The Keystone to Atomic Habits: Transforming Optometry Practice through Self-Reflection

In the dynamic world of healthcare, particularly within the domain of optometry, the pursuit of excellence and the continuous advancement of our practice is paramount. As dedicated members of the Pennsylvania Optometric Association (POA), we strive to elevate public health standards across the Commonwealth through comprehensive eye care. My personal journey, deeply intertwined with this mission, has led me to explore various methodologies that can enhance our effectiveness as practitioners and individuals. One such transformative approach is the theory behind atomic habits, a concept that, when applied, can revolutionize our professional and personal lives.

Atomic habits, a term popularized by James Clear, refers to the small, incremental changes we can make in our daily routines that cumulatively lead to significant outcomes. This theory suggests that success does not stem from monumental, overnight changes but from the minute, almost imperceptible adjustments we make consistently over time. It's the idea that if you improve just 1% every day, those small gains will compound into remarkable achievements.

As optometrists, the application of atomic habits can profoundly impact our practice and patient care. Consider the power of integrating small, positive habits into your daily routine—writing thank you cards to all new patients, following up with a phone call to all emergency patients, or simply committing to look patients in the eye as we talk. Each small action is a step toward becoming a more effective and compassionate provider. 

However, the core of atomic habits—and indeed, the foundation of any meaningful change—is self-reflection. It's about understanding who we are, what we value, and what we believe in. For me, as a committed member of the POA, every decision I make, every habit I form, is driven by my dedication to advancing the public health of the Commonwealth through eye care. This conviction shapes my actions, from the simplest to the most complex, ensuring they are aligned with my core mission. I have committed that I AM the voice of optometry to my local legislators and it was this conviction that landed me at a local fundraiser recently that introduced a new legislator as a friend to the POA for myself and several other members. 

This principle of self-reflection extends beyond professional practice. It invites us to consider how our identity and beliefs influence our daily habits. Are the actions we're taking each day reflective of who we are and what we want to achieve? Are we making decisions that bring us closer to our goals, or are we caught in patterns that hinder our progress?

In closing, I encourage each of you to ponder the incremental changes you can implement in your life and practice. Reflect on your core mission and let it drive your habits, decisions, and actions. Together, as dedicated doctors of optometry and members of the POA, we can create a ripple effect of positive change, advancing not only our profession, but also the health and well-being of our communities.

James Deom, O.D., MPH, F.A.A.O., FSLS

About the 2024 president...

My name is Dr. James Deom, and I am a proud Doctor of Optometry. In 1985, I was born into a family of five children in the town of Hazleton, PA. I like to say that I was the miracle baby because there was a ten-year age gap between myself and the previous baby of the family—and my mom agrees! 

My mom was a schoolteacher, and my dad was an artist who had various jobs while I was growing up. I had a good childhood, played sports, was active in school, and didn’t want for anything. A pivotal moment in my childhood was the passing of my father from a long battle with cancer in 1996, which I think ultimately taught me from a young age the importance of health and the fragility of life.

Later, I graduated from Bishop Hafey High School, then started at Muhlenberg College and finished at Wilkes University before matriculating into Salus University, where I would attain the degree of Doctor of Optometry as well as Master of Public Health. 

Fast forward ten years since my graduation from Optometry school, and I am living a life beyond my wildest dreams. I met the love of my life in undergrad—Jillian, who is a Doctor of Physical Therapy—and married her. We’ve already had three beautiful children, and we have another on the way. I could not be more grateful for all the wonderful gifts the profession of Optometry has given us. 

I am the proud co-owner of a four-location private practice with nine of the best docs around. There is not a day that goes by that I am not excited to go to work and help people lead better lives. I love Optometry and that is why I decided on the first day of orientation in Optometry school that I was going to work to do whatever it was within my power to make sure the profession of Optometry not only continued, but also improved. 

We have much work to do but as we embark on 2024 and the endless possibility it provides, let’s not forget who we are and the gifts we have been given. I would like 2024 to be the year of communication so that you feel plugged in and connected and aware of the hard work the volunteers and staff are doing. So, stay tuned for regular updates from your favorite eye guy from Hazleton! It’s going to be a great year! 

