Focus On-Line
This page will bring you stories and pictures about alumni, students, faculty, staff at the College. If you have any story ideas, please e-mail: jeanne@pacificu.edu.
Pacific Focus Newsletter
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Faculty and Students at Special Olympics Opening Eyes
College of Optometry faculty and students participated in the “Opening Eyes Program” for the Special Olympics Healthy Athletes event held at Park Lanes in Hillsboro, Ore, on Saturday, November 22nd. The 
Open-ing Eyes Program provides free vision care and glasses for Special Olympic athletes.
The Opening Eyes Team consisted of faculty members: J P Lowery, Hannu Laukkanen, Graham Erickson, Dina Erickson, Rick London, Len Hua and Paula Handford; staff members Cathy Evans, Marcy Apple and Launa Kind; and thirty optometry students who gave up their Saturday to help. Pictured to the right are second year students Oliver Kuhn-Wilken and Hans Bjorn with one of the Special Olympiads.
The team took over the restaurant area of Park Lanes and established stations to provide the various components of a comprehensive vision exam, including: auto-refractor, visual acuity, dilation, and full slit lamp evaluation. IVAN, Pacific's mobile clinic, was also on hand in the parking lot.
“The prevalence of vision problems in the special needs population is ten times greater than in the general population,” explained Dr. J P Lowery. Athletes from underserved areas like Gold Beach, Brookings and Klamath Falls traveled to Hillsboro for the event. Over sixty (60) vision exams were given during the day-long program. In addition to the free vision exam, the athletes were able to receive glasses within 45 minutes. Santinelli International was on site to provide the lens edging and produce the completed eyewear. Essilor donated lenses and Safilo provided quality frames.
Joann Stoller, Director of Sports for Special Olympics Oregon, reported the story of a mom who was so thankful for the free eye exam which revealed that her middle-aged daughter had cataracts in both eyes, which accounted for her daughter’s recent poor performance in track and bowling. With only the Oregon Health Plan, she was unable to have her daughter’s eyes examined.
The Special Olympics Healthy Athletes program was started in 1997. It has grown to provide seven different health screenings with the goal to improve athletes' ability to train and compete in Special Olympics. These free health screenings and services are offered to athletes at local, State/Provincial, National and World Games. Volunteer health care professionals and students are trained to provide the screenings in an effort to educate the professional community about the health needs and abilities of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Fall Practice Opportunities Fair
Students crowded the classroom in Jefferson Hall for the Fall Practice Opportunity Fair. The lure of "goodie bags", give-aways and TMOD study guides (from Luxottica Retail) was secondary to the chance to talk with representatives from private practices and corporations to learn about the practice options available to them.
Gerald Berges, OD '73, traveled from Kennewick to represent the La Grande, Ore practice of Chad Lusk, OD '73. Dr. William Wickline and his wife Patti talked enthusiastically about their practice in Sequim, Wash. Darin Closson, OD '97, and Christ Thorsland, OD '05, represented their companies at the Fair. The Canadian students were able to learn about opportunities in Canada with Optometric Services, Inc., from Quebec.
Plan to participate in the Spring Practice Opportunity Fair and showcase your business to our students. Contact Melodye MacAlpine for more information or to reserve your table.
Kreidler Re-Elected
Mike Kreidler, OD '69, was elected to a 4 year term as Insurance Commissioner for Washington State, winning more than 61% of the vote. He was elected Insurance Commissioner in 2000 and re-elected in 2004. Dr. Kreidler practiced optometry for 20 years and also served as a school board member, state representative, state senator, and in the U.S. Congress.
Congratulations Fellows!
Congratulations to faculty members Fraser Horn, OD’04; and Tracy Doll, OD’06; who became Fellows of the American Academy of Optometry during the Academy meeting in Anaheim, California, in October 2008.
The following College alumni also became Fellows of the American Academy of Optometry: Richard Baird, OD’07; Aaron Bronner, OD’07; Randall Fuerst, OD’83; Winter Lewis, OD’00; Amanda Mendez-Roberts, OD’05; Ronda Olson, OD’04; Nathan Price, OD’96; Nidhi Rana Ashwani, MS ’01, OD’03; Jennifer Tam, OD’04; and Walter Whitley, OD’02.
