DAILY DISPATCH March 24, 2020
INTRODUCING SCO'S DAILY DISPATCH SCO is launching this daily update to share information during the global coronavirus outbreak. There's a lot of information affecting campus and our own personal lives, so we're working to compile this quick reference guide for you each day. As noted at the end of this digest, we also encourage you to share happy news, photos, or other updates as we adjust to this temporary way of learning and working remotely.
IMPORTANT NOTE FOR EMPLOYEES Employees, unless there's a compelling reason to do so as approved by your immediate supervisor, the administration requests that outof-office messages be turned off unless you're ill or away for other kinds of PTO. Although the college campus is closed for safety reasons, the college remains officially open for business as we provide online instruction to our students. All employees are encouraged to work remotely whenever possible during normal business hours. This includes responding to emails, voicemails, and other business which can be performed from home. For business continuity, it's important that we communicate that SCO is committed to carrying out our mission each day. Thanks for your cooperation.
COVID-19 Resources The headlines are changing quickly, so at the local level, it's critically important to stay informed: The Daily Memphian is publishing an ongoing section with full coverage , including updating infection rates after each daily briefing from the local health department. Tennessee Governor Bill Lee issued an
executive order on Monday, March 23, suspending non-essential healthcare procedures, interpreted as including optometry. Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland has issued a shelter-in-place order beginning at 6 pm on Tuesday, March 24. SCO falls under the professional services exemption for providing essential services, so limited or preapproved campus visits like faculty coming in for their video lectures are permissible. LEARN MORE
Saluting Our Fourth-Years SCO's Class of 2020 students have been invited to reply to a short questionnaire where they share their hometown, postgraduation plans, why they chose optometry as a career, and a favorite SCO memory. Responses will be shared with their senior portraits as social media posts starting next week. Our fourth-years have earned their time to shine in the spotlight, so stay tuned! Share Your News and Photos Life still goes on, so if students, employees, or residents have engagement news, baby announcements, cute pet photos, or other bits of happiness to share, we'd love to include them in these updates. Questions about the COVID-19 impact on campus may also be submitted for routing to the appropriate departments and answered here as appropriate unless the topic calls for a more substantial campus-wide response. Please email your news or questions and we'll do our best to include them in this ongoing series of daily updates as we work together to stay informed and connected.
DAILY DISPATCH March 25, 2020
ABO OFFERS FREE CONTENT TO STUDENTS Several organizations, including the American Academy of Optometry, are working to share online case studies with optometry students as teaching opportunities. Meanwhile, the American Board of Optometry is making all ABO premium webinars available to students at no cost as well as two Self-Assessment Modules. The ABO has five COPE-approved webinars with a 20-question post-test and certificate of completion. Visit the ABO website and click on Webinars in the top navigation. For premium webinars, students should enter the coupon code "student" to download webinars at no cost through May 31, 2020. PDFs for the Corneal Abrasion and Retinal Vein Occlusion Self-Assessment module will automatically download by clicking on these provided links. Corresponding images may be requested via email. The ABO also offers eight webinars which are not COPE-approved but otherwise offer excellent content presented by top-notch speakers.
EMPLOYEES INVITED TO ZOOM EVENT Faculty and staff members are reminded that they're invited to participate in a Zoom Meeting with Human Resources this afternoon, Wednesday, March 25 at 2 pm. This video conferencing platform will allow you to watch or listen as well as ask questions. Refer to the March 24 email from Tracy Lindow, Executive Director of Human Resources, for the link. If you've never used Zoom before, be sure to click on the original email link a little before the meeting time in order to install the player software on your computer.
COVID-19 Resources Our students continue to take their midterms online this week. Good luck to all of them on their exams! SCO's work study students will also be permitted to resume submitting their regularly scheduled hours in order to be compensated. Look for an email
from Financial Aid with details. Tennessee Governor Bill Lee has requested the state's schools to remain closed through April 24. LEARN MORE
An Important Reminder!
DAILY DISPATCH March 26, 2020
FIRST ZOOM TEST A SUCCESS By now our students are real pros at tele-studying and communicating remotely with our faculty. SCO's employees took the next digital step on Wednesday with a successful trial run at a mass Zoom event led by Tracy Lindow, Executive Director of Human Resources. Nearly 50 employees participated, including President Lewis Reich, OD, and even President Emeritus Billy Cochran, OD '68. The group saw several participants' pets and were able to interact and ask questions. Make plans to join the next Zoom event when it's announced.
CONCERN EAP OFFERS TELEHEALTH SCO makes counseling services available to students and employees through the Concern Employee Assistance Program. Concern is making in-person counseling sessions available to be conducted by phone or video. The program is also waiving the requirement for a face-to-face first session until further notice. A telephone visit may be requested by simply calling. Anyone still urgently needing an inperson appointment will have his or her temperature taken prior to seeing a therapist. Read more details in this PDF flyer.
COVID-19 Resources Faculty and students are invited to attend the second of a two-night, commercial free podcast about the challenges optometry is facing in the COVID-19 crisis, with 17 top ophthalmic vendors participating. The first episode aired last night and the second episode airs tonight, Thursday, March 26 at 8 pm CST. If you're adjusting to learning or working from home, here's an interesting article with some helpful tips.
Here's one more article about creating work-from-home stations that won't bother your back. LEARN MORE
Some Really Happy News! They met as SCO students, became engaged in Memphis, and even had a ceremony on the SCO campus and now they're expecting their first child! Congratulations to Drs. Halie Cottrill and Tyler Kitzman and thanks to them for giving the okay to share their happy news. Baby Kitzman has a due date of September 2020! Father and Daughter Make a Great Studying Team Special thanks to Colin Hunsaker, '20, for sharing this sweet photo. As he completes his own work from home, his five-year-old daughter, Aubrey, is doing her own homework right alongside her dad! If there's a silver lining to recent events, we're sure Colin and others will one day look back and treasure the extra time they got to spend with their children in moments like this!
DAILY DISPATCH March 27, 2020
COMMENCEMENT UPDATE As SCO awaits firm guidance from our accrediting agencies about the college's ability to substitute online material for the normal clinical components of our curriculum, the college still is considering options for a future ceremony of some sort once the crisis has passed. The administration received feedback from the Class of 2020 that it would still like to hold a ceremony at a future date, so stay tuned for the appropriate interval when firmer plans may be made.
STUDENT TELE-LEARNING NUMBERS By way of the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry comes this interesting statistic. It's estimated that currently 87% of ALL students worldwide are currently unable to attend classes in person. SCO's 500+ students are included in the 1.5 BILLION worldwide students estimated to be learning from home.
COVID-19 Resources SECO is offering reduced rates to its online courses through SECO University to help ODs help obtain CE hours. SECO is also launching nine hours of live format CE as an additional resource. Vision Monday is compiling a running list of its news stories about COVID-19's impact on optometry. Church Health CEO Dr. Scott Morris wrote about how patient care has changed inside Crosstown Concourse. Healthcare experts weigh in on the critical importance of social distancing in this article. LEARN MORE
Happy Birthday Greetings! As we work from home, let's not forget to celebrate birthdays with a quick email, text, or phone call! Celebrating today is Philip Tribble in the Communications Department, so Happy Birthday! And Happy Belated Birthday to these employees who have had a birthday since the campus closure last week: Dr. Jason Duncan (3-17), Dr. Beth Sparrow (3-20), Randy Brafford and Dr. Cheryl Mengelt (3-22), Dr. Betty Harville, Bill Brookshire, and Pam Moss (3-24); Antonio Wise and Dr. Brian Knight (3-26). Thanks to our Human Resources department for helping note these dates for employees. Students are welcome to let us know of birthdays to include as well. For employees, if you'd rather not be included in the upcoming weeks, just let us know; otherwise, we'll be helping to wish more colleagues a happy birthday soon! Guitar Lessons Via Skype Lucas Rayborn, son of Elyse Rayborn, '20, has been taking guitar lessons from one of his mom's classmates, Elick Combs, '20. Even with social distancing, the lessons are continuing by way of Skype. Lucas is pictured with his guitar as he gets pointers from Elick via a laptop computer. We're glad to see that practice can still make perfect through Skype teleguitar lessons! If you have similar photos or stories to share of how you're adapting to remote learning or working, please send them our way!
DAILY DISPATCH March 30, 2020
NOTE OF APPRECIATION FROM STATE Shortly before the campus closed, SCO hosted an annual gathering of law enforcement officials for 20/20 Eye Movement training. Provided by our faculty members, the training is useful for law enforcement agents to understand how alcohol or substances can impair eye movement and response time. SCO has received a note from the Tennessee District Attorneys General Conference's Executive Director which reads in part: "The classroom this year was awesome, very comfortable in every way. Joyce Smith was so kind to us upon arrival. Please be sure and let her know just how inviting and welcome we felt, which gets your day off to a good start! She is a great asset to your security team. "Ron Jones and Kevyn Stone in the Physical Plant made sure each day we were well taken care of as the virus outbreak was beginning. Please stay safe and look forward to seeing you next year!" Thanks to everyone who made this event a great success!
HELPFUL WORK FROM HOME TIP #1 Have a dedicated workspace in your home if you can. Those who are fortunate enough to have a guest room or spare room to turn into an office have an easy place to transform into an effective workspace. Even if you live in less spacious quarters, though, having a specific place to work is useful - even if it's just a corner of a living room or a bedroom.
COVID-19 Resources The AOA has announced a significant response on the behalf of the profession, including dues relief, affiliate
support, and long-term relief for impacted ODs. Read more in this news story. Women in Optometry looks at optometry's response to the public's questions about the safety of wearing contact lenses during the COVID-19 outbreak. When the U.S. Senate passed the $2 trillion relief package last week, it was an SCO graduate who announced the official 96-0 vote tally. U.S. Senator John Boozman, OD '77, who visited campus last fall, is one of two eye doctors in Congress. Read more in this news story. LEARN MORE
Welcome to a New Week & Happy Birthday Greetings! Welcome to a new week and signs of spring! And welcome to another opportunity for a happy observance as we join in wishing Dr. Cynthia Heard from our faculty a very Happy Birthday! Stay tuned for one more SCO birthday wish tomorrow and quite a few next week!
Faculty Member Update Dr. Rachel Grant has sent a photo for everyone to see of her baby daughter, Adeline. As you may recall, Adeline arrived early back on January 15. Given the COVID-19 outbreak, Dr. Grant also gave this update for everyone who has been concerned: "Thanks for asking! The hospital has been good, a few added screening and security measures, but again, we're all adjusting to this new normal. Baby girl is making progress. She's 6 lbs., 7 ozs., today and has started taking the occasional bottle!" We're glad to hear this encouraging news and wish mother and daughter continued progress and good health!
DAILY DISPATCH March 31, 2020
GREAT NEWS FOR OUR STUDENTS SCO's regional accreditation body has officially notified the college that SCO is approved to continue distance/online learning for the rest of the semester. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges authorized a waiver for the remainder of the academic year for the institution. This news represents an important milestone in ensuring that the education SCO provides its students remains fully accredited.
HELPFUL WORK FROM HOME TIP #2 Use to-do lists - but with a twist. Every morning, it's useful to have a to-do list of things you hope to get done that day. The key, though, is to understand that many days, you won't be able to finish it. It's important not to beat yourself up over that, especially when you're first starting out. Tomorrow's tip: dealing with distractions.
Hayes Center Compiles COVID-19 Resources The Hayes Center for Practice Excellence has compiled a special section of information regarding the COVID-19 outbreak on the SCO website. One section contains resources useful to students, externs, and residents. Another section provides practicing ODs with important resources, including information about tax filing and other business-related details. A special email is being sent to alumni to call attention to these resources created for them. The content also includes campus update announcements related to the global pandemic. For easy reference, a new COVID-19 menu option has been placed at the top of the homepage on the SCO website . Look for additional articles and links to be provided to the website as Dr. Lisa Wade and Mike McKeever in the Hayes
Center vet and compile these resources to be posted online. LEARN MORE
Happy Birthday Greetings! Today we join in wishing Melissa Hansbro in the Communications Department a very Happy Birthday! Melissa also chairs our Social and Service Committee and has arranged many happy occasions for our employees. SCO's next employee birthday will be noted in Friday's Daily Digest ahead of the actual Sunday, April 5 date. Stay tuned! Working from home with man's best friend Erin Jaffe in our Communications Department shared this photo of her eight-year-old son, Cameron, as he learns from home. His mom, dad, and younger brother, Des, are all telecommunicating for school or work. If you have a photo that you'd like to share from your working-at-home setup, just reply to this email to send your submission. We're also looking to include photos of your pets, spring flowers, or any other happy image to share as we stay up-todate with each other through this ongoing crisis.
DAILY DISPATCH April 1, 2020
IMPORTANT CAMPUS UPDATES Everyone should refer to Dr. Reich's campus-wide email for the most thorough information, but per his latest update, the campus will remain closed for the rest of the semester, although online instruction will continue. SCO has set a tentative return date of June 15 for on-campus activities to resume. Additional details are being worked out for clinical instruction. There will be no tuition increase in 2020-21. Please read Dr. Reich's email from last evening for full details if you have not yet done so.
HELPFUL WORK FROM HOME TIP #3 Deal with distractions well. Anyone working from home inevitably gets distracted, and it's obviously even worse if you have family members home with you because of the coronavirus. However, try to keep yourself focused in the same ways you did at work. In this time when COVID-19-related news is developing by the minute, you may want to scan websites or social media for a few minutes to stay in the know, but don't fall into a social media or Netflix "rabbit hole." Tomorrow's tip: Learn from experience.
COVID-19 Resources The Daily Memphian reports that Shelby County has crossed the 400 mark for COVID-19 infections. The Memphis Flyer has published the Health Department's heat map showing where the greatest number of infections have been reported in Shelby County. Writer Geoff Calkins wrote about a friend who became sick and didn't realize it before exposing friends and coworkers. Here's a helpful story about making your own hand sanitizer if you can't find it in stores.
LEARN MORE
The joys of a green screen Dr. Wil McGriff from our faculty shared this fun photo of his son, Darwin. If you've never seen it demonstrated, moviemakers and TV newscasters often work in front of a green screen. The green screen effect allows images to be substituted digitally in the green area. Darwin discovered that wearing a green shirt allows him to manipulate the digital image of his outfit. Here's a special effects shot showing how he appeared on camera to his classmates as he wears a jacket and a tie that aren't really there!
