History of ASDAO
Summary History
The Association of Seventh-day Adventist Optometric association started to develop as early as 1950 by the effort of Dr. Clarence Omans. However, it was not organized until 1958 with the help of Dr. Pete Heinrich along with Dr. Omans and a few other O.D.'s.
The first convention was held at a camp near Yosemite National Park with 16 O.D.'s in attendance. Officers were elected and meeting times were set. This has continued every year since that date with conventions being held at different places throughout the United States and Canada.
Even before the official organization was organized, missions were started. In 1954 Dr. & Mrs. Milton Ruhl were called to the mission field to the Puerta S.D.A. Mayaquis Hospital for 4 1/2 years. In 1973, Dr. Robert Baker set up an optometric clinic in Guam which is still functioning today.
In 1961, with the efforts of Drs. Lincoln Underwood and Howard Engeberg, an optometric clinic was set up at La Vida Mission in New Mexico to provide vision care to the native Americans. This mission continues with Dr. Wessley Cooper leading out.
In 1981, Dr. Don Ackley was asked by SAWS to provide optometrists for the Cambodia and Vietnam refugees on the Cambodia-Thailand border. Drs. Don Ackley and Pete Heinrich made the first trip, and made arrangements for another 20 teams to follow. Over 20,000 pairs of glasses were dispensed.
Efforts to recruit more SDA young people to Optometry and join our ranks needs our continued support and effort. The Christian fellowship which we have developed and enjoyed through the years, continues to grow and expand year by year.
The Association of Seventh-day Adventist Optometric association started to develop as early as 1950 by the effort of Dr. Clarence Omans. However, it was not organized until 1958 with the help of Dr. Pete Heinrich along with Dr. Omans and a few other O.D.'s.
The first convention was held at a camp near Yosemite National Park with 16 O.D.'s in attendance. Officers were elected and meeting times were set. This has continued every year since that date with conventions being held at different places throughout the United States and Canada.
Even before the official organization was organized, missions were started. In 1954 Dr. & Mrs. Milton Ruhl were called to the mission field to the Puerta S.D.A. Mayaquis Hospital for 4 1/2 years. In 1973, Dr. Robert Baker set up an optometric clinic in Guam which is still functioning today.
In 1961, with the efforts of Drs. Lincoln Underwood and Howard Engeberg, an optometric clinic was set up at La Vida Mission in New Mexico to provide vision care to the native Americans. This mission continues with Dr. Wessley Cooper leading out.
In 1981, Dr. Don Ackley was asked by SAWS to provide optometrists for the Cambodia and Vietnam refugees on the Cambodia-Thailand border. Drs. Don Ackley and Pete Heinrich made the first trip, and made arrangements for another 20 teams to follow. Over 20,000 pairs of glasses were dispensed.
Efforts to recruit more SDA young people to Optometry and join our ranks needs our continued support and effort. The Christian fellowship which we have developed and enjoyed through the years, continues to grow and expand year by year.
HISTORY OF THE SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIS ASSOCIATION OF OPTOMETRISTS 1958-1983
On this twenty-fifth anniversary of our organization it is well for us to at least briefly look at the history of our organization and reflect on the work and efforts that had gone into its formation, and review some of the accomplishments over the past twenty-five years. Some of the minutes of the meetings and other early records have been lost, but has been recalled by some of those who had a part in the formation of our organization.
We seldom stop to take note of the tremendous changes that have taken place in the development of the Optometry profession over the past one hundred years. A hundred years ago there was no Optometry profession as such. Anyone could try to provide better eye sight for himself or his neighbors, and use whatever methods or materials were available to him without any formal training.
As the needs for better and more comfortable sight increased, men couldn’t wait for visual science, optics, or optometric testing to evolve. It was the merchant, the peddler, the jeweler, who stepped in and provided help best they could. People in need of help turned to whatever help was available to them.
There were a few men such as Printice and Cross who believed that providing good visual care was a skillful profession and began to work toward training and teaching the skills, and working toward regulation. Nobody came around and asked Optometry to undertake the process of setting up the guidelines for a profession. The public didn’t demand legislation to halt undesirable practices. The legislators of the various states did not seek to regulate Optometry. The few men in the field who saw the need asked to be regulated, and convinced the representatives of the people that such a course would be in the best interest and welfare of the people.
