The newsletter introduces the first publication of the American Pre-Optometric Association (APOA). It provides a brief history of APOA, explaining that it was founded in 2010 by three students to unite pre-optometry groups and assist students. The newsletter describes APOA's original logo, mission and goals. It also provides updates on APOA's activities over the past year, including recruiting new member clubs, seeking financial support from companies, and organizing an eyeglass donation drive.

1. Issue 1
01
American Pre-Optometric
Association (APOA) Newsletter
Volume 1
May 2012
This Issue…
 Introducing the First APOA Newsletter
 History of APOA
 APOA Logo
 Eyeglass Drive
Introducing  APOA in 2011-2012
the First APOA
Newsletter
History of APOA APOA Logo
PURPOSE. The main purpose of
the APOA is to unify all pre- In October 2010 at Florida State University, Liza Original Logo Defined By Founders (below)
optometric groups nationwide Hooks led the foundation of APOA along with
into one cohesive group, which Alex Falb and Danny Shea. Falb was specifically
will strive to build a network
with other pre-optometric responsible for the original logo artwork, which
students, optometry students, included a single snake wrapped around a
optometrists, and eye care
industries.
wingless staff. The original logo also included the
Greek quotation “Lumen oculare tantum quis
GOAL. Seeing the Future is mens est paratus ut itellectum,” which means
designed to inform, educate,
and motivate individuals “The eye sees only what the mind is prepared to
interested in or pursuing careers comprehend.”
in optometry, ophthalmology,
and vision related career fields.
This quarterly newsletter will The combined ideas and efforts of these three Colors: Red: Action
keep readers abreast of current individuals materialized into what became the Black: Professionalism
issues in optometry, provide
information for pre-optometry
American Pre-Optometric Association. Yellow: Sunny state of Florida
clubs, and include tips for (where APOA founded)
optometry school applications.
White: Optometrist hospital
Founding Officers duties
Thanks for your interest in the
APOA during our first year! President: Liza Hooks
Historian: Alex Falb Design: Rod of Asclepius: God of
FSU Trustee: Danny Shea medicine and healing in ancient
NEWSLETTER EDITORS:
Nick Marso Advisor: Dr. Angel Rivera Greek religion
(nickmarso@gmail.com)
Larezia Williams Current Board of Directors
(larezia@gmail.com) Executive Director: Dr. Angel Rivera The Rod of Asclepius was chosen as
Executive Secretary to the Director: Jessica opposed to the Caduceus, which is often
Feel free to email the editors Chin mistakenly used to represent the god of
with any recommendations for Chairman of the Board of Trustees: Kristopher medicine. The Caduceus is a staff with
future newsletters. two snakes entwined about it with a pair
Dowding
President: Chris Harlan of wings.
Vice President: Fatima Ibrahim
Treasurer: Nick Marso The current logo design (above) was
Secretary: Namrata Patel derived from the original logo with input
Historian: Larezia Williams from current APOA Board of Directors
and graphically designed by Lorri Gothard
(lorrikay@att.net).

2. APOA in 2011-2012
Eyeglasses Drive
Recruitment Financial Support
In the past year, the APOA Board of Recently, APOA has been in contact with
Directors has been contacting pre- local and national companies willing to
optometry clubs across the country and financially support its endeavor, including
Canada to join in its pursuit of creating a Walmart Opticals, 3M, Medtronic,
vast network of future eye care Luxottica, and more. It is a goal of APOA
professionals. This network will assist pre- to have financial supporters by 2013, so
optometry students with the optometry it can continue to provide leadership to
APOA board members are also school application process, volunteer/job
working with the New Eyes for the pre-optometry clubs across the country.
Needy organization and creating opportunities, and shadowing opportunities
small collection drives for glasses, across the country.
frames, and/or lenses.
Facebook Group
If you would like to learn about
starting your own collection drive, To better assist its members, APOA has created a Facebook page in which all members are
follow this link: eligible to join and can communicate with each other:
http://neweyesfortheneedy.org/ho http://www.facebook.com/groups/AmPOA/.
w-you-can-help/sponsor-start-a-
collection-drive/
neweyesfortheneedy.org