A publication for the alumni and friends of the University of Missouri-St. Louis College of Optometry

Winter 2012

Message Fromthe Dean

Several years ago, Director ofResidencies Dr. Vinita Henry (‘85)established “UMSL Residency Day”when all residents affiliated with theUMSL College of Optometry have theopportunity to provide a clinical pre-sentation in the presence of studentsand faculty. This program has grownconsistent with the efforts of Dr.Henry in expanding the number of res-idency programs affiliated with theCollege of Optometry. For this year’ssymposium, held on October 20th atthe Student Millennium Center, tenresidents were given the opportunity topresent interesting and important casestudies and clinical reviews. Thissymposium is important, not only inthe clinical education of our students,but also in allowing the resident tohave the opportunity to develop pre-sentations and present it in front of alarge audience.

It is also worthy to mention thatseveral former UMSL students as wellas current residents provided presenta-

Residency Day:Informative and Successful

tions at the annual meeting of theAmerican Academy of Optometry inBoston. These included posters by Dr.Stephanie Woo (UMSL Cornea andContact Lens Resident) entitled “DryEye and Sunglasses”; Dr. NatalieSantelli (‘11) entitled “Hybrid contactlens use and the prosthetic cornea”;Dr. Christina Twardowski (Children'sMercy Hospital Pediatric Resident)entitled “Management ofAccommodative Esotropia”; Dr. SarahBurgett (‘11) (Marion VA resident)entitled “Progressive cone-rod dystro-phy”; and Dr. Julie Dombek (St. LouisVA resident) entitled “RegressedRetinoblastoma.” In addition, Classof 2011 graduates Drs. Jessica Carson(“An unusual progression of cornealand conjunctival intraepithelial neo-plasia and insights into primary treat-ment with topical Interferon alpha2b”), and Hanna Kim (“Sensoryaphasia”) presented scientific papers.

Front Row: Drs. Sara Mach (SLVA), Jenny Seibert (UMSL Pediatric), ChristinaTwardowski (CMH), Samantha Vaassen (Wichita VA), and Julia Dombek (SLVA). BackRow: Drs. Vinita Henry, Dinita Bockhold (KCVA), Sarah Burgett (Marion VA), KellyMinnich (KCVA), Stephanie Woo (UMSL Cornea/CL), and Sheena Nagaraja (KCVA)

Greetings Friends and Colleagues--

It is my distinct pleasure to share this year-end edition of the EyeWire.One of the benefits of being in edu-cation is that we have an opportunityto work with future leaders who willshape the course of optometry andvision science for generations tocome. As you will see in the pagesahead, the future of our professionwill be influenced by folks withmany talents and abilities that extendfar beyond the art and science ofoptometry.

Looking forward, without a doubtour graduates will enhance the visualwelfare of those living in communi-ties throughout the region. Beyondthat in a broader sense they also holdgreat promise to enrich the overallquality of life within those areas.

Wishing you all the best in the coming year!

Sincerely,

Larry J. DavisDean

2

NEWS & NOTESDr. Andrea Washington (‘04) washighlighted in the November issueof AOA News. She discovered thata patient of hers was at high risk ofhaving a stroke and may have savedthis patient’s life.

UMSL was very well represented inthe November issue of Women inOptometry. The cover article fea-tured Dr. Brighid Williams (‘99) andher Orlando, FL practice Eola Eyes.An article entitled “After Years ofOrganic Growth, Doctors ChartMore Defined Course” featured Dr.Mary Gregory (‘99) and her prac-tice, Uptown Eye Care inMonticello, Minnesota. Dr. Gregorywas also the 2007 MinnesotaOptometric Association “Young ODof the Year”. Dr. Angela Oberreiter(‘05) was also recognized for beingthe 2011 “Young OD of the Year”recipient from the IllinoisOptometric Association.

Drs. Cale (‘07) and Amy (‘09)Seavers are proud parents ofClayton Robert Seavers, born onNovember 3rd.

Dr. Ariann Kalkowski Brown (‘05)gave birth to Addelyn, on November27th.

