President's Report (Q3 2025)

“I’m still Alive!” Referencing both the iconic Pearl Jam lyric and the enthusiasm I carry coming out of FOA Alive! 2025, our annual Convention. I would like to thank my family, friends and colleagues for joining us at the Loews Universal Sapphire Falls for 20+ hours of world-class education, massive Exhibit Hall with 100+ Industry partners and the camaraderie of 500+ attendees. Culminating with Banquet and 3 hours of Rockin’ the 90’s - I appreciate the band accommodating a guest lead singer! We strive each year to construct the best State Association convention out there. This annual event would not be epic without 3 key components of the Team: The amazing FOA staff in Tallahassee, our Industry Relations co-chairs Dr. Carl Spear and Dr. April Jasper, and our Convention chair Dr. Brandee Marciano. If you happen to call the FOA office or cross paths with any of these superstars, please thank them for their contributions.

I was handed the gavel and stewardship of our Association by a great leader and mentor. Thank you, Dr. Steve Silverstone, for your steadfast dedication to Optometry. And to every past FOA President: this Board perennially acknowledges that we stand on the shoulders of giants. The advances we accomplish as an organization are directly tied to the inertia of past achievements.

This FOA Board is chomping at the bit to advance Florida optometry. As I mentioned at Convention: put the 9 of us in a room with a challenge and we will create a strategic plan, executed to our best effort. Collaboration is our culture. That philosophy extends to our Local Society leadership. The energy of our young leaders is palpable, implementing our strategic goals at the most integral level, doctor to doctor. Embedded in this cultural infrastructure is availability. My cell is (786) 255-1650; contact me directly if ever a need.

Bottom line, the FOA is there for you. We are your amplified voice within the healthcare industry. From Tallahassee to Washington D.C., regardless of location or type of practice. We are Optometric Physicians; trained and poised to take on a greater role in a strained health care system. This unified, amplified voice can carry Florida Optometry to that professional pinnacle. It takes dedication- not only personal commitment, but more vitally fiscal commitment. Optometry PAC is the amplification of our collective voice. To the 10% of Florida optometrists investing in progressing our profession, our gratitude is heartfelt. If we wish to transform that amplified voice from a megaphone to a wall of Marshall amps, Pearl Jam style, every Florida optometrist needs to jump in the pit and crowd surf with a monthly contribution. Adjust that percentage of investors up to 20% and every wish of Florida Optometry is “Alive!”

With reverence, I commit to lead our organization with focus and fortitude. The FOA Board pledges to work earnestly for our patients and our profession. Along with our network of superstar Local Society leaders and countless dedicated Florida optometrists, our collective goals can be achieved.

Sincerely,

Nate Etten, O.D.
President, Florida Optometric Association