What ODs are grateful for this Thanksgiving, COVID edition

Article

OD responses to our 6th annual survey

It’s that time of year again….Optometry Times® asks Editorial Advisory Board members what they are grateful for, and it’s no surprise that the big theme is COVID-19.

Check out the responses for our 6th annual survey, and see how they stacked up to years past as well.

What ODs are grateful for: 2019 edition

What ODs are grateful for in 2018

What ODs are grateful for in 2017

What eyecare providers are grateful for in 2016

What eyecare providers are thankful for (our original story)

Bill Townsend, OD, FAAO Canyon, TX

I am grateful to live in a country where freedom is valued and humans have rights and opportunities.

Tracy Schroeder Swartz, OD, FAAO Madison, AL

I am grateful for support from my colleagues as I am less of a doctor and more of a mom this year. After a year of being unable to successfully eat or drink , my child will be eating Thanksgiving dinner.

Diana Canto-Sims, OD Chicago

I'm grateful no one I love died of COVID 19.

Mohammad Rafieetary, OD, FAAO, FORS, Dipl ABO, ABCMO Memphis

No COVID yet.

Barbara J. Fluder, OD Valdosta, FL

My health! My family’s health! I’m grateful to be alive and well. Grateful to have job security. Grateful for friends and coworkers.

Between you and I, I am also grateful for yummy food, sunshine, doggies and kitties, and spirits!:)

Milton Hom, OD, FAAO Azusa, CA

I am thankful that industry is still innovating,moving, and planning ahead despite COVID.

Dori Carlson, OD Park River, ND

My health, my family, and the roof over our heads.

Jeff Anshel, OD, FAAO Encinitas, CA

My health!!!!!!!!!

Justin Bazan, OD Brooklyn, NY

Good health.

Paul Chous, OD, FAAO Tacoma, WA

• I still have an income

• My family is healthy

• My cat, Kiki

• Gretchyn Bailey—the most patient editor I know

Marc Bloomenstein, OD, FAAO Scottsdale, AZ

That wearing masks now makes using mints and brushing my teeth less important.

Pamela Miller, OD, FAAO Highland, CA

Having my family and staff stay safe is highest on the list. We have been able to continue seeing patients throughout this entire period, so I am extremely grateful for my staff of several decades and my patients who have continued to support our office, despite the challenges faced by all of us.

I am also grateful for the Hallmark Channel that plays every day and night so that I don’t have to listen to all the negative news that is endless, depressing, and much of which is slanted and incomplete in its coverage. A shame for those who are in the reporting business, but great for those of us who are optometrists and help people see so they can choose which media they turn to for their daily news bulletins.

Happy Thanksgiving to all.

Marc Taub, OD, FAAO Memphis

Laughter…

The ability to laugh with other people, laugh at other people, and be laughed at.

Ben Gaddie, OD, FAAO Lexington, KY

That my business is still open while government restrictions and mandates have bankrupted so many great companies in this country.

Joseph P. Shovlin, OD, FAAO Scranton, PA

For the forthcoming SARS CoV-2 vaccines that are both safe and effective. And for family and friends that have had COVID-19 and have survived the ordeal.

Chris Wroten, OD Hammond, LA

• My wonderful family

• Friends and colleagues who look out for one another and genuinely care about each other

• Being part of a profession that rises to the challenge to meet patients’ needs, even in the midst of a global pandemic

Recent Videos
EnVision Summit Cochair Cecelia Koetting, OD, FAAO, Dipl ABO, says that attendees should get ready for more discussion-based panels at this year's conference.
From contact lens dropout to addressing diabetic retinopathy in rural communities, optometrists choose an area of eye care research that they would expand, given the appropriate resources.
Bonnie An Henderson in an interview for the EnVision Summit
From new treatments on the horizon for macular degeneration to strengthening comanagement ties, optometrists cite a lot to be excited about in the coming year.
EnVision Summit cofounder and program chair Dr Bonnie Henderson chats about collaborative eye care
Practice owners testify to the importance of trying new things, not being afraid to fail, and utilizing community as a resource when starting up a new practice.
Bonnie An Henderson in an interview for the EnVision Summit
Optometrists reflect on their residency experiences and provide advice to current residents.
EnVision Summit Co-chairs Sherrol Reynolds, OD, FAAO; Katie Rachon, OD, FAAO, Dipl ABO; Jessica Steen, OD, FAAO, Dipl ABO; and Cecelia Koetting, OD, FAAO, Dipl ABO; express excitement for the upcoming conference and why optometrists should attend.
© 2025 MJH Life Sciences

All rights reserved.