OPT Visionary - Winter/Spring 2015

PAGE 28 alumni news On November 13, NSUCO alumnus David Eldred, O.D. (class of 1997) was one of 17 outstanding graduates saluted at the NSU Distinguished Alumni Achievement Awards reception held at the Grande Oaks Golf Club in Davie. The Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award, which is the highest and most prestigious honor NSU bestows upon its graduates, recognizes alumni who are changing lives and changing the world by demonstrating a record of distinguished service and extraordinary achievement in a particular pro- fession, discipline, organization, or community cause. The award also pays tribute to alumni who have great pride for their alma mater and are commit- ted to advancing NSU’s values and goals. Dr. Eldred is the owner and president of the Advanced Eye Care Clinic in Cheyenne, Wyoming, which he founded in 2010. He enjoys hospital privi- leges at Cheyenne Regional Medical Center, is a recognized speaker for CIBA/ALCON Pharmaceuticals, and serves as the correctional medical spe- cialist optometrist for the Wyoming State Department of Corrections. He also is a state coordinator for the InfantSEE program and has worked with the Illinois College of Optometry, Pacific University College of Optometry, Ohio State University College of Optometry, and NSU’s College of Optometry. In addition to being a past president of the Wyoming Optometric Associ- ation, Dr. Eldred has served on the Cheyenne Laramie County Economic Development Joint Powers Board and the Cheyenne Quarterback Club for the University of Wyoming Athletics Department. He also has served as a member of the Board for Leadership Unlimited, Juvenile Diabetes Founda- tion, March of Dimes, and Cheyenne Young Professionals, among other or- ganizations. Dr. Eldred also is an assistant soccer coach for Ohio State University, a head coach for a U16 boys’ select soccer team, and club pres- ident for a U14 girls’ competitive traveling soccer team. “NSU and its faculty members were there to assist me in my education every step of the way, providing me with extra opportunities when I needed additional help,” Dr. Eldred said. “They made the educational experience for me one that I will never forget. I believe they have a staff of educators that is truly world class.” DR. DAVID ELDRED HONORED with NSU Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award Dr. Eldred pictured with his wife (left) and Linda S. Rouse, O.D., FAAO. SARA BERKE-SILVA, O.D. (’14), an NSUCO op- tometric resident, received the Dr. Lenny Cher- dack Student Legislative Award at the Florida Optometric Association Annual Convention held July 24-27 in Boca Raton. This award recognizes the student who exhibits professional behavior consistent with the high ideals and moral ethics of organized optometry. It recognizes an individual who has demonstrated outstanding dedication to the profession, the Florida Optometric Associa- tion, and the legislative process, including repre- senting the optometry field at the Florida Capital. KENNY BOYLE, O.D., FAAO (’94) was named Optometrist of the Year at the Florida Optometric Association Annual Convention, which was held July 24-27 in Boca Raton. JILL BRYANT, O.D. (’04) received the Young Op- tometrist of the Year Award and the John D. Robinson Clinical Excellence Award for 2014 from the North Carolina State Optometric Society. The Young Optometrist of the Year Award is pre- sented to optometrists who have been in active practice for less than 10 years and have shown remarkable leadership skills when serving their profession, their patients, and their community. The John D. Robinson Clinical Excellence Award is given to a North Carolina optometrist who has exemplified excellence in the clinical practice of primary eye care and ophthalmic medicine. ROXANNE BUFFANO, O.D. (’09) was named the 2014 Young Optometrist of the Year at the Florida Optometric Association Annual Conven- tion, which was held July 24-27 in Boca Raton. CORY COLLIER, O.D. (’14), an NSUCO opto- metric resident, won first place in the Contact Lens and Cornea Section Resident Writing Com- petition and had his article published as the fea- tured article in the September American Optometric Association – Contact Lens and Cornea Section (AOA – CLCS) newsletter. This honor also granted Dr. Collier the opportunity to be among the 2014-15 CLCS resident writers. HONG-HANH DINH, O.D. (’14), an NSUCO opto- metric resident, was awarded the COVD Annual Meeting Travel Grant, which is offered to encour- age and support optometry student and resident participation at the meeting. ALICIA GROCE, O.D. (’14), an NSUCO optomet- ric resident, was awarded the COVD Annual Meet- ing Travel Grant, which is offered to encourage and support optometry student and resident partic- ipation at the meeting. CLASS SPECS BERKE-SILVA BrYAnt COLLier Dinh grOCe