DAILY DISPATCH April 2, 2020
ANNUAL IMPACT REPORT PREVIEW Shortly before the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in the closure of campus, SCO's 2019 Annual Impact Report was finalized and went to press. Copies are arriving in the mail for alumni and friends. Paper copies will also be available for everyone when campus life resumes, but in the meantime, here's a PDF version to help you look at all that was accomplished last year. During these challenging times, it's worth remembering that SCO excels in no small measure thanks to the dedicated performance of our students and employees and the generous support of our institution's alumni and friends.
HELPFUL WORK FROM HOME TIP #4 Learn from your experience. As you find out how long it takes you to get certain things done when you're working from home, build those new expectations into your schedule. That'll help you get more productive over time. Tomorrow's tip: taking breaks.
COVID-19 Resources Tennessee's Governor told lawmakers on Wednesday to expect a surge at the state's hospitals within the next two to four weeks. Read more here. In Shelby County, the Army Corps of Engineers will construct a 1,000 bed hospital . The Shelby County Health Department has identified the local
assisted living facility where there's been a COVID-19 outbreak. On a more positive note, several local restaurants are helping feed frontline workers at local hospitals. Read more in this story. Several other local restaurants are offering family-sized meals to go if you want to feed several people or have food left over to economize. LEARN MORE
Throwback Thursday Here's a Throwback Thursday to the fall of 2016 when some of our fourth-year students were still new firstyears dancing in SCO's version of Justin Timberlake's "Can't Stop the Feeling." (And Dr. Kamil Hill is an SCO resident now, wow!) Who's up for a new video down the road when it's safe for everyone to dance together again? Send us your suggestions for what might be a good one for SCO try sometime soon!
DAILY DISPATCH April 3, 2020
DR. REICH TO HOST STUDENT TOWN HALLS SCO's first, second and third-year classes are being invited to meet remotely with President Reich next Tuesday and Wednesday. The faculty met yesterday to interact each other, so next week brings students the similar opportunity to participate in class-specific electronic town halls. Students are being invited to submit their questions to their class officers by noon on Monday. Dr. Reich and the President's Council will review to help formulate answers or responses ahead of time. Staff members also will receive an email soon from Tracy Lindow in Human Resources seeking questions before scheduling a staff-specific town hall. Thanks to everyone for participating in these special events.
HELPFUL WORK FROM HOME TIP #5 Take breaks - ideally out of your house (safely, of course). When you live where you work, it's even more important to get out of your workspace at times during the day. The COVID-19 outbreak makes this more challenging, but even a few breaks each day to take a walk around the block can make a huge difference in improving your mood and attitude. Monday's tip: staying connected with your work friends.
Hayes Center Compiles COVID-19 Resources The Hayes Center for Practice Excellence has added a significant amount of new information throughout this week regarding the COVID-19 outbreak to its new resource section housed on the SCO website. The AOA's news site provides an overview of how different areas in optometry are meeting the COVID-19 pandemic
challenge. From ASCO comes an appeal from Walmart looking for volunteers to assist with COVID-19 testing sites in northwest Arkansas, Shreveport, Louisiana, and New Orleans. Walmart is partnering with RAM to help staff drive-through testing sites with volunteers. Roles include directing traffic, assembling test kits, and providing instructions. All volunteers are provided PPE; however, you should not volunteer if you are over 65, have health issues, are nursing or pregnant, or infected with any contagious disease. Volunteers are also at risk for getting the virus and sign up at their own risk. To learn more, visit this website. LEARN MORE
Happy Birthday Greetings! Today we join in wishing Debra Mooradian in The Eye Center a very Happy Birthday in advance of her actual celebration on Sunday, April 5! SCO will see numerous birthdays next week, including three on one day later in the week. Stay tuned, but until then, Happy Birthday this weekend, Debra! SCO's Library in the Spotlight Leslie Holland, Manager of Library Services, reports that the Association of Vision Science Librarians (AVSL) has won the Louise Darling Medal for Distinguished Achievement in Collection Development in the Health Sciences! The AVSL is always looking for new ways to provide relevant services for the communities they serve. The group won the award back in 2016 and is the only group to win the $1,000 award more than once! Meanwhile, SCO's library team is maintaining or working to increase digital access to titles at the college. The week of Spring Break, the library literally pulled everything off the shelves and moved it.
Pictured are older titles that are being discarded. Look for more details soon about digitizing and sharing analog resources.
DAILY DISPATCH April 6, 2020
NYC REPORT FROM 2019 SCO GRADUATE SCO has at least two 2019 graduates, Drs. Shelby Kruse and Laila Tawfik, who are currently completing their residencies in a New York City hospital. In this report sent over the weekend, Dr. Tawfik writes about the challenges and remarkable experience that they've been encountering: "Thankfully, we're still doing okay and just taking it one day at a time. Things have definitely been crazy here, and New York comes with its own set of challenges in terms of the virus. As optometry residents in a hospital setting, we're considered essential and we're required to go in each day in case of ocular emergencies. "It's definitely been a learning curve adjusting to the new normal for a while. For our routine patients, we've switched to telemedicine for the time being, and the hospital is working diligently to implement video calls for our patients. We've created makeshift breath guards (pictured above) for when we do see patients, and of course, we wear masks and gloves while examining them. "When we're on call for emergency patients, we can now triage over the phone in terms of severity, whereas previously we were required to go in for every call. Nurses check our temperature, once, sometimes twice, per day while we're at work to ensure we're healthy enough to be there. "Finally, the family medicine floors of our hospital have understandably been overwhelmed with COVID patients. They've called upon us for backup to help wherever we can, so one day per
week we're each 'on call' for the family medicine floors whenever they need additional help. "As I mentioned, living in New York presents with its own set of challenges due to the density of the city. Because so many people rely on public transportation to get around, it's virtually impossible to social distance. Here's some photos (pictured below) I took on the subway on my way to work. "We've been doing our best to shelter in place whenever we're not working or on call. It's very strange to see the city that never sleeps suddenly fall quiet." Let's all thank Drs. Tawfik and Kruse for helping out in the epicenter of America's COVID outbreak and keep them in our thoughts and prayers for their continued safety!
HELPFUL WORK FROM HOME TIP #6 Don't lose touch with your friends. If you have a strong social life at school or work, don't let working remotely take that away. Take advantage of the increasingly useful and innovative tools available to interact with video and audio. Tuesday's tip: Making your home workspace comfortable.
COVID-19 Resources So far Shelby County is doing a
better job of managing its COVID-19 infection rate curve compared to an alarmingly steep curve for the overall state of Tennessee as illustrated in this infographic. (There are more than 750 cases in Shelby County, and more than 3,600 in the state). Review of Optometry published this article about how eyecare providers can work to limit their exposure risk. Home-work roles can be especially challenging for moms, as this local article reports. Here's an article with tips on how to stop touching your face 16 times in an hour. Here's another helpful article about avoiding germs from takeout food orders. LEARN MORE
SCO's Faculty in the Spotlight Dr. Catherine Hogan and Dr. Jim Williamson contributed an article, "Routine exam reveals unusual retinal findings" for Primary Care Optometry News. Meanwhile, Dr. Glen Steele was interviewed last week via telephone by Memphis Parent Magazine for an upcoming article about digital eyestrain and kids. Thanks to our faculty for continuing to share their expertise and knowledge with colleagues, students, and the general public!
DAILY DISPATCH April 7, 2020
STUDENTS EXPRESS APPRECIATION SCO Student Ambassador Jackie Malish, '23, has shared some praise and a bit of happy news. It started late last week when she emailed Joe Hauser, VP of Student Services: "Right now there are a lot of changes, but I wanted to send a note of appreciation to you, the SCO administration, and President's Council. The first-year students recognize a lot of hard work is going on behind the scenes to ensure that our safety and education are being taken care of. I've been very impressed with how well things have been run from a student perspective, all things considered. So if it hasn't been said enough - THANK YOU. "Along those lines, I wanted to extend a special recognition shout out to Dr. John Mark Jackson, who has truly stepped up across the board with his willingness to embrace and facilitate the use of Microsoft Teams for all students and faculty. Not to mention, he was still jumping on lectures while his washing machine was flooding one day last week." After sending this email, Jackie and her fellow first-year student officers organized and funded a dinner delivery for Dr. Jackson and his family (pictured above). Dr. Jackson opted to do curbside pick-up from Pete & Sams last night (pictured below), so thanks to our students for their thoughtfulness and the appreciation they've expressed. As Dr. Reich helps to answer student questions during his town halls this week, it's a great reminder that the SCO family really is all rooting for each other to succeed!
HELPFUL WORK FROM HOME TIP #7 Do what you can to make your workspace at home as comfortable and functional as possible. Working an eight-hour day in a bad chair can do an immense amount of damage to your body - and your attitude. Wednesday's tip: Setting goals - and beating them.
COVID-19 Resources Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland is encouraging social distancing efforts to continue to help slow the spread of COVID-19 Read more in this news story. Here's a helpful article with nine tips on strengthening your immune system. One more upbeat article: 10 positive things you can do while social distancing. LEARN MORE
A Positive Follow-up to Yesterday's Residents' Story In yesterday's Daily Digest, we shared the first-person experience of
two SCO residents, Drs. Laila Tawfik and Shelby Kruse, both of whom who have been pitching in at the New York City hospital where they're completing their residency program. Sunnie Ewing, SCO's Director of Student Recruitment, was cleaning out a storage locker filled with her late mother's belongings and found a box of surgical gloves that was about 90% full. Sunnie has shipped the gloves to both of these 2019 alumni roommates in NYC. Thanks, Sunnie, for your thoughtfulness and helping these recent graduates! Meanwhile, SCO's Class of 2020 is raising funds to help purchase N95 masks to donate to healthcare workers in need. Be sure to check Class President Kailey Souileau's Monday, April 6 campus-wide email for further details. Thanks to the Class of 2020 for your generosity!
DAILY DISPATCH April 8, 2020
ASCO VIRTUAL CLINIC TRAINING UPDATE SCO students are participating in the American Academy of Optometry's virtual clinical training program. The Student Online Clinical Case Education Program was designed to help the nation's nearly 1,800 fourthyear students accumulate remaining clinical observation hours needed to graduate. The Academy and its board members are working with the Associations of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (ASCO) and the deans and faculty of optometry schools to develop this online experience that will continue students' clinical education. This new program is providing several weeks of live streamed and/or recorded experiences, each approximately 30 minutes in length. During each session, a faculty or industry presenter delivers a specific case study. Students have the opportunity to ask questions before the session concludes with the lecturer delivering a patient outcome. The plan is to continue the program after the COVID-19 crisis improves as part of the Academy's pipeline effort to encourage sharing of education, research, and knowledge to advance optometric practice and patient care. As of last week, SCO's fourth-year students had viewed 161 sessions, averaging 36 minutes per session of viewing. To learn more about the Student Online Clinical Case Education Program, visit the Academy's website.
HELPFUL WORK FROM HOME TIP #8
To keep yourself motivated, it's helpful to set some aspirational goals for how much work you hope to get done in a given day. Keep records of what you do, and then see if you can top your personal best from day to day. Thursday's tip: Dealing with feeling disconnected.
COVID-19 Resources and Updates SCO's third-year students are participating this week in an online billing and coding course offered by the Practice Management Educators group. SCO's Externship program is working to allow fourth-year externs to complete this program as well. SCO's Bon Voy Eyes program will be held remotely today for third-year students. The Hayes Center for Practice Management will host guest speakers Nathan Hayes and Peter Kehoe. The Hayes Center will also remotely host next week's Focus on Your Future event as well. Staff members are reminded to join the virtual town meeting to be held on Thursday, April 9 at 2 pm. See Tracy Lindow's Tuesday email of 1:39 pm for additional details on joining by computer or telephone. LEARN MORE
Celebrating the Class of 2020 SCO's social media accounts have begun spotlighting the Class of 2020. Be sure to check out Facebook or Instagram to see different batches of graduate profiles being shared twice each day. Seniors were invited to share where they intend to practice, what inspired them to pursue optometry, and a favorite memory that they'll take away from their time at SCO. The series will be compiled as an online feature to share permanently on SCO's website as well. So far the response has been
very positive, so it's a chance to wish these graduates well and for their friends and family to join in the celebration.
DAILY DISPATCH April 9, 2020
VIRTUAL TOWN HALLS SCHEDULED Fire up those laptops, desktops, or phones for a number of virtual town halls unfolding over the next two days. The Class of 2021 will meet with President Reich for a teleconference today from 12:15-1:15 pm. Staff members are encouraged to participate in a 2 pm virtual town hall today (check the email from Tracy Lindow for log-in or call-in details). The Class of 2020 will talk with Dr. Reich remotely on Friday from 10-11 am. The Class of 2022 will finish this week's virtual chat with Dr. Reich on Friday from 12:15-1:15 pm. Thanks to everyone for participating in these important milestones designed to answer questions and share information!
HELPFUL WORK FROM HOME TIP #9 If remote workers inevitably feel that they're out of the loop, a good thing to remember is that everybody is in the same boat. If you want to remain even more connected, don't forget that you can still talk remotely with coworkers or classmates after a conference call or when the video conference ends. Friday's tip: Cutting yourself some slack.
COVID-19 Resources and Updates The Memphis Flyer has a good overview about projections of when the COVID-19 crisis will begin to improve locally in this article. Read about plans to expand local testing efforts in this story. Thinking twice about touching those door handles and elevator buttons? NYU is studying just how many things we touch each day. Here's an overview giving details about what you need to know about face masks and different materials . Early data indicates that diabetics are more at risk from COVID19 complications, according to this article. Prolonged use of personal protective equipment may cause or worsen headaches, per this story. LEARN MORE
Birthday wishes are in order for... Happy Birthday greetings to Pateaka Franklin in The Eye Center as she celebrates today. And, a belated Happy Birthday to the faculty's Dr. Gregory Wolfe, who celebrated his birthday yesterday. Tune in tomorrow for three Friday birthday greetings!
DAILY DISPATCH April 10, 2020
ONLINE MEETINGS CONNECT US ALL
As the week comes to a close, it's been a productive one by way of our Microsoft Team meetings. Here's an overview of just how commonplace this new way of meeting has become: Our students have been asking questions and talking with SCO's leadership this week. They also participated in a remote Hayes Center event in addition to their ongoing virtual classes being led remotely by our faculty. Several dozen SCO staff members discussed employee questions with Human Resources on Thursday afternoon. Executive Director Tracy Lindow is pictured leading the meeting at the lower right in the photo shared above. Dr. Lindsay Elkins, '07, participated in a TICUA meeting as part of the Executive Leadership Institute focused on student development.