College of Optometry Announces Patient Assistant Program
In these times of economic uncertainty, many people have to make difficult financial choices and often cut back on expenses like new frames and lenses. Unfortunately, for a child this can create problems in the classroom or on the playground. To address this problem, Pacific EyeTrends announced their new Patient Assistance Program which offers income-based discounts for frames, lenses and lens options. Discounts are given on a sliding scale based on household income and the federal poverty guidelines.
“This allows every patient to have access to the best optical options to meet their vision needs,” says Cathy Evans, Director of Ophthalmic Services. She explained that this program was implemented in mid-September and added that a generous partnership with Opticraft Laboratories in Portland has made this program possible. “Opticraft was very anxious to participate in a program that helps people in our community who are facing financial difficulties,” added Evans.
Pacific EyeTrends are the optical shops located at each of the College of Optometry’s clinics in the Portland area. The optometry program includes coursework in clinical optics and hands-on laboratories with certified optical professionals.
2008 Great Western Council of Optometry
Over 250 optometrists enjoyed a spectacular lunch and had the chance to visit with friends, classmates and former instructors at the annual 
Pacific University Alumni and Friends Luncheon at the Great Western Council of Optometry (GWCO) 2008 Congress at the Oregon Convention Center. Dean Jennifer Smythe, OD ’93, approached the podium to greet her former classmates, students and peers. She expressed her honor at introducing the distinguished guests who are part of the lore of the College: Professors Emeriti Don West and Niles Roth, and crowd favorite, Mrs. Willie Teeter. The purpose of the luncheon was to thank the doctors for their support of the College and to keep them abreast of how the College is changing to meet the demands of a dynamic profession. Read more.
Optometry Marathoners
The cold, rainy Portland morning didn't discourage the hearty Optometry students from giving their all at the 2008 Portland Marathon. Pounding the pavement for 26.2 miles were second year students: Dan Schrempp (2:56:23), Mike Young (3:43:25), Kelly Minnich (4:17:30); third years: Frank Kuchera (3:47:37) and Lindsey Edmonds (3:52); and fourth year Eli Hall (4:01:06). Traveling from Minnesota to participate was Tim Nelson, OD '01(3:50:42) who ran with Eric Reisler, OD '01, from Fort Collins, Colorado. With 70 live musical groups and cheering crowds along the way, this annual event is known for being runner friendly and attracts more than 12,000 participants.
Vision Ergonomics Research Lab holds Open House
An afternoon fete on Se
ptember 25th introduced the University community to the new Vision Ergonomics Research Laboratory (VERL). Director of Research Jim Sheedy, OD, PhD; described the areas of research currently conducted in the new facility. The research team is studying eye strain and eye fatigue, the use of sub-pixels to improve display resolution and readability, and new ways to structure the presentation of words on displays to improve reading performance.
“Our College is very well-positioned to have significant impact on (the area of dyslexia) because of our outreach screening programs in schools, our excellent clinical program in vision function, and our strong research program in reading, cognition, and eye movements,” explains Sheedy.
The reception was also an opportunity to introduce research team 
member Dan Ullmann, MD, MPH, who will be managing a large clinical trials study the Vision Performance Institute is doing with Alcon. Ullmann and John Hayes, PhD, are forming a clinical research group that provides epidemiological, clinical trial, and biostatistical support for other studies within the Vision Performance Institute and also across campus.
Located on the first floor of Price Hall, the new 1200 square foot laboratory includes research and office facilities.
We Ran. We Walked. We had a Great Time!
A cool, dry Saturday morning met the energetic crowd of runners and walkers outside Jefferson Hall for the 2008 Lion’s Club Run & Walk for Sight on September 20th. The 5K (3.1 miles) event brought out members of the Forest Grove community along with Pacific University faculty, staff and students. “We had a new record for this Run & Walk. Participation from Pacific students and staff was tremendous!” exclaimed event chairman Red Rowley.