Andrew Cross began to provide glasses for people in Visalia, California in 1876. He then moved to Walla Walla, Washington, and then in 1889 to New York City where he began to lead out in establishing our profession. The first meeting was held in his office in 1896, where the first Optical society in the State of New York was founded. The first legal code regulating Optometry was adopted in Minnesota in 1901. The American Optometric Society began in 1910. In 1915 the AOA for the first time passed a resolution recommending two 26-week terms be established as the minimum length of an Optometry course to be sufficient to meet the technical requirements.
Although the Seventh-day Adventist church was still very small in the year 1900 (100,00 world-wide), already there were members of the church who were engaged in vision care. One of the earliest known Adventist who was full-time engaged in providing better eye sight to the people was Dr. Paul Curtis. He was father to Dr. Clayton Curtis and grandfather to Drs. Duane and Alden Curtis who have all been active in our organization from the beginning. He traveled by horse and buggy among the ranches in the states of Wyoming and Montana visiting early homesteaders providing them with ready made spectacles. Later he opened a permanent office in Rawlins, Wyoming.
On this twenty-fifth anniversary of our organization it is well for us to at least briefly look at the history of our organization and reflect on the work and efforts that had gone into its formation, and review some of the accomplishments over the past twenty-five years. Some of the minutes of the meetings and other early records have been lost, but has been recalled by some of those who had a part in the formation of our organization.
We seldom stop to take note of the tremendous changes that have taken place in the development of the Optometry profession over the past one hundred years. A hundred years ago there was no Optometry profession as such. Anyone could try to provide better eye sight for himself or his neighbors, and use whatever methods or materials were available to him without any formal training.
As the needs for better and more comfortable sight increased, men couldn’t wait for visual science, optics, or optometric testing to evolve. It was the merchant, the peddler, the jeweler, who stepped in and provided help best they could. People in need of help turned to whatever help was available to them.
There were a few men such as Printice and Cross who believed that providing good visual care was a skillful profession and began to work toward training and teaching the skills, and working toward regulation. Nobody came around and asked Optometry to undertake the process of setting up the guidelines for a profession. The public didn’t demand legislation to halt undesirable practices. The legislators of the various states did not seek to regulate Optometry. The few men in the field who saw the need asked to be regulated, and convinced the representatives of the people that such a course would be in the best interest and welfare of the people.
Andrew Cross began to provide glasses for people in Visalia, California in 1876. He then moved to Walla Walla, Washington, and then in 1889 to New York City where he began to lead out in establishing our profession. The first meeting was held in his office in 1896, where the first Optical society in the State of New York was founded. The first legal code regulating Optometry was adopted in Minnesota in 1901. The American Optometric Society began in 1910. In 1915 the AOA for the first time passed a resolution recommending two 26-week terms be established as the minimum length of an Optometry course to be sufficient to meet the technical requirements.
Although the Seventh-day Adventist church was still very small in the year 1900 (100,00 world-wide), already there were members of the church who were engaged in vision care. One of the earliest known Adventist who was full-time engaged in providing better eye sight to the people was Dr. Paul Curtis. He was father to Dr. Clayton Curtis and grandfather to Drs. Duane and Alden Curtis who have all been active in our organization from the beginning. He traveled by horse and buggy among the ranches in the states of Wyoming and Montana visiting early homesteaders providing them with ready made spectacles. Later he opened a permanent office in Rawlins, Wyoming.
Another early Adventist pioneer was Dr. Osborn, father of Dr. Alonzo Osborn, who was active in the development of our organization, and grandfather of Dr. Bob Osborn, now practicing in Reno, Nevada. Dr. Osborn used to work in the Pacific Press when it was operating in Oakland, California, before 1900. The building was cold and damp. The work affected his health and he was forced to leave. He went to Kansas City for a short course in an optical school and began to practice optometry in California in 1910. he practiced for forty-five years. Another early pioneer was Dr. Albert Guy, grandfather to Dr. Bill Shasky. He set up an optical shop in St. Cloud, Minnesota.
Other early Optometrists who had been in practice many years and had retired by the time our organization was formed were Dr. H.B.M. Hardin at Ozark Academy in Arkansas, Dr. Pearl Schneider in Sonora, California, Dr. Earnest Truitt in San Bernadino, California, Dr. Gordon Lester of Seattle, Washington, Dr. Richard Bergin of Hot Springs, California, a Dr. Wellman of Tennessee,
Dr. Beulah Crain of Glendale, California. Dr. Irwin Collins of Berrien Springs, Michigan, Dr. O.S. Johnson in Kansas, Dr. L.O. Corwin of Texas, and perhaps many others of which we have no knowledge.
