COMMEMORATIVE PROGRAM

Celebrating New York State’s Ophthalmic Dispensing Profession

NYS OPTICIANS GALA

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT SYMPOSIUM

2016A LEGACY OF

SUCCESS A VISION FOR THE FUTURE

&Winchester OpticalHeritage Sponsor

Please Join Us Sunday Morning for NYSSO’s 80th Anniversary Heritage Project

8:00-9:00 am • Oneida Ballroom • 1 CEC

LEGACY OF SUCCESS. A VISION FOR THE FUTURE.

An 80th Anniversary Message from the President of NYSSO

Dear NYSSO Members, Supporters & Guests:80 years…a chance to look back at the past and project to the future…an opportunity to renew old acquaintances and to make new connections…a reason to celebrate…a chance to shine…any one of these is a perfect reason to be at tonight’s Gala! But tonight, as all the months of hard work and planning come together; and following the success of this afternoon’s continuing education program and Board of Directors Meeting, I truly believe NYSSO’s 80th Anniversary touches on all these reasons. Our programme tonight—and tomorrow’s Professional Development Symposium—will allow us to reminisce about how our profession came into being and evolved over the decades. During dinner, we will be discussing our current work and lives with colleagues and friends with whom we sit. Throughout, let us remember what is binding us together—a noble professional association entitled the New York State Society of Opticians.On behalf of the entire Board of Directors, I would also like to ask you to use this historical milestone to re-commit to the mission and work of NYSSO. Please help us spread the word about our many offerings and benefits, bring a colleague along to one of our Symposiums or Regional Meetings, extend an invitation to membership. We need your help…so NYSSO can grow…providing future Opticians with NYSSO as a resource and defender of their license for another 80 years and beyond!Thank you for joining us tonight! A special thank you to the many outstanding optical companies and their representatives present—and for this important ongoing support of the Society and its members across New York State. Happy 80th Anniversary NYSSO!

Sincerely,

Lisa DolezelPresident

1450 Western Avenue, Suite 101, Albany, NY 12203-3539 • Phone: 518-426-0599 • Fax: 518-463-8656 Email: nysso@caphill.com • Web: www.nysso.org

“Advancing and protecting the ophthalmic dispensing profession since 1936.”

NYSSO ad

Tuesday, April 19, 2016 2:02:18 PM

The 2016 New York State Opticians Gala• Program of Events – Evening of Saturday, April 30, 2016

Meet Our Sponsors Reception........................6:00 – 7:30 p.m.Mingle, catch-up with friends and colleagues, meet some of New York’s finest optical companies and their representatives! Opticians PAC Raffle tickets available. Dinner...............................................................................7:30 – 9:30 p.m.

• Dinner ProgramMaster of Ceremony – Renee Krajcar, NYSSO Gala ChairGala Welcome – Lisa L. Dolezel, NYSSO President & Regional Director & Renee Krajcar, Gala Chair

• Acknowledgements of Major Sponsors • Gala & Professional Development Symposium Lunch Sponsor – US Optical

Ralph Cotran, Vice President

• New York State Optical Retailer of the Year Sponsor – Europa International Michael Crowley

• New York State Four Under Forty Awards Sponsor – Luxottica Deb Bulken, Regional Sales Manager, Northeast

• Gala Media Sponsor – Jobson Medical Information

• Comments on a Rewarding Profession• Optical Jeopardy Showdown with Deb White• Presentation of NYSSO Annual Awards

Lisa L. Dolezel & Renee KrajcarPresentation of the Society’s Annual AwardsPresentation of the New York State Optical Retailer of the Year AwardPresentation of the New York State Four Under Forty Awards* Honorees are asked to exit stage on left side for photographs with NYSSO leaders in the Red Carpet area.

• PAC Raffle and Door Prize DrawingsJohn A. Kennedy, Jr., Past President

Join your colleagues and friends for the After-Event Parties at Turning Stone’s Exit 33 entertainment wing and later at Lava! Continue the celebration!

NYSSO Presidents: 1936 - 2016

EXECUTIVE BOARDPresident: Lisa Lund-Dolezel Vice President: George Hsu Secretary: Alicia Rabb Treasurer : Joseph Sollecto Immediate Past President: Deborah Ullrich

REGIONAL DIRECTORSRegion 1 DirectorsJohn Renna (2016)Alicia Rabb (2017)Nicholas Geschwender (2018)Region 2 DirectorsLaurie A. Schreiber (2016)Jeff Braun (2017)Sharon Braun (2018)Region 3 Directors Lisa Lund-Dolezel (2016)Deborah Ullrich (2017)Dale Clemens (2018)

