College of Optometry Campaign Priorities

Two NSUCO students recently won a national competition for developing an idea for an optometry practice of the future. Jeremy Chartash (class of 2016), left, and Jay Harrelson (class of 2016) won Walmart’s Project Foresight contest, which awarded them a $15,000 scholarship and traveling trophy for designing an optometric practice that would cater to patients with autism. “We recognized the unique needs of each individual on the spectrum, so we created an office that was dynamic and could change based on the needs of the patients so they do not have to,” Chartash explained. “Both Jay and I are overwhelmed by the compliments the judges gave us and the support we received from the nearly 40 students from NSU who made it a very special event for us. We both learned a lot from this opportunity, and we hope we inspire others to continue to participate in future years.” Sherrol Reynolds, O.D., FAAO, received her Doctor of Optometry from NSU in 1996. She later joined the faculty at Nova Southeastern University. She serves as the continuing education director for the National Optometric Association (NOA) and was awarded the Optometrist of the Year Award from that organization in 2013. “I applied to NSU’s College of Optometry, when it was still a new program, because it was a diverse multidisciplinary program that was the first of its kind amongst optometry schools. I had the opportunity to take courses with the medical, pharmacy, and dental students, and I met friends and colleagues from various professions that I still keep in contact with today. NSU also had a diverse and complex patient population, which allowed for the opportunity to see various ocular conditions,” Reynolds said. COLLEGE OF OPTOMETRY SUCCESS STORIES The NSU Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award recognizes alumni who are changing lives and changing the world by demonstrating a record of distinguished service and extraordinary achievement in a particular profession, discipline, organization, or community cause. David Eldred, O.D. (class of 1997), was recently honored. Eldred is the owner and president of the Advanced Eye Care Clinic in Cheyenne, Wyoming. He is a recognized speaker for CIBA/ALCON Pharmaceuticals, and serves as the correctional medical specialist optometrist for the Wyoming State Department of Corrections. He also is a state coordinator for the InfantSEE program. “NSU and its faculty members were there to assist me in my education every step of the way,” 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.” 09-054-15NOM Division of Advancement and Community Relations 3301 College Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33314-7796 | (954) 262-2109 www.realizingpotential.nova.edu | realizingpotential@nova.edu