SUNY – pushing boundaries and bringing it home

February 24, 2025 Susanne Bradley

Kiwi optometrists Yasmeen Musa, Jasmine Feng and Ricky Xue have all completed their residencies at the State University of New York (SUNY) College of Optometry with support from the Snowvision Charitable Trust. Here, they share some of their highlights with Susanne Bradley.

 

Splitting her time between myopia control, dry eye and glaucoma, optometrist Yasmeen Musa said SUNY’s dry eye and glaucoma clinics were fascinating and very different from those in New Zealand. Having done a lot of dry-eye management, intense pulsed light, punctual plugs and more, Musa said the US takes it to another level, both in terms of treatment (medication, LipiFlow) and diagnosis, with testing for inflammatory markers and meibography done on every patient. “It showed me how much more we can do and how much room we have for growth in New Zealand,” she said.  

 

Musa’s experience in SUNY’s glaucoma clinics gave her pause. “In New York, optometrists can do an additional residency year working at the university and in hospitals. Once they have done that, they can work in hospitals and manage most glaucoma, especially by prescribing drops and monitoring disease progression. Ophthalmology predominantly does surgeries and laser. It was such a different model from here and, just like dry eye, it showed me we have a lot of room for growth.”

 

Observing in the head-trauma unit and learning more about inherited retinal diseases were definite highlights for Feng, especially because these areas aren’t covered in depth in the Auckland University optometry degree, she said. “I was so excited to see all the different machines, tests and training tools that I have never seen before, like the electroretinogram and the vision training programme.” Building on what she learnt at SUNY, Feng now offers basic-level concussion training locally. “New Zealand is known for its heavy contact sports and I’m happy to be able to provide some help to those patients and I’m keen to expand further on my knowledge.”

 

Yasmeen Musa

 

Xue also singled out observing head trauma rehabilitation clinics as one of his highlights. “They did various tests and exercises I had never come across before and the experience reminded me of the important role optometry can play in this area. What I also found interesting was the use of ultrasound and electrodiagnostics. The applications of it were interesting, especially as a way to gain more information when you can't obtain subjective responses.”

 

Putting patients’ needs first

 

Xue noticed that some of the supervising optometrists at SUNY put a big emphasis on discussing and counselling patients about their eye conditions. “They have a more forward-thinking approach, ensuring patients understand the implications for the future and what the long-term plan is. It made me realise that a big part of our job actually revolves around clear communication, empathy and tailoring discussions to each individual patient.”

 

Jasmine Feng

 

While optometrists’ scope at SUNY is similar to that of their counterparts in New Zealand, Musa noted those in New York utilised theirs significantly more. “Like many allied healthcare professionals in New Zealand, optometrists tend to get overlooked, partly due to lack of funding. Initially, I was astounded by the cost of healthcare in the US, but the longer I was there, the more I saw the benefits of medical insurance. For example, in New Zealand, patients have to wait months for YAG yet, at SUNY, I saw a patient who had posterior capsular opacity diagnosed in the morning and was treated that afternoon. I don't think medical insurance for everyone is the answer, but our healthcare system needs to run more efficiently. I think optometrists exercising more of our scope and getting more funding is part of the solution,” Musa said.

 

Big Apple highlights

 

As a New York first-timer Feng loved her residency in the Big Apple. “Central Park was amazing! It’s so special to see the places we have only ever seen in movies. The Broadway shows were also phenomenal!”

 

Xue enjoyed experiencing the different cultures and cuisines for the first time. “The size and multicultural aspect of the city really stood out to me. It was interesting to hear so many different languages being spoken on buses and trains. One place that was especially memorable was Veselka, a Ukrainian restaurant. The food was unique and delicious and something I had never tried before.”

 

One of Musa’s favourite Manhattan spots is Bryant Park, a bit of “magic” just across the road from SUNY. “In the summer, there are piano sessions at lunchtime and outdoor movies in the evenings. You can play chess, pétanque or just sit on the lawn. It is an incredible oasis of calm and community in an otherwise hectic city.”

 

About the SUNY scholarship

 

Since 1997, the trustees of Snowvision have announced annual scholarships for a recent graduate and/or optometrist to attend SUNY for four weeks to improve their clinical optometry skills. The scholarship is for up to $8,000 to be used within five years of being granted.