FY-EYE on UMSL Optometry

Dr. Howard McAlister, Emeritus Associate Professor, recently received the Robert A. Koetting Memorial Award from the Saint Louis Optometric Society (SLOS) in recognition of his service to optometry and achievements over his optometric career spanning nearly 40 years.  During the award presentation, Dr. Jeffrey Weaver stated “…I believe Howard’s career was defined by service”. Recently elected to the Board of Directors of the Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity (VOSH) Dr McAlister continues to serve during his retirement. Congratulations Howard!

The College of Optometry at UMSL has many distinct features, including small class size, a wide array of externships, successful board pass rates, and high retention, but one of the most defining characteristics is the family feel atmosphere.  Each year the college begins the cycle of recruiting and admitting a new group of individuals from all over the country, and even the world.  This year the College of Optometry is welcoming 49 new students to the Class of 2021.  These students come together as strangers and will leave as close friends and even extended members of one another’s families by the time they graduate. The journey toward becoming this family begins in April at the Class Mixer, where the students meet for the first time and get to know one another.  Spouses, significant others, and even parents are invited to the event; it provides the opportunity to know not only the other students but also those who make up their support system. ...

On May 19th, a beautiful Friday afternoon, 41 future optometrists formally received their white coat, significant by virtue of the fact that they now have clinical privileges allowing them the ability to provide direct patient care.  They worked very diligently during their second year of optometry school to receive the recognition bestowed upon them on this day. Master of Ceremonies, Assistant Dean Dr. Ed Bennett welcomed the students who, based upon a very common personality trait, have been termed the “Class of Harmony”; “Harmony is defined as unity, agreement, friendship, and fellowship and this certainly defines the Class of 2019.  This is a class of exceptional leadership and maturity, and that has been very important this past year.  Some of you came to UMSL making a career change . . . thank you . . . we greatly benefitted from the talents you brought to our College as well as your engagement and leadership, and you will bring these ...