It was a flat, fast course through quiet neighborhoods, along Highway 47, through the Grand Lodge and back to campus. The serious runners had opportunities to set PR’s, and the recreational joggers and casual walkers enjoyed plenty of camaraderie along the way. Fighting off competitors in the men’s field to was Dan Schrempp, OD ’12, the first person to cross the finish. Finishing first among the women was Aubre
Debenham. The first senior man was Steve Goss and senior woman was Rachael Packer. Athletes of all ages participated - from toddlers in jogging strollers to the venerable and spry Mrs. T (Willie Teeter) who secured the first place finish for her age group.
The raffle following the event included coveted prizes donated by the community, including a bicycle donated by Olson’s Bicycles and Heaton & Company and designer sunglasses from Pacific EyeTrends. A jubilent James Draznin held the winning ticket for the bicycle.
The Lion’s Club was pleased with the enthusiastic turnout and praised the cadre of student volunteers organized by Amigos President Bethany Moyses. Students assisted with set-up, registration, and made sure no short cuts were taken on the route.
The Class of 2012 won the class challenge with 26 participants, edging out the Class of 2011 with 23 participants. The winning class was awarded $101 from the College of Optometry and a delectable plate of brownies for the class. College administrators were not slackers at the Run for Sight. Placing in their age groups were: Jenny Smythe, OD; Liz Davis, OD, Jim Sheedy, OD; Will Perkins, Lisette Romig and Jeanne Oliver. Completing her first 5K run was Marti Fredericks.
The Run and Walk for Sight supports scholarships for optometry students, provides funds for AMIGOS and eye care for those in financial need. Start training for the 2009 event, scheduled for the third Saturday in September. Our thanks to the premier sponsors of the 8th Annual Run & Walk for Sight:
FOREST GROVE POWER and LIGHT
Frye’s Action Athletics
2016 Pacific Ave
Forest Grove, OR 97116West Coast Bank
4110 Pacific Ave
Forest Grove, OR 97116Heaton & Company PC
1927 Pacific Ave
Forest Grove, OR 97116
“Run ‘til You PUCO” Competes in Hood to Coast
Story by Ashley Olson
On the weekend of August 22-23rd, a team from Pacific University College of Optometry ran the Hood to Coast Relay, also known as “The Mother of All Relays.” The team members from Pacific, who donned the name “Run ‘til you PUCO”, were Abraham Wilson, Lindsey Edmunds, Frank Kuchera, Mike Young, Ashley Olson, Mitch Weigel, Tony Turin, and Kelly Minnich. All are second or third year optometry students. The remainder of the team was spouses or friends from the area.
The team competed in the Men’s Open category and finished 92 out of 214 teams, averaging a time of 8:25 minutes/mile. In total it took 27 hours, 40 minutes, and 28 seconds to complete the relay. They got sleep whenever they could, which included sleeping on a tarp in a field out along the course. Overall, it was a fun experience, and one that will not be forgotten anytime soon. They wish to thank everyone that supported them!
Hood to Coast, which stretches 197 miles, begins at Timberline Lodge on Mt. Hood and finished on the beach in Seaside. There are more than 12,000 runners that come from around the country and the world to compete in the relay.
Back Row Left to Right: Frank Kuchera, Heather Mackley, Tony Turin, Mike Young, Kelly Minnich, Mitch Weigel, Micah Whaley
Front Row: Abraham Wilson, Lindsey Edmunds, Kellie Weigel, Ashley Olson
Happy 80th Birthday, BILL PRESTON!
Professor Emeritus Bill Preston, OD ’58, recently celebrated his 80th birthday with family and friends in Beaverton, Oregon. Retired since 2002, Dr. Preston was a fixture in the College of Optometry since 1977, guiding and advising optometry students through their rotations at the Forest Grove Family Vision Center. He is acknowledged for his expertise on various optometric topics, including: vertical imbalances, case analysis, and special testing procedures. However, many former students remember that he could also party with the best of them at the old Coffee Grinder restaurant in Forest Grove.