James Deom, O.D.

POA President

The year we've had

As the end of 2023 approaches, I am incredibly proud of the Pennsylvania Optometric Association (POA) this year. We embarked on our journey with a goal of “breaking down the silos” and fostering increased lateral communication within our organization. What I have come to realize is, through our efforts, while those silos grew stronger, we developed better interconnectivity with sideward communication, effectively bridging the pillars of our organizational structure. We should take pride in the foundational work we have laid, and we will continue to build upon this spirit of collaboration. 

Let's delve into more of our collective achievements over the past months. We have actively contributed to Salus University's strategic efforts to attract more students to the profession of optometry. Our Proactive Optometry Initiative has gained significant momentum with pledges from many of our members. If you have not already pledged, please do so here. Our keyperson program has undergone thorough evaluation and is evolving into a more comprehensive strategy. This restructuring will provide a solid foundation for our grassroots efforts as we progress toward our legislative goals.

Additionally, we have successfully trained dozens of optometrists across our Commonwealth to perform advanced laser procedures, in partnership with and presented by Salus University on both the eastern and western sides of Pennsylvania. We are well-positioned to explore the modernization of our scope of practice in the near future. Our collaborative efforts with the Pennsylvania Academy of Ophthalmology have expanded, with their request for referral sources for scleral contact lenses and low vision services. We promptly answered this request for action. Please sign up here and here if you would like to be considered as an office providing these services and materials. Our initiative allows ODs, DOs, and MDs to refer through the POA to participating offices. 

In late September, the POA partnered with VSP and the Salvation Army to provide comprehensive eye exams and glasses to individuals in need in Harrisburg. Over two days, our doctors and supporting staff cared for over 220 people, making a substantial difference in their lives. Recently, the POA has enlisted new legal counsel from Tucker Arensberg, PC. They are a full-service law firm with over 80 attorneys who will specialize in addressing the diverse needs of the POA and its members. The POA is deeply grateful for the decades of service and expertise provided by our former counsel, Attorney Greg Knight. We wish him well in his future endeavors and will always consider him a friend of the POA. 

Our legislative affairs committee remains dedicated to advancing our children's vision bill. Once this law is codified, it will be crucial that our Children's Vision Care Alliance (CVCA) be prepared for action, so sign up here. This alliance is not exclusive to vision therapy or pediatric optometrists; it is open to all who work with children giving them access to a first line comprehensive eye exam. If you see kids in any capacity, please sign up. 

In closing the year, the POA will be involved in assisting the Governor’s Office with his executive order directing the Pennsylvania Department of Aging to develop its Master Plan for Older Adults. Identifying early and treating visual conditions in an aging population will be a prominent focus within this Master Plan. 

As we reflect on all we have accomplished this past year, I am filled with optimism for our future. Let's continue to move onwards and upwards, as 2024 is just around the corner! I look forward to seeing you there!

Jesse
Jesse Jones, O.D.
POA President

Accessible, comprehensive eye care

 As this summer comes to an end, the POA stands proudly at the forefront of a transformative season filled with dedication, outreach, and innovation. Guided by a shared commitment to create access to high‐quality eye health and vision care for all citizens of Pennsylvania, we reflect on the journey that has brought us to this moment and look ahead with optimism and determination.

The POA has exemplified the true essence of its mission—providing education, advocacy, and support for Doctors of Optometry to be licensed and equipped to practice to the fullest extent of their training. Our tireless efforts in raising awareness, advancing education, and advocating for accessible eye care services for all Pennsylvanians have resonated.

One of our cornerstones this summer has been our unwavering commitment to children’s access to our care. We recognize that a well-informed community is an empowered one, capable of making informed decisions about their children’s ocular health. From informative public outreach to engaging social media campaigns, the POA has harnessed every platform to disseminate critical information about the importance of regular eye examinations for our children. The detection of eye conditions, and the benefits of adopting a proactive approach to eye care early on could change the life of a child. Here’s an interview with POA Past President Dr. Tracy Sepich where she explains the benefits and importance of consistent and preparatory eye exams in children. 

