August 2026 - Dr. Chris Shiomos

July 31, 2026

The dog days of summer are officially here, offering us all a welcome opportunity to slow down, recharge, and spend quality time with family and friends before the busy fall season gets underway. Whether you’re heading out on an extended vacation or taking a quiet weekend close to home, I hope you’re finding plenty of time to relax and reset.

One of the best things about living and practicing in New York is that incredible destinations are never far away. From the Finger Lakes and the Adirondacks to the Catskills, the Thousand Islands, and the Hudson Valley, our state is packed with charming small towns perfect for a summer vacation.

Recently, WorldAtlas highlighted New York’s 11 Coolest Small Towns for a Summer Vacation, and what makes these communities so vibrant isn't just the scenery; it’s the independent, local businesses that give them their unique heart and soul.

If you are able to travel across the state this August, I encourage you to support the independent businesses in these wonderful communities. And while you’re visiting, take a moment to stop in and give a nod of recognition to our fellow NYSOA members and their optometric practices anchoring these cool towns:

Cooperstown: Catskill Eye Care Associates (Dr. Matthew Curtis)
Ithaca: Whole Picture Health & Vision (Dr. Tanya Bloom & Dr. Alana Curran), Ithaca Eye Care (Dr. Amy Boscia) & Guthrie Clinic (Dr. Aaron Rydzynski)
Jamestown: Spectrum EyeCare (Dr. Christopher Colburn, Dr. Delia Landy, & Dr. James Schultz) & Community Eye Care Specialists (Dr. Carter Windoft)
Lake Placid: Eye Peek (Dr. Jennifer Small)
Rhinebeck: Rhinebeck Eye Associates/MyEyeDr. (Dr. Maria Gibbons & Dr. Michael Madigan) & Dutchess Optometry (Dr. Tracy Sheedy, Dr. Elisabeth Lappan, & Dr. Zachary Graham)
Kingston: VisionExcel (Dr. Roy Kline)
New Paltz: Highland Optometry (Dr. Michael Bywater), Harnos Optometry (Dr. Brandon Harnos, Dr. Scott Morrison, & Dr. Elaine Doxtader) & New Paltz EyeCare (Dr. Eric Verruto)
Ellicottville: Ellicottville Eye Care (Dr. Phillip Sarikey)
Hudson: Family Eye Care Center (Dr. Victoria Hansen & Dr. Jennifer Liu)

Much like optometric practices, these small-town businesses thrive because of the strong, personal relationships they build within their communities every single day.

While many of us are taking time to enjoy a well-earned break, your NYSOA leadership team and staff remain hard at work advocating for our profession, strengthening member programs, and preparing for an active, productive fall. I continue to be deeply inspired by our many volunteers who generously dedicate their time, energy, and expertise to advancing organized optometry across New York State.

Taking time to step away and recharge is essential. It allows us to return to our practices refreshed, energized, and ready to provide the exceptional care our patients deserve while maintaining the passion that brought us to this profession in the first place.

Thank you for your continued dedication to your patients, your local communities, and the New York State Optometric Association. I wish you and your families a safe, relaxing, and enjoyable August.

Looking forward with clear vision,