What ODs are grateful for in 2017

Once again we find ourselves gathering with friends and family to celebrate the harvest at Thanksgiving.

As we begin the holiday season, we pause for a moment of gratitude.

As always, Optometry Times editors are grateful to our readers and supporters who helped make 2017 a success. We are especially grateful to the ODs who write the fabulous content you see in your inboxes and in the pages of the publication.

This is our third edition of asking our Editorial Advisory Board about their blessings.

Take a look at our story from last year.

See our 2015 gratitude story.

Ben Casella, OD, FAAOChief Optometric EditorAugusta, GA

I am grateful for my family, both nuclear and optometric.
 

Diana Canto-Sims, ODChicago, IL

I am grateful to have my mom here in Chicago to be able to take care of her during her battle with cancer and spend as much time as possible with her.

I am grateful to have healthy sons and a supportive husband.

I am also grateful to have a business and life-I love doing what I am passionate about.

Related: The best and worst parts of holidays as an OD mom

Carl Spear, OD, MBA, FAAONavarre, FL

I am grateful for my personal health and the health of my family. Your health is your wealth.
 

Paul Chous, OD, FAAOTacoma, WA
I am thankful for Robert Mueller.

David I. Geffen, OD, FAAOSan Diego, CA

I am grateful for my wife and daughter making sure I know my opinion on the wedding plans are irrelevant as long as I keep signing checks.

I am thankful for the support and care my staff provides to our patients.

I am thankful for my grandchild!

Mile Brujic, OD, FAAOBowling Green, OH

I am thankful to be in a profession that provides the opportunity to change lives while being able to provide for my family.

Related: 8 things that drive ODs crazy during the holidays

Jeff Anshel, OD, FAAOEncinitas, CA

I am thankful to patients who return on a regular basis and appreciate my services.

(And I am thankful to Optometry Times Content Channel Director Gretchyn Bailey for her continued energy!)

Crystal Brimer, OD, FAAOWilmington, NC

I am thankful for new beginnings!

Scott Hauswirth, OD, FAAODenver, CO

I’m thankful for many things: that spiders do not generally fly, that rock is not dead, and that I will be able to spend the holidays with my family!

Katherine Mastrota, OD, MS, FAAONew York City, NY

I am grateful for the opportunity of collegial collaboration, Optometry Times as a platform to share my musings of the ocular surface, and most of all (besides gratitude for the people in my life) the wiggle room in article deadlines.

Related: 13 holiday dos and don’ts for ODs

Tracy Swartz, OD, FAAO
Madison, AL

I am thankful for staff who do PAs for me, Betadine for EKC, and that my partner’s cancer is currently undetectable.

Marc B. Taub, OD, MS, FAAO
Memphis, TN

I am thankful for my son’s upcoming Bar Mitzvah in December and that all of my family is to celebrate the occasion.

Danica Marrelli, OD, FAAOHouston, TX

I’m grateful for my patients who trust me to take care of their glaucoma. 

I am grateful for my students who keep me on my toes and who keep me young at heart.

And I am grateful for my husband and three daughters who keep me grounded.

Joseph P. Shovlin, OD, FAAOScranton, PA

I am thankful for a new grandson, Henry, and another successful Academy meeting in Chicago!

Related: What eyecare providers are thankful for

Dori Carlson, ODPark River, ND

I’m thankful to be home. After many years of intensive travel for optometry, I’ve been having a blast being home for my boys’ high school activities and involvements.

Barbara Fluder, OD
Merrillville, IN

My family and friends. And doggies and kitties.

Pamela Miller, ODHighland, CA

Of course I am always thankful for my family’s love and support so many times over the years, as well as knowing that I have a great office team who have been with me for several decades.

However, I am also most thankful for the many friends and supporters who have stood by and with me throughout some very trying times.

And yes, I am also a little thankful for the detractors and enemies I have-they have only made me stronger. Without the bad as well as the good, it would be truly difficult to appreciate what one truly has to be thankful for.

Alan Glazier, OD, FAAORockville, MD

My family, my friends, and my industry.

Related: What eyecare providers are grateful for in 2016

Michael Brown, OD, FAAOHuntsville, AL

I’m thankful to be in the bell lap of my career and to have found my second wind.

third lap was tough-I came close to dropping out of the race due to burnout and exhaustion.

But with the help of family, friends, and colleagues (thanks y’all!), I pushed through the pain.

Now, eyes on the finish line, I begin my final kick!

Justin Bazan, ODBrooklyn, NY

I am grateful for people overestimating their FSA accounts and wanting to spend it all in our office!

Sherry Bass, OD, FAAO, FCOVD, Dipl ABONew York City, NY

I am thankful for all of the great positions our residents have obtained this year, for the on-going success of our residency programs, and for the growing need for well-trained Doctors of Optometry in general.
 

Michael Cooper, ODWillimantic, CT

I'm thankful for my family and friends along with the new practice opportunity starting in the new year!

Related: Create brand loyalty through holiday awesomeness

John Schachet, OD, FAAOCentennial, CO

I am thankful for my wonderful family and all the joy they bring me. 

I am thankful for all of my friends, both personal and professional, for their continued support and wisdom. 

I am thankful for living in our great country no matter how crazy things sometimes seem and for the right to express my opinions and feelings about anything that life sends my way. 

Lastly, I am thankful for the wisdom to know right from wrong and to live my life in any way that I choose.

Bill Townsend, OD, FAAOCanyon, TX

I am thankful for this country. If you listen to the evening news, you know that we have many issues and conflicts. All in all it has been and continues to be a land of opportunity and a blessing to people all over the world.

Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on things that we often take for granted.

Happy Thanksgiving to our readers.