If you are interested in joining the 2023 Leadership Optometry class, or would like to nominate someone to participate, applications are now open! We’re working on some exciting updates to the Leadership Optometry class and will be sharing those over the next couple of weeks.
CLICK HERE to download the application.
Leadership Optometry covers a year of learning more about our association and how it operates, the efforts that go into our legislative and congressional advocacy, and the issues that affect optometry as a profession. They will meet throughout the year to learn about the MOA, the PAC, the MVF, and how they are all integral to the profession of optometry.
As part of the course this class will select and complete a project that helps support optometry in Mississippi. Previous classes have fully endowed the Helen St. Clair Scholarship; created The ABC’s of Vision handout for educators and parents; held a children’s vision workshop for teachers, school nurses, and parents; focused on increasing MOA membership and PAC contributions; and run a year-long fundraising campaign for the Mississippi Vision Foundation.
The 2023 class year will run June 2023 through May 2024.
If you would like to talk to someone who has participated in the MOA’s Leadership Optometry course – talk to a previous class member! Many members of the MOA have graduated from previous classes and have since taken on leadership roles within the MOA, OFP PAC, and MVF.
YEAR ONE
Josh Bostick
Evan Davis
Josh Hatfield
Stephen Mitchell
Josh Patrick
Michael Phillips
Kimberly Ragan
Ryan Wally
YEAR TWO
D. Monique Carr
Sarah Fratesi
Hilari McFarland
Stacie Moore
Evan Stout
Courtney Robinson Thompson
YEAR THREE
Bran Dawson
Chris Herring
Eric Johnson, II
Bobby Pankey
Katie Richardson
Mandi Smith
YEAR FOUR
Roya Attar
Farryl Franklin
Kelli Mullen
Robert Slater Smith
Gerald Stinson
YEAR FIVE
Anna Roxburg Miles
Roy Miles
Sam Scott
Anna Claire Spradling
Projected 2023-24 Schedule
JUNE 2023 (At Summer Convention in The Lodge, Gulf Shores, AL): Session 1 — Orientation, Leadership Skills & Behavioral Profiles, Optometric Issues, Historical Perspective, and Project Options and Selection
OCT 2021 (At Fall Conference in Jackson, MS): Session 2 — MOA Meetings, State Board Meeting, Public Speaking
JAN/FEB 2022 (At Legislative Day in Jackson, MS): Session 3 — Possible topics: OFP, Legislative, Public Relations, Public Perceptions, Relationship with Other Health Care Providers, Media Training, Capitol Resources, Tour of Capitol (date TBD)
MARCH 2022 (Independent meeting, can be virtual): Session 4 — Project Meeting; Board and Non-Profit Governance and Administration, Vision Foundation
JUNE 2022 (At Summer Convention at The Lodge, Gulf Shores, AL): Session 5 — Presentation of Project and Leadership Graduation
