NSU Horizons Spring 2018

35 NSU HORIZONS increased Crandall’s comfort level with pediatric patients and patients with special needs. Although born in Lansing, Michigan, she was raised in Florida and received her Bachelor of Science degree from Florida State University. Upon her return, she earned an M.B.A. at NSU. In 2002, Crandall became a College of Optometry associate professor, where she has taught didactic courses for the first- and second-year optometric program. Crandall continues her commitment to education by serving as a consultant for the NSU College of Optometry’s continuing education program, working with manager Vanessa McDonald, M.S. The program’s engaging speakers and meetings have helped bring additional funds into the college from optometrists attending the continuing educa- tion sessions. Money generated by the continuing education program is used for optometry students’ scholarships. The next continuing education program is scheduled for July 2018, with medical errors as the primary topic. Other topics have included basic pharmacological treatment of corneal and retinal diseases. The program varies from one to three days, attracting doctors from throughout the United States. Executing a continuing education program is a major undertaking, but the return on the investment is not only financial. It is also goodwill, Crandall said. One California doctor wrote that the college’s continuing education program changed his life. The program reinvigorated his interest in his profession. “To be able to educate—and inspire—future optometrists and working professionals is a true reward and speaks vol- umes about NSU’s optometry programs,” Crandall said. ¨ The Eye Care Institute is a full-service facility for the community that also serves as a training venue for NSU optometry students and residents.