Volume 40 Number 4 2014
Seasons’ Greetings prospectus
You Can Make a Difference By Michele Lagana, OD, President-Elect Although we have more electronic resources at our disposal that keep us organized and make our lives easier than ever before, we live in an age where there are more demands on our time: EMR, PQRS, children, elderly family members, etc. Understandably, the last thing we want to do Michele Lagana, OD is commit to volunteer activities. So why do 26%, or 82,193,498 Americans volunteer? And who are all these individuals with an endless amount of time?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, women volunteer more than men (28.4% vs 22.2%, respectively) and individuals with higher levels of education are engaged in volunteering at higher rates than those with less education (39.8% of college graduates vs 27.7% with some college education vs 16.7% with a high school diploma). Many people incorrectly assume that the elderly or retired are the main volunteer demographic. However, in 2013 those age 35 to 44 years old were most likely to volunteer at a rate of 30.6%, followed by 45 to 54 years old at 28.2% ,while those 55 to 64 years old volunteered 26% of the time, those 65 years old and over at 24.1% and those 25 to 34 years old at 21.9%.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Statistics find that most individuals volunteer with religious organizations, educational or youth organizations, or social/community service organizations, depending on the volunteer’s age and education level. One can assume that these volunteers support their chosen groups because it is a cause they believe in and they want to keep the organization viable and help it to flourish, because it makes them feel good to give back and because the organization is an intrinsic part of their lives.
As optometrists we also belong to groups that have the same needs and require volunteers to sustain them: our local optometric society, the NYSOA and the AOA. The future of these not-for-profit entities depends not only on each of us paying our dues but also on donating some of our time. While it may seem daunting to volunteer everyone has something to offer to our professional organizations, whether it’s assisting with a continuing education meeting, visiting legislators to discuss issues facing optometry, joining a committee or taking on a leadership position. Many of these activities require a minimal time commitment of only a few hours each month.
Board and Society President’s Retreat
By volunteering on a local, state or national level for optometry you can make a difference. Please consider donating a small amount of your time to your profession. We need your help! Contact your local society president (they can be found on the nysoa.org website) or email me at rocheyedoc@ gmail.com to find out how you can help. Continued on page 7
Make a Difference.......................................1
2014 PAC Contributors....................................8
NYSOA Officer Candidates 2015.....................2
2014 CVC Contributors..................................10
E-Prescribing Mandates in NYS.......................5
Winterfest ......................................................11
Retreat Pictures...............................................7
NYSOA Business Partners.............................17
Prospectus (ISSN 1055-7407) is published by the New York State Optometric Association, Inc, 119 Washington Avenue, 2nd Floor, Albany, NY 12210. The views and opinions expressed are those of the signed author and in no way should be construed to reflect the opinions or position of the editorial staff of Prospectus, or the New York State Optometric Association, its officers, local affiliate societies, or administrative staff All submissions are subject to editorial change with regard to clarity or length Final decision regarding acceptance or rejection of any submission lies with the editor