(She's in the middle of the third row with her TICUA colleagues in the lower left image of the photo block above). Even our alumni are staying connected. Dr. Brittany Beers (Glatting), '19, shared the photo of her laptop next to her dog as she watched and listened to Dr. Glen Steele, '69, lecture remotely on the I Heart VT program. And Dr. Kim Orr, '14, shared a photo of herself and other 2014 classmates Linh Hong, Stephanie Veilleux, Amy Combs, Annie Hao, Jacque Short, Jeanne Chen, and Tina Phan, all keeping up with each other from around the country! If there's a silver lining during recent events, it's that this technology is being put to good use by encouraging and allowing us to see and hear each other as we stay connected!
HELPFUL WORK FROM HOME TIP #10 Cut yourself some slack. You've been thrown into a new situation, and it will take some time to adjust. At first, you may not be as efficient or productive as you were at the office. Don't get down on yourself because of that. You'll eventually get the hang of things and find your bearings. Next week: We'll begin looking at a new series of tips for parents trying to work with their kids at home!
COVID-19 Resources and Updates The American Optometric Association has announced the cancellation of Optometry's Meeting originally set for June. Read more in this post . Tennessee's Governor has issued an executive order permitting temporary remote notarization and witnessing of documents. Shelby County has crossed the 1,000 mark for diagnosed COVID-19 cases. Read more in this article . Vanderbilt University is predicting a Tennessee peak in midJune if infections continue to spread at their current rate. Church Health is now offering COVID-19 testing at its Crosstown Concourse location by appointments only at (901) 272-0003. LEARN MORE
Three times the birthday wishes today!
Looking through April and May's calendars, today's really special because we have three times the reasons to celebrate on the ONLY day where we have not one, but three birthdays! Happy Birthday today to FocalPoint's Dawn Sumler, Security's Joyce Smith, and Dr. Tyler Kitzman, '16, from the faculty! And, a very Happy Birthday one day early to Dr. Bart Campbell, '87, Vice President for Academic Programs, who will be celebrating tomorrow on Saturday, April 11. Happy birthday to all!
DAILY DISPATCH April 13, 2020
CLASS OF 2020 PROFILES ALL ONLINE If you follow SCO on Facebook or Instagram, you've probably seen how the college is sharing SCO graduate profiles twice each day in batches. With 130+ senior profiles, there are enough to share each weekday for the rest of April, giving each graduate a moment in the spotlight. Not everyone is on social media, and social media posts can come and go quickly, so all of the Class of 2020 profiles have been added online in alphabetical order. This way, seniors may download their post or link to this page to share with friends and family. Thanks to all our graduates who participated as we celebrate the Class of 2020!
WORKING FROM HOME: TIPS FOR PARENTS Most of us have seen our typical routines turned upside down. With more workplaces allowing or requiring remote work, school and daycare closings and social distancing restrictions mean families are suddenly spending a whole lot more time at home together. That also means many working parents are facing an unprecedented situation: working from home with kids, but without access to the camps, babysitters, play dates, or grandma dates you might normally rely on to get through a school break or snow day. Adjusting to this new situation won't be smooth or perfect, but there are strategies you can use to make it a little easier. Over the next two weeks, we'll bring you helpful tips for working from home with children. Tuesday's tip: Getting creative with your schedule.
COVID-19 Resources and Updates Shelby County's Health
Department Director has become a familiar presence thanks to daily briefings. Learn more about Alisa Haushalter in this profile. Shelby County's COVID-19 peak is predicted for late May or early June. Thanks to an order from Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris, all essential grocery stores must provide at least one hour early shopping for people older than age 55 or with underlying health conditions. Learn more in this story . LEARN MORE
April Showers Are Bringing Pretty Flowers From her backyard garden comes this lovely photo submitted by the Physical Plant's Carla O'Brien. If you have a similar photo to share of your gardening handiwork, we'd love to help brighten each other's day by including photos of your flowers or yardwork. Just reply to one of these emails to send your photo for sharing in a future Daily Dispatch email.
DAILY DISPATCH April 14​, 2020
COOKING FOR GOOD OCULAR HEALTH By way of Dr. Patricia Cisarik comes the news that during this time of social distancing, the Class of 2023 has enjoyed sharing their knowledge of the ocular health benefits of incorporating carotenoids in their diets. Karli Boober, pictured at right, and Cameron Steflik, pictured below, are showing some of their culinary creations. Kimberlie Hodne is also pictured in this PDF document with a full recipe if you want to try and make a dish yourself. Dr. Cisarik noted that SCO students have been sharing recipes and learning about foods high in carotenoids and antioxidants as part of the macular pigment lab for the last six years!
WORKING FROM HOME: TIP FOR PARENTS If you have another adult home with you, consider a split schedule. At the beginning of each day, decide who will be the "on point" parent. That person would work in an accessible area, feed the kids, answer school-work questions, and suggest activities for bored children while the other parent works in a different room. Wednesday's tip: Retraining to focus on your new schedule.
COVID-19 Resources and Updates An email promo was sent yesterday to SCO alumni encouraging them to plan on attending Fall Homecoming and CE Weekend October 14. The schedule anticipates a hope for return to normalcy at SCO by this fall. The email also encourages alumni to reserve hotel rooms now that the Memphis in May BBQ Festival has been rescheduled for the same weekend. Thanks to an idea from Logan Michael, Class of 2020 Representative, SCO's Class of 2020 raised $1,100 for masks to share with Memphis community hospitals. Yesterday morning, 250 N95 masks were dropped off at LeBonheur by Class President Kailey Soileau. The masks will be shared with other hospitals around town. Class Vice President Cassandra Croy reports that the hospital was very grateful and thanked everyone for their generous donations. "This was a great way to give back to those on the front lines," Cassandra notes. The Daily Memphian has published a story about what it's been like inside Baptist Hospital's COVID-19 Intensive Care Units. The online newspaper also has a story about what a slow rollout of return to normal might look like later this summer locally. Tennessee's Governor has extended his executive order requiring residents to stay at home unless they are engaged in essential activity, travel, or services. LEARN MORE
Recognize This Beekeeper Keeping Busy as a Bee? When she's not busy assisting our students and alumni with practice management topics, Dr. Lisa Wade, Director of the Hayes Center for Practice Excellence is buzzing with activity at home. Did you know that Dr. Wade is also a beekeeper? She shared these great photos of herself fully suited as she tended to her hives.
Bees have suffered catastrophic hive losses in recent years caused by damaging environmental factors, so thanks to Dr. Wade for working to promote healthy bees needed for pollination!
DAILY DISPATCH April 15​, 2020
LOOKING AT MICROSOFT TEAMS DATA By way of Dean Swick, Executive Director of Information Services, comes some fascinating data about SCO's recent usage of Microsoft Teams for virtual meetings and teleconferencing. He's analyzed SCO's numbers and they show: 500+ different meetings over the last month 4,000+ channel messages sent by participants to each other during meetings Dr. John Mark Jackson ranks as the number 1 participant he's been in an impressive 71 different Teams session with more than 3,000 minutes of video/audio time! Thomas Vanelli in Information Services and Dr. Lindsay Elkins in Academic Affairs rank #2 and #3 as SCO's most frequent users. Thanks to everyone for embracing this smart use of technology!
WORKING FROM HOME: TIP FOR PARENTS It may not be possible to get all your work done during regular business hours if you're also on duty with your kids. Whichever time slots you end up working, there will be an adjustment period as you retrain your mind to focus during your new "business" hours. Set yourself up for success. Pick out tasks in advance, and then gather all of the tools and information you'll need to complete them. Your tired brain will thank you later. Thursday's tip: Communicating what you need to succeed.
COVID-19 Resources and Updates
Jake Lindow, son of HR Director Tracy Lindow, was interviewed by the Daily Memphian for a story about how his school's lacrosse team is adjusting to the COVID pandemic. Here's an article about how higher education institutions are responding to the upheaval to student instruction and recruiting. Mississippi recently crossed the 3,000 mark for cases, and the governor there has ordered schools closed for the remainder of the academic year. Here's a story about some of the free or low-cost agencies assisting locally with the COVID outbreak. Johns Hopkins University has created a new tracking map specific to cases in the United States, including county-bycounty details and other information for the whole country. LEARN MORE
"Eye" See So Much Talent! In Monday's Daily Dispatch, we shared some of Carla O'Brien's beautiful garden flowers. Not only does she have a green thumb, but Carla's also a talented artisan. She shared this photo of a colorful eyeball image she created from bits of glass. Keep sending us those photos of your hobbies, cute pets, or kids to include in a future newsletter for sharing with the campus community!
DAILY DISPATCH April 16​, 2020
END OF AN SCO TEACHING ERA After 37 years of teaching, Thursday, April 16 marks the last day of classroom instruction for Dr. Betty Harville, SCO Professor. Although she won't be officially retiring until later this summer, today is the last time that Dr. Harville will deliver a lecture to our first-year students. Even though she'll be speaking to them via video, we didn't want to let this historic occasion go unnoticed. In some ways, it's actually fitting that her last lecture will be delivered through video. Her portion of CLN 226 Clinical Internship Instruction is affectionately known as "Dr. Harville's videos" in which she teaches interns how to prepare for interacting with patients. Many alumni fondly recall the fun they've had watching and learning from these recorded practice scenarios. A rough estimate shows that Dr. Harville has taught approximately 4,000 students in her career. Thank you, Dr. Harville, for your devotion to optometric education!
WORKING FROM HOME: TIP FOR PARENTS Tennessee's governor announced yesterday a recommendation for public schools to remain closed for the rest of the year. In order to watch your children while you work from home, you might need to make adjustments to your work schedule. Talk to your boss or HR. Remember that it's not just you personally, but many people find themselves in the same position. Having a conversation will help you clearly communicate your needs. It's also an opportunity for
managers to recognize that other employees may also be struggling with balancing work and family just like you. Working together is the key to finding the best way of working from home while caring for children. Friday's tip: Sticking to a routine.
COVID-19 Social Distancing Updates The Focus on Your Future program is being held remotely today for a majority of SCO's students and residents. The event is sponsored by the Hayes Center for Practice Excellence. Students are reminded that this is a great time to consult the Hayes Center for career planning, contract reviews, or other practice management information. Faculty can help by reminding OD colleagues in private practice to be sure to register opportunities with SCO's Placement Service. Last night would have marked the annual Student Ambassador dinner. Sunnie Ewing, Director of Student Recruitment, recorded a video message that was sent to Ambassadors last evening. Congratulations to Sam Ellingson Harris, '21, and Dylan Johnston, '21 on being named the tie winners of the Ambassador of the Year Award! LEARN MORE
"Eye" See Even More Talent! Yesterday, we shared Carla O'Brien's colorful eyeball image she created from bits of glass. It turns out we have another talented artisan among us working on similar pieces! Dr. Cynthia Heard shared this photo of her own eyeball-inspired glass creation. "Mine appears a little bloodshot," Dr. Heard noted. To all our creative talents out there, keep up the great work and thanks for sending in photos to share with the rest of the campus community!
Celebrating Today Celebrating birthdays today are Dr. Dan Fuller and Beth McCarthy in The Eye Center. Happy Birthday!
DAILY DISPATCH April 17​, 2020
VIRTUAL HOUSING FAIR HELD More than 50 incoming members of the Class of 2024 participated in SCO's Housing Panel Discussion held after last month's Housing Fair was canceled. Hosted by Sunnie Ewing and Mike Robertson from our Student Services team, the 90-minute event provided information about housing options and began the process of introducing potential future roommates to each other. Six SCO students participated and shared their own experiences, videos, and photos of housing sites popular with students, including Emily Carter, '22, and Conner Kapperman, '20, pictured. Thanks to everyone who worked to assist our entering first-years!
WORKING FROM HOME: TIP FOR PARENTS Maintaining a daily routine will help everyone stay occupied and manage some of the anxiety caused by the switch to working from home with kids. Write out a schedule, including which parent is on primary kid duty if you're sharing, and share it with your kids so they're in the loop. Monday's tip: Keeping the kids busy.
COVID-19 Updates and Resources In yesterday's newsletter, we noted that Thursday marked the final time that Dr. Betty Harville
delivered classroom instruction ahead of her retirement later this summer. Check out this video clip in which she was surprised on the Microsoft Teams lecture with first-year students by a couple of her former students now on our faculty as well as President Reich. Yesterday also marked the final lecture for Dr. Malinda Fitzgerald, research consultant. She previously taught for seven years and one year at SCO back in 1991-92. She taught at CBU for 13 years and continues to do research at UT. COVID-19 cases rose by 39% in Shelby County over the last week. Read more in this news story. On a brighter note to end the week, a food pantry for pets whose owners have lost their income is working to help out locally as the first project of the Shelby County Animal Welfare Coalition. LEARN MORE
Invitation from Dr. Taub to His Son's Bar Mitzvah Dr. Marc Taub's son, Ari, is having his bar mitzvah this weekend. With the coronavirus disrupting previous plans, Dr. Taub is inviting friends, family, and colleagues to watch remotely. The Taubs will have the bar mitzvah in their house with the rabbi and the cantor. If you would like to watch the livestream, visit Temple Israel's Facebook page on Saturday, April 18 at 10 am as the guests of Dr. Marc Taub and his wife Elissa.
Correction Yesterday we shared Dr. Cynthia Heard's eyeball art. It turns out that Carla O'Brian was also the artist behind that
creation and Dr. Heard bought the piece from her. Our apologies for the mix-up!
DAILY DISPATCH April 20​, 2020
AOSA STUDENT BOWL HELD VIRTUALLY It wasn't the standard classroom setting, but thanks to all the student contestants who participated over the weekend in the virtual AOSA Student Bowl competition! Alec Waters, '21, took first place, followed by Anita Nguyen, '21, in second, and Nathan DeClue, '22, in third. AOSA thanks The Eye Center, Essilor, and OptoPrep for their support of the event. Congratulations, Alec!
