President's Report [Q3 2024]

It is with great honor, profound pleasure, and a deep sense of privilege that I step into the role of President of the Florida Optometric Association (FOA). I am deeply grateful for the trust placed in me to lead this esteemed organization, and I am committed to serving with dedication, passion, and a vision for the future of our profession. 

Firstly, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to our current Chairman of the Board, Dr. Peter Santisi. Your devoted leadership and unwavering dedication have been instrumental in guiding us through recent challenges. Your commitment to our profession and this association has been an inspiration to us all, and I am eager to build upon the solid foundation you have laid.

I also wish to express my deepest gratitude to the past presidents of the FOA. Your tireless efforts and visionary leadership have not only shaped the course of this association but have also paved the way for the continued advancement of optometry in Florida. Your legacies inspire me as I take on this responsibility, and I am motivated to honor your contributions by working diligently to move our profession forward.

Over the past few years, we have been on the defensive, navigating challenges that have required us to protect and preserve the integrity of our profession. However, the time has come to shift our focus. It is time to go on the offense, to proactively advocate for the growth and evolution of optometry in Florida. We must seize opportunities to enhance our scope of practice, ensure that we are at the forefront of healthcare innovation, and continue to provide exceptional care to our patients.

As your president, I am fully committed to working hard this year to achieve these goals. I look forward to collaborating with our dedicated members, the Board of Trustees, and all who share our passion for advancing optometry. Together, we can overcome any obstacles and take bold steps toward a brighter future for our profession.

In closing, I want to once again express my gratitude for the trust you have placed in me to lead this incredible organization. It is a responsibility I do not take lightly, and I am eager to serve with all the energy, enthusiasm, and commitment this role demands. Let us move forward together, united in our mission to advance the field of optometry and to serve the people of Florida with the highest standards of care.

Thank you for this opportunity to lead. I am excited for what lies ahead and confident that, together, we will achieve great things.


Dr. Steve Silverstone
FOA President