Region 4 DirectorsDiane Melnik (2016)R. Bruce Mapes (2017)Kevin Morrissey (2018)Region 5 DirectorsLaura Frezza-Chiarello (2016)Joseph Sollecito (2017)Raffaele Tedesco (2018)Region LI DirectorsAnthony Rebaldo (2016)Richard Bauman (2017)Dennis Casey (2017) George Hsu (2018)NYSSO StaffExecutive Director: John A. Graziano, Jr.Society Administrator: Brian BuffDeputy Administrator: Victoria Palasieski

NYSSO Leadership

1981-1982 Wesley Evens *1982-1984 Richard Terry *1984-1987 John A. Kennedy, Jr.1987-1989 Patrick E. Roche1990-1991 Thomas Guthlein1991-1994 Sharon Breivogel-Leonard1994-1995 Laura Frezza-Chiarello1996-1998 Michael T. Murphy1999-2000 Robert Wallner2000-2002 David B. Cohen2002-2004 Carl A. Conklin, Jr.2004-2005 Michael P. Buenau2005-2007 John A. Kennedy, Jr.2007-2009 Richard Bauman2009-2011 Laurie Schreiber 2011-2013 Ethan J. Brown 2013-2015 Deborah Ulrich2015- Lisa Lund-Dolezel* - Deceased

1936-1942 Philip Salvatori *1943-1944 Wilfred Brunelle *1945-1946 Leland Bigelow *1947-1948 George Schneider *1949-1950 Al Levine *1951-1955 Philip Salvatori *1956-1957 William Heimlich *1958-1959 John Hansen *1960-1961 Harold Murdock *1962-1963 Frederick Smith *1964-1965 Thomas J. Cogger *1966-1967 T.J. Ogar *1968-1969 Michael Rich *1970-1971 Jery Stenzler *1972-1973 Cosmo Fratello*1974-1975 William A. Cahill *1976-1977 Raymond Leahy1978-1979 David Gerstner1979-1981 Richard S. Buchanan

Join us again next year for the 2017 New York State Opticians Gala & Professional Development Symposium, May 6 & 7, 2017

Turning Stone Resort & Casino

Save-the-Date

NYSSO Awards & Honors - 2016

New York State Optician of the Year Mark DiMeo Mark DiMeo has been a Licensed Optician since 1979. He has been the owner of Mark Optical since 1990, providing outstanding service for his colleagues across the Long Island/Metro area. Mark is one of NYSSO’s biggest supporters—and believers in our licensed profession. He was an active long-time member of the Long Island Chapter and held several chapter leadership positions. He continues to support NYSSO and its activities across the Long Island Region. In addition, Mark Optical sponsors NYSSO events, ensuring quality programming for Society members and New York State Opticians.

The Richard A. Terry AwardDale ClemensDale Clemens has been a member of NYSSO dating back to his days in college in 1992. Dale has volunteered, at some level, since he joined. Through the years Dale has filled various positions, including Chapter Treasurer, Regional Director, and most recently updating the Contact Lens Review Course. Dale is always ready to help with anything NYSSO needs. He always runs the Continuing Education at the Gala and excellent in finding other volunteers to help. Dale’s willingness to share, promote, and advocate for NYSSO makes him a valued and respected member of the society.

The NYSSO Lifetime Achievement AwardMichael KatherMichael Kather is the epitome of a person who deserves this award. Throughout his career, Mike has inspired the Opticians he works with to be great. He has taught about integrity and to make sure every pair of glasses was great. Not only from an optical standpoint, but from a cosmetic standpoint as well. He taught to use tools and not just fingers. Mike Kather has had a long and successful career as the optical manager at Sidney Hillman. He has been a member of the State Ophthalmic Dispensing Board and is finishing his last term this year. He has made a difference in countless lives with tremendous service and Opticianry skills.

The Board of Director and Awards Committee of the New York State Society of Opticians are pleased

to introduce the recipients of this year’s Society Awards:

SH-430

e y e w e a r

scottharr iseyewear.comeuropaeye.com800.621.4108

The 2016 New York State Optical Retailer of the Year Award

Since 1982, C&R Vision Center has been the leader and preferred provider of quality vision care products and personalized optometric

services to our patients in Victor and the surrounding areas. Their experienced doctors and staff offer comprehensive vision examinations

and specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of a wide array of eye diseases, conditions, and problems.

At C&R Vision Center, you will find eye care professionals who genuinely care about your health and are dedicated to providing exceptional

personal services to everyone who walks through the door.

Congratulations C&R Vision Center!The New York State Optical Retailer of the Year Award

is proudly sponsored by

Optical Retailer of the Year - 2016

C

The 2016 New York StateFour Under Forty Award Recipients

Congratulations to all these fine Opticians!

