Q&A

Three years ago, I was asked to join the board of Optometry Cares — the AOA Foundation, a not-for-profit charitable arm committed to expanding awareness, education, research and access to eye care in the United States.

When I accepted, I was heartened by how much optometrists gave freely of their time, money and leadership to help those in need of eye care. Yes, I know that optometry has always been a profession of individuals who give back, but witnessing it first-hand has been wonderful.

Several optometry-related charitable organizations exist, each overseen by dedicated heads who also have full-time jobs outside their leadership roles.

For the next few months, I’ll be speaking with those who have taken on this challenge. This month’s leaders: Juan Carlos Aragon, O.D., of Optometry Giving Sight, Stephen Cohen, O.D., of the Sjögren’s Syndrome Foundation, and Jason Singh, of OneSight.

Join me in learning about these important foundations and their leaders.

Jack Schaeffer, O.D., F.A.A.O.,
Editor-in-Chief
O.D. Scene

OPTOMETRY GROUP WEIGHS IN . . .

JUAN CARLOS ARAGON, O.D.,
STEPHEN COHEN, O.D.
& JASON SINGH, O.D.

Q: WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF YOUR CHARITABLE ORGANIZATION?

JCA: Our purpose at Optometry Giving Sight (OGS) is to improve the quality of life of people who are needlessly blind or vision impaired simply because they do not have access to an eye exam and glasses. OGS mobilizes support for sustainable eye and vision care projects, in both the developed and developing world.

SC: The Sjögren’s Syndrome Foundation provides education to patients and medical professionals, advocacy, clinical guidelines, public awareness and works with the pharmaceutical world to help develop diagnosis and treatment options (including assisting in funding novel research and clinical trials).

JS: OneSight’s vision is to eradicate the global vision care crisis in our lifetime by focusing on uncorrected refractive error around the world.

Q: IS THERE A SPECIFIC STORY YOU COULD PROVIDE ABOUT HOW YOUR EFFORTS RESULTED IN A PARTICULARLY BENEFICIAL OUTCOME?

JCA: Through the funding of partners, we have been able to make a significant contribution to the development of optometry in a number of countries, such as Mexico, around the world. In fact, in Mexico, we were able to influence the passage of legislation, which formally recognizes optometry as requiring a degree.

SC: I received a call from a Sjögren’s patient who lives in Mississippi seeking treatment options. As she described the care and information she received, it was apparent her doctor was treating her as a “regular” dry eye disease patient. We spoke several times by phone, during which she took copious notes that she shared with a new doctor. A few months later, she sent me a card with a video of her recent wedding, commenting about how much more she was able to experience and how much more optimistic she was with the help she had gotten for her eyes.

JS: Our work in West Africa — the first country we worked with — has now been completed, and the results are impressive. In our third year, the work will financially sustain itself, meaning care is no longer dependent upon the generosity of external people. The success is truly attributable to the local people.

Q: WHAT DO YOU THINK IS THE BIGGEST HURDLE IN RAISING MONEY AND AWARENESS FOR YOUR CHARITY?

JCA: Being able to cut through all the noise and have our message heard. There are so many great charities that compete for our donors’ attention. Our hope is that members of our profession and industry can adopt a portfolio approach that allows them to give to a number of organizations.

SC: Our organization has a name that is hard to pronounce, and Sjögren’s is far lesser known than other auto-immune diseases. Also, not having an available drug on the market for the disease entity itself makes it hard to get the Foundation noticed. Once there is a Sjögren’s drug, the advertising, publicity and awareness will increase, making it easier to raise money.

JS: The public at large is so familiar with massive social issues, like hunger and lack of drinking water, but not lack of access to eye care. So, when you try to fundraise, you are not only raising awareness for your organization, but for this entire category or cause.

Q: DO YOU THINK THE COLLEGES OF OPTOMETRY SHOULD REQUIRE CHARITY WORK FOR GRADUATION?

JCA: Yes. We know from the great support that we get each year from various student organizations that there is great interest from students in raising funds to help their peers in underserved communities gain access to the same education and career opportunities that they have. The students have a lot to learn from each other, and global optometry will be richer from the experiences and friendships fostered through this exchange.

SC: At face value, it sounds like a good idea, but the true value of charitable work is in giving freely of one’s time, expertise and money, rather than it being a requirement. Having it as a requirement is similar to doing charity work because of how it might come back to enrich someone further professionally. It has to be the giving that is the true motivation.

JS: Absolutely. Changing your worldview is key to understanding the overall impact you can have through the profession of optometry. And you do not always have to travel halfway around the world to help someone. Oftentimes, this can occur in your very own community.

Q: WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR OTHERS CONSIDERING GETTING INVOLVED IN ANY CHARITY?

JCA: Most charitable organizations have similar needs. They need people who can contribute financially, people who can use their influence to encourage others to give, people who can contribute to the governance of the organization and people who can volunteer their time to help implement projects and events. It’s a question of working out where and how you can contribute most effectively and making sure that you are supported by your workplace and even your family. Service is very rewarding, but it can also be time consuming.

SC: Find something you feel passionate about, and get involved because you want to help, support and further a cause. Getting involved, truly involved, in something that represents and helps others can keep us motivated, stimulated and incredibly rewarded, first on an emotional level and then, ultimately, on a professional level as well.

JS: To be make a maximum impact, I would focus on the one thing you believe you can do well, and do only that. Do not try to be all things to all people. Go narrow and deep and not broad and shallow. This way, the impact you make on lives will be much more impactful and long-lasting.

Q: WHO ARE THE MEMBERS OF YOUR FAMILY, AND WHAT DO YOU DO FOR FUN?

JCA: I have two adult sons, Bernardo and Daniel; and two adult stepdaughters, Justine and Desiree. They all live back home in Costa Rica. I live with my wife, Laura, in Madrid. For fun we like to travel, buy antiques and do anything related to wine and coffee. And when possible, we spend time at our mountain home in Costa Rica.

SC: I have two children. My daughter is a police officer, and my son is completing his fourth year in the United States Air Force. For fun, I love to read, watch movies, go to the theater, listen to music, garden, play sports and travel.

JS: My family consists of my wife, Amanda, and two children, whom I enjoy spending time with for fun.

Q: WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE BOOK, MOVIE, BAND AND ADULT BEVERAGE?

JCA: Book: Maybe “Blink;” Movie: Maybe “Cinema Paradiso;” Bands: Several progressive rock groups from the late ’60s and ’70s; Adult beverage: I love wine; red wine. Love to drink it and to collect it.

SC: Book: “Prince of Tides;” Movie: “The Graduate;” Band: The Eagles; Adult Beverage: I’ve never been a drinker, so I’d go with Diet Coke (add lime to make it an “adult” beverage, I suppose.)

JS: Book: “Grit;” Movie: “Shawshank Redemption;” Adult beverage: a good Pinotage from South Africa. OM