President's Report (Q4 2025)

Perched in my writing spot, midst end-of-year cheer, random thoughts drawn from “still” air are not screaming “Insight article” content. Prop open patio enclosures on a pristine December Bonita night, and the “imaginative” air is now alive. Inspiration is drawn from a centuries-old Charles Dickens tale and a few ghosts.

While the fantastic headshot top-right would defy said logic, I am in my 28th year of practice. The “Ghost of Florida Optometry Past” and new-grad Nate in 1997 had therapeutic drop privilege for barely a decade, medical/surgical co-management was a precarious year-to-year legislative eggshell stroll, and oral meds were nowhere near a reality. Yet, reflecting on the recent passing of a FL Optometry legend, FOA was on a run of iconic leaders propelling our profession into a new century. Our subsequent legislative victories are well documented and, more recently, historic. I referenced standing on the shoulders of giants last quarter. That statement is part of this FOA Board culture. There are countless past FOA Presidents contributing to our collective professional objectives.

Thank you all for your lifelong, enduring commitment.

The “Ghost of Optometry Present” sees physician-level practitioners using amazing technologies, broadening Optometry’s role in vision, eye health, and systemic care collaboration. Privy to our calendar, this ghost sees FOA Board officers scattered around Florida in 2026. There are many amazing continuing education events put on by our local societies, and the opportunity to be on-site is a high-level priority. Thank you to all the local society leaders organizing these events — we appreciate your dedication. More importantly, thank all FL Optometrists who attend these events, as you are supporting the profession in your backyard.

Present ghost is also keenly aware that the FL legislative session begins Jan. 13th. Here is where ethereal collaboration collides: Ghost of recent past has seen the grassroots effort blossom — thank you, Optometric champions across the state. Present sees FOA ready with the strategic plan. Future is waiting at the legislative finish line.

And that Ghost of Optometry Future? Without clairvoyance, here is my retort: The FOA President is honorably invited each August to NSUCO’s White Coat Ceremony to recite the Optometric Oath. It is a relatively new tradition, but it is five-star on the President’s calendar. The future of Optometry seemed ultra bright in the moment: 140 super-new white coats under stage lighting! Interacting with these eager future colleagues afterward was inspiring. We strive to maintain a relationship with the Florida Optometric Student Association at NSUCO. Additionally, the FOA engages with Floridian OD candidates at other Optometric institutions throughout the year via Zoom, forging a bond between the future Optometrist and their home state.

The future of Optometry is ultimately in our hands. It is our obligation in the present to define the path of our profession. There are ways, big and small, that we can collectively do so. None is more impactful than investing in Optometry PAC. The modernization of Florida Optometry that we can all visualize could occur in one calendar year or fifty, no matter the devotion of present and future leaders. The difference will be our collective monetary contribution in making it a reality. Please consider investing monthly in Optometry PAC in the present for our profession’s future.

As this Bonita December night becomes brisk, the triumvirate of spirits settles on a summary statement:
•  Learn from the past 
•  Lead in the present 
•  Design and shape the future

Wishing everyone the happiest of holidays and a prosperous New Year!

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