September 2026 - Dr. Chris Shiomos

August 31, 2026

Dear NYSOA Family,

September always brings a familiar shift in rhythm. With summer winding down, families are preparing for the "back-to-school" season. As optometrists, our focus right now is to make sure our youngest patients get comprehensive eye exams so they head into the classroom ready to learn and succeed. That will always be central to what we do, but this time of year also serves as a vital reminder to widen our focus to another key group of students: the future practitioners who will carry our profession forward.

This time of year hits close to home for me personally. Just recently, I said a bittersweet goodbye to a bright student heading off to start her first year at the Illinois College of Optometry. Over the last two years, I’ve had the privilege of mentoring her while she worked in my practice during her college summer breaks. Seeing her take this monumental next step is incredibly rewarding. On top of that, I just finalized and submitted a letter of recommendation for another young student taking her first real steps toward optometry school.

Moments like these are a clear reminder that active mentorship is one of the most vital things we can do to secure optometry's future.

To make mentorship accessible and impactful across our state, the NYSOA’s Health Equity and Inclusive Excellence (HEIE) Committee is proud to partner with the SUNY College of Optometry on its shadowing program. This initiative connects pre-optometry students with practicing doctors across New York, offering real-world shadowing opportunities and guidance as they navigate their way into our field. If you’ve ever considered giving back to the profession, serving as a mentor through this program is one of the most effective and fulfilling ways to make a lasting difference.

For me, the journey of mentorship hits closest to home this academic year. This coming May, I will have the ultimate privilege of hooding my own daughter as she graduates from the SUNY College of Optometry. Watching her step into the profession after years of hard work, late-night study sessions, and shared advice is a proud full-circle moment. It’s the ultimate reminder of why we invest so deeply in the next generation

As we kick off this school year, I encourage each of you to seek out the students who show curiosity about eye care, lend a hand to a future optometry applicant, or join our HEIE Committee. By mentoring tomorrow’s students, we ensure that the future of New York optometry remains strong, vibrant, and welcoming.

Looking forward with clear vision,