Congratulations to Vance Lewis(‘14) and his wife Britney on thebirth of their son, Andrew PerryLewis, on September 27th.

Dr. Eyad Yehyawi (‘04) became theproud father of Zane Jazaeri (“ZJ”)on September 20th.

Continued, page 3Continued, page 3

NOSA Talent Show ShowcasesOptometry Students’ Artistic

Abilities

On Friday night November 4ththe UMSL National OptometricStudent Association 3rd AnnualArtistic Vision Talent Show was heldat the JC Penney Auditorium. Onceagain it was an outstanding programwhich demonstrated the many - andvaried - talents of our student body.Whether it was very good comedyskits, music and singing, the violin, orballroom dancing, every performancewas exceptional and enjoyed by arecord number of attendees necessitat-ing that this event be moved to a largerfacility on campus.

First place award was awarded tothe Class of 2015 comedy team ofJerika Kirwan and Kate Gettinger whohad the crowd roaring with their manyimpressions of life as a first year stu-dent. Second place went to the Classof 2013's Angel Husher and AmberMayberry for their comedy skit whichalso included song and dance. Thirdplace went to accomplished ballroomdancer, Suzy Lakamp and her partnerSpiro for an excellent rendition of theSamba. However, all seven acts werepotentially award-winning. JakeHayward and Brigette Colley (Class of2013) demonstrated outstanding vocaltalents in performing the Josh Grobansong “Thankful” with a slide show oftheir respective Volunteers ofOptometric Service to Humanity mis-sion trips in the background. Pauline

Gassman (Class of 2015) provided aviolin concert to the composition byAntonio Vivaldi. Finally, the Christianrock band “Power Cross” was wellrepresented with Aaron Peterson andDaniel Ethakoti's performance of theSwitchfoot song “Gone” and Daniel'ssolo of the White Cross song “SimpleMan”.

The Master and Mistress ofCeremony, Chris Wooldridge andAmanda Nicklas (Class of 2013) hadthe unenviable task of following EricJerde (Class of 2012) who served asMaster of Ceremony for the first twoevents. However, they performed theirresponsibilities very well, combiningcomedy, interactive games with theaudience and integrating performancesfrom NOSA President VanessaBraimah (a beautiful dance solo) and avocal rendition of a Paul Simon songretitled “50 Ways to Leave Optometry”from the Student Services team of Drs.Brown, Bennett, and Simmons. A veryspecial thank you should be given tothe judges who included CollegeStudent Services AdministrativeAssistant Linda Stein, and faculty rep-resentatives Drs. Julie Dekinder,Keshia Elder, Aaron Franzel, andLinda Marks. In addition, the contri-bution of the event sponsors,CooperVision and HOYA, is greatlyappreciated.

3

NOSA Talent Showcont. from page 2

We are proud of the fact that theUMSL chapter of the NationalOptometric Student Association may,in fact, be the most active chapter inthe United States, hosting visionscreenings, minority student optometryworkshops, and numerous other com-munity service activities. For 2011-12,the President is Vanessa Braimah, andthe other officers are: Vice-President,Wynter Rice; Treasurer, My Dinh;Secretary, Trista Papisz, Representative(‘14), Ashley Gezella; Representative(‘15), Devin Sasser, and FacultyAdvisor, Dr. Alex Harris.

Master and Mistress of Ceremony, ChrisWooldridge and Amanda Nicklas (Class of2013)

First place award was awarded to the Class of 2015 comedy team ofJerika Kirwan and Kate Gettinger.

Second place wentto the (Class of2013's) AngelHusher and AmberMayberry.

Third place went toaccomplished ballroomdancer, SuzanneLakamp (‘12) and herpartner Spiro.

