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    • The Resident's Guide to Resources in Research and Scholarship: PDF Version
    • The Resident's Guide to Resources in Research and Scholarship: Part 1
    • The Resident's Guide to Resources in Research and Scholarship: Part 2
  • NIH Loan Repayment Program
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  • Primer for Successful Practice
    • Optometry article: A case study in practice transition
    • Status Post Graduation: Private Practice Success
    • Strategy and Human Resource Management Illustrated
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    • It Is All in the Mind: a Paradigm Shift for Practice Success
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      • Sample Application Form: Application For Appointment To The Medical/Dental Staff (Word doc)
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      • Hospital Privileges Manual: Part V: The Hospital-Based Optometric Examination
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    • Vision: A Collaboration of Eyes and Brain
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      • PDF Version of this Page
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    • PDF Version (360.6 KB)
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    • Occupational Vision Manual: Part III: Ocular Protection
    • Occupational Vision Manual: Part IV: Contact Lens Use In Industry
    • Occupational Vision Manual: Part V: Medico-Legal and Ethical Concerns Regarding Standards and Regulations
    • Occupational Vision Manual: References and Sources for Further Information
  • Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS)
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    • Impact of Computer Use on Children's Vision
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  • Eyes, Right
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  • The Eye and Night Vision
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  • Clinical Application of Vision Standards
• Community Health Centers
  • Community Health Center Optometry
  • Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Community Health Center Optometry
  • The Fundamentals of Community Health Centers
  • UPDATED - A Sketch of Community Health Centers: The NACHC Chart Book
  • Do you Need an Eye Care Service?
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  • Opening the Doors to Vision Care Access
  • Memorandum of Understanding with the National Association of Community Health Centers
  • Publications and Research

President's Letter to New Graduates

A message from AOA President Peter H. Kehoe, O.D. to the Class of 2009

To my newest colleagues,

Congratulations on your graduation from optometry school! After a significant investment of time, effort and money, your hard work has paid off: you are doctors of optometry! Your graduating class is the best educated and the most highly trained in our profession. Take pride in your education and training, because patients and communities will benefit from the care you provide for years to come.

Let me offer five suggestions for you to consider as you prepare to enter in to practice:

First and foremost, I want to encourage you to be an independent doctor of optometry no matter what setting in which you choose to practice. Your patients are coming to see YOU. Be their advocate to the fullest extent possible.

Second, use the power of your exam room by becoming a doctor-driven dispenser. Educate your patients about a lifetime of healthy vision at EVERY opportunity.

Third, get involved in your local optometric society. This is where it starts and it’s where you learn you can make a real difference in your profession.

Fourth, affiliate with your state and AOA as soon as you’re licensed. No matter what mode of practice you choose, this is where the deep roots of optometry are planted. Your affiliated associations are your partners as you begin your journey on the road of success. With significant changes in health care delivery on the horizon, your state associations and AOA are your voice, and we need you to make that voice heard.

Fifth and last, include your personal and extended family in all you do …and MAKE IT FUN.

With that, I wish the very best of luck to all of you. The future of optometry is in your hands……GRAB HOLD!

All the best,

Pete