SUNY College of Optometry hosted its 13th Annual Career Symposium, providing students and residents with the opportunity to learn from professional optometrists, connect with employers at an in-person job fair and network with a wide array of industry experts. The symposium, entitled Perspectives in Focus: Pioneering New Horizons in Optometry, was attended by nearly 200 students, faculty and outside optometry professionals.
“In addition to giving our students the opportunity to advance their career and grow their network, the annual career symposium is an opportunity to gather the entire SUNY Optometry community—from students to faculty to alumni—to learn more about the latest trends and essential career skills,” says Guilherme “Gui” F. C. Albieri, PhD, Vice President for Student Affairs and Engagement.
“It was wonderful to see so many members of our community share professional tips, lead panel discussions and make new connections. I’d like to thank Deborah Wang, our Director of Career Development, for all the careful planning that went into making this event such a success.”
ABOUT THE SYMPOSIUM
At the Career Symposium, students participated in several professional development opportunities throughout the course of the day. This included a job fair, where students networked with potential employers and discussed their career plans and goals, and an opportunity for students to have free professional headshots taken. Eye care professionals, many of whom are SUNY Optometry alumni, hosted panel discussions where they discussed the current state of the optometric profession, as well as what opportunities lie ahead in the field. Those panels included:
Shifting Perspectives: Trailblazing Through Different Modalities,hosted by Elsa Sheerer, OD; Miriam Korik, OD; and Jennifer Hue, OD, who discussed navigating unconventional paths, redefining success in the field, and more stories that highlight the diverse opportunities optometry offers.
Eye on Policy: Guiding Optometry Policies, hosted by Marina Su, OD, FAAO; Mark Parsons, OD; and Mark Veliky, OD, which taught participants how to shape the future of optometry in New York and the Tri-State area through “organized optometry.” Participants learned how to advocate for their profession through local and state organizations, how to better understand scope of practice laws and how to explore opportunities to enhance collaborative care models.
The Business of Vision: Building and Growing Your Optometry Practice, hosted by David Tai, OD; Viola Kanevsky, OD; and Michael Wallerich, OD, MBA, covered the fundamentals of managing a successful optometry practice and the entrepreneurial mindset needed to grow it. Participants heard from seasoned optometrists who have navigated the journey of starting and expanding their own practices, and gained valuable insights into financial planning, patient acquisition, leadership and innovation—all key elements for building a practice that not only succeeds but thrives in today’s competitive landscape.
Acing the Recruitment Process, hosted by Allyns Melendez, MBA; Michael Hosford, OD; Patrick Curran, OD; Joshua Rogers, OD, MBA, FAAO; Holly Tate and Briana Navarro, who discussed what employers want in future optometrists. This interactive session connected participants with hiring experts to get specific advice on taking their job application to the next level. Participants also gained perspective into the in-demand skills and key competencies that allow them to demonstrate their unique value. This panel was immediately followed by a networking session with the panelists.
Student to Doctor, hosted by Travis Pfeifer, OD; Rebecca Aquije, OD; and Julie Song, OD, FAAO, FSLS, who discussed navigating the transition from student to practicing optometrist. The event covered key aspects of early career development, including the shift from working in the UEC to various practice modalities such as hospitals and private practice. Participants gained valuable insights into the job search process, the power of networking and learned strategies for balancing career growth and financial planning. Additionally, participants explored the meaningful community outreach initiatives fellow ODs engage in and how they could get involved.