4

UMSL Intramural Teams Recognition for Excellence in Campus Competitions

One of the best stress-relieving outlets foroptometry students is participating in campusintramural sports. Every class has an intramur-al Chair or committee and a high percentage ofthe student body participates in events such asflag football, basketball, soccer, volleyball, andfloor hockey. Although the purpose is simplyto have an enjoyable break from a rigorousstudy schedule, our high achieving studentshave enjoyed a remarkable amount of successagainst very skilled undergraduate teams.Recently our combined Class of 2013 and 2014man's flag football team won the campuschampionship. This team consisted of SteveBranstetter (‘13), Jeremey Dohogne (‘14), BradEnglebarts (‘14), Jon Olson (‘13), Dan Puls(‘14), Brandon Ridder (‘13), Dean Schultz(‘14), Mason Seelinger (‘13), Mike Waclawski(‘14), and Will Waldie (‘13). In addition, themen's floor hockey was runner-up in the cam-pus competition. This team consisted of SethBachelier (‘13), Rob Ensley (‘13), RyanHazlehurst (‘15), Mason Seelinger (‘13), WillWaldie (‘13), Arthur Wang (‘12), Alan Wegener(‘12), and Dustin Wiles (‘12). It is notable tomention that Arthur, Alan, and Dustin per-formed in this game immediately after takingPart Two of the NBEO examinations.

Floor HockeyRunner-ups: FrontRow: Rob Ensley,Will Waldie, ArthurWang, Dustin Wiles,and Mason Seelinger.Back Row: RyanHazlehurst and AlanWegener. Assistingare the “Farm Team”of Christian Waldieand Annie Wiles.

Flag Football Champions:Front Row: Brandon Ridder,Brad Englebarts, Dan Puls,and Mason Seelinger. BackRow: Steve Branstetter,Dean Schultz, MikeWaclawski, Will Waldie, andJon Olson.

Class of 2015 Members Make Music and Rock!

As evidenced at the NOSA talentshow and, most recently at a recentUMSL chapter meeting of Fellowshipof Christian Optometrists (FCO), therecently formed Class of 2015 Christianrock band; “Power Cross,” is both tal-ented and creative. This band is com-posed of four members of the Class of2015 including Greg Steimel, AaronPeterson, Dan Ethakoti and DustinHetke. How did this band originate?

According to AaronPeterson: “We started goingto FCO and realized that wewanted to sing a few songsand worship God with ourtalents so we started doingworship songs every Fridaymorning. Initially we didn’thave any names in our mind

until we learned from Dr. Bassi's classabout the optical/power cross. Wethought it made sense to name ourband Power Cross because we areoptometrists and our goal is, not onlyto correct refractive errors using lenses,but also help broken people, lost soulsto come to know the power of the crossof Christ which can fix all the problemswe face in this world. Our plans are tocontinue to lead worship at FCO every

Friday and encourage our colleagues,and also we hope to do a concert soonto raise some funds for FCO. We wantto be a band (optometrists) who wouldnot only give physical but also spiritualvision and hope to those who need it.”It is evident that the members of PowerCross feel strongly about the benefits ofFCO and intend to play an importantrole in this organization for years tocome, serving as a talented and wel-come diversion from the stresses of arigorous curriculum. Who knows; per-haps we'll see “Power Cross“ at futurechurch events as well as other venues,spreading the gospel in a very entertain-ing manner while also bringing positiverecognition to the optometric professionand the UMSL College of Optometry.

Power Cross performing at the November 11th FCO meeting.

Current third yearoptometry students TristaPabisz and Carrie McDowellwere on hand to demonstratethe technology, as well asanswering questions aboutlife as an optometry student.

Our young visitors allappeared to have gained anew perspective and appreci-ation for our profession andcertainly left with enoughnew information to keep thequestions percolating. Keepan eye out for a few former

Ladue Middle Schoolers who may joinour College community in the future tobe the ones talking about high techinstrumentation and life as a newoptometry student.

