OPT Visionary - Spring/Summer 2013

THE V ISIONARY • S PRING /S UMMER 2013 — 8 Natalie Rene Land Lisa Martin Jennifer McCall The Alumni Connection even gave me my first tour of campus. I’m very thankful to call Lisa my friend and grateful she invested so much time and interest in me over the years.” Dr. Hutto was accepted into NSU’s Pre-Optometry Program (POP) for entry in 2008. “The great thing about the program is having a means of entry into optometry school,” he explained. “With acceptance as a POP student, the burden lies on your shoulders to determine if you are accepted into the four-year track. It allowed me the chance to achieve a lifetime goal.” Having faced significant hurdles to becoming an O.D., Dr. Hutto has great admiration for those who share his struggles and follow a similar path. The Husband: Strength Through Stability Dr. Hutto also pays tribute to his wife of six years, Megan, who he met at Valdosta State University. He describes her as “the solidarity I’ve needed to get me through optometry school. It’s funny. Many schools view being married as a distraction, but I can honestly say it’s been the only thing to get me through some days.” Additionally, he proudly admitted that he hasn’t driven his wife and family to madness throughout these past five years. “Joking aside, my faith in Christ, my marriage, and how I’ve been able to uphold them throughout school are by far what I am most thankful for. Professionally, I am most proud of the fact that I’ve proven I have belonged all along and that I put in the time to accomplish the small feats.” These small achievements are what seemed to drive Dr. Hutto through optometry school. “The milestones of finishing that 29 th test of the semester—yes, that’s the actual number—passing proficiencies, and diagnosing a condition correctly. The truth is all these things work for the betterment of your patient’s care, and that’s what’s fulfilling about what we do.” Outside of NSU, Dr. Hutto and his wife were involved in Crossfit, which he described as “a high-intensity workout system harboring a strong community of participants across the world,” which allowed them to do something challenging and active together. They were also active members at CityChurch in Fort Lauderdale, where they were involved with many community-based organizations that hoped to improve the city socially, spiritually, and culturally. They also worked with Hope South Florida to help diminish homelessness within Fort Lauderdale and partnered with several agencies to raise money and awareness to help end human trafficking in South Florida. The Friend: Admiration and Remembrance Sadly, Dr. Hutto’s time at NSU and his experience as an O.D. student were profoundly influenced by tragedy. On May 15, 2011, the class of 2013 lost a “dear friend, classmate, and great man. Michael Fish was the oldest member of our class and was always the second person to show up to class,” Dr. Hutto said. “I would be there early, studying in the classroom alone. When the door opened, I knew it was Mike. He would come in every morning diligently preparing for his day while his family members were at home preparing for their day. Mike would sit beside me and we would talk briefly about life before getting back to the books. “More than once he would say how he wasn’t focused on doing a residency, being number one in the class, or even receiving any ac- colades,” added Dr. Hutto of his friend, who died in a tragic cycling ac- cident. “Mike was there for his family and those he would serve in practice down the road. Mike no longer has the ability to fulfill his goals. Hutto Earns Two Senior Awards During the Senior Awards Luncheon held on May 16, Hutto was the recipient of two awards: the X-Cel Contact Lens Award and the Southern Council of Optometry Award for Clin- ical Excellence. Previously, Blake was awarded the 2011 Georgia Optometric Association’s Allen Wexler Scholarship and the 2012 AOAOptometry Cares Pat J. Cummings Award.