WORKING FROM HOME: TIP FOR PARENTS Working in the morning or evening can give you the opportunity to take breaks during the day to help your kids. Some days are work heavy, while others are school heavy. During time with the kids, preside over schoolwork, play with the kids, or take them outdoors for fun and games to keep them engaged. Video calls with remote family members can give everyone someone different to talk to on the call. Tuesday's tip: Downtime for the parents.
COVID-19 Updates and Resources Review of Optometry provides this overview of how optometry schools and colleges have adapted to teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic. Review of Optometry also published this story about how ODs at Emory University are part of the pandemic transition in figuring out the best way to provide care under difficult circumstances.
One more story by Review of Optometry looks at contact lens care best practices as patient recommendations. Tennessee passed the 7,000 COVID-19 infection mark over the weekend, with Mississippi crossing 4,000. Read more in this running compilation of local stories. Here's a great story about a New York OD who taught herself to make facemasks by watching YouTube videos. She's now sharing them with others. (If you've been making your own masks, send us a photo of your handiwork to inspire your colleagues or classmates!) LEARN MORE
SCO Saying Farewell to Blink SCO will say farewell in early May to the Blink Diner. Prior to the COVID19 outbreak, plans had already been made for proprietor Melissa Williams, pictured, to depart in order to focus more on family and other pursuits. The SCO campus appreciates Melissa and her team for her cooking and catering through the years. Join us in expressing our appreciation for all the tasty dishes and treats through the years and wishing them well on their future endeavors. A search will be conducted for a new vendor to join the SCO campus by the fall semester.
Condolences
At the request of Dr. Malinda Fitzgerald, we are sad to note the passing of her father, former Navy Commander Leonard B. Crane. A longtime patient and supporter of SCO, he was 98. Arrangements are incomplete because of the COVID-19 outbreak.
DAILY DISPATCH April 21, 2020
SENIOR AWARDS CEREMONY PLANNED The finishing touches are being finalized, but SCO will host an online Senior Awards Ceremony for the Class of 2020 on Tuesday, May 5 at 1 pm. Selected by the senior class to coincide with the original symbolic time and date of this year's commencement, the ceremony will include remarks by President Lewis Reich, OD, PhD, special recognition by the class, and then individual awards presented via video. A keepsake program is also being developed for seniors and their families. Stay tuned for additional details, but we wanted to let you know so you can save the time and date as we celebrate SCO's Class of 2020.
WORKING FROM HOME: TIP FOR PARENTS Adults with children should make sure they have down time to themselves. Parents who work while managing children are always on, and that can take a toll on everyone's patience and energy levels. In a house with multiple adults, you can trade off. Solo parents might need to wait until the weekend to use an early morning or late evening for alone time. Wednesday's tip: Giving kids lists of things to do.
COVID-19 Updates and Resources Nine senior living facilities have reported clusters of residents and employees with COVID-19 infections. Tennessee's smaller 89 counties will begin phased reopening of services with social distancing continuing on April 30; the largest six counties in the state, including Shelby County will receive additional guidance from the state at a later date.
Local restaurants are working on a different timeline recommendation of their own. Explore Bike Share is extending free bike rentals for another month. LEARN MORE
Condolences to Dr. Paul Harris and Family SCO extends its condolences to Dr. Paul Harris on our faculty on the recent loss of his father, Dr. Gordon Harris, age 90. Dr. Harris shared this photo and information about his father. The senior Dr. Harris also was an optometrist and practiced on Long Island his entire career, adding optometrist services to the store run by his father, an optician. Dr. Harris was a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry and a Diplomate in the Contact Lens Section involved in research during his years on SUNY's faculty. He built and calibrated many of the unique instruments developed for the longitudinal myopia research project which spanned the 1960s and 1970s. He also developed instruments to measure different aspects of the eye and visual system.
DAILY DISPATCH April 22, 2020
FACULTY ACCOMPLISHMENT NEWS After an interview that would have taken place at the College of Optometrists in Vision Development (COVD) meeting in Toronto, Dr. Alicia Groce, pictured, has received her Fellowship in the COVD! Several faculty members would have presented posters or lectured at the event before it was canceled because of the COVID-19 crisis. Dr. Marie Bodack also delivered several online training courses during April as part of the I Heart VT 2020 series. In other faculty news, Dr. Chris Borgman is presenting an online OEP Foundation lecture tonight at 6 pm CST as part of a Neuro Grand Rounds series. Dr. Patricia Cisarik, Lindsey Brise, OD '19, and Greyson Ramos, '21, authored an article published in Journal of Optometry. Congratulations to all for their outstanding work and SCO representation!
WORKING FROM HOME: TIP FOR PARENTS Consider giving the kids a list of things to do each morning (dress, brush teeth, empty the dishwasher, read for 15 minutes, do assigned classwork, etc). If your kids' schools have set up remote learning, follow the plan and use the resources provided by their teachers. Other free resources exist, including Khan Academy, We Are Teachers, GoNoodle, or Cosmic Kids Yoga. Thursday's tip: Keeping toddlers busy.
COVID-19 Updates and Resources Drs. Tom and Joan Stelmack recently delivered a presentation talking about the COVID-19 virus, how the body reacts to it from an immunologic standpoint, drugs being studied, and a discussion of current clinical trials. The presentation was provided to the University of Illinois and recommend to Dr. Chris Lievens, so we're pleased to share this recorded lecture with the SCO community. At his Tuesday press conference, Tennessee Governor Lee emphasized working with the larger Tennessee counties on reopening guidelines and noted that social gatherings of 10 and more are still discouraged, and visitors are still restricted at nursing homes and hospitals. The Shelter at Home order in Memphis is continuing at least through May 5 . The state still expects an increase in cases and will employ more people to help track new cases. A Shelby County Sheriff's Department employee died of COVID19 complications yesterday. Review of Optometry provides this list of 15 safety changes that optometrists should implement when reopening their practices and another story about how ODs are part of the public health preparedness to deal with the outbreak. LEARN MORE
Check Out Our Student's Eyeglasses-Themed Mask! Melisa Kalac, '23, shared these photos of her clever do-it-yourself handiwork. After some online masks that she ordered were delayed into May, Melisa used some eyeglasses-themed fabric to create her own, pictured at right and below! Melisa, who serves as Class of 2023 Treasurer, is also AOSA Student Bowl Chair-Elect and COVD Vice President. Way to represent your profession, Melisa, and thanks for sharing! If you've made your own masks and have photos that you'd like to share with the rest of the campus community, please send them our way!
Birthday Wishes Today we send birthday greetings to Donnie Pike in the Physical Plant. Have a great birthday, Donnie!
DAILY DISPATCH April 23, 2020
DR. MCGRIFF ANSWERS THE REDBIRDS The Memphis Redbirds tagged SCO on social media and asked if the grease paint streaks that athletes put under their eyes could also be used to protect eyes from the blue light of computer screens during Zoom meetings. At the very least, the Redbirds asked in a light-hearted vein, could wearing eye black intimidate others on a Zoom call the way athletes might intimidate the competition? Dr. Wil McGriff was quick on the draw to reply: "Not really my ballpark, but blue light does cause more glare than other colors like red, yellow, and green. If eye black works to reduce glare, which is debatable, then it probably does help with reflected blue light, too. "However! Blue light from your computer isn't nearly as intense as what you get from the sun. As an alternative, you could wear your sunglasses while on Zoom calls. We definitely know they work for blocking harmful rays AND intimidation." For added measure, Dr. McGriff supplied this selfie of himself wearing sunglasses to demonstrate what his suggestion might look like. Thanks, Dr. McGriff, for being a good sport and providing helpful information to local sports fans via social media!
WORKING FROM HOME: TIP FOR PARENTS Even toddlers will benefit from a routine, though parents working from home will have to guide their activities more than with older children. Think of how a daycare or preschool structures the day, with set snack times, nap times, activity times, and play times. Just resist the temptation to have a tablet or TV screen time free-for-all.
Friday's tip: Using visual cues to avoid interruptions.
COVID-19 Updates and Resources The COVID-19 infection rate in Shelby County has slowed slightly over the past week, a 25% uptick vs. 39% the week before. Nine individuals have passed away over the last week. In Tennessee, the highest number of infections has been in people between the ages of 20-30, countering national trends of older people being more at risk. Mayor Jim Strickland, who was to have given SCO's commencement address this year, is outlining Shelby County's plans on trying to phase in a safe reopening over the next month. Optometry Times takes a look at what government relief packages mean for different sectors of optometry. Elsewhere on the virtual optometry front, Dr. Marc Taub reports that he has also been participating in the Iheart lecture series during the past month. He remote lectured last week for three nights with the Kansas Optometric Association. He's also been contributing literature reviews of articles in the journal that he and Dr. Pam Schnell edit, Optometry & Visual Performance. LEARN MORE
New Optometry-Themed Movie to Premiere Online The nation's optometry schools are being invited to watch the online premiere of a new optometrythemed movie sponsored by Alcon, Bausch & Lomb, CooperVision, and Johnson & Johnson. Open Your Eyes is a new
documentary examining the important role of optometrists as an integral part of healthcare. The film highlights the importance of optometric testing in thwarting the rise of systemic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, myopia, and others which can be identified through an eye examination. The film is hosted by Kerry Gelb, OD, who will take questions and answers at the conclusion of the screening. The premiere will not be available on demand, so be sure to check out this livestreaming event on Saturday, April 29 at 7 pm CST. You can view a trailer to learn more and RSVP to register at this website.
A NOTE OF THANKS Yesterday marked Administrative Professionals' Day. Dr. Bill Edmondson thoughtfully sent this handwritten note of appreciation to Sandra Stephens in the President's Office.
Thanks to all our Administrative Professionals for their contributions and professionalism at SCO!
DAILY DISPATCH April 24, 2020
A MESSAGE FROM THE EYE CENTER STAFF
Inspired by other healthcare workers around the nation, staff members in The Eye Center have created their own message to the thousands of patients who look to our institution for their vision care. Ashley Williamson in The Eye Center worked with her colleagues where each could create a message holding a sign. When put together in sequence, the signs create a powerful message to our patients about our social distancing effort. It's a great reminder of how we're working together to flatten the curve so we can resume patient care as quickly as possible. Thanks to Ashley and each person pictured for participating in this terrific effort. The photo will be shared on social media as The Eye Center continues working on new protocols for patient, intern, and employee to keep safety in mind as the June 15 reopening target date nears.
THANK YOU, SCO - FROM CLASS OF 2023
And to keep the happiness going, click the image to see a special video message created by SCO's Class of 2023 for faculty and staff. A note from the students: "As the Class of 2023 finishes out our first year of optometry school at home, we just wanted to say THANK YOU to everyone that makes SCO awesome. Stay safe and see you soon!"
Working from Home: Tips for Parents If you share childcare duty with another person, refrain from interrupting them during their heads-down work time. If the working parent can move into a different room, the adult on active duty should keep the children away from the door. As the saying goes, "Out of sight, out of mind." Act as if the parent who's working remotely isn't home during their scheduled work shift. Next week's tips: More ways to use visual cues to avoid interruptions.
COVID-19 Updates and Resources Meet the local doctors who are helping Memphis determine some of the future safety standards needed to reopen the local economy in this in-depth story covering a number of angles . Here's a related opinion piece by two other doctors stressing the importance of continued good hygiene and safety. Memphis reported a downtick in infections yesterday but the state of Tennessee reported its largest daily rise on Wednesday, 444 cases. Read a number of reports in this compiled list of stories. LEARN MORE
SCO's Board of Trustees Meets Remotely Today SCO's Board of Trustees will be holding its Spring meeting this afternoon for the first time in a virtual format. Board members on Wednesday successfully tested their computer connections to ensure a smooth meeting.
Meanwhile, a new member has joined the Board of Trustees. Mark Kapperman, OD '87, pictured, is the founder of Kapperman, White & McGarvey Eyecare in Chattanooga. Dr. Kapperman is the father of graduating senior Conner Kapperman, '20.
BIRTHDAY GREETINGS
Celebrating a birthday this weekend is The Eye Center's Stacy Knight Griffin on Saturday, April 25. Have a great birthday, Stacy!
DAILY DISPATCH April 27, 2020
ACADEMIC YEAR 2019-20 NEARING END It's a milestone week for our students. Week 7 of suspending regular campus activity sees final exams for many of our students, all of whom are to be commended for adapting and demonstrating flexibility over the past several weeks. It's not the way that we envisioned ending the academic year, but the campus continues to rally and support our students. This week also is the last full week for the Class of 2020 as students. Next week brings SCO's virtual Senior Awards ceremony as graduates await their diplomas in the near future. Thanks to everyone for working together and for a continued positive outlook in the coming weeks.
EMPLOYEE TOWN HALLS SCHEDULED Faculty and staff members: be sure to Save the Date for Wednesday, May 6. A virtual faculty town hall will be held at 10 am that day and a virtual staff town hall will be held later that afternoon at 2 pm . In both sessions, Dr. Reich will present a college update, including information from the Spring Board of Trustees meeting. He will also answer questions that are submitted in advance.
Faculty should submit questions directly to Dr. Wil McGriff and staff should submit their questions to Tracy Lindow. Links to the Microsoft Teams meeting will be sent by email, so be sure to save this date and plan to participate.
Working from Home: Tips for Parents There are strategies parents can use to minimize disruptions while working at home. Designate a specific area as your work zone and use it consistently. This might be a kitchen table or chair in the living room. Build the association that when an adult is sitting in that spot, they're working. You could even use masking tape on the floor to mark where the "walls" of your "office" begin and make a rule that children must stay outside the lines. Tomorrow's tip: More ways to use visual cues to avoid interruptions.
COVID-19 Updates and Resources Tennessee reported 478 new COVID-19 cases on Sunday, the largest daily increase since the first case was announced. The state's totals are nearing 10,000, with more than 2,300 in Shelby County and about the same number in Nashville. Three staff members have reported positive at a new outbreak at Collierville Nursing and Rehabilitation, with another cluster reported at Highlands of Memphis Health and Rehab. A total of 10 long-term care facilities are affected in Shelby County. A new report found that traces of COVID-19 can remain in eye fluids after the virus has cleared the nasal passages. The National Center of Clinical Testing in Optometry has extended its temporary closure through May 17, 2020. The Center hopes to reopen on Monday, May 18 but is advising that this date is subject to change. Institutional Advancement notes that the Class of 1990 has been hosting Zoom happy hours. The classmates have had three so far, averaging 9-12 people, with 18 on one of the sessions. Dr. Gary Collins in Franklin serves as organizer. LEARN MORE
A Timely Reminder from a Faculty Member's Daughters Dr. Chris Borgman shared this photo of his daughters enjoying the outdoors during the recent uptick in spring weather.
