Tommy Lim letter

Dear COA members,

I have honestly lost track of how many times I have gone to Sacramento to attend the California Optometric Association’s (COA) Legislative Day but I am quite certain it has been at least twenty times. There is just something about being with our colleagues in Sacramento, all with the common goal of getting our message across to our state Assembly Members and Senators. We want the Legislature to know that we, as optometrists and as a professional organization, advocate for our patients and the citizens of California, to provide them the best eye care possible. 

There was a buzz in the air as the doctors walked into Cafeteria 15L for breakfast, all converging to Sacramento from throughout the state. Seeing many familiar faces from the past 40-odd years always brings a smile to my face. And, of course seeing the students, the future of our profession. A special moment for me this year was seeing 2nd year student Jessica Quach from the Southern CA College of Optometry. Jessica is from San Jose, where I practice and where Jessica worked as an optometric assistant while at San Jose State University. She is already interested in learning about the legislative process and how COA fits in this picture. Jessica also plans on attending the American Optometric Association’s Congressional Advocacy Conference in Washington, DC next year. I couldn't be more proud of her.

We are so blessed to be in the COA, where the doctors care about the patients and the profession, not just about their private practice. Being integrally involved in COA for over 40 years, not just being a member that pays his or her dues, was one of the best decisions I made in 1977. Being part of a professional organization, a church or a cause, is so much more fulfilling in a person's life than just going to work every day and never getting involved. I will be forever grateful to my optometric mentors, Drs. Alan Fried and John Daly, for sharing with me their passion for professional optometry and the California Optometric Association.  

Thank you,

Tommy Lim, OD, Member

Santa Clara County Optometric Society