SUMMER 2025
CLASS NOTES: SUMMER 2025
1930s
1940s
1950s
1960s
1970s
1977
Bradley G. Meier, OD ’77, is the recipient of the 2025 Distinguished Service Award from the South Dakota Optometric Society. A fixture at Meier Visual Clinic in Watertown since 1979, Dr. Meier has dedicated his career to advancing the profession through leadership at both the state and national levels.
His commitment includes mentoring colleagues, promoting participation in vision missions, and supporting the local Lions Club. SDOS President Dr. Ashley Crabtree praised his impact, stating, “Dr. Meier truly lives to serve the profession of optometry, and he has made a tremendous impact.”
1979
Timothy Wingert, OD ’79, was inducted into the AOA Optometric Hall of Fame during its national meeting in June 2025. Dr. Wingert was recognized for his distinguished contributions to the field of optometry education and global public health. Dr. Wingert is a retired dean and professor at the University of the Incarnate Word Rosenberg School of Optometry and professor emeritus at the University of Missouri–St. Louis College of Optometry. A two-time J. William Fulbright Scholar and Fulbright Specialist to Ghana, he is also a fellow of both the American Academy of Optometry and the European Academy of Optometry and Optics—one of only three U.S. optometrists to hold that distinction. Dr. Wingert has held leadership roles in the Missouri Optometric Association, the Missouri Children’s Vision Commission, and the ASCO International Education Committee.
1980s
1981
Sandra Block, OD ’81, MEd, FAAO, FCOVD, Professor Emeritus and current President of the World Council of Optometry, was the keynote speaker at the ASCO's 10th SIFD program. Although “retired,” Dr. Block continues to be an impactful leader in optometry worldwide.
1983
Susan Cotter, OD ’83, MS, FAAO, was a featured speaker at the Pediatric Symposium Amblyopia Treatment: How Clinical Trials are Redefining Patient Care, held in honor of Lea Hyvärinen, MD, PhD, FAAP, on January 22, 2025. Dr. Cotter, a professor at the Southern California College of Optometry, Associate Dean for University Research at Marshall B. Ketchum University, and Immediate Past President of the American Academy of Optometry, is internationally recognized for her leadership in pediatric eye care and binocular vision. Dr. Cotter has contributed to more than 200 peer-reviewed publications and is the editor of the textbook Clinical Applications of Prisms.
1990s
1994
Rupe Hansra, OD ’94, was recently appointed as vice president of professional affairs at Topcon Healthcare, Inc. In this role, Dr. Hansra will play a key part in advancing “Healthcare from the Eye,” an emerging model of connected care that uses AI-driven retinal imaging to support the early detection and management of systemic, neurologic, and ocular diseases. He will lead efforts to engage the eyecare community and promote the adoption of Topcon’s robotic diagnostic tools and cloud-based solutions, including Topcon Harmony, the company’s unique workflow and data management platform.
Dr. Hansra brings over two decades of industry and clinical leadership experience. Known for his innovative approach to eyecare and technology, he has worked at the enterprise level to shape strategies, operations, and innovations. He is excited to collaborate with strategic partners, including Microsoft, to enhance healthcare access, quality, and affordability through cutting-edge innovation.
2000s
2007
Drs. Beth (Snyder), OD ’07, and Matt Kunkel, OD ’07, were jointly named 2025 Optometrists of the Year by the South Dakota Optometric Society. This husband-and-wife team has been instrumental in expanding the scope of optometric practice in the state, becoming the first optometrists in South Dakota endorsed to perform in-office laser and eyelid procedures. They continue to support their peers by helping implement these advancements in clinics statewide—improving access and outcomes for patients across South Dakota.
2008
Drs. Shannon Smith-Bodiroga (OD ’08), Nana Owusu (OD ’08), and Renée Phipps (OD ’08) were recently featured in the Winnipeg Free Press (May 14) for their outstanding leadership in advancing pediatric eye care in Winnipeg, Canada.
2009
Bryce Appelbaum, OD ’09, FCOVD, was featured on CBS News Chicago Healthwatch on March 29, 2025, for his pioneering work in neuro-ophthalmology. Dr. Appelbaum shared how functional vision problems can closely mimic ADHD symptoms, often leading to misdiagnosis. His expertise includes reorganizing the visual brain after concussion, remediating visual developmental delays impacting learning, and enhancing visual skills to boost sports performance. Through his work, Dr. Appelbaum is helping patients return to learning, life, and peak potential.
2010s
2014
Stephanie (Sloan) Flamich, OD ’14, was recently honored as the Young Optometrist of the Year by the Iowa Optometric Association at its annual conference in Des Moines. She was recognized for her clinical excellence, leadership, and dedication to the profession. Dr. Flamich completed a residency in ocular disease with an emphasis on ocular emergencies and trauma and now practices at Vision Health Center, P.C., alongside her father, her husband, and mentor. A leader and mentor herself, she is widely respected by her peers and continues to distinguish herself as a rising star in optometry.
2017
Erika J. Poikey, OD ’17, was recently welcomed to the Vision Center South team in Troy, Alabama, as announced by The Messenger. Before joining Vision Center South, Dr. Poikey built a distinguished career in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and Montgomery, Alabama, working in both surgical and private optometry settings. With over six years of experience, she is known for her compassionate approach and commitment to patient-centered care. Her expertise and dedication are a valued addition to the Troy community.
Tessa Sokol, OD ’17, was recently featured in the American Optometric Association’s Member Spotlight article, "Inspiring Optometry’s Next Generation" (March 11, 2025). In the interview, Dr. Sokol emphasizes that recruiting the best and brightest into the profession isn’t just beneficial—it’s essential to the future of optometry. She shares how a high school program first sparked her interest in the field and how she now pays it forward by mentoring and inspiring today’s students. Dr. Sokol highlights the transformative role of mentorship in shaping careers and explains how she integrates that commitment into her daily work. She also encourages her colleagues to take an active role in recruiting, training, and supporting future optometrists to ensure the continued growth and advancement of the profession.
2019
Katherine Tai, OD ’19, was recently featured in the March 5, 2025, article in “Perspectives” and Women in Optometry for her career journey. After graduating from Illinois College of Optometry, Dr. Tai spent three years in private practice before making a career shift that brought her greater balance and fulfillment. In 2023, she joined Bay Area Eye Care Inc., an independent practice affiliated with the National Vision network. Her passion for optometry began as early as sixth grade and continues to shape her rewarding professional path.
2020s
Friends and Family
Pacific University (OR) honored former ICO Trustee, Larry Clausen, OD with the Kamelia Massih Prize for Distinguished Optometrist. Awarded to alums who have made a significant impact on the profession, the honor highlights Dr. Clausen’s 40-year career in optometry, public health and higher education administration, and his dedication to advancing optometry internationally.
Mea Culpa
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The following abbreviations denote predecessor names of the Illinois College of Optometry.
NICO: Northern Illinois College of Optometry
CCO: Chicago College of Optometry
MCO: Monroe College of Optometry