In addition to being a proud dad, he's also a dedicated OD, so he knows that his girls are wearing their sunglasses for protection and comfort while spending time outside. It's a great reminder for everyone to wear their shades when out in the sun! From L-R are Elyse, age 4, Lydia, age 7, and Gracie, a year and a half.
BIRTHDAY GREETINGS
Celebrating a birthday today is SCO resident Dr. Stephanie McMillen. Have a great birthday, Dr. McMillen!
DAILY DISPATCH April 28, 2020
CELEBRATING STUDENT ACCOMPLISHMENTS Several student achievements and accomplishments to note today: Congratulations to Curtis Burnley, '20, on being named a recipient of the NOSA's Residency Grant. After graduating, Dr. Burnley will start a Primary Care/Ocular Disease Residency at the Veterans Healthcare System of the Ozarks in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The Midwest States Club has selected Will Feriend, '22, as its new Vice President and Kim Hodne, '23 as Secretary. Kamden Badger, '22, serves as President. The club represents 11 states and plans to schedule a Zoom meeting with midwestern ODs to learn how they are handling the crisis and what changes they anticipate to the profession.
Working from Home: Tips for Parents Parents working from home can consider wearing noise-cancelling headphones to block out noise and serve as an additional visual cue for children to discourage interruptions. You can also hang a stop sign on your office door so the kids know not to barge in. Just seeing the sign can be their cue for being quiet. Give kids the opportunity to make or decorate the homemade stop sign as fun a craft to do and for their buy-in understanding of the rule. Tomorrow's tip: Signalling when interruptions are okay.
COVID-19 Updates and Resources Shelby County yesterday reported 187 new cases of COVID-19, the highest single day in the county since the pandemic began. In Tennessee the infection rate neared 10,000, with Mississippi crossing the 6,000 mark and Arkansas the 3,000 mark. Read more updates here. The mayors of Shelby County and all seven cities and towns within the county have agreed on a phased plan for reopening
various business sectors after 14 days of a stable or declining number of COVID-19 cases. Read more in this story. The different phases are also spelled out in this report. The Memphis Medical District Collaborative is temporarily suspending Groove shuttle service at SCO for the time being. The program is also reducing from three to one shuttle during service times until regular traffic resumes. LEARN MORE
Yearbook Photo Notes for Rising Fourth-Years For our current rising fourth-year students, the previous yearbook senior photo make-up day was postponed when the campus closed. Holland Studios will be visiting campus each of the next three semesters to help make up photos for our remaining fourth-year portraits. Dates will be communicated once the final plans are made. Make-up photos will also be available to members of the Classes of 2022 and 2023 who had not yet taken their photos as well.
DAILY DISPATCH April 29, 2020
CELEBRATING SCO's CLASS OF 2020
The Class of 2020 is finalizing its official senior class video to be played during next week's Awards Ceremony. In the interim, over the next several days we'll share some other short videos looking back at how their journey started four years ago. Click on the image taken during their first group photo or use this link. You'll see a video montage of our graduates during orientation back in August 2016. They've come so far since then, from brand new students to soon-to-be ODs!
COVID-19 Updates and Resources Tennessee has reported 10,000 diagnosed COVID-19 cases, while the United States crossed the 1,000,000 mark, approximately 1/3 of the world's cases. Around half of the state's cases are considered recovered so far. The number of new cases and tests administered dropped in Shelby County on Monday. Patients admitted to Baptist Memorial Health Care's hospitals are all being tested, no matter the reason they present. Review of Optometry has shared an advance online copy of a
story from its upcoming May 15 issue about 20 things eyecare professionals can do as they prepare to reopen. Review of Optometric Business has a similar article with 15 tips. On the faculty front, Dr. Paul Harris has contributed a chapter to a new book. See details and the first page of his article via this PDF. LEARN MORE
Working from Home: Tips for Parents Signal to your kids when it's okay to interrupt you while you're working from home. Let them know when the meeting is over. Remove your headphones or open your office door if you have one. Tell older children when you'll be free to talk. If they understand when they can interrupt you, they're more likely to wait until that time. Tomorrow's tip: Letting kids make some choices. Condolences The SCO community extends its condolences to The Eye Center's Gary Snuffin on the passing of his father, Louis Ray Snuffin, age 87. The elder Mr. Snuffin served in the United States Army during the Korean War, followed by a career with Boedecker Safety Shoe. Survivors include his wife of 67 years, Wanda, 4 children, 9 grandchildren, and 6 great-grandchildren.
DAILY DISPATCH April 30, 2020
LOOKING BACK TO WHITE COAT
As the Class of 2020 prepares to begin practicing optometry across the country, click the image or this story's link to see this week's second video montage looking back, this time to their White Coat and Honor Code ceremony. Held early in their first year in 2016, the ceremony marked the important symbolic moment where they officially received their white coats. Each step of the journey has been a milestone, so congratulations to our graduating seniors for their hard work over these past four years!
COVID-19 Updates and Resources Shelby County's leaders are signalling a potential start soon for phase 1 of its reopening plan with reduced capacity and other guidelines leading up to a timed full reopening if infection rates remain low. Tennessee plans to test all 700,000 residents of the state's nursing homes, one of several articles in this running list of updates. Testing healthcare workers on a weekly basis could reduce COVID-19 infections by 25% according to this study.
Plexiglass is in demand as businesses start installing barriers in places like Crosstown Concourse as noted in this story . The deaf community faces unique challenges associated with lip-reading and wearing masks as outlined in this story . Chris Stansbury, OD '03, visited the White House this week to express his appreciation for the government-backed loans to small businesses; his video is embedded down in the story. LEARN MORE
Working from Home: Tips for Parents Giving children the ability to choose some of their own activities and self-serve meals and snacks helps build independence. It also allows parents to get more unbroken time for work. Put a list on the fridge of lunch and snack choices so the children can help learn selfreliance or at least snack with your pre-approval when they're hungry. Tomorrow's tip: Creating a creative to-do list for kids.
A Virtual Kind of Reunion It's been 30 years since SCO's Class of 1990 celebrated its own commencement ceremony, so ahead of their planned 30th reunion later this year during Fall Homecoming and Continuing Education Weekend, the class has enjoyed a jump start on reconnecting. Here's a screen capture from one of their ongoing Zoom sessions where 1990 graduates were catching up with each other. If there's been a silver lining to recent events, it's encouraging to see the creative ways that are enabling old friends to stay in touch!
DAILY DISPATCH May 1, 2020
LOOKING BACK TO HOW IT ALL BEGAN
As the Class of 2020 spends its last Friday ever as optometry students, we end the week with one more brief look back. At the Convocation ceremony held during Fall Homecoming and CE Weekend in 2016, the class gathered for its first official group photo in their white coats. They also joined the rest of SCO's students, faculty, and alumni by reciting the Optometric Oath. Click the image or this link to view our third video montage celebrating the earliest milestones in this four-year journey for the Class of 2020. We look forward to recognizing their accomplishments and achievements at next Tuesday's Senior Awards Ceremony!
COVID-19 Updates and Resources This week ends with some good local news: the local mortality rate from COVID-19 went down this week, and for the first time, the number of recovered cases surpassed the number of
currently infected cases. Shelby County announced Thursday that Phase 1 of its reopening plan will begin on Monday, May 4. Read the differences between now and Phase 1 in this list. While diabetics don't seem to be at greater risk for catching COVID-19, higher mortality rates have been associated with diabetes. New guidelines are being recommended for diabetics. With a greater demand for thorough cleaning of work and other public places, there's a greater awareness about the steps recommended for custodial workers to incorporate into their work routines. SECO University, presented by SECO International, has launched SECO Live CE Webinars featuring 13 hours of COPEapproved CE. LEARN MORE
Working from Home: Tips for Parents While you're trying to work, consider creating a list labeled "Bored?" on the fridge with about 15 activity suggestions such as coloring, dance party, or crafts. The last item on the list could be "clean up your room." Because no one will want to tackle the bottom of the list first and get stuck cleaning, they're more than likely to choose something else. Next week: We wrap up the series with some final tips.
Birthday Wishes
Celebrating birthdays over the weekend are Security's Dave Dix on Saturday, May 2 and The Eye Center's Bailey Gurley on Sunday, May 3. Happy birthday to both!
DAILY DISPATCH May 4, 2020
CELEBRATING SCO'S CLASS OF 2020
As we start the first full week of May, it's not quite the way that we had planned to say farewell to SCO's Class of 2020, but the occasion is nevertheless a cause for celebrating our graduates' hard work and four years of dedication. The Class of 2020 will be honored during its Senior Awards ceremony tomorrow at 1 pm, the original time that commencement would have been held. Invitations have been sent to recipients and presenters to participate by Microsoft Teams. The rest of the campus and outside guests will be receiving an invitation to watch a livestream by YouTube, where a permanent recording will also be placed. Please make plans to join us tomorrow for this special event!
COVID-19 Updates and Resources Over the weekend, the number of COVID-19 cases in Tennessee crossed the 13,000 mark, with more than 2,800 cases in Shelby County, second only to Davidson County. Shelby County has exceeded more than 1,200 tests a day over the last week, surpassing the goal of 1,000 per day. Today marks the first of the three-phase plan to reopen fully if trends continue to be positive for 14 days in each phase. In Mississippi, Friday saw the highest one-day infection totals reported to date, bringing the state's cases to more than 7,500. Ocular COVID-19 symptoms are more common than first thought, according to this report in Review of Cornea & Contact Lenses.
Spending more time at home and sheltering in place has led to more opportunities for increased digital eye strain according to this story with an interview with SCO Professor, Glen Steele, OD '69. LEARN MORE
Working from Home: In Conclusion Now that May is here, we're phasing out the Working from Home tips that we've shared over the past month. Kudos to everyone who has learned to navigate the complexities of working from home that millions of other Americans have also found themselves. With an adaptable attitude, thanks to everyone who has contributed to the continuation of SCO's mission in recent weeks. Next up: Following Tuesday's special celebration for the Class of 2020, we will begin sharing similar information about best practices for keeping safe as we work toward our goal for reopening in June.
Birthday Wishes
Celebrating a birthday today is The Eye Center's Kellee Edlin. Happy Birthday to Kellee!
DAILY DISPATCH Special Edition May 5, 2020
CLASS OF 2020 IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Today would have marked commencement for SCO's 134 graduating seniors. Like the rest of the world, recent events changed those plans, but even a global pandemic can't diminish the pride and enthusiasm due the Class of 2020 as we join them in celebrating their achievements. In that spirit of celebration, join us at 1 pm today as we recognize 67 outstanding students during our Senior Awards ceremony. The class valedictorian and salutatorian will be announced. Class officers will recognize several individuals. A class video will also be shared (or re-shared after the ceremony in case of any technical issues). Award recipients have been invited to participate via Microsoft Teams to maximize video quality. The rest of the campus
community is invited to watch via our YouTube livestream. The event will be recorded and posted later if you're not able to watch live. We'll also share a commemorative PDF program with all the award recipients listed along with recognition of the entire class. Copies will also be printed and mailed to graduates.
The Class of 2020 produced a number of outstanding student accomplishments over the last four years. Callie Mashburn, '20, was recognized at last summer's national AOA meeting when she scored the highest board scores of any optometry student in the nation. Aaron Tollett, '20, also was named the national AOSA Student of the Year. They're just two of a stellar class ready to practice optometry after four years of hard work.
SCO's Class of 2020 has always shown enthusiasm for optometry and college activities. To all of the students who regularly participated in State Day, Legislative Days on the Hill, Focus on Your Future, or traveled to attend AOA, Academy, SECO, state, regional, and other national meetings, thank you. Your participation has helped introduce you to alumni, future practice partners, and other supporters of the college. While we may not be together now, our faculty, staff, and other alumni will undoubtedly appreciate seeing Class of 2020 graduates even more at future meetings and reunions.
Like all of our graduates since 1934's first graduating class, it can be said that you're forever a member of the SCO family. Friendships are formed for lifetimes at SCO. Many of you will practice with other
alumni, or even with fellow classmates, at some stage of your career. A sizable number will being starting their residency programs, including several who will be back as SCO residents. A few will enter military service. All of you will enrich the lives of your patients by using the knowledge and expertise you received during your time at SCO.
For the Class of 2020, we know that this time last year you never dreamed that it was destined to be the last occasion you were all together as fellow optometry students. We look forward to the notso-distant future when we can formally recognize the Class of 2020 at its own commencement ceremony. Until then, the rest of the SCO family is proud of each graduate and what you represent as new ODs embarking on the next step of your lifelong career choice. To the Class of 2020, congratulations on a job well done. The entire SCO family is cheering you on and rooting for your success!
Birthday Wishes
Celebrating a birthday today is The Eye Center's Clay Jones. Happy Birthday to Clay!
DAILY DISPATCH May 6, 2020
CELEBRATING SCO'S CLASS OF 2020
Congratulations to SCO's Class of 2020, officially recognized as graduates! Sixty-seven graduates were honored on Tuesday during SCO's 35th annual Senior Awards Ceremony. Thanks to the generosity of alumni and friends, our graduates received more than $65,000 in awards in recognition of their outstanding academic and clinical achievements! Additional congratulations are in order for: Dr. Callie Mashburn, named valedictorian. Dr. Torrie Garner, named salutatorian. The class also named Dr. Chris Borgman its Teacher of the Year and bestowed recognition on Drs. Betty Harville, Bernard Sparks, and Jennifer Snyder.
Ron Jones was also honored from the staff side, and additional appreciation was expressed to Blink Diner's Melissa Williams and Glaze Hardage. In order to preserve bandwidth and ensure a smoother video process, award recipients were invited to a Microsoft Teams session where they could appear on camera to speak. You may view that video version at this link. There's also a YouTube livestream version without the oncamera portions. For better quality viewing, the standalone Class of 2020 senior video has also been added to Vimeo. A PDF program has been created to recognize the award recipients and the Class of 2020. Copies will be printed and mailed to graduates. The PDF and related links can be found on the SCO website's commencement section.
