Membership Development Committee Report [Q3 2024]

At the beginning of the 2022 legislative session, my previous report quoted Ben Franklin as saying, “Failing to prepare is preparing to fail”. Prepare we did, and the strength of the FOA’s membership shined as we defeated a senseless priority bill solely aimed at hurting the profession of optometry.   

The preparation continues with the strength of the FOA, which is derived directly through its members. While the FOA has strong membership, the need for continued growth is paramount to its success. The FOA continues to work with Nova Southeastern’s College of Optometry to promote the importance of organized optometry, specifically by continuing the tradition of sponsoring white coats and participating in the Florida Optometric Student Association’s meetings. In addition, the FOA is asking all members to understand the importance of continuing their membership. The FOA asks if you know a fellow colleague who is a past member or know of another optometrist who never has been a member, to invite them to the next local society meeting to encourage their participation in moving the profession forward. 

The future of optometry is bright this year for Florida. Let us all continue to do our part to keep it this way. I look forward to seeing everyone this year at the Loews Sapphire Falls Resort in Orlando to celebrate another successful year! 

Sincerely, 
Greg Naberhaus 
FOA Senior Trustee, Membership Committee