The first effort to organize Seventh-day Adventists in the field was made by Dr. Clarence Omans of Berrien Springs, Michigan. At about 1950 he notified all the Seventh-day Adventist optometrists that he knew, to join him at the AOA convention in New Orleans, but received only three responses, so he canceled his own reservation. Again in 1953 he called for a meeting in connection with the AOA convention in Rochester, New York, but only three attended including Dr. Alonzo Osborn and himself. No further efforts were made until an article appeared in the Life and Health Magazine, which gave the impetus needed. The article was very anti-optometric and biased. Statements in the article such as “It is impossible for anyone to properly examine a child’s eyes without drops.” “Too many people regard anyone who handles or sells glasses as a fit person to give a competent eye exam.” “A thorough examination of the eyes should be given by an eye Physician.” “Only an eye Physician can judge whether the eye is primarily at fault.” “Eye Physicians have at their command drops without which it is impossible for anyone to examine a child’s eyes accurately.”
When this article appeared it not only solicited many letters of response to the editor, but much correspondence between the optometrists urging the formation of an organization that would make itself felt at the General Conference level to prevent further publication in our journals of articles that are biased, anti-optometric, inaccurate, and an embarrassment to SDA optometrists with their fellow church members.
In 1958 Dr. Pete Heinrich moved from Nebraska to Southern California. While waiting to take the California board he contacted as many SDA optometrists in the Southern California area where there was the highest concentratio0n, and called for a preliminary meeting to for an organization. The meeting was held at the White Memorial Hospital May 18, 1958. Eight practicing optometrist attended, two students from Los Angeles College of Optometry, and Elder Carl Sundine from the General Conference as organizational advisor.
The first order of business was to develop a list of all known SDA optometrists in the United States and Canada. Letters were written to Conference presidents, to all known practicing SDA optometrists for addition names. Objectives for the organization, name for the organization,, time and place of meetings, were discussed and voted.
Temporary officers were chosen and the following committees appointed:
Two additional organizational meetings were held the same year, the end of July, another October 19, both held at the White Memorial Hospital.
The first officers of the association were:
President: Dr. E.P. Heinrich, Temple City, California
Vice-President: Dr. Fred Delay, Camarillo, California
Secretary/Treasurer: Dr. Yvonne Roberts
Public Relations: Dr. George Frisby, Westminister, California
In his first Bulletin, Editor Dr. George Frisby wrote, “Much energy and time has been expended in giving birth to this new association of SDA optometrists. Your officers see great possibilities for this newborn. But all newborn need tender loving care. This association to be effective, to function at all, needs your support now. We need your membership. This organization can serve best and carry out your desires only if you are a member.” After looking over the enclosed roster and the proposed constitution let your imagination go for a little and consider a few of the possibilities. Would you like to turn some of the anti-optometry sentiment sometimes found in some SDA periodicals into something favorable? Would you appreciate articles in SDA periodicals favorable to optometry? Perhaps you would like to write such an article. Would you like to have student advisors and faculties of our SDA schools and colleges to have a positive, favorable attitude toward our profession based on unbiased and unprejudiced information and by personal contacts. Would you like your public in the broadest sense to come to a better understanding and appreciation of our profession?”
By the end of October a roster of SDA optometrists had been accumulated and revised reports made of the development. The dues were $10.00 but dues paying membership was slow to develop. At the end of 1958 there were 19 dues-paying members.
The forth meeting was held January 25, 1959, The records showed 28 SDA optometrists had become members of the association. The constitution was adopted, committees were functioning, and the organization was under way.
Quarterly meetings were held, but because of distance involved, attendance was never large. It was decided to hold yearly conventions and regional meetings.
The first convention was held at a camp near Yosemite National Park. Minutes for the meeting have been lost, but those in attendance were Drs. Vance Bergvall, Fred Delay, Al Franks, Pete Heinrich, Dallas Lighthouse, Clarence Omans, Alonzo Osborn, Bob Osborne, C.O. Patterson, Alton Pitman, Earl Pratt, Yvonne Robers, Milton Ruhl, Bill Shasky, Bill Swanson. Officers elected were for the 2nd year were Dr. Fred Delay, President, Dr. Alton Pittman, Vice-President, Dr. Yvonne Roberts, Secretary/Treasurer, Dr. Bill Shasky, Bulletin Editor.