COVID-19 Updates and Resources Tennessee's COVID-19 cases now total more than 13,600, while Mississippi has 8,000. Read these and other updates, including the latest executive order from Tennessee's Governor, in this rolling collection of headlines. This article takes a look at some of the early reports from retail and other businesses that started opening this week. Here's another article about the measures that Wolfchase Galleria will be taking before it reopens. LEARN MORE
Working to Reopen: News & Safety Info Employees are reminded that Dr. Reich will be holding his semiannual campus-wide update today in a virtual format. Faculty will meet at 10 am and staff at 2 pm, so be sure to participate. Thanks to everyone who submitted questions in advance, several of which concerned future plans about safety measures related to reopening. In this space throughout May, we'll share articles like this one and similar information about what other organizations are doing as best practices to help employees think more about how we can all do our best to stay safe.
Birthday Wishes Celebrating a birthday today is SCO's Vice President for Finance and Administration, David West. Happy Birthday to David!
DAILY DISPATCH May 7, 2020
SPOTLIGHT ON LEGACY GRADUATES
The Class of 2020 includes a number of SCO and other optometric legacy families. Ordinarily, our legacy graduates gather before commencement for a group photo with their OD parent or grandparent, so here's a look at all those graduates who are following in their families' footsteps, from L-R, top row first: Alex Arnett, OD, and his mother, Kimberly Arnett, OD (Indiana University '88) Britton Bugg, OD, and his father Alan Bugg, OD '82 Corey Burr, OD, and her grandfather, Chris Moshoures, OD '72 Conner Kapperman, OD, and his father, SCO Board member Mark Kapperman, OD '87 Brian Metzger, OD, and his father, William Metzger, OD (ICO '90) Paul Moreno, OD, and his father, Alvaro Moreno, OD (UAB '89) Erin Neal, OD, and her mother, Tona Neal, OD '02 (not pictured)
Rachel Newland, OD, and her father, Craig Newland, OD (Houston '90); her grandfather, Dale Newland, OD (ICO '55) is not pictured Anachristina Petrovich, OD, and her mother, Maria Casas, OD (PCO '88) John Phifer, OD, and father, John Phifer, OD '82 Haylee Taylor, OD, and her mother, Emily Taylor, OD '88, and grandfather, John M. Brown, OD (ICO '67) And to all our graduates, if you're celebrating this week at home with close family and friends, we would love it if you want to email and share your photos. It would be great to receive enough to build an online photo gallery so others can enjoy seeing your moments of celebration on our website.
COVID-19 Updates and Resources In his campus-wide meetings with faculty and staff yesterday, Dr. Reich previewed some of the safety protocols planned for our return to campus. Masks and temperature checks will be part of the new routine, with only two people permitted on an elevator at a time. Thanks to everyone who participated in Wednesday's important updates. The National Board of Examiners in Optometry has finalized new Pearson VUE testing center dates for board exams previously postponed because of COVID-19. Candidates who were impacted will be contacted. Updates will also be posted to the NBEO website. Shelby County reported its lowest number of new infection cases in a month on Tuesday; read other updates, including the Health Department's message that compliance and safe reopening measures are paying off. LEARN MORE
Working to Reopen: News & Safety Info Here are some helpful tips from the Tennessee Department of Health to keep safe while pumping gas: If available, use disinfecting wipes on handles and buttons of gas pump. Disposable gloves can also be used if you properly remove and discard them immediately. Keep your distance if possible from other nearby customers. When you're finished, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. When you get to your destination, immediately wash your hands with soap and water.
Birthday Wishes
Celebrating a birthday today from our faculty is Dr. Bill Edmondson. Happy Birthday to Dr. Edmondson!
DAILY DISPATCH May 8, 2020
CLASS OF 2020'S POSITIVE FEEDBACK
As we wrap up a week of celebrating our new graduates, thanks to Christy Alfano, OD '20 who shared this photo of the congratulatory sign that her parents put up in their Florida yard. The Class of 2020's Exit Survey results have been tabulated. We normally share these positive factoids and quotes on our digital signage on campus around commencement week each year. To see graduate quotes and other details, click on the image or this PDF with excerpts compiled by Director of Assessment, Pam Moss. To summarize: Nearly 90% of the class responded. 68% have accepted optometric positions or residencies. 15% are in negotiations for positions. 96% agreed that they were satisfied with their SCO education.
91% also agreed that SCO prepared them well to pass their NBEO examinations. One graduate wrote: "SCO will forever be a blessing to me. I would strongly recommend this optometry school to any student who is interested in optometry. SCO taught and tested us to the highest standard, and though it was very difficult at times, I am so grateful because it assisted me in my success in passing NBEO exams and treating patients with confidence during my externship rotations." Although not included in this excerpted sample, graduates also gave SCO high marks for its measures to keep the campus safe during the pandemic response.
COVID-19 Updates and Resources Tennessee's COVID-19 numbers crossed 14,000 yesterday, but the number of new cases decreased by two fewer than the prior day. Read more details here . The state's Economic Recovery Group has released guidance for office settings. The local health department is working to align its regulations with the state's recommendations. A UT associate dean is leading the task force for state university recommendations. Read more in this interview. LEARN MORE
Working to Reopen: News & Safety Info Here are some helpful tips from the Shelby County Department of Health about face masks: Wash your hands before using a mask. Make sure the mask is snug and covers your mouth, nose, and chin.
Use ear loops to remove the mask. If using a cloth mask (like the one pictured above for illustrative purposes only), wash it daily. Remember that these kinds of fabrics are usually not CDC-approved for patient care settings. Don't let the tip of your nose or chin be exposed. Do not leave gaps on the sides of the mask. Don't pull the mask under your chin or on top of your forehead. Don't reuse single use masks. Don't take chances or let a mask give you a false sense of security, especially around sick individuals. Hang up masks when not in use or store in a paper bag.
Congratulations
Congratulations to The Eye Center's Fran Anthony, whose son, Tristan, was named the recipient of the Douglas Lemmon Memorial Scholarship given to an outstanding undergrad trombone music student at the University of Memphis Scheidt School of Music.
DAILY DISPATCH May 11, 2020
NEW GRADS AMONG SCO RESIDENTS Several recent SCO graduates will be among the college's 2020-2021 residents. Dr. Cheryl Mengelt, Director of Externship and Residency Programs, will be sharing the full list of SCO's new residents in the near future, including the on-campus residents who join us each year. In the interim, here's a preview of recent graduates who will be part of SCO's program. Joining as on-campus residents: Jacob Boehme, OD '20; Pediatrics/Vision Therapy Torrie Garner, OD '20; Low Vision/Ocular Disease Chawan Rasheen, OD '20; Cornea/Contact Lens & Refractive Surgery Elyse Rayborn, OD '20; Primary Care/MBA Other Memphis area residents will include: Lindsey (Holcomb) Butler OD '20; Memphis VAMC Matthew Meredith, OD '20; Memphis VAMC Alison Moore, OD '20; Toyos Clinic Recent graduates at other SCO-affiliated residencies include: Callie Mashburn, OD '20, Salem VAMC, Primary Eye Care; Virginia Annie Nguyen, OD '20, Moyes Eye Center, Refractive/Ocular Surgery; Missouri Vishal Patel, OD '20, Greenville VAMC CBOC, Primary Eye Care/Ocular Disease; South Carolina John Phifer, OD '20, W.G. Hefner VAMC, Primary Eye Care/Eye Disease; North Carolina Jhaleil Phillips, OD '20, Gainesville Eye Associates, Ocular Disease; Georgia Julia Reimold, OD '20, Bond-Wroten Eye Clinic, Primary Eye/Ocular Disease; Louisiana Mallory Troyer, OD '20, WJB Dorn VAMC, Primary Eye Care;
South Carolina Additionally, several other recent graduates will be part of other colleges' residency programs around the country. Congratulations to them all!
COVID-19 Updates and Resources Tennessee's numbers crossed 14,000 Thursday and were 15 shy of 15,000 by Sunday. Arkansas surpassed 4,000 cases over the weekend, and Mississippi is nearing 10,000. In Tennessee, the greatest number of infections continue to occur in people in their 20s, with higher mortality rates in older people. Methodist Hospitals launched a new outpatient clinic for patients with COVID-19 symptoms not requiring hospitalization or for those who are recuperating. Student Ambassador Courtney Beaumont, '21, recently wrote an article about how optometry students at different schools have adapted to the recent COVID-19 changes. LEARN MORE
Working to Reopen: News & Safety Info Here are some helpful tips from the CDC about the safe use of disinfectants when cleaning:
Congratulations Congratulations to Campus Security Manager Don Henson, who received a Master of Ministry Leadership degree during Belhaven University's commencement ceremony. Don's name is mentioned at the 41:20 mark in the online video.
DAILY DISPATCH May 12, 2020
CLASS OF 2021 AWARDS ANNOUNCED The Class of 2021 recently participated in the Spring 2020 Continuous Quality Improvement Project where students work on problem-solving exercises to recommend clinical care ideas that can be implemented in future workplaces. Dr. Jim Venable, Vice President for Clinical Programs said: "This year's submissions were the most impressive of any year thus far, so much so that I have decided to increase the award amounts in order that each member of the respective teams can benefit more." Dr. Venable's team of judges announced these winners for the Spring 2020 Continuous Quality Improvement Project: First Place, splitting a $1,500 prize for their proposal for improving the patient experience in Contact Lens: Student Doctors Daniel Bloemer, Mario Martinez, Noelle SchmitterSchrier, Greyson Ramos, and Sara Stockwell. Second Place, splitting a $1,000 prize for "Extreme Makeover TEC Optical Edition": Student Doctors Autumn Killop, Emily Laga, Samantha Lee, Michelle Nagro, Casey Oltman, and John Tompkins. Third Place, splitting a $500 prize for Improving Contact Lens Insertion and Removal Training: "Student Doctors Michael Sayonh, Lindsey McCallon, Emily Barron, Trevor Smith, and Bret Brill. Dr. Lisa Wade, who teaches the Practice Management course, added about the experience: "Given the abrupt and significant changes optometric practices have undergone in the last seven weeks, I think it will be a skill that you will have occasion to use
early and often in your optometric career."
COVID-19 Updates and Resources Shelby County reported its highest number of new COVID-19 tests administered on Monday, key to helping diagnose and track infection rates in order to limit their spread. The Memphis Chamber of Commerce has released survey results gauging the impact on local businesses. Some children in harder hit regions of the country are experiencing alarming COVID-19 inflammatory responses. Read more in this news story. LEARN MORE
Working to Reopen: News & Safety Info Here are some helpful tips from the CDC about cloth masks (remember that cloth masks are not appropriate for patient care settings):
Congratulations Congratulations to the Communication Department's Erin Jaffe, whose five-year-old son, Desmond, celebrated his pre-kindergarten graduation from Olive Branch Elementary School. Because the ceremony
wasn't able to be held in person at school, his teacher personally dropped off caps and diplomas for each of her students.
DAILY DISPATCH May 13, 2020
PROJECT FORESIGHT WINNER ANNOUNCED Congratulations to Allison Wirt, '22, on being named SCO's recipient of the 20192020 Project Foresight National Scholarship Competition sponsored by Walmart Careers. Winners are selected on the basis of a practice plan, creativity, and other criteria. Each school recipient typically competes for the national award at the AOA meeting in June, but with this year's conference canceled, Allison will receive a $2,000 scholarship and attend a virtual celebration. Project Foresight Scholarship Celebration Zoom will be held on Friday, June 26 at 1 pm with each school winner recognized. A $5,000 Grand Prize and a $2,500 runner-up award will be presented. Good luck, Allison!
COVID-19 Updates and Resources Tennessee has surpassed 16,000 COVID-19 infections according to numbers released Tuesday. Mississippi has reported 9,908 cases. Memphis reported 106 new cases and four deaths from COVID19 on Tuesday. In Memphis, an infected person previously could be expected to have infected 4-5 others; that number has now dropped to 1.14. Read more in this story about how transmission rates can predict future models. Here's another story about the steps the Memphis Zoo has undertaken ahead of reopening today. Some undergraduate institutions are adding courses in contact tracing, a field in demand as workers help locate others who have been in contact with an infected person. LEARN MORE
Working to Reopen: News & Safety Info Hard surfaces like shared elevator buttons, phone receivers, and door handles are among the hot spots for harboring infectious germs, including COVID-19. Look for these kinds of areas to be cleaned frequently. You can think about the risk as part of your own effort to wash your hands frequently after touching these surfaces. Elevators are also difficult spots to practice social distancing. Taking the stairs may be a great idea to keep a safe distance and get a healthy workout at the same time.
Happy Birthday!
Celebrating a birthday today is the Accounting Department's Aleathea Benson. Happy birthday, Aleathea!
DAILY DISPATCH May 14, 2020
FACULTY SHARE SCO SUCCESS STORY Last winter an impressively dedicated team of SCO faculty, staff, students, and alumni became the largest corporate group to participate in the St. Jude Marathon. That enthusiasm resulted in a request earlier this year from ALSAC to host its corporate challenge kick-off meeting on the SCO campus. Because the COVID-19 pandemic made it impossible to meet in person, the St. Jude Memphis Marathon Corporate Challenge Webinar meeting will be held virtually today at noon. SCO's success story will be featured, with photos and a video shared with numerous leaders from other organizations around the city. Thanks to last year's team co-captains, Drs. Julie Shalhoub, Halie Cottrill, and Tyler Kitzman, for representing SCO at this event today as St. Jude discusses plans for this year's marathon.
Faculty in the News
Memphis Parent Magazine has interviewed Dr. Glen Steele for a story giving parents vision-related tips about how to keep their
Last month's Daily Digest story about Dr. Lisa Wade's beekeeping hobby was picked up and turned into a featured interview by
kids' digital screen time in check. Read the story here.
Women in Optometry magazine. Read it here.
COVID-19 Updates and Resources With next month's AOA meeting cancelled, the AOA is offering a 2020 Virtual Learning Livecast. A new Vanderbilt University report examines the state's COVID19 transmission rate remaining comparably low, translating to manageable hospitalization capabilities. Here's an interactive map plotting COVID-19 cases state by state with additional details available by clicking on its features. This year's Cooper-Young Garden Walk has gone virtual with tours and photos available online. If you miss going to the movies, Malco is reopening its only local drive-in with some safety regulations. LEARN MORE
Working to Reopen: News & Safety Info When the campus reopens, you can expect to see signage reminding the SCO community about social distancing and other health measures. While not every tip may be applicable to all workplaces, here's a list of suggested safety measures created by the Society for Human Resource Management.
