Dr. Hong with one of her young myopia management patients, holding her myopia success story. Bella shares (with permission from her mom) how she enjoys being glasses free, especially when on the basketball court! Dr. Hong says that participating in industry-wide collaborations is fulfilling and helps her be a better doctor.
Industry participation that fosters a well-rounded and accomplished career
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By Carole L. Hong, OD, FCOVD,
and Ashley McFerron, OD
July 31, 2024
When you become an optometrist, you want to serve patients and grow your practice, but many also want to advance in the optical industry. Giving back to the optometric community and helping to advance the profession can be incredibly rewarding.
Two ODs shared with Review of Optometric Business how they advanced in the optical industry, participating in activities that help to enhance the profession. Both ODs were recognized as CooperVision 2024 Best Practices honorees.
Collaboration Across the Industry
Carole L. Hong, OD, FCOVD
Optometric Center for Family Vision Care and Vision Therapy
San Carlos, Calif.
Beyond leading my own practice, my engagement within the optometric profession extends across various avenues, demonstrating my commitment to the advancement of our profession, collaboration with other leaders and global outreach.
As a longstanding member of the Optometrist in Optometric Vision Development and Rehabilitation Association, OVDRA—formerly known as COVD—I have held numerous leadership roles, starting from my optometry school years as Student Liaison to eventually serving as the National Resident Liaison.
My journey continued as I attained the prestigious COVD fellowship status in 1994, further enhancing my commitment to this area of patient care.
Since obtaining my fellowship, I have dedicated my time to volunteering within this organization, serving on multiple committees including membership, education, social media, faculty, resident and student services and public relations.
Helping to grow OVDRA’s membership is essential to meeting the needs of those with vision-related issues that can significantly impact a patient’s overall well-being. Equally important is our messages to the public that achieving 20/20 on the eye chart offers limited insight into vision, missing crucial components like tracking and convergence, which often affects a patient’s performance in school, work, sports and life.
I joined the executive board of the Optometrist in Vision Development and Rehabilitation Association over 24 years ago, and in that time, have enjoyed collaborating with the American Optometric Association (AOA),Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation Association and Optometric Extension Program Foundation leadership teams on mutual campaigns with local optometrists in our state to provide continuing education, and with Optometric Schools and Colleges to provide student programs such as the Tour de Optometry.
For the last 12 years, I have served on the International Examination and Certification Board. In this current role, I contribute to the establishment of fellowship and certification standards to ensure the maintenance certification, as well as helping members provide high-quality care and attain professional excellence.
In addition, the invitation by my mentor, Leonard Press, OD, FCOVD, to join the VisionHelp Group over 20 years ago provided me not only with a wonderful support network of like-minded individuals who constantly push to find ways to provide exceptional care, but also with a platform to share valuable practice management insights, exchange best practices and provide up-to-date information crucial for helping parents, interns or residents in our practices, our colleagues and other professionals.
The VisionHelp Group meets formally twice a year and consists of leaders in developmental optometry who are dedicated to our mission to end the senseless struggle due to underlying developmental vision and rehabilitative vision problems. The group shares information on topics such as advanced treatment of amblyopia, strabismus, concussion, vision and learning problems, working with special needs patients, and digital screen usage.
This collaborative environment allows me to stay abreast of industry trends from other thought leaders, while actively contributing to the collective knowledge base of the vision therapy and visual rehabilitation optometric community.
In addition to my collaborations across the industry, I participate in mission trips organized by Loving Eyes, Lions Club, International Foundation, Volunteer Optometric Services for Humanity (VOSH) and See The Lord. My participation in these mission trips underscores my commitment to global vision care initiatives.
These experiences afford me the opportunity to witness firsthand the impact of vision care interventions in under-served communities, emphasizing the importance of international efforts in combating prevalent eye conditions such as cataracts, diabetes and myopia.
Volunteering in industry-wide collaborations to advance our profession and participating in mission trips are not only rewarding, but have truly helped me to become a better doctor. I’m thankful for all the people of these organizations and the lifelong friendships made along the way, as they have shaped my practice and made me the person I am today.
Regional Leadership
Ashley McFerron, OD
Canby Eyecare
Canby, Ore.
My industry participation spans across varying roles in the Oregon Optometric Physicians Association (OOPA), the Portland Metro Optometric Society, the American Optometric Association (AOA), Northwest Vision Associates, Vision Source Contact Lens Advisory Panel and Pacific University College of Optometry.
Serving as the president of OOPA was immensely rewarding for several reasons:
Dr. McFerron in her practice. Dr. McFerron has had regional leadership roles, in addition to working extensively with the American Optometric Association (AOA).
As president, I had the unique opportunity to shape the association’s direction and priorities, influencing policies that impact the optometric community and quality of eyecare in Oregon. This role allowed me to advocate for optometrists and their patients, ensuring access to the best possible care.
Leading OOPA fostered a deep sense of community and collaboration among my colleagues. It was incredibly rewarding to work with dedicated professionals passionate about advancing optometry.
The role provided invaluable leadership experience, enhancing my strategic thinking and personal growth. The challenges and responsibilities helped me become a more effective leader and advocate.
I’m proud of the initiatives and programs developed during my tenure, many of which continue to benefit the association and its members. Contributing to OOPA’s long-term success was deeply fulfilling.
Being part of the AOA’s Industry Relations Committee has also been rewarding. Serving on the committee has allowed me to build strong relationships with key industry partners, facilitating collaborations that benefit practitioners and patients. I have a direct impact on industry standards and practices, shaping policies that ensure high-quality care and innovation.
Read About More Best Practices
The role enables me to advocate for optometrists’ needs at a national level, helping the profession evolve and improve patient outcomes. It has been an excellent platform for my professional growth, enhancing my understanding of the optometric landscape and strengthening my leadership skills.
Collaborating with diverse professionals on the committee has been enriching, allowing me to exchange ideas, gain new perspectives and build a strong network. Participating in strategic initiatives supports the AOA’s mission and drives the profession forward.
Overall, these experiences have enabled me to make meaningful contributions to the profession, build valuable relationships and enhance patient care.
Going forward, I want to continue to champion the adoption and integration of cutting-edge technologies in optometry. I also want to continue to help promote comprehensive education and training programs for optometrists, focusing on the latest advancements in the field, to ensure high standards of care.
I will continue to push for initiatives to influence policy changes that support the optometric profession and improve patient access to eyecare.
Watch Drs. Hong and McFerron share more about how they have advanced in the optical industry.
>>Click HERE to learn more about CooperVision’s Best Practices program>>
