Season’s Greetings And Best Wishes to All!

     2008 is coming to a close and hopefully everyone will arrive safely at their destinations with family and friends this Holiday Season. Nearly the entire country is experiencing “winter weather” and yet many young and old wish for a “white Christmas” so we have much to be thankful for.
     For me, 2008 has been an incredible year. I’ve spent the last six months representing 34,000 members of the greatest profession in the world – the American Optometric Association. I’ve been blessed to work with 10 board members that are dedicated to our professions’ future beyond compare and nearly 100 AOA staff that work tirelessly for our profession nearly every day of the year!
     Melissa has been an incredible first lady of optometry and is often mistaken for an optometrist because of her passion and knowledge of our profession. I’m blessed with three great children, Vincent, Alexandra and Kathryn – a wonderful daughter-in-law and the “little one” Madalyn who makes it fun for “Bookie” to come home and see how fast 2 years grow!
Melissa and I have met hundreds of incredible optometrists, staff, optometry family and other healthcare colleagues as we’ve traveled coast to coast. Our circle of friends has expanded beyond imagine and the new and old friendships are the best gifts of the season.
     Thank you for allowing me to represent the AOA and optometry in America and abroad. Happy Hanukah and Merry Christmas to All and may God bless you this Holiday Season and throughout 2009!