Diplomas Arriving! Last week diplomas were mailed to the Class of 2020. The first photos of proud graduates with their diplomas in hand now are popping up on social media. Thanks to Dr. Blair Solomon for sharing this photo of her posing with her diploma and a
proud canine companion!
DAILY DISPATCH May 15, 2020
VIRTUAL CAMPUS TOUR FILMED
With air travel or large group tours unlikely in the near future, SCO's Student Services team is thinking ahead for the next recruiting cycle. Thursday, a mask-wearing cameraman visited campus to film Student Ambassador and outgoing SGA President Marie Huegel, '21, as she gave prospective students a recorded tour. Dr. Jim Venable, Vice President of Clinical Programs, was on hand to make sure all the high points of The Eye Center were camera ready. SCO's Security team also helped with access to our classrooms and labs. Although the video primarily emphasizes the state-of-the-art appeal of SCO's outstanding clinical facilities, additional highlights were filmed, with some footage to be used for updating the college's online virtual tour experience. These strategies will be useful in
helping showcase SCO's campus amenities. The video also had a special significance for Marie as she prepares to leave next week for her externship in North Carolina. Because her very last tour was captured on camera, she will continue to influence prospective students by encouraging them to make SCO their optometry school of choice. Thanks, Marie!
Faculty in the News
Dr. Glen Steele, Professor, is staying as busy as ever. So far in May, he's delivered two remote lectures for I Heart VT: "The Infant Examination from a Developmental Perspective" and "The Process of Visual Engagement in Overall Development." He was also interviewed for this story. During one of his recent virtual lectures, Dr. Steele kept it all in the family as he recruited his grandson, Levi Steele, pictured, to pose as the pediatric patient since there were no real ones available.
COVID-19 Updates and Resources Speaking of Dr. Steele, he was among the experts interviewed for this AOA News story about how optometrists can inspire trust by communicating clearly with patients during the COVID19 pandemic. The latest Shelby County COVID-19 infection rates show no spike, a critical factor in stabilizing a region's ability to handle hospitalizations and move to the next phase of reopening. This interview with the chief medical officer of BlueCross BlueShield includes some insights about how COVID-19 has impacted the African-American community in Tennessee. LEARN MORE
Working to Reopen: News & Safety Info Memphis Tiger fans can relate to this zoo promo about about just how much space a six-foot distance represents when social distancing. Remember that even in phased reopenings, the CDC recommends keeping space from others who may be asymptomatic or recently infected.
Birthday Wishes
Celebrating birthdays today are the faculty's Dr. Morgan Ollinger and the Physical Plant's Michael Bailey. Happy birthday to them both!
DAILY DISPATCH May 18, 2020
SUMMER INSTRUCTION BEGINS
Mail-in payment registration is underway for the Classes of 2021 and 2022 as summer instruction begins with the start of our new academic year for 2020-2021. Online instruction also begins today for our new third-year students in the Class of 2022, as well as online clinical requirements for our new fourth-year seniors in the Class of 2021. Third-year students are doubling up their online lectures every day this week with Drs. Jackson, Dorkowski, Squier, and Harris. No instruction will be held for third-years next week (May 25-29) to help them prepare to travel back to Memphis by June 1. The following two weeks will allow these students the 14-day, post-travel time to self-isolate and monitor for any travel-related COVID-19 exposure symptoms to manifest. Here are some other helpful dates to remember: May 25, Memorial Day holiday (no instruction this week) June 8-11, Midterm exams online for Class of 2022 June 15, On-campus labs begin for Class of 2022 June 25-26, Instruction continues during the time previously planned for the AOA annual meeting Once lab instruction resumes on campus June 15, lab groups will work in reduced numbers. Extended lab hours are being planned, along with other areas on campus to help spread out lab spaces where students may practice. In the coming weeks, detailed safety
protocols will be shared about these labs areas and their usage.
COVID-19 Updates and Resources Breath shields are becoming an important safety measure for optometrists as part of their personal protective equipment (PPE). Review of Optometry reports about which ones work better. The Shelby County Health Department may make its announcement about Phase 2 of reopening today. The new COVID-19 field hospital located at 495 Union Ave. not far from campus, is completed with its 400 beds to alleviate the strain on regular hospitals if future spikes occur. The Cupboard, a longtime restaurant fixture not far from campus, will reopen with 50% capacity on May 20. LEARN MORE
Working to Reopen: News & Safety Info Here's a helpful article recommended by Dr. Bart Campbell, Vice President for Academic Affairs, with details about why distancing and other measures are essential even with cloth face coverings. Familiarizing yourself with this kind of information will be helpful as we think about ways to stay safe when the campus reopens in June.
Birthday Wishes
Celebrating a birthday today are Kimberly Griffin-Pugh in Student Services and George Miller, Vice President for Institutional Advancement. Happy birthday to them both!
DAILY DISPATCH May 19, 2020
ARKANSAS STUDENTS RECOGNIZED
The Arkansas Optometric Association has awarded scholarships to three outstanding students: Andrew Murphy, '23, Collin Simmons, '22, and Alexandra Turner, '22. Andrew Murphy was named the recipient of the 2020 Dr. Milton Webb Optometric Leadership and Service Scholarship. Born and raised in Fayetteville, Andrew is a graduate of the University of Arkansas. The scholarship was established in the memory of the late Dr. Milton Webb. Collin Simmons was named the recipient of the Dr. George A. Haas Memorial Scholarship given by the Arkansas Eye Associates through the ArOA. He serves as Student Ambassador and incoming Arkansas State Club president. He follows in the family footsteps of his grandfather and father, also SCO alumni. Alexandra Turner was awarded the 2020 Dr. William H. Townsend Scholarship. She is a 2017 graduate of Arkansas Tech University. Her scholarship was established in memory of the late Dr. William H. Townsend, the first African-American OD in Arkansas and a legendary state legislator who championed optometry. Congratulations to each of these students!
COVID-19 Updates and Resources The second phase of Shelby County's reopening began Monday with a three-week period to follow if more progress continues to be made with manageable or lower infection or hospitalization rates. Bradley Richlin, OD '17, writes about the safety protocols being implemented at his California practice to protect patients and staff; read his article in Review of Optometric Business. SCO student blogger Coralis Millien, '23, writes about her first year of optometry school, including how she drove home 14 hours when the campus closed; she also shares what sounds like a delicious recipe for zucchini lasagna! Another student blogger, Michelle Alaimo, '23, also looks back at her first-year experiences and notes at the end of her article how supportive she and her classmates have been by keeping in touch through the pandemic. LEARN MORE
Working to Reopen: News & Safety Info
Security's Joyce Smith and Physical Plant's Ron Jones came outside yesterday and paused their social distancing just for a minute to take this photo greeting from campus. Although their
smiling faces may be temporarily hidden, Joyce and Ron are doing their part to keep our campus safe while also protecting their own health, and others, by wearing masks. Everyone is reminded that masks are required in publicly traveled spaces on campus but may be removed in enclosed private offices or spaces when no one else is around. Thanks to those individuals who intermittently come to campus to help keep operations going smoothly ahead of next month's planned reopening!
The Things We See...
The faculty's Dr. Bill Edmondson shared this fun photo of his next door neighbor cutting his grass as his friend's six-year-old dog jumped aboard for a ride. Dr. Edmondson has been watching the dog "help" every couple of weeks when the grass needs cutting. He got a kick out of it and asked his neighbor if he could share this cute photo with his colleagues.
DAILY DISPATCH May 20, 2020
GRADUATES TO BE COMMISSIONED INTO MILITARY SERVICE
Two recent SCO graduates will be commissioned into the United States Army during the first ever nationwide virtual healthcare officer ceremony this afternoon at 12 pm CST. In recent years, SCO graduates entering military optometry service were commissioned during commencement week activities, so we're proud to note that included in the group taking their oaths today will be Samantha Macchio, OD '20, and Frank Parr, OD '20. Because of COVID, the U.S. Army is commissioning these future military medical professionals via a nationwide ceremony. The U.S. Army Surgeon General will emphasize the importance of service to country, especially during a time of national crisis. The Army Medical Department oversees one of the world's largest
healthcare organizations. If you would like to watch, the public may view the 12 pm ceremony live via this Army Facebook page . Join us in thanking Drs. Macchio and Parr for service to their country!
COVID-19 Updates and Resources Shelby County reported 116 new cases yesterday, the most since April 18. Read this and other updates here. Vision Monday reports that more than 2,300 optometry students across the country participated in the American Academy of Optometry's recently launched online training program. Here's an article about the different essential parts needed for a cloth mask outside patient care settings. This article covers how ODs can read body language in patients wearing masks. Dr. Catherine Hogan from SCO's faculty contributed to this article about dry eye published in Primary Care Optometry News. LEARN MORE
Working to Reopen: News & Safety Info
By now we've all heard how critically important it is to wash your hands frequently and for at least 20 seconds. This research video going viral in recent days demonstrates just how easily germs can be transmitted. In this experiment, some fluorescent paint was put onto one person's hand to simulate a cough in a buffet dinner setting. When the lights go on, traces of paint demonstrate how the one spot
was easily transmitted to others. Read the story and watch the video here.
Birthday Greetings
Celebrating a birthday today is Carolyn Warren, SCO's Controller in Finance & Administration. Happy Birthday, Carolyn!
DAILY DISPATCH May 21, 2020
SCO TO HOST VIRTUAL CE SERIES
SCO is launching a series of Virtual Live Continuing Education Events at no cost for alumni and previous CE recipients. Participants can earn up to 12 COPE-approved CE hours through these live courses presented via Zoom. Led by SCO faculty members, courses and lecturers include: Drs. Paul Harris (5/23 and 5/30), Chris Borgman (6/6 and 6/13), and Jason Duncan (6/20 and 6/27). Email promos are being sent to faculty and alumni to promote registration. Thanks to these faculty members and Kate Bucko, Director of Continuing Education, for developing and launching this series.
COVID-19 Updates and Resources Shelby County reported 128 new cases of COVID-19 Wednesday, crossing the 4,000 mark. Tennessee has reported 18,532 cases and 309 deaths. In Mississippi, the total is nearing 12,000 cases and 570 deaths. In Arkansas, more than 4,000 infections have been reported and 97 deaths. Read updates here. UT Health Sciences Center has shared additional data about Tennessee, Mississippi, and Arkansas. Review of Optometric Business shares this story about hygiene and disinfection suggestions. Reopen Eyecare, a new website designed to give ODs information about best practices for reopening after the pandemic, launched yesterday. Read details in this story . LEARN MORE
Working to Reopen: News & Safety Info
Whether it's working from home or readjusting to your office space when the campus reopens, each of us has a responsibility to help keep our immediate workspace as clean as possible to help reduce the risk of COVID-19 contamination. There are steps you can take to clean commonly touched devices like your computer keyboard and mouse (the photo above obviously isn't a best practice but maybe it got your attention?), your desktop area, your phone, and other office supplies like pens, pencils, staplers, or tape dispensers. Read more tips in this Toolbox Tech story.
In Memory Jordan Rothlisberger, OD
'15, died Tuesday night from cancer. He was a Student Ambassador during his time at SCO. He's survived by his wife, Jen, and their four young children.
Birthday Greetings
Celebrating a birthday today is the Physical Plant's Caldon Handy. Happy Birthday, Caldon!
DAILY DISPATCH May 22, 2020
CDC RELEASES EDUCATIONAL GUIDELINES Over the next two weeks, the SCO campus will begin to hear specific plans developed by the college's leadership team for patient care, student labs, and other workplace considerations to keep us all safe. In the interim, the CDC has released its recommendations for institutions of higher learning. Some of the information pertaining to housing clearly doesn't apply to SCO. The information also doesn't address the specific needs of colleges involved with live patient care as part of clinical training. However, the CDC information is extremely useful to read because many of these types of recommendations are being implemented throughout SCO's own soon-to-be-released protocols. You'll see settings described from lower to higher risk as well as behaviors designed to reduce COVID-19 spread. From cleaning and disinfection to planning for times when someone gets sick and health department contact tracing becomes involved, take a moment to familiarize yourself with this information. It will become even more important as we incorporate these types of routines into our new reality when the campus reopens.
COVID-19 Updates and Resources Tennessee's governor is permitting groups of up to 50 to gather using social distancing and other safety measures. Read about this and other developments in the Daily Memphian's ongoing list of updates. Contact tracing is one of the tools that health departments use to identify who an infected person may have encountered or spread infectious diseases in their social circle. Learn more here. The Groove Shuttle service has temporarily suspended rides to and from the SCO campus starting earlier this month.
LEARN MORE
Working to Reopen: News & Safety Info
This CDC infographic demonstrates why it's so important to maintain social distancing. A choir in Oregon had one infected member show up during a two-hour choir practice. Soon, nearly the entire choir had become infected. The CDC believes that aerosol spray from singing, talking, and close breathing proximity puts people most at risk, followed by droplets spraying on surfaces that people touch. Read more about this specific case in this article. Faculty Elected as Officers Congratulations to newly elected faculty officers of the Tennessee Chapter of the American Academy of Optometry: President: Catherine Hogan, OD, FAAO Vice President: Laurel Roberts, OD, FAAO Secretary/Treasurer: Morgan Ollinger, OD, FAAO
Birthday Greetings Celebrating a birthday today is Dr. Julie Shalhoub, and
celebrating a birthday on Monday during the Memorial Day Holiday will be Dr. Jim Venable. Happy birthday to these faculty members!
DAILY DISPATCH May 26, 2020
Countdown to Reopening Last week, a drone photographer captured the photo above showing the SCO campus on a beautiful morning around 11 am. Unusual for a workday is the absence of cars, as third-year students attended virtual classes from afar and employees carried out our mission remotely. The last week of May means preparations will be picking up steam for the reopening of our campus. It's a break week for students as they begin traveling back to Memphis to self isolate and make sure they're healthy before on-campus lab and clinical assignments resume. Employees, too, are encouraged to continue exercising selfcare in the coming weeks. Look for campuswide meetings to be announced soon as our new safety protocols begin to be shared. While some of the information may be more specific to certain areas and responsibilities, it's more important than ever that everyone pays attention to the critical steps that SCO will be undertaking to make our summer semester as safe as possible. From masks to thermal temperature checks, to spacing out lab lanes
or seeing patients at a 50% capacity, many of these methods will understandably seem new. Everyone's positive cooperation will go a long way in ensuring our safety and success.