The second national convention was held at Squaw Valley California. Dr. C.O. Patterson was elected President. The minutes for this meeting also are missing. Succeeding yearly meeting have been held ever since.
In 1961 through the efforts of Dr. Lincoln Underwood and Dr. Howard Engeberg of Colorado, and support from the association, and Optometry clinic was opened at LaVida Mission in New Mexico, which continues to this day, providing visual care to the native American and members of the mission personal. Dr. Wesley Cooper is currently leading out in the eye work at the mission and the association continues to support the work.
Dr. Hollis Wilcox of Bishop, California, frequently visited Monument Valley Mission to examine eyes of the Indians in the area, and the association proved funds, to set up a vision section for the clinic.
Dr. Elmer Miller, for years has been flying to villages in Mexico with members of Lega International to provide vision care for the people there. Other members have likewise followed them on these trips.
Dr. Reynolds Swanson from Florida, Dr. Charles Kraassin from Minnesota, and Dr. Ralph Howard frequently visited Haiti, holding vision clinics on that deprived Island.
The first Seventh-day Adventist Optometrist family to be called to the mission field was
Dr. & Mrs. Milton Ruhl, who had been practicing in St. Helena, California. They accepted the call for a 4 ½ year term to serve in Puerta S.D.A. Mayaquis Hospital. They left in 1954 and returned just in time for the first convention held in Yosemite in 1959. In 1973 Dr. Robert Baker, practicing in the state of Washington received a call to set up an optometric Clinic in Guam Medical and Dental Clinic in the Micronesian Union. He was latter joined by Dr. Dallas Lighthouse who had been practicing in Winnemucca, Nevada, and latter Dr. Hansen joined them from California. Drs. Don Carroll and Balf Bond served for a time in South Africa, a post now occupied by Dr. Steve Iawasa.
In 1981 Dr. Don Ackley from San Diego, California was asked by SAWS to see if optometrists could provide the Cambodian, and Vietnam refugees on the Cambodian, Thailand border with glasses. Dr. Don Ackley and Dr. Pete Heinrich made the first trip, and made the arrangements for other teams to follow. In a 15 month period 20 SDA optometrists and 18 assistants worked in the refugee camps. Over 22,000 pair of glasses were dispensed. Dr. & Mrs. Ackley turned their bedrooms into a warehouse where used glasses were sorted and categorized, and shipped to Thailand for the teams to use.
Through the years much effort has been put into making the profession of optometry known to SDA students in our academies and colleges. Considerable effort and time was put in by the educational committee, consisting of Dr. Shasky, Dr. Omans, Dr. Bond, and Dr. Bergvall, in the development of a School of Optometry at Loma Linda University. The 4th convention was held in San Francisco, in connection with the General Conference, and discussions were held with the church officers in connection with a new school. Meetings were held with Loma Linda University Board. Although to date these efforts have not resulted in the development of a school, but because of the efforts made, many contacts have been made, and optometry has been accepted as a desirable profession for our Adventist Young people. The General Conference has appointed Dr. Balf Bond as Word field representative for visual affairs.
Some of the goals the founders of the organization set for ourselves have been achieved in a manner beyond our fondest dreams. Efforts to recruit more SDA young people to optometry and join our ranks needs our continued support and effort. The Christian fellowship which we have developed and enjoyed through the years, continues to grow and expand year by year. We have grown professionally, in our skills, and high ideals. May we strive to serve Him in our individual lives and profession and through our Seventh-day Adventist Association of Optometrists.
E. P. Heinrich, O.D.
Historian
Other early Optometrists who had been in practice many years and had retired by the time our organization was formed were Dr. H.B.M. Hardin at Ozark Academy in Arkansas, Dr. Pearl Schneider in Sonora, California, Dr. Earnest Truitt in San Bernadino, California, Dr. Gordon Lester of Seattle, Washington, Dr. Richard Bergin of Hot Springs, California, a Dr. Wellman of Tennessee,
Dr. Beulah Crain of Glendale, California. Dr. Irwin Collins of Berrien Springs, Michigan, Dr. O.S. Johnson in Kansas, Dr. L.O. Corwin of Texas, and perhaps many others of which we have no knowledge.
