Salus University - President Mittelman's Blog

Just completed about a week at the American Academy of Optometry meeting in Seattle where I had the opportunity to meet with many of my peers from the other schools and colleges of optometry as well as see the fantastic work our residents, students and faculty presented at the Academy poster sessions and lectures.  It always makes me proud to see the Salus University headline on top of some of the great work that was showcased at the meeting.  Congratulations to all who not only participated but set the benchmark even higher for all of us.

I was also greatly honored to be asked to lecture at the Armed Forces Optometric Society meeting that ran concurrently with the Academy meeting.  I was asked to talk about the public health aspects and associated lessons learned from many of my experiences while serving in the Navy, to include a discussion about Operation Tomodachi and how health is a strong strategic enabler in global health engagement for our country.  It was a real pleasure to be able to share some of my experiences with the group.

I also had the opportunity to participate in an American Schools and Colleges of Optometry Special Interest Group discussion that addressed development and fund raising.  There was great discussion from several of our own experts with the bottom line being we all need to be engaged if we're to continue to grow our great profession and sustain the educational foundation based in our colleges and universities.  Governmental dollars are getting scarcer, thus raising money from other sources will be essential if we're to keep tuition affordable (and hopefully lower them) as well as expand programs to meet the growing needs of Americans.   Our own Dr. Linda Casser and Lynne Corboy participated in the panel discussion adding many great ideas.

I'll be back in the office on Tuesday after spending this weekend in Denver visiting our daughter who is working on a Masters in Social Work at the University of Denver.  Looking forward to watching the Green Bay Packers beat the Minnesota Vikings over dinner tonight :-).