Last June, during Optometry’s Meeting, Jacqueline “Jacquie” M. Bowen, OD, of Greeley, Colorado, was named the 150th president of the American Optometric Association (AOA). OM was recently able to catch up with her. Here, Dr. Bowen discusses her agenda, the advice she uses in practice, and a memorable hotel stay.

Q: What is on your agenda as the new AOA president? 

A: Continuing scope-of-practice expansion—14 states now enable ODs to practice to the full extent of their education—fair reimbursement from vision plans, increasing AOA membership—the organization’s advocacy benefits all optometrists—and interprofessional referrals. There is a limit of eyecare providers, so I think we’ve got to figure out how to take care of America’s eyes within our own profession.

Q: What is one piece of advice that you’ve carried with you into practice? 

A: Don’t ever be 100% comfortable with what you’re doing; always seek new information and new and proven ways of doing things. 

Q: What is an action step you’ve taken in your practice to enhance practice management?

A: Employing technology. A lot of doctors think the geriatric population is intimidated by technology. I’ve found that my patients actually love it. As an example, we use a virtual reality headset to perform a lot of entrance testing, and they think it’s really cool.

Q: Since this is the September issue, I must ask you, who is your favorite teacher and why?

A: My high school English teacher. He made me—a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics  kid, who thought of the class as a necessity to graduate—to want to work hard and gain his approval. I often think of him when I have to write something. 

Q: Have you ever met a celebrity? If so, who?  

A: Yes! Huey Lewis, of “Huey Lewis and the News.” My high school friends and I were staying in the same hotel as he and the band, and we managed to get invited to their suite. So, we actually partied with “Huey Lewis and the News!” OM