The first effort to organize Seventh-day Adventists in the field was made by Dr. Clarence Omans of Berrien Springs, Michigan. At about 1950 he notified all the Seventh-day Adventist optometrists that he knew, to join him at the AOA convention in New Orleans, but received only three responses, so he canceled his own reservation. Again in 1953 he called for a meeting in connection with the AOA convention in Rochester, New York, but only three attended including Dr. Alonzo Osborn and himself. No further efforts were made until an article appeared in the Life and Health Magazine, which gave the impetus needed. The article was very anti-optometric and biased. Statements in the article such as “It is impossible for anyone to properly examine a child’s eyes without drops.” “Too many people regard anyone who handles or sells glasses as a fit person to give a competent eye exam.” “A thorough examination of the eyes should be given by an eye Physician.” “Only an eye Physician can judge whether the eye is primarily at fault.” “Eye Physicians have at their command drops without which it is impossible for anyone to examine a child’s eyes accurately.”
When this article appeared it not only solicited many letters of response to the editor, but much correspondence between the optometrists urging the formation of an organization that would make itself felt at the General Conference level to prevent further publication in our journals of articles that are biased, anti-optometric, inaccurate, and an embarrassment to SDA optometrists with their fellow church members.
In 1958 Dr. Pete Heinrich moved from Nebraska to Southern California. While waiting to take the California board he contacted as many SDA optometrists in the Southern California area where there was the highest concentratio0n, and called for a preliminary meeting to for an organization. The meeting was held at the White Memorial Hospital May 18, 1958. Eight practicing optometrist attended, two students from Los Angeles College of Optometry, and Elder Carl Sundine from the General Conference as organizational advisor.
The first order of business was to develop a list of all known SDA optometrists in the United States and Canada. Letters were written to Conference presidents, to all known practicing SDA optometrists for addition names. Objectives for the organization, name for the organization,, time and place of meetings, were discussed and voted.
Temporary officers were chosen and the following committees appointed:
- Constitution and By-laws— Chairman—Dr. E.P. Heinrich, Temple City, Calf.
- Membership Committee— Chairman—Dr. Fred Delay, Camarillo, California
- Assistance to Graduate Committee— Chairman—Dr. George Frisbey, Westminister, California
- Student Procurement and Student Aid Committee Chairman—Dr. Bill Shasky, San Gabriel, California
Dr. Buelah Crane, Glendale, Calif.
Yvonne Roberts, Glendale, Calif.
Dr. Eugene Harris, Washington
Dr. Clarence Omans, Battle Creek, Michigan
Dr. Thayer Morris, Delta, Colorado
Dr. E.G. Wentland, Reding, California
Dr. Balf Bond, Eugene, Oregon
Dr. Dewey Longlaw, Santa Paula, California
Dr. Robert Bowen , Alliance, Nebraska
Dr. George Stumpf, New Orleans, Louisiana
Dr. Ralph Howard, Battle Creek, Michigan
Dr. L.O. Corwin, Texas
Fred Kirkwood, Student LACO
Dr. Francis Walker, St. Helena, California
Dr. Robert Baker, Washington
Dr. Robert Benjamin, Nebraska
Two additional organizational meetings were held the same year, the end of July, another October 19, both held at the White Memorial Hospital.
The first officers of the association were:
President: Dr. E.P. Heinrich, Temple City, California
Vice-President: Dr. Fred Delay, Camarillo, California
Secretary/Treasurer: Dr. Yvonne Roberts
Public Relations: Dr. George Frisby, Westminister, California
In his first Bulletin, Editor Dr. George Frisby wrote, “Much energy and time has been expended in giving birth to this new association of SDA optometrists. Your officers see great possibilities for this newborn. But all newborn need tender loving care. This association to be effective, to function at all, needs your support now. We need your membership. This organization can serve best and carry out your desires only if you are a member.” After looking over the enclosed roster and the proposed constitution let your imagination go for a little and consider a few of the possibilities. Would you like to turn some of the anti-optometry sentiment sometimes found in some SDA periodicals into something favorable? Would you appreciate articles in SDA periodicals favorable to optometry? Perhaps you would like to write such an article. Would you like to have student advisors and faculties of our SDA schools and colleges to have a positive, favorable attitude toward our profession based on unbiased and unprejudiced information and by personal contacts. Would you like your public in the broadest sense to come to a better understanding and appreciation of our profession?”
By the end of October a roster of SDA optometrists had been accumulated and revised reports made of the development. The dues were $10.00 but dues paying membership was slow to develop. At the end of 1958 there were 19 dues-paying members.