The New York State Four Under Forty Awardsare proudly sponsored by

Four Under Forty Awards - 2016

The Luxottica-NYSSO Four Under Forty Award was established in 2012 as an annual recognition of four young New York State Licensed Ophthalmic Dispensing Professionals who uphold the highest ideals of the profession,

give back to the profession and their communities, and who truly represent the future of the profession.

The recipients of the 2016 award are:

MELISSA BAUCH

MICHAEL DETTMAN

ABIGAIL GIDDINGS

STACEY HARLANDER

Contact the Retail Council for your free quotes!(800) 442-3589 | NYSSO@retailcouncilnys.com*Terms and conditions apply. Please call for details. Merchant agreements are with Global Payments Direct, Inc. Member of the Electronic Transactions Association.

Credit Card Processing

The Retail Council offers an unbeatable combination of low rates and excellent customer service for your credit and debit

card processing. And NYSSO members will receive an EMV/Contactless Pay terminal for $50 as a sign-up

bonus when they switch to our processing program.*

Workers’ Compensation Insurance

Eligible opticians can save up to 50% or more on workers’ compensation insurance through the Retail Council and its

Safety Group thanks to an annual average dividend of nearly 40% and an up-front discount of 20%. More than $100

million in dividends returned to group members since 1978. Council membership is required, however, NYSSO

members receive a 25% discount on Council dues.

Statutory Disability Insurance

Get among the lowest quarterly billed rates available on DBL in New York State through this exclusive

program with The Hartford, one of the nation’s leading insurance carriers.

Discounted shipping, Liability and other lines of insurance are also available. Visit www.retailcouncilnys.com/nysso for details.

Time for a change?Update your business services with NYSSO

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NYSSO endorses these money-saving programs brought to you by the Retail Council of New York State:

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Winchester is proud to support NYSSO

Winchester has invested in the latest lens

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selection of other progressives • Gas Perm contact lens lab • Frame and lens packages including sunglasses • VSP, VBA, and EyeMed approved provider

Look to Winchester to be your trusted laboratory partner

Professional Development SymposiumNYSSO’s Professional Development Symposium

Continuing Education Schedule Sunday, May 1, 2016

A Legacy of Success – A Vision for the Future 7 Hours of New York State-Approved Continuing Education Available

Sessions Held in Oneida Ballroom

8:00 – 9:00 a.m.THE HISTORY OF OPTICIANRY & OPTICAL INDUSTRY IN NEW YORK STATE

The NYSSO 80th Anniversary Heritage Project with John Kennedy, Jr. and Brian Buff (1 NYS Ophthalmic Dispensing Credit)

9:00 – 10:00 a.m.THE 21ST CENTURY OPTICIAN

with Maggie Sayers, President – Optical Success(1 NYS Business Management Credit)

10:00 – 11:00 a.m.THE STATE OF THE STATE’S OPHTHALMIC DISPENSING PROFESSION

WITH ACTING EXECUTIVE SECRETARY JIM HINDS & MEMBERS OF THE STATE BOARD(1 NYS Dual Ophthalmic Dispensing/Contact Lens Credit)

11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.SPECTACLE LENS CUSTOMIZATION – HOW PERSONAL IS YOUR PROGRESSIVE?

with Ed DeGennaro, MEd, ABOM – Essilor Labs(1 NYS Ophthalmic Dispensing Credit)

Professional Development SymposiumLUNCH BREAK & MESSAGE FROM US OPTICAL

12:00 – 12:30 p.m.Special thanks to US Optical for sponsoring the delicious complimentary lunch

for all Symposium attendees!

12:30 – 1:30 p.m.OPTICAL JEOPARDY

with Deb White(1 NYS Dual Ophthalmic Dispensing/Contact Lens Credit)

1:30 – 3:30 p.m.THE SCIENCE, ART AND ATTITUDE OF FRAMES AND LENSES

with Laurie Pierce, Shamir(2 NYS Ophthalmic Dispensing Credits)

NYSSO also wants to thank our Pre-Gala Continuing Education Presenters & Sponsors. Earlier today, NYSSO offered 5 hours of quality New York State-Approved Continuing Education.

PAMELA FRITZ SPONSORED BY TURA AND FLEXYS OPTICAL SOFTWARE

LAURIE PIERCE OF SHAMIR

LESLIE CHIORAZZI OF DOCTOR’S INTERNET

ED DEGENNARO OF ESSILOR

Professional Development SymposiumSATURDAY & SUNDAY SPEAKERS

Pamela Fritz is the President on Ophthalmology Resources, LLC, a consulting firm that specializes in dispensary practice management for ophthalmology. She has set-up hundreds of MD optical dispensaries nationwide and her success is well documented by testimonials from ophthalmologists.She is recognized nationally as a specialist in Medicare post-op cataract eyewear, compliance, billing, and reimbursements and has given hundreds of workshops on the subject. In 2003 she was named, “50 of the most influential women in the optical industry” in the first nationwide poll conducted by Jobson Publishing. In 2014 she received an Achievement Award from The American Academy of Ophthalmology, “for many years of distinguished service in the programs of this Society” (AAO).