This former marine sergeant (yes, Sgt. Preston) was born in Sparta, Wisconsin, and grew up in Moorhead, Minnesota. After earning his doctor of optometry from Pacific University, Dr. Preston spent the next few years in private practice in Fargo, North Dakota, and Cedar Mill, Oregon, prior to joining the faculty at Pacific. He is well known for his vocal skills and was a member of several choral groups. He had his star turn at the Theater in the Grove’s production of “Annie Get Your Gun” where he co-starred with the exuberant and sassy Lois Bailey. His daughter Ruth, who shares his quick wit and vocal talents, drove from Seattle to join in the celebration. Dr. Preston is enjoying his retirement as he continues to root for the North Dakota State Bisons, currently ranked #1 by the Football Championship Subdivision coaches’ poll. Stay in touch with Dr. Preston by e-mailing: wepodofo@verizon.net.
After moving a mountain of paperwork and correspondence, and conducting interviews throughout the country, Admissions Director Janelle Holmboe proudly presented the 92 members of the Class of 2012. Will Perkins, Associate Dean for Graduate & Professional Students, and Melodye MacAlpine, Assistant Director of Student Services, coordinated an orientation program to welcome the Class with two days of activities which included tours of Jefferson Hall and the Pacific University campus and an overview of the myriad student services they will employ over the next four years.
The Class of 2012 includes 57 women and 35 men. Sixteen of them will juggle the responsibilities of marriage and family with the rigors of the academic program. Members of the class range in age from 20 to 41, with the average age being 24. Holmboe boasted that the Class of 2012 holds many academic records: the highest average total science OAT score of 347, the highest average incoming cumulative GPA of 3.57, and the highest average science GPA of 3.50.
The members of the class come from twenty-two states and three Canadian Provinces (10 from Alberta, 4 from British Columbia and one making the long trek from Ontario). Escaping the cold winters of North Dakota are 14 students, the most from any state. Eleven students from Washington and 10 from Oregon are also in the class. The students received degrees from 63 different colleges and universities. The University of Alberta had 7 representatives, Brigham Young of Idaho had 5, and North Dakota State University had 5.
Orientation Day introduced the Class of 2012 to the key administrators in the College of Optometry: Dean Jennifer Smythe led them in the Code of Ethics and Assistant Dean John Smith gave them an overview of the academic program. Representatives of student government: AOSA Trustee Guy Ambrosio, Class of 2010; SOA President Shannon Mitchell, Class of 2010; and Class of 2010 President Kyla Hunter exhorted the in-coming class to take the time to participate in student activities. The importance of active involvement with the profession was stated by local association dignitaries: Oregon Optometric Physician Association (OOPA) Past President Douglas Melzer, OD ’87, and OOPA President Darrin Fleming, OD; OOPA Pacific University Liaison Tara Pinske, OD ’00; and Optometric Physician of Washington President Michael Noble, OD ’83.
Orientation included ample opportunity for the Class to meet and interact with their new classmates. They enjoyed a banquet, lunch and reception where they met the faculty and forged new friendships and future professional relations.
Welcome to four years of hard work and a satisfying and rewarding career in Optometry!
The College Welcomes Debra Avilucea
Ms. Debra Avilucea has recently been added to the College Administrative Staff as Director of Clinical Management. Debra holds an MBA from Western New Mexico University and will be responsible for evaluating and monitoring all aspects of the business operations across our internal clinical program. She will be taking on the responsibility of monitoring and tracking our key market indicators, developing, implementing, and monitoring patient satisfaction surveys, developing marketing and promotional materials for the College clinical program, and working with the clinic managers to develop policies and procedures for operations. Debra will be working closely with the Clinical Directors and the College administration to develop faculty and student clinical schedules; and working with the Director of Ophthalmic Services, Ms. Cathy Evans, to bring further integration of the policies and training regarding the services and products provided within the clinics.
Debra recently served as Executive Director for Enrollment Services and Registrar for Pacific University. Welcome, Debra!
Fun, Fashion and Excitement at Pacific Eye Trends
A dizzying array of frames from over 25 lines were on display at a mini-Vision Expo presented by Luxottica Eyewear. Organized by Cathy Evans, Pacific University Director of Ophthalmic Services, this show was an unprecedented unveiling of the entire Luxottica product line. Luxottica Group is the world’s leading designer, manufacturer and distributor of prescription frames and sunglasses in the premium and luxury segments.