Moreover, this summer has been marked by our dedication to outreach. We continue to volunteer our care for underserved communities, partnering with POA Business Partner VSP Vision to provide free comprehensive eye exams and eyewear to those who need it most at the Salvation Army Harrisburg Capital City Region. By dismantling barriers to access, we've opened doors to a brighter future for those we help, ensuring that poor vision will no longer be a hindrance to their aspirations. Volunteers are always welcome to join us at the free eye exam event. You can register here. 

As President of the POA, I am profoundly grateful for the dedication and passion demonstrated by each member of our association. Your commitment to our shared vision and mission has been the driving force behind our collective success. Let us move forward with renewed vigor, embracing the challenges and opportunities that await us in the coming months.

In conclusion, let the spirit of this summer serve as a reminder that our objectives are attainable when we work together toward a common goal. Check out the POA's Strategic Plan here.

The POA will continue to champion accessible, comprehensive eye care, fostering a healthier and brighter future for our Commonwealth.

Please enjoy the last few days of summer. I hope to see you all in Bedford this November.

Most sincerely,

Jesse

Jesse Jones, O.D.

POA President

Looking back...and ahead

The first quarter is now in the rearview mirror and we are well into spring. Let's take a few moments to look back at what we have accomplished over the last couple of months at the POA and what we have set our sights on for this coming summer and fall. 

In late March, there was a substantial showing of POA optometrists at Senator Chris Gebhard’s fundraiser. The Senator, currently sponsoring the children’s vision bill, and his staff were impressed by the number of ODs present at the event and appreciative of the tremendous support shown. Leading into April, our annual Spring Congress in Gettysburg was a massive success! There was an array of quality continuing education with high attendance, robust engagement between industry supporters and doctors in the exhibit hall, roaming Welcoming Ambassadors, the second POA Board meeting of 2023, our House of Delegates, the annual POA Awards Ceremony, and plenty of social events for friends and families to mingle and have some fun. It was a memorable weekend for sure!

In March and April, the POA and the Pennsylvania Academy of Ophthalmology (PAO) continued a dialogue on several different initiatives where Optometry and Ophthalmology are confident we can work together. Some of these efforts will include low vision, scleral and medically necessary contact lenses, third party center mutual challenges, and medicaid.

From June 21 to 24, Optometry’s Meeting and AOA on Capitol Hill will be held  in Washington, D.C. Please contact me, or the POA office, if you would like to act as a Pennsylvania delegate at the AOA House of Delegates. Please also consider advocating with us for our patients and our profession on the Hill in Washington that same weekend. 

Keep alert for more details on another course on Ophthalmic Laser Procedures for the Anterior Segment presented by Salus University and supported by the POA. It will be on the road in Western Pennsylvania sometime this fall. 

Additionally, you should save the dates of September 29 and 30 to volunteer in Harrisburg by performing eye exams in an underserved area. 

And lastly, please join us November 1 to 3 for our final 2023 POA Board of Directors meeting and Fall Educational Conference with an exhibit hall in luxurious Bedford Springs!

I am immensely proud of what our POA Board, committees, and staff have accomplished so far this year. Let the hard work and collaboration continue! I look forward to seeing you again soon and, of course, meeting new people too.

Appreciatively,

Jesse

POA's upcoming events

Winter is flying by and spring is almost here! So far, 2023 has been very productive for the POA. The course presented by Salus University in partnership with the POA, Ophthalmic Laser Procedures for the Anterior Segment, was a huge success. Dozens of optometrists successfully completed this high-quality training. If you missed it, don’t worry, the opportunity for this instruction will be provided again soon. 

Since the first Board of Directors meeting in January, the POA’s volunteer committees and Board have been active. The Legislative Affairs Committee reported in early January that Senator Chris Gebhard released a co-sponsorship memoranda increasing the effectiveness of eye health examinations for our children in Pennsylvania, which the POA fully supports. Please contact the POA office if you need talking points to help communicate the importance of this bill to your legislators. 