5

As he individual responsible forestablishing this fine tradition ofbringing in renown speakers in thespirit of the famous 19th centuryGerman experimental psychologistGustav Fechner, it was only appropri-ate that Dr. Carl Bassi, AssociateProfessor and Director of Researchand Graduate Studies was the speakerat UMSL’S 10th Annual Fechner Day,held October 21st at the StudentMillennium Center. Gustav Fechnerwas an early pioneer in experimentalpsychology and was credited as the

founder of psychophysics while inspir-ing many 20th century scientists andphilosophers. Dr. Bassi's talk, entitled“Fechner Day the 151st and 10thAnniversaries” provided an informa-tive and entertaining overview ofGustav Fechner's life with applicationsto Optometry, Psychology, Physics,Chemistry, Philosophy (and, yes, evento Justin Bieber!). As is traditionalwith the event, German chocolate cakewas served immediately after the pre-sentation.

Dr. Carl Bassi Provides 10th Annual Fechner Day Presentation

Early Exploration of Career Opportunities in Optometry

Recognizing that early preparationis a critical ingredient for academic suc-cess in college and beyond, a number ofarea school districts provide on-siteopportunities for students to gain expo-sure to a variety of career opportunities.A group of eighth graders from Ladue

Middle School recently visited ourCollege of Optometry in order to learnabout careers in optometry.

The studentgroup firstreceived an intro-ductory overviewof our professionfrom Dr. BarbaraBrown '88,Director of StudentRecruitment and Admissions. What isoptometry? What do optometrists do?Why is optometry important? The stu-dents clearly came away impressed.

What about the high tech part?The visiting eighth graders particularlywanted to know about the application

of technology to thefield of optometry.Dr. Vinita Henry (‘85),Director of ClinicalOperations, brought thegroup into a clinical set-ting where students wereeager to learn more and

get to see for themselves the criticalrole that technology serves as we diag-nose and manage eye and visionproblems.

“Optometry is a really cool way tosee how your eyes are and see whatthey do. It is important to see ifyour eyes are healthy and don'thave diseases in them.” -Hannah

“I really enjoyed the optometry cen-ter, and enjoyed the ‘hands on’ expe-rience by looking at the back of theeye.” -Natasha“The optometry center was very

interesting in the way that theyshowed us all of the diseases thataffect the eye.” -Adeel

Dr. Carl Bassi

6

Optometry Mourns the Loss of Two Pioneers

Dr. Robert A. Koetting: TheCollege of Optometry loses afriend; the profession ofoptometry loses a visionary.

Dr. Robert A. Koetting, a contactlens pioneer, inventor, and visionarypassed away at the age of 85 onAugust 7th. His many notable accom-plishments included establishing thefirst optometric practice limited tocontact lenses, and being among thefirst practitioners in the country toembrace, promote, and write about thebenefits of contact lenses for the pres-byopic population. His optometricpractice in Clayton has been wellacknowledged as one of the mostprominent practices in the UnitedStates.

His father, Dr. Felix Koetting, wasan optometrist and his son joined himin the 1940s before opening his ownpractice in 1962. His honors andawards are numerous. He was named“Contact Lens Person of the Year by

the American Optometric Association(AOA) as well as receiving the AOA'shighest honor, the DistinguishedService Award. He also received theEminent Service Award from theAmerican Academy of Optometry(AAO) and has served as Chair of boththe Contact Lens Section of the AOAand the Cornea and Contact LensSection of the AAO.

He was also a long-time supporterof the University of Missouri-St. Louis(UMSL) and, in particular, the Collegeof Optometry. For many years he wasCo-Chair of the Shadow Ball, a fund-raising social event for such causes aseyecare for the indigent and scholor-ship funding. For 20 years he lecturedon the topic of contact lens practicemanagement to the third year studentsas part of the advanced contact lenscourse curriculum. For all of hisefforts on behalf of UMSL, he receivedthe Chancellor's Medallion in 1995.

Today the practice he established,and which still bears his name(Koetting and Associates), is still thriv-

ing under the ownership of Dr.Carmen Castellano who is celebratinghis 30th year of association with thispractice. The College's Cornea andContact Lens Resident as well asfourth year optometry students contin-ue to benefit from having the opportu-nity to see contact lens patients atKoetting and Associates. Two UMSLgraduates are also associated with thispractice, Dr. Craig Sorce ('92) and JoeCastellano ('11). Dr. Koetting's contri-butions can be best summarized by Dr.Carmen Castellano, his long-timefriend and successor: "Bob Koettingwas one of optometry's true icons andhe was very generous about sharinghis knowledge with others in his field.He was very proud of optometry andhis accomplishments elevated all of usin the St. Louis community andthroughout our profession. Bob alsorecognized the importance of theUMSL College of Optometry to ourregion and worked hard on theschool's behalf. Our profession willmiss him but we are forever gratefulfor his contributions."