“We have five affiliated EyeTrends opticals and we are expanding our product diversity to better serve our patients.” explains Ken Eakland, Associate Dean for Clinical Programs, “We are very pleased with our renewed relationship with Luxottica.”
Click here to read more and see pictures from the event.
Alumni Weekend Brings out the Best
What would it take to entice a person to drive out to the campus of Pacific University on a beautiful Saturday in June? Would it be a chance to visit the campus in all its summer splendor? How about a lavish lunch buffet under the oaks? Would sitting with former classmates listening to the vast clinical expertise of the nationally acclaimed Dr. Art Epstein? What if the continuing education program was free? The answer is all of the above as ninety (90) College of 
Optometry alumni spanning 53 years attended the annual Optometry Reunion Continuing Education Program on June 21, 2009.
From venerable “old-timers” like Lawrence Chan, OD ’54; Donald Bettger, OD ’57; and Bob Beaderstadt, OD ’59; to new 2007 doctors each person enjoyed the opportunity to see the changes on campus, renew friendships and earn a few hours. Larry Hedgren, ’58, OD ’59, of New Mexico was inducted into the “Golden Guard” in honor of his 50th anniversary of graduating from the undergraduate program. Another inductee, Al Furie, ’58, OD ’60, was honored with the Outstanding Alumni Achievement Award for his years of service on the faculty of the College of Optometry. Both Golden Guard members bent down on creaky knees with their other classmates to add their names to the East Sidewalk by Old College Hall.
Be sure to save the third weekend in June 2009 for your chance to be a part of the Alumni Reunion Weekend! Click here to see more pictures from the Reunion CE Weekend.
Perkins Named Associate Dean
Will Perkins was recently named Associate Dean for Graduate/Professional Students. His primary duties remain with the students in the College of Optometry, but he now interacts with professional students at the Hillsboro and Eugene campuses. Will's leadership will help to provide more consistent and dependable support to students, and develop relationships and collaborations that will benefit all professional programs.
Spanish Class ends with a BANG
The members of the Class of 2010 who took “Basic Spanish for Optometry” (Opt. 752) as an elective during the summer semester were in for a treat when instructor, Tracy Doll, OD ’06, brought in Mexican treats and a piñata on the final day of class. Throughout the term, Dr. Doll used fun and engaging teaching techniques to instruct the class in 
basic vocabulary and how to perform a comprehensive optometric exam on a Spanish speaking patient. In addition, she identified the cultural differences in the Hispano-American population with respect to health care beliefs and services in the U.S. compared with the countries of origin. She also identified the health conditions that are prevalent in the population group.
Tracy Doll, OD '06, instructs Opt. 752.
Specs, RX and Rock 'n Roll
Pacific was selected as the host school for the rules video for the Essilor Super Bowl at the AOA meeting in Seattle. A film crew from Essilor and 80 – 90 students gathered at the College on Saturday, June 7, while the 5 members of Near Triad (Guy Ambrosio, Ben Cahoon, Adam Gorner, Nathan Rains and Marc Schmitt) entertained the screaming crowd. Read more.
CONGRATULATIONS CLASS OF 2008
94 new optometrists entered the profession on a bright Saturday morning in May. The Class of 2008 completed four years of coursework during which the fourth professional year consisted entirely of clinical rotations at one of Pacific's affiliated preceptorship sites. Those sites are located throughout the US and Canada. For many, graduation is their return to campus after a year away. The busy graduation day began with a ceremony to welcome the optometrists to the profession and ended with the formal commencement ceremony at the Pacific Athletic Center. One final hurdle will be taking state boards and law exams afterwhich they'll take the profession by storm. Read more about graduation and view pictures,click here.
OEPF Donates Readalyzer
At the concluding banquet of the 23rd annual JCTCO, The Optometric Extension Program Foundation (OEPF) donated a Readalyzer to the College in honor of the late Dr. Craig H. Witte. Dr. Witte, from Bloomington, Illinois, was a regular attendee at the Joint Conference. He specialized in children's vision, developmental vision, and visual training, and was well known for his insightful contributions to the program discussions. He was equally known for his quick wit and clinical expertise. 
