Why is being an FOA member important? It is about protecting the future of optometry, advancing our clinical skills, building our community, and advocating for our profession. With many outside competing forces, we need to keep our profession strong and our voices heard.

 

I entered this profession wanting to help others see better. Through my exposure to this profession, I realized that I also needed to be involved as an advocate for my patients and my profession. Initially, during my third year of optometry school, my optometrist preceptor was involved and was speaking at the AOA meeting in Florida. I was exposed to the idea that, in order to further the practice of optometry, it takes more work than just seeing patients. With that exposure, I knew I had to be a member and become involved.

 

As you may already know, our profession is regulated by statutory and legislative enactments. In order for us to thrive in this environment of competing forces, we need strong advocacy. In addition, supporting one another through networking, mentorship, and a shared vision will help ensure a strong future for our profession.

 

The Florida Optometric Association’s mission is to protect, promote, and progress the profession of optometry in Florida. We have representation at the national, state, and local levels. This past March, I was able to attend AOA on Capitol Hill with over 300 other colleagues from across the United States advocating for optometry’s future. We learned from one another how to navigate the Capitol and how to speak with our legislators.

 

No matter how much time or effort you would like to contribute, I hope you can become a member and get involved at the local level, even if it is just by attending meetings. Maybe you can even help recruit or mentor younger optometrists.

 

Be a leader if you want more participation. No amount of work or money is too small. Stay engaged and help better this profession that we worked so hard for in school. Invest in our future and in the generations to come. We are a stronger voice together!

 

I would like to personally invite all of you to attend the FOA Convention at the Tampa Marriott Water Street on July 16–19 and be present at the Legislative Update and House of Delegates meetings on Thursday and Friday to hear what is new with our state legislation.

 

 

Sincerely,

Hang Thai, OD
Senior Trustee