Dr. James A. DeClue, Sr.Long-time clinical facultymember and leader in thecommunity

Dr. James A. “Jim” DeClue, Sr.passed away November 16th at theage of 87. Dr. DeClue was a long-time practitioner who for almost 30years owned an optometric practice(Eye & Vision Care Ltd) within a fewblocks of the College of Optometry.

He was very supportive of the estab-lishment of the College and, beginningwith the first year the Center for EyeCare opened in the Fall of 1982, heserved for many years as an adjunctclinical faculty member supervisingoptometry students. For many yearshe was an active participant in work-shops held at the College for minoritystudents considering a career inoptometry and his ability as an oratorlikely exhibited a very positive influ-ence with these participants.

Dr. DeClue was also a communityleader and civil rights activist. Notonly was he one of the first blackoptometrists in Missouri but he ulti-mately served as the president of theSt. Louis chapter of the NationalAssociation for the Advancement ofColored People. He was a pioneer inthe civil rights movement in the St,Louis area and in 1994, “Dr. James A.DeClue Day” was proclaimed byUnited States Representative WilliamClay of St. Louis in recognition of Dr.DeClue's “noteworthy contribution andgenerous public service.”

7

The interview process for accep-tance to the College of Optometry is animportant factor when making deci-sions as to whether each applicant willengage within their class and will havethe maturity, professionalism, and inter-personal skills to succeed in a profes-sion for which effective dyadic commu-nication is a requirement for success.For two students, Claire Klinsky ('12)and Jenna Osseck ('15), these expecta-tions represented no obstacles at all, asthey had each distinguished themselvesvia a long history of competition andsuccesses in pageants that include gru-eling requirements demanding poise,professionalism, and excellence in com-munication.

Through their participation inpageantry, each of these individuals hasbrought positive attention to the profes-sion of optometry, as well as to each oftheir respective platform emphases: theimportance of exercise and diet forhealth (Claire), and the timely topic ofbullying awareness (Jenna).

Claire Klinsky's experiencesinclude achieving finalist status forMiss Illinois and first runner-up forMiss Missouri. What motivated her topursue this journey? “Honestly, thescholarship money that is involved inpageants was a motivating factor whenI first began pageants, but it becamemuch more than that!... [When] I start-ed competing in pageants involved withthe Miss America Organization [as] afreshman in college, it was an activitythat I thought would give me more self-

Students Promote Health, Bullying Awareness andOptometry Through Pageantry

Claire Klinsky (‘12) Jenna Osseck (‘15)

confidence and help me to create ahealthier lifestyle. My personal plat-form involved teaching young peoplethe importance of eating a healthy dietand making exercise a part of everyday. As I continued through pageants,my motivation definitely shifted fromscholarship money to educating asmany people as I could about theimportance being healthy!"

Claire's determination is evident asshe relates her persistence in navigatingthe world of pageantry, persevering inten competitions prior to earning herfirst local title and progressing on to theMiss Illinois pageant. She was also rec-ognized as the Children's MiracleNetwork Hospitals "Miracle Maker" forfundraising, and as both a StateAcademic Award winner andPreliminary Interview Award Winner.As recently as 2011-2012, Claire placedin the top 15 at Miss Missouri USA2011 and was 1st Runner-Up to MissMissouri USA 2012.

Jenna Osseck's decision to competein pageants “was also influenced by theacademic scholarships awarded by theMiss America & Miss Missouri organi-zations... Knowing I would be pursuingOptometry, I knew the scholarshipassistance would be wisely used.” And—like Claire—she was successful dueto her persistence. In 2008 at her firstcompetition, Jenna won the MissKirskville title and went on to competeat Miss Missouri at the age of 18. “Idid not compete again until January,2011 when I was crowned MissNortheast Counties and qualified tocompete for Miss Missouri this pastJune. I … collectively received over$2,500 in scholarships [for multiplepageant competitions].”