The forth meeting was held January 25, 1959, The records showed 28 SDA optometrists had become members of the association. The constitution was adopted, committees were functioning, and the organization was under way.
Quarterly meetings were held, but because of distance involved, attendance was never large. It was decided to hold yearly conventions and regional meetings.
The first convention was held at a camp near Yosemite National Park. Minutes for the meeting have been lost, but those in attendance were Drs. Vance Bergvall, Fred Delay, Al Franks, Pete Heinrich, Dallas Lighthouse, Clarence Omans, Alonzo Osborn, Bob Osborne, C.O. Patterson, Alton Pitman, Earl Pratt, Yvonne Robers, Milton Ruhl, Bill Shasky, Bill Swanson. Officers elected were for the 2nd year were Dr. Fred Delay, President, Dr. Alton Pittman, Vice-President, Dr. Yvonne Roberts, Secretary/Treasurer, Dr. Bill Shasky, Bulletin Editor.
The second national convention was held at Squaw Valley California. Dr. C.O. Patterson was elected President. The minutes for this meeting also are missing. Succeeding yearly meeting have been held ever since.
In 1961 through the efforts of Dr. Lincoln Underwood and Dr. Howard Engeberg of Colorado, and support from the association, and Optometry clinic was opened at LaVida Mission in New Mexico, which continues to this day, providing visual care to the native American and members of the mission personal. Dr. Wesley Cooper is currently leading out in the eye work at the mission and the association continues to support the work.
Dr. Hollis Wilcox of Bishop, California, frequently visited Monument Valley Mission to examine eyes of the Indians in the area, and the association proved funds, to set up a vision section for the clinic.
Dr. Elmer Miller, for years has been flying to villages in Mexico with members of Lega International to provide vision care for the people there. Other members have likewise followed them on these trips.
Dr. Reynolds Swanson from Florida, Dr. Charles Kraassin from Minnesota, and Dr. Ralph Howard frequently visited Haiti, holding vision clinics on that deprived Island.
The first Seventh-day Adventist Optometrist family to be called to the mission field was
Dr. & Mrs. Milton Ruhl, who had been practicing in St. Helena, California. They accepted the call for a 4 ½ year term to serve in Puerta S.D.A. Mayaquis Hospital. They left in 1954 and returned just in time for the first convention held in Yosemite in 1959. In 1973 Dr. Robert Baker, practicing in the state of Washington received a call to set up an optometric Clinic in Guam Medical and Dental Clinic in the Micronesian Union. He was latter joined by Dr. Dallas Lighthouse who had been practicing in Winnemucca, Nevada, and latter Dr. Hansen joined them from California. Drs. Don Carroll and Balf Bond served for a time in South Africa, a post now occupied by Dr. Steve Iawasa.
In 1981 Dr. Don Ackley from San Diego, California was asked by SAWS to see if optometrists could provide the Cambodian, and Vietnam refugees on the Cambodian, Thailand border with glasses. Dr. Don Ackley and Dr. Pete Heinrich made the first trip, and made the arrangements for other teams to follow. In a 15 month period 20 SDA optometrists and 18 assistants worked in the refugee camps. Over 22,000 pair of glasses were dispensed. Dr. & Mrs. Ackley turned their bedrooms into a warehouse where used glasses were sorted and categorized, and shipped to Thailand for the teams to use.
Through the years much effort has been put into making the profession of optometry known to SDA students in our academies and colleges. Considerable effort and time was put in by the educational committee, consisting of Dr. Shasky, Dr. Omans, Dr. Bond, and Dr. Bergvall, in the development of a School of Optometry at Loma Linda University. The 4th convention was held in San Francisco, in connection with the General Conference, and discussions were held with the church officers in connection with a new school. Meetings were held with Loma Linda University Board. Although to date these efforts have not resulted in the development of a school, but because of the efforts made, many contacts have been made, and optometry has been accepted as a desirable profession for our Adventist Young people. The General Conference has appointed Dr. Balf Bond as Word field representative for visual affairs.
Some of the goals the founders of the organization set for ourselves have been achieved in a manner beyond our fondest dreams. Efforts to recruit more SDA young people to optometry and join our ranks needs our continued support and effort. The Christian fellowship which we have developed and enjoyed through the years, continues to grow and expand year by year. We have grown professionally, in our skills, and high ideals. May we strive to serve Him in our individual lives and profession and through our Seventh-day Adventist Association of Optometrists.
E. P. Heinrich, O.D.
Historian
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