"Optometry is a wonderful profession with a cherished tradition of providing accessible primary eye and vision care. You have chosen a career that will not only restore vision, but relieve pain and suffering; not only provide clarity to sight, but quality to lives. I hope your chosen profession provides you much fulfillment. You have inherited a priceless legacy – I hope you will contribute to it," said the Southern California College of Optometry (SCCO) Commencement Speaker, John F. Amos, O.D., M.S., retired dean, University of Alabama at Birmingham, School of Optometry.

Dr. Amos addressed SCCO's Class of 2010 on Friday, May 21, at the College's one hundred and sixth Commencement Exercise. Overall, 94 men and women received their Doctor of Optometry degrees including one third-generation and six second-generation optometrists. Also at the event an honorary degree was bestowed, an alumnus was honored, the achievements of optometrists completing residencies and a fellowship were celebrated, and special recognition was given to the returning graduates from the Class of 1960.

"It's always rewarding to welcome new colleagues into the profession and even more so when the graduating class includes third- and second-generation optometrists," remarked SCCO President Kevin L. Alexander, O.D., Ph.D. "Sons and daughters carrying on the tradition of their parents speaks highly of the profession of optometry and its future."

Third-generation optometrist, Stephen P. Gildersleeve, O.D., joined his father, both his paternal and maternal grandfathers, and his maternal uncle as an alumnus of SCCO's Doctor of Optometry degree program. His mother was a 1979 graduate of the College's Optometric Technician Program. Gildersleeve is from O'Neill, NE.

Second-generation optometrists in the Class of 2010 include: Arian Fartash, O.D., Placentia, CA; Donald S. Gottlieb, O.D., Huntington Beach, CA; Clare C. Halleran, O.D., Clarenville, Newfoundland, Canada; Scott F. Schwartz, O.D., West Bloomfield, MI; Tracy M.L. Tom, O.D., Kaneohe, HI; and Edwin J. Wu, O.D., Walnut, CA.

Valedictorians for the SCCO's Class of 2010 were Amanda Kay Dexter, O.D., Fort Bragg, CA, and Patrick Jason Scott, O.D., Dinuba, CA. Nine members of the graduating class earned Summa Cum Laude honors; 10 earned Magna Cum Laude honors; and 15 students attained Cum Laude recognition. Members of the Class of 2010 represent 20 states and Canada. In addition to California, members of the Class of 2010 are from: Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, Texas, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming.

The honorary degree, Doctor of Ocular Science, was bestowed on the Commencement Speaker, Dr. John Amos, in recognition of his many contributions to the profession of optometry in the areas of clinical care, optometric education, postgraduate education, residency training, optometric administration and organized optometry. Following the degree presentation, Dr. Amos delivered the Commencement Address, "The Inheritance of a Priceless Legacy."

During the Commencement Exercise, San Diego Optometrist Philip B. Smith, O.D., '68, was honored by SCCO's Alumni Association as its Distinguished Alumnus of the Year for 2010. Dr. Smith was selected for this special recognition based on his service to his alma mater, leadership within the profession, and achievement in community service.

Thirty-one optometrists were celebrated during the ceremony for completion of their one-year residency programs and one optometrist was honored for completion of a Fellowship in Research. In addition, members of the College's Class of 1960 were recognized for the fiftieth anniversary of their graduation from optometry school.