondary care and in-office procedures,” she says. “It’s important that the public has access to optometry and that our optometrists have access to the best technology and training to deliver that health care.”
GET INVOLVED TO MAKE A CHANGE
Dr. Gossard’s commitment to the optometric community extends beyond her professional roles. She was an executive founding partner in the first self-sustaining school-based vision center and volunteers for the real RealEyes classroom initiative. This program aims to ensure that children in Ohio not only have access to eye health and vision care, but they also have a continuum of care to support their needs and enable them to thrive. “I long for the day when I don’t have to describe how complete eye health and vision care with an optometrist is a part of children’s—and everyone’s—annual health plan,” she says. Her vision is clear: to ensure that access to comprehensive care, including optometry, is recognized as a vital component of a truly healthy community.
As she steps into the AOA vice president role, Dr. Gossard sees encouraging progress toward fostering inclusivity within the field and public comprehension. “This milestone reflects how far our profession has come and signals where we’re headed,” she says. “On a personal level, I’m incredibly honored to serve alongside Dr. Bowen and Dr. Geist. It’s rare and special to share this journey with people you admire so deeply.”
IT’S PERSONAL, TOO
In addition to her professional development, Dr. Gossard has experienced personal growth through her active engagement in the AOA and other organizations. “It’s taught me a lot about who I am as an individual, and it’s given me a 30,000-foot-view of what it’s like to practice in different modalities across the country and how we can amplify best practices nationwide,” she says.
The skills she’s developed—public speaking, strategic planning and interpersonal communication—have enriched both her career and personal life. Like many who serve in higher levels of leadership, Dr. Gossard says that she has gained as much if not more than she has given.
A MOMENT IN HISTORY
For the first time in its more than 100-year history, the AOA has seen a female president, president-elect and vice president. Jacquie Bowen, OD, FAAO, incoming president; Teri Geist, OD, president-elect; and Terri Gossard, OD, MS, vice president, say this is a reflection of the changing demographics in the profession. “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 adding to the legacy of all the AOA leaders who have come before. They each told Women In Optometry what drives them to be leaders.