For the past several years, Jennahas regularly spoken at elementary,middle, and high schools across thestate promoting her personal platformof Bullying Awareness & Prevention.“I’ve also had the privilege of partici-pating in radio interviews as well as

televised bullying prevention publicservice announcements for northeastMissouri, and raising funds year-roundfor Children’s Miracle Network.”

Interestingly enough Claire andJenna both have a sister who hasparticipated in the Miss Americapageant. Claire relates: “My sisterWhitney was Miss Illinois 2010 andcompeted for the title of Miss America2011. It was exciting to see my sistersucceed and follow her throughouther year as Miss Illinois. I like to thinkthat watching me compete in theMiss Illinois pageant helped Whitneylearn what to do (and what not to do)which made her successful very quicklyin the pageant!" For Jenna she has anolder sister who achieved prominenceand served as a good role model. “Mysister, Tara Osseck, was Miss Missouri2009, and competed in the 2010 MissAmerica Pageant at Planet Hollywoodin Las Vegas. Tara has constantlybeen engaged in community serviceand won a 2010 Quality of Life FinalistAward for excellence in communityservice at the Miss America Pageant.Impacting me from childhood, Tara hascontinually been my role model andone of my main support systems. Nomatter what goal I have set out toachieve, she is there every step of theway cheering me on and helping meto excel in any way possible.”

The qualities that have made bothClaire and Jenna successful in pageants—and the benefits derived from thepreparation and performance—willassuredly help them later in the opto-metric profession. “More than any-thing, pageants have taught me how tocommunicate with just about anyonefrom any type of background,”observes Claire. “Making your patientsfeel comfortable is crucial to their treat-ment in the world of optometry so com-munication skills are key.” Jenna addsthat her pageantry experiences specifi-cally enhance her ability help educate

Continued, page 8

8

The EYEwire is published by the Office of the Dean at the University ofMissouri-St. Louis College of Optometry.

Dr. Edward Bennett, EditorEBennett@umsl.edu

Janice White, Designerjanice.white@umsl.edu

Dr. Larry J. Davis, Deanljdavis@umsl.edu

If you have missed a previous issue of the EyeWire you can locate the archivepage as well as the current issue at: e

http://optometry.umsl.edu/news/EyeWireArchives.html

Office of the DeanOne University Boulevard

St. Louis, Missouri 63121-4400Telephone: 314-516-5606

Fax: 314-516-6708http://optometry.umsl.edu

Non-Profit Org.U.S. Postage

PAIDSt. Louis, MOPermit No. 3

Two UMSL Students Honoredcont. from page 7

[future patients] “of varying back-grounds and educational levels.” ForClaire, “pageants taught me how tomanage my time effectively and bevery organized.” Jenna agrees, addingthat the process of honing interviewskills required competitors to be“extremely knowledgeable about local,state, national, and global issues...”,which optimizes effectiveness and cred-ibility in all types of interactions.

The impact of participation inpageants is perhaps best summarized byDr. Carrie Hruza (Mrs. MissouriAmerica 2010 and Mrs. MissouriUnited States 2011) who works withwell respected glaucoma specialist andadjunct professor of the College of

Optometry, John Galanis, M.D: “As acompetitor or a titleholder, pageantsincrease one's public speaking skills,quick thinking, multi-tasking, inter-viewing, and confidence.” And Dr.Hruza is very aware of the successes ofClaire and Jenna. “I just love thatoptometry is represented in pageantryhere in Missouri! Or, that pageantry isrepresented in optometry!” For ClaireKlinsky and Jenna Osseck, it has giventhem the determination, the discipline,and the interpersonal communicationskills to succeed in a rigorous curricu-lum. Those same attributes will drivethem to be leaders and role models forthe profession and bring further posi-tive recognition to the UMSL Collegeof Optometry.