Q4 2024

Hello Lindsay,

The MSO wishes you a happy holiday season! As 2024 comes to a close, we celebrate another successful year and look forward to an exciting 2025.

In 2024, we said farewell to MSO's Executive Director Dr. Wayne Zahka. The MSO had the opportunity to honor Dr. Zahka, as well as other committed members at the Annual Meeting and Holiday Party earlier this month. More details are below!

Dues invoicing for 2025 began at the end of October. Thank you to all that have already renewed. Please contact our office if you need any assistance renewing. As a reminder, your membership includes a number of discount programs on insurance and education. Members also receive one-hour of complimentary legal consultation annually! Contact MSO to learn more.

Finally, as a reminder license renewal is due by the end of this month. For renewal instructions, click here.

In this issue:

2025 Executive Board
Volunteer Opportunities
Massachusetts Vision Foundation Scholarship
Upcoming Events
MSO Awardees
Sponsor Highlights

MSO Happenings

MSO 2025 Executive Board

The 2025 Executive Board was sworn in during the Annual Business Meeting on December 4.

Officers sworn in include: Dr. David Metsch as President, Dr. Jennifer D'Amico as President-elect, Dr. Jeanne Hopkins as Immediate Past President, Dr. Linda Pham as Vice President, Dr. Melanie MacBeth as Secretary, and Dr. Michael Cohn as Treasurer.

We welcome two new Board members Dr. Angela Cherniak as our Western District Chair and Dr. Lauren Thamel as our Central District Chair.

Our sincerest thanks to our outgoing Board members Dr. Brian Wadman and Dr. Alia Khalif for your commitment to the MSO.

Back row: Dr. Cindy Leigh Russo, Dr. Angela Cherniak, Dr. Stephanie Paris, Dr. Melanie Macbeth, Dr. Linda Pham, Dr. Michael Cohn, Dr. Thomas McAlear

Seated: Dr. Jennifer D'Amico O'Connor, Dr. David Metsch, and Dr. Jeanne Hopkins

Missing: Dr. Jessica Crooker, Dr. Alan Leavitt, Dr. Katie Sullivan, Dr. Lauren Thamel

Get Involved!

MSO is looking for volunteers to serve as the Boston District Chair. Do you practice in Boston, Brookline, Cambridge, or Somerville and want to get more involved in the MSO? The Boston District Chair is a voting member of the Executive Board and helps to shape the future of the organization. District Chairs are encouraged to develop opportunities for district members to meet, learn, and network with each other throughout the year. Help MSO continue to support our profession in Massachusetts. To learn more, contact the MSO or complete the MSO District Chair interest form.

Mass Vision Foundation Awards Annual Scholarships

The Mass Vision Foundation offers scholarships of $1,000 to students at both MCPHS and NECO demonstrating strong academic standing, community service, and professional leadership. We are pleased to announce the 2024 recipients. Congratulations!

Ruth Weche '24

MCPHS School of Optometry

Kelly MacDonald '25

New England College of Optometry

Upcoming Events

Don't stress about your 2025 continuing education credits. The MSO provides all 18 hours of live COPE approved CE online in our Winter Series. Register before December 30 to receive the early bird discount!

MSO Honors Our Members

Wayne Zahka, OD

Lifetime Achievement Award

Brian Wadman, OD

Distinguished Service Award

Linda Pham, OD

Chairperson of the Year

Paul Cangiano, OD

President's Award

Support Your Massachusetts Optometric Political Action Committee

MOPAC solicits contributions from individuals, mostly optometrists, for the purpose of supporting legislative efforts in Massachusetts. MOPAC was formed by optometrists and is dedicated to advancing the availability and quality of eye care and ensuring the continued enhancement of the optometric profession through legislation

DONATE

Sponsor Highlights

Eye Care is Essential in Improving Health Outcomes

While eye care is a quality of life issue for many Americans, it remains out of reach for a third of the nation's population who lack vision coverage and may have to choose between groceries or glasses. A recent article on The Hill featured the impact of the VSP Eyes of Hope^® mobile clinics and applauded the work of network providers who volunteered their time and expertise to increase equitable access to potentially life-changing care.