Laurie L. Pierce, is an instructor in the Opticianry program at Hillsborough Community College in Tampa, Florida. Laurie is a graduate of Newbury College’s opticianry program in Boston, and managed Lugene Opticians, an upscale optical boutique in Boston’s Copley Place. Ms. Pierce lectures extensively on optical theory and management topics at local, regional and national optical conferences. Ms. Pierce is an ABO Master Optician and is certified by the National Contact Lens Examiners. She received the National Federation of Opticianry Schools Educator of the Year award, 2003, and was awarded one of the top ‘Most Influential Women in Optical by Vision Monday, 2010.

Leslie Chiorazzi of DoctorsInternet.com has been marketing healthcare practices for 25 years. Ms. Chiorazzi began her career working for Comprehensive Professional Systems, a preferred provider organization (PPO) negotiating optometry and dental benefits and preparing networks for labor organizations in New York. Ms. Chiorazzi joined DoctorsInternet.com in 2010 as Director of Sales and Marketing. Her previous experience in marketing optometry and dentistry practices gave her the skills to successfully enter the web development and online marketing space.Understanding the needs and unique strategies facing healthcare practices in the “online world” in the New York Metropolitan area has brought Leslie and DoctorsInternet.com many clients. DoctorsInternet.com’s success in marketing healthcare practices through first page results in relevant keyword searches, tracking results and assisting in both monitoring and soliciting reviews has led their company to grow to over 1500 clients in 40 states.

Ed De Gennaro is a noted authority on optics and lens design, dispensing, business, sales, management and training. He lectures extensively at national, state and local optical meetings, and has presented in Europe, Canada and Puerto Rico.Formerly a Professor and Program head of the Opticianry Program, and the Dean of the School of Health Sciences at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College in Richmond, Virginia, he currently operates Infocus Optical Consulting, which provides business and technical consulting to optical offices and the industry. He is also the Director of Professional Content for First Vision Media Group, the Editor of the American Optician, and a member of the Vision Expo Advisory Committee. He is a member of the Virginia Board of Hearing Aid Dealers and Opticians and has also served on countless national opticianry organization boards.

Maggie Sayers is a Leadership Coach and Business Development Consultant. Her business, Optical Success, assists leaders in the optical industry to reach and maintain their full potential. Maggie is a Master Optician and the promotion of professional Opticianry is her guiding principle. Her unique talents, rich optical knowledge combined with coaching and facilitation skills, make her an amazing speaker and coach.

Debra White, is a graduate of Erie Community College, and is the former Program Director of the Opticianry Program at Mater Dei College in upstate New York – having taught there for 16 years. Debra is the Director of Accreditation for the Commission on Opticianry Accreditation. She is the 1995 National Federation of Opticianry Schools “Educator of the Year”. Ms. White is co-author of “Management for Opticians”. Ms. White has served on several VOSH missions to Mexico to provide eyewear to the needy.

Professional Development SymposiumSATURDAY & SUNDAY SPEAKERS

2016 Opticians Gala Supporters

Media Sponsor

Optical Retailer of the Year Award Sponsor

Jobson Medical Information

Winchester Optical

Four Under Forty Award SponsorGala Sponsor

Heritage Sponsor

Congratulations on

80 Years!From

Capitol Hill Management

Services, Inc.

Proud Partner in Forwarding NYSSO’s MissionFor Over Three Decades

1450 Western Avenue, Suite 101, Albany, NY 12203518-463-8644

John A Graziano, Jr., President

Contact Lisa Levy 585-315-4585

EARN PRODUCT AND PRIZES!

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BEST WISHES FOR A SUCCESSFUL 2016 GALA

CONGRATULATIONS NYSSO ON 80 YEARS OF SERVICE

FROM DENNIS & PATTY CASEY

THANKS TO OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS & C.H.M. IN MAINTAINING

A LICENSE IN N.Y.S

LAURA FREZZA-CHIARELLO

JOHN A. KENNEDY, JR. CONGRATULATIONS

FOR 80 YEARS!

John A. Kennedy, Jr.

Pam Kennedy

Maggie Kennedy

Graeme Kennedy

NYSSO REGION 3 WELCOMES EVERYONE TO OUR

NECK O’ THE WOODS!

BUY PAC RAFFLE TIX!

GALA FRIENDS & SUPPORTERS

80 YEARS AGO....HOW IT ALL BEGAN The Society’s Founder

The first newsletter sent out 10 days after the Society was founded.

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