Recognition
Gary Asano, OD, ’78, was presented with the prestigious Envision Oculus Low Vision Award at the August 2018 Envision national Low Vision Conference in Wichita, KS. This award, only bestowed once previously to an individual OD since its inception in 2005, is for one "whose career has had a national or international impact for people who are blind or low vision through professional collaboration, advocacy, research or education."
Ranjeet S. Bajwa, OD, FAAO, Diplomate ABO, ’08, is now serving as Immediate Past President for the California Optometric Association.
In Memory
Dr. Freddy Chang
On Nov. 17, 2018, Dr. Freddy Chang passed peacefully with his family by his side. Dr. Chang’s many contributions to the profession of optometry as a highly published researcher and presenter were outshone only by his deep commitment to his role as educator. Southern California College of Optometry was just one of the academic institutions that benefitted from his career devoted to students of optometry. He retired in 2017 from Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, TN, after serving as a professor there for 15 years.
Donald Jarnagin, OD, ’70
On March 2, 2019, Dr. Donald E. Jarnagin passed
away peacefully while serving on a medical mission trip. Dr. Jarnagin received degrees at Southern California College of Optometry before going on to enjoy a distinguished career as an optometrist, a higher education administrator, and President of both the Arizona and American Optometric Associations.
After serving in the Medical Service Corps of the U.S. Army, Dr. Jarnagin returned to Arizona and partnered with the optometrist who cared for him as a youth, providing eye and vision care in Glendale for more than 40 years. He was also recognized as "OD of the Year" by the Central Arizona Optometry Society, the Arizona Optometric Association, and the Great Western Council of Optometry. In 2014, SCCO honored Dr. Jarnagin with the Circle of Vision Distinguished Individual Philanthropist Award.
Arlene Kaye
On Feb. 9, 2019, Arlene Ellen Kaye, passed away at the age of 64. Arlene served as SCCO’s Marketing Director for eight years and worked at the College until she retired in 2014. Arlene was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2005, and never let the disease interrupt her passion for travel, helping others and her dedication to the MS Society to finding a cure.
Henry Oster, OD, ’57
On March 16, 2019, Dr. Henry Oster passed away after a battle with cancer. Known for his generosity, humor and compassion, Dr. Oster practiced optometry in Southern California for 50 years, served with multiple professional organizations and taught at his alma mater LACO and SCCO for over two decades.
Dr. Oster devoted himself to tirelessly sharing his story: born to a Jewish family in Germany in 1927, he alone survived the horrors of Auschwitz and Birkenau. The spark of life in Dr. Oster – which the unspeakable brutality of the Holocaust could not extinguish – burned brightly and shone on all who had the honor of knowing him in his many years as an exceptional clinician and beloved educator.
Anthony Adornetto, OD, ’62
Mark A. Baird, OD, ’94
Richard T. Blowers, OD, ’53
Joseph P. D'Arelli, OD, ’67
Que Bach Hwang, OD, ’13
Stephen A. Lankford, OD, ’74
Richard H. Slick, OD, ’79
To share your class notes, contact us at alumni@ketchum.edu.
The full Spring 2019 issue is available online. Read Now