The Readalyzer is a device that accurately records eye movements while reading and assesses reading fluency while isolating reading problems. The instrument works by recording how the eyes focus, how they move and how long they stop on each word, how accurately they jump from place to place and how the reader is able to piece together the story in sequence to provide understanding and comprehension. With the use of the Readalyzer it is possible to diagnose problems associated with reading including comprehension difficulties, tiredness after reading and general difficulties.
Our thanks to OEPF and to the memory of a colleague and friend, Dr. Craig Witte.
2007 Graduates Complete Residencies
Ten members of the class of 2007 participated in one of Pacific’s affiliated residency programs: Brian Arvidson, Ashley Bement, Dave Coulson, Kirk Halvorson, Tracy Jacobsen, Shannon Kessler, Van Ly, Mark Maraman, Mary Miller and Sheila Wadhwa. In addition to patient care, their residency year included scholarly activities and case presentations to their peers. Each June, the doctors at each of the programs present at the annual Residency Conference, a day-long continuing education program open to doctors in the community. Their presentations showcased the depth and breadth of their clinical experiences.
For more information and pictures from the conference, please click here.
Playfully describing them as ‘siblings”, Jeff Hiett (R), Residency Program Coordinator for the Puget Sound VA, also offered many words of praise for Kirk Halvorson, Tracy Jacobsen and Mark Maraman.
CAPSTONE EVENT 2008
After a year of preceptorships throughout the country, the Class of 2008 returned to campus for the final educational seminar of their academic program. The “Capstone Event” was organized by Associate Dean Ken Eakland and featured speakers on topics that are critical to their 
immediate futures as optometrists. For photos and a story on the event, please click here.
Alan Homestead, OD ’80, presented the myths and facts of a successful practice to the students at the Capstone Event.
Rick London honored with President's Award
Professor Rick London was recently awarded the President’s Award for Excellence in Professional Education at the Faculty and Staff Honors and Awards Ceremony in May. With his myriad interests including rehabilitative optometry, pediatric optometry, binocular vision dysfunctions and perceptual skills, Dr. London “epitomizes the ideal researcher/clinician/educator.” In addition, the Pediatric Eye Disease Investigation Group (PEDIG) recently bestowed “Site of the Month” (May) honors Dr. London and his team for PEDIG and the Amblyopia Treatment Studies.
Transitioning to Clinical Education
After completing the second year of coursework, students tansition into the clinical portion of the program. This transition is marked by the WHITE COAT ceremony, which was held Monday, May 12, at MacCready Auditorium. (Read more)
Forrey at VOSH NW
After over forty years in practice, Jeffrey Forrey, OD ’65, could sit back and enjoy the leisure activities he postponed because of his practice. Instead, his energies are focused on Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity (VOSH)/ International, where he serves as Vice-President. The primary mission of VOSH / International is to facilitate the provision and sustainability of vision care worldwide to people who can neither afford nor obtain such care. Their objective is to improve people’s vision so they can be more productive and enjoy a better quality of life.
Dr. Forrey and Paul Caletti, VP VOSH Northwest, were recently on campus to select from donated instruments, books, lab tools and other supplies for an upcoming medical mission to Samoa. Our alumni have made generous donations of these items over the years and those items have been put to good use in training our students and supporting activities from organizations such as VOSH and AMIGOS, the student affiliation of VOSH at Pacific University.
Remember to think of the College when you upgrade your tools and equipment. Please contact Ken Eakland (eaklandk@pacificu.edu) or Jeanne Oliver (Jeanne@pacificu.edu) for more information.
Faculty member Karl Citek, OD, PhD, was a featured presenter on eye movement and intoxication at the 9th Annual Mid-Atlantic Regional DUI Conference in Virginia Beach, VA, last week (Mar 18-19). Karl is frequently called upon to provide expert testimony on DUI cases throughout the U.S.
To view a video clip of Karl in action from that conference, go to the following link:
http://hamptonroads.tv/index.cfm?locvid=139185&ch=New