COVID-19 Updates and Resources Arkansas is one of nearly a dozen states with a spike in COVID19 cases. Read more in this news story about where the Arkansas spike is believed to have originated. Tennessee crossed the 20,000 infection rate mark over the weekend as noted in this rolling collection of updates. Similar to requiring shirt or shoes for service, learn why private businesses can require wearing masks as part of their policies for consumers in this TV news story. LEARN MORE
Working to Reopen: News & Safety Info
The Tennessee Department of Health has expanded content on its website to provide useful information about the importance of masks, testing sites, information for educational organizations, and other important details.
A Happy Pup!
Animal rescue organizations across the country have reported an uptick in adoptions, fueled in part by owners wanting to relieve stress or having additional work-at-home time to help train a new pet. The Communications Department's Philip Tribble and his girlfriend did their part by as they recently welcomed Marshall, pictured, to their family. Marshall is a 10week-old German Shepherd puppy.
DAILY DISPATCH May 27​, 2020
Campuswide Virtual Meetings Set SCO will host virtual campuswide meetings one week from today to share information about our planned reopening and to answer questions: Faculty and staff will meet remotely at 10:30 am on Wednesday, June 3; Third- and fourth-year students with on-campus assignments will meet later that evening at 6 pm. Faculty should send questions to Dr. Wil McGriff, staff to Tracy Lindow, and students to Joe Hauser. As noted in Dr. Reich's email on Tuesday, the plan is to reopen the campus to ensure that students can participate in their labs and patient care encounters. Many employees will be permitted to continue working remotely on an interim basis to help reduce the numbers of people on campus. Students will also be asked to minimize time on campus beyond their lab or clinic assignments.
COVID-19 Updates and Resources Shelby County reported an uptick in COVID-19 infection cases on Tuesday, with 127 cases reported. It was the fifth time over the last week that cases exceeded at least 100. According to the Shelby County Health Department, local infections most commonly occur within families or at work, all the more reason that safety protocols and caution must be followed closely. Read more details here . LEARN MORE
Working to Reopen: News & Safety Info
This CDC graphic demonstrates a number of safety measures that we must all learn how to incorporate into our routines. The CDC also recommends this video on thorough hand-washing techniques. Reminder signs encouraging these kinds of practices will be on display around campus soon.
DAILY DISPATCH May 28​, 2020
Preview of Changes in Store Behind the scenes, a lot of work and planning has been put into how to reopen the campus safely, particularly for public spaces involving patient care. When The Eye Center reopens, signage like this will be in place to communicate a number of important steps to patients. Patients with appointments must be screened for high temperatures and asked a series of questions about their health. For smartphone users who want to plan ahead, Apple just launched a new app with CDC-approved coronavirus screening questions. Anyone can try this new screening tool at apple.com/covid19. Chairs in The Eye Center's waiting room will be removed to accommodate the screening site. Once patients clear their screening, they'll be taken to their appointments. To reduce the number of people on site, visitors will not be permitted, with the exception of adults accompanying minors or patients who need assistance.
COVID-19 Updates and Resources Tennessee has surpassed 100 COVID-19 deaths in a little more than two months, compared with 160 flu-related deaths over the span of an entire year. Eight new deaths in Shelby County alone were recorded on Wednesday; the county's total infection rate is nearing 4,600. Tennessee will stop sharing COVID-19 information with law enforcement after the practice received scrutiny. LEARN MORE
Working to Reopen: News & Safety Info
Using a 3D printer, Spencer Nichols in Information Services has been hard at work the past few weeks creating mask extenders. These bands attach to a mask to help save ears from too much friction. Spencer has created an "ear saver" for each faculty and staff
member and hopes to print more for students. When the campus reopens, faculty and staff are invited to visit the third floor walkway where a table will be set up outside Information Services. The table will contain hand sanitizer, instructions for wearing the extenders, and one extender for each employee. Spencer has added some velvet strips inside as liners for added comfort. Thanks to Spencer for his thoughtfulness and sharing!
DAILY DISPATCH May 29​, 2020
Preview of Clinic Protocols Here's a look at another sign prototype being developed for our Optical area. Safety protocols for our Clinical Programs outline strict guidelines for frames that may come into contact with patients. Specifically, patients will be asked not to pick up frames themselves. Frames will be sanitized first, as will all the fitting/dispensing tables, repair tools, optical trays, and other equipment. Frames that are tried on for styling or fitting additionally will be sterilized using a disinfecting Ultra Violet (UV) light box. Spectacle frames will be placed in the Pediatric Primary Care Service area and Teen Clinic. This measure will allow for frame selection to happen directly in those areas, reducing the amount of traffic and people inside the Optical area. Optical staff and interns will also wear masks and gloves while styling, fitting, dispensing, and adjusting eyewear, one of several protocol guidelines being finalized for sharing soon. Thanks to our Clinical Programs faculty and staff who have been developing these safety protocols through their team effort!
COVID-19 Updates and Resources The United States crossed the COVID-19 100,000 death toll this week. Here's an article sharing names and faces for some of the local victims. Healthcare institutions within the Memphis Medical District Collaborative have been directly impacted by the pandemic. The MMDC's new annual report has been released outlining the positive impact made by the District in other ways. Dr. Lewis Reich has served as MMDC Chair over the last year. LEARN MORE
Working to Reopen: News & Safety Info Ahead of next Wednesday's virtual town halls, here are some backgrounds that you may download to use as your background image during your Teams or Zoom calls. The first one cleverly recreates the colorful background often seen in photos taken in our atrium. The other two show the campus, one in the correct position and other backwards for those users whose computers sometimes reverse an image. The meetings will be held on June 3 for employees at 10:30 am and third- and fourth-year students at 6 pm. Don't forget that questions
should be sent to Dr. Wil McGriff (faculty), Tracy Lindow (staff), or Joe Hauser (students).
DAILY DISPATCH June 1​, 2020
SCO COVID TESTS START NEXT WEEK One week from today, SCO will begin facilitating COVID-19 tests for the campus community. Faculty and staff will receive appointment times for them to visit campus on Monday, June 8. Once results are available by the next day, employees who have been cleared to return to campus will do so on Wednesday, June 10. Testing for third- and fourth-year students on their summer rotation will be held on Friday, June 12, and a make-up day on Saturday, June 13. Everyone should continue to monitor emails this week as our planned June 15 reopening nears.
COVID-19 Updates and Resources Shelby County passed the 5,000 COVID-19 infection number over the weekend, while Tennessee's total number reached 23,000. Read more here. The CDC Director released a video over the weekend confirming that wearing a mask is useful for reducing the spread of COVID19. LEARN MORE
Working to Reopen: News & Safety Info A handshake has long been the symbol of universal greeting, but in the Coronavirus pandemic, public health officials recommend forgoing the otherwise friendly gesture. This story talks to several doctors, one of whom had already advocated for eliminating handshakes at his hospital's neonatal intensive care unit to help avoid germ spread.
Birthday Greetings
Celebrating birthdays today are Human Resource's Tracy Lindow and our President, Dr. Lewis Reich. Happy birthday!
DAILY DISPATCH June 2​, 2020
CAMPUSWIDE MEETINGS TOMORROW The dog wearing glasses is your reminder that tomorrow is the day for our campuswide meetings to discuss next week's planned reopening. The administration has received a number of great questions to be answered how our new normal will work, so employees are reminded to join at 10:30 am on Wednesday and applicable students at 6 pm later in the day.
COVID-19 Updates and Resources Shelby County added 120 Coronavirus cases to its count per Monday's report. Arkansas saw the highest rate of hospitalizations last week so far into the pandemic. Read more in this story . The Shelby County Health Department has halted the distribution of free masks provided by Tennessee because of a chemical agent reported on them in traces. Last, kudos to Drs. Lily Wang and John Mark Jackson for their article in this month's Contact Lens Spectrum . LEARN MORE
Working to Reopen: News & Safety Info Cleaning and disinfecting commonly touched surfaces is one of the tactics recommended by the Tennessee Department of Health and the CDC to combat COVID-19. These surfaces include tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops,
handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks. Read more on the state's website.
DAILY DISPATCH June 3​, 2020
CAMPUS COVID-19 SCREENING INFO
Ahead of today's campuswide meetings for employees and students, everyone is encouraged to read the Return to Campus COVID-19 Screening Protocol. Next week, COVID-19 tests will be administered per the details in this document. Beyond the initial COVID-19 testing, security checkpoint screenings will become a daily routine for our campus. Three screening stations will be operated between 6 am and 6 pm each day at these three locations: The Main Tower Entrance on the first floor South Entrance to the Academic Complex South Entrance of The Eye Center All students, faculty and staff not assigned to The Eye Center will always be required to enter either the Main Tower Entrance or the South Entrance. Thanks to our Security personnel for helping perform daily temperature screenings and questions to be asked each day, including patients coming onto campus for appointments. Remember that non-patient visitors are not permitted on campus until further notice without prior authorization of a member of the President's Council.
COVID-19 Updates and Resources Shelby County's COVID-19 daily infection rate jumped to its highest since April 24, with 190 new cases reported on Monday. As a result, the mayor has delayed Phase 3 of the city's reopening plan. Read this local story about someone who took the kind of less invasive nasal swab test that will be administered on campus next week. (She was very happy with the results). LEARN MORE
Working to Reopen: News & Safety Info
It will take some practice and thought, but remember to practice social distancing at all times when we return to campus. Aerosol particle spray through close proximity to a potentially infected person is considered one of the greatest risk factors for contracting COVID-19.
Birthday Wishes
Celebrating a birthday today is Melissa Powers in Information Services. Have a happy birthday, Melissa!
DAILY DISPATCH June 4​, 2020
COUNTDOWN TO REOPENING Thanks to everyone who participated in a really productive discussion yesterday via the campuswide meetings hosted by Dr. Reich for employees and students. The administration received a number of great questions. As Dr. Reich emphasized, everyone is encouraged to remain flexible and positive this summer as we work to reopen with staggered schedules, safety protocols, and other measures to keep us safe. In the interim, keep in mind that the campus is technically closed next Monday and Tuesday as employees briefly visit on Monday for their COVID-19 tests and await the results on Tuesday. There may be a few exceptions otherwise authorized by the administration, but next week is intended as a "restart" to help make sure we begin our reopening with healthy employees and students to minimize risks.
COVID-19 Updates and Resources Shelby County's COVID-19 daily infection and hospitalization rates have spiked over the last two weeks, all the more reason to continue exercising caution and social distancing. Read more in this news story. Here's a story by a Florida optometrist who writes about caring for the apprehensive patient during a pandemic. Read the suggestions from this optometrist who has authored a manual about how to reopen successfully. SCO graduate Mike Rothschild, OD '97, writes about the rise of telemedicine with a link to a special report about how optometry may be adapting. LEARN MORE
Congratulations!
Aaliyah Cole, '22, has been named a 2020 recipient of the Mississippi Vision Foundation's Helen Allison St. Clair scholarship for optometry students. She serves as Vice President of the Mississippi Optometric Student Association. Way to go, Aaliyah!
Working to Reopen: News & Safety Info In recent weeks, SCO has interviewed several different prospective vendors about opening a new diner on our fourth floor. As the campus reopens, keep in mind that there will be no hot food options available in this interim period. Food deliveries are permitted but will either need to be collected in person in front of the SCO tower or paid for in advance and left on a designated table inside the front doors of the tower since vendors and outside visitors are restricted for health safety.
Birthday Wishes
Celebrating a birthday today is the staff's Angelica Rodgers and from our faculty, Drs. Melissa Zarn and Jennifer Snyder. Happy birthday!
DAILY DISPATCH June 5​, 2020
ONE CHAPTER ENDS; ANOTHER BEGINS As we prepare to reopen our campus, today marks the last of our Daily Dispatch series. We'll be moving to a weekly update or standalone edition emails when special events warrant. Thanks to each of you who has contributed photos, ideas, or shared suggestions for content over the past three months. The original idea was to help us all stay connected when we began to social distance as the pandemic began to unfold in late March. We hope you were able to stay informed the past few months. We've celebrated the Class of 2020 as what would have been commencement neared in early May. Since then, there's been much to communicate about the advance work required for us to be together again in June. With staggered schedules and our campus life adapting to keep us all safe, the Communications Department team welcomes your photos (taken safely from a distance) in student labs, as you reconnect with a coworker, or other sights from around campus. These images will be important to help us tell the next chapter in SCO's story for our alumni, prospective students, and friends in the community via SCO's Facebook and Instagram accounts, on-campus digital signs, and future newsletters. See you soon!
COVID-19 Updates and Resources When the first Daily Dispatch was distributed in late March, Shelby County's COVID-19 infection rate was nearing 400 people. Since then, the number has grown past 5,400 cases. Tuesday of this week saw 190 new positive cases in Shelby County, the biggest daily spike since the pandemic began. The Health Department now projects the biggest wave locally will occur between Labor Day and Thanksgiving, all the more reason we must work together to stay as safe as possible this summer on campus.
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SCO Students Show Their Support SCO's SGA leaders shared this announcement yesterday: “I WILL provide professional care for those who seek my services, with concern, with compassion and with due regard for their human rights and dignity.” “I WILL do my utmost to serve my community, my country and humankind as a citizen as well as an optometrist.” Today our student leaders here at SCO reminded the student body of the Optometric Oath they promised to follow when receiving their white coats. They are committed to listening, learning, and actively supporting our black community. SGA has donated $3,384 to the MidSouth Peace & Justice Center. That’s $846 from each class, representing the 8 minutes and 46 seconds George Floyd was kneeled on. SCO stands in solidarity today, tomorrow, and for the rest of time." Thanks to our students for expressing their support, and to Will Feriend, '22, for creating the artwork used for their announcement.
Birthday Wishes Celebrating a birthday over the next week: Dr. Richard Savoy (June 6), Dr. John Mark Jackson (June 7), Dean Swick (June 8), Kate Bucko (June 11), Jasmine Murphy (June 13), and Dr. Kevan Smith, resident (June 14).
A parting photo During the campuswide meeting on Wednesday, Dr. Reich mentioned that some in the SCO
community were trying to get fit before returning to work.
Dr. Patricia Cisarik shares this fun photo about how her attempts at yoga have gone, thanks to her cats!