Additionally, the new Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee participated in a workshop entitled “Moving Toward Inclusion and Belonging”. The POA will continue pursuing these important efforts as it continues to grow its membership. Please check out the updates from other POA committees in this edition of the Keystoner as well. 

The POA’s annual Spring Congress is right around the corner, on March 30th to April 2nd, at the Wyndham Gettysburg Hotel. Aside from the Board of Directors meeting, continuing education, and House of Delegates, it will be your chance to take in all that historic Gettysburg has to offer. As an alumnus of Gettysburg College, I know you’ll love your experience there. In addition to the many tours and museums, you won’t want to miss some of our special events. There will be the 2023 Gettysburg Historic Road Rally, our annual awards ceremony, a Saturday night ghost gathering, the exhibit hall with tons of eager and knowledgable company representatives, and the State of the Association Lunch. On Friday, you’re invited to my “Represent your Alma Mater” night at the Battlefield Brew Works featuring, none other than, The Mark Margolies Band live onstage! Every attendee will get a free CD. Be sure to wear your school gear and bring any paraphernalia from your institution. What a fun, action packed weekend it will be. 

After the Spring Congress, the POA will continue its work on your behalf. Please take a moment to look at the POA committee structure and see if you find an area of interest that you would like to participate in. If so, inform me or Ilene Sauertieg of the POA staff at Ilene@poaeyes.org. 

Keep an eye out for news of the next POA lobbying day in Harrisburg, due to be held in the late spring to early summer. Also, mark your calendar for an event in Harrisburg where POA volunteers and paraoptometrics will be providing eye exams in an underserved area on September 29th and 30th. 

I am incredibly excited to be with old friends and see new faces in Gettysburg. See you soon!

Jesse Jones, O.D.

POA President

Your POA to do list

Happy New Year, everyone! I am honored, excited, and motivated to lead the POA for 2023. I’m looking forward to working with those I know well and getting to know new people, too. The POA Board of Directors is enthusiastic to meet those interested in contributing their skills in advocating for optometry. I hope everyone is refreshed and ready for an effective and efficient year. 

As we review our to do lists for this upcoming year, the following are some items you might add to yours:

First, open the POA Table of Organization. Examine the intricate structure of our organization and how it works for you, your colleagues, and, ultimately, your patients. It's impressive, isn’t it? 

Then, you can get more acquainted with the specific goals and action plans to be carried out within each committee. Consider if any of the committees are of particular interest to you and contact me, the POA office, or a POA Board member if you would like to serve. 

Next, check out the POA keyperson program. You can look up your current senators and representatives, and educate yourself with valuable keyperson training programs and materials. When contacting your legislators, inform them of your availability to discuss anything relating to eye care and our legislative efforts including our children’s vision initiative and scope modernization. 

Check out our Pennsylvania Diabetic Eye Health Alliance and Children’s Vision Care Alliance. When reviewing these important programs, assess if you are maximizing what these programs have to offer to you and your patients. Don’t forget to request the new near point card for school nurses in your area! Also, get two hours of TPA CE toward your license by registering for the “Innovations in Pharmaceuticals and Their Clinical Applications” webinar by Dr. Paul Karpecki on January 23. 

Additionally, get reacquainted with POPAC and consider committing to a monthly donation if you haven’t already. Learn how our organized political action has expanded to incorporate grassroots efforts lined out in the Proactive Optometry Initiative.

Finally, please mark your calendars for the POA Spring Congress in Gettysburg from March 30th to April 2nd along with our Fall Education Conference in Bedford Springs November 1st through 3rd. I am eager to see as many members as possible in person this year. We are developing creative new ways to expand and improve our efforts in welcoming and including all optometrists in Pennsylvania. The POA will also be enhancing communication in all aspects within the POA Board, POA staff, POA committee structure, general membership, and to non-members and the public. 

I anticipate a successful year, building on the hard work of the POA’s previous leadership and doing my best to direct and support current leadership. I will also strive to create new leadership for the future of our POA. See you soon!

Appreciatively,

Jesse Jones, O.D.

POA President