Chosen from a large pool of nominees named by Vision Monday readers, Marshall B. Ketchum University’s own Julie A. Schornack, O.D., M.Ed., F.A.A.O. makes this year’s list of influential women in optical. Dr. Schornack received her optometry degree from the Illinois College of Optometry in 1984. She then completed a Masters of Education at Pacific University College of Optometry. Dr. Schornack has been at MBKU’s Southern California College of Optometry since 1986.
Today, Dr. Schornack serves as the Vice President for Clinical Affairs and oversees the progress of students in the University Eye Center. She is an Assistant Professor in the Cornea and Contact Lens Service where she has responsibilities in the lecture, laboratory and clinic. She has participated in the Collaborative Longitudinal Evaluation of Keratoconus (CLEK) Study as a co-investigator. Dr. Schornack has also been involved in contact lens research and has lectured extensively on contact lens related topics.
“On behalf of the entire university, I’d like to congratulate Dr. Schornack for this prestigious honor,” said Marshall B. Ketchum University President Kevin Alexander, O.D., Ph.D. “For nearly 30 years, Julie has dedicated herself to the Southern California College of Optometry. She has mentored countless optometric students ensuring that the doctors who graduate from our university are prepared for today’s competitive environment and shifting health care environment.”
Dr. Schornack immediately recognized those who have guided her by saying, “I am grateful to the amazing mentors that I have had over the years. They all pushed me to do things that were beyond what I thought I could do myself.” Schornack continued, “I was shocked to discover I had made Vision Monday’s 2014 list of influential women in optical. I am honored to receive this acknowledgment and would like to also congratulate the rest of Vision Monday’s honorees.”
Vision Monday’s “Wonder Women” issue can be accessed on their website at http://visionmonday.com/digital-editions/. Women across the industry were chosen in the following categories: Executive Suite, Rising Stars, Mentors and Innovators. This year’s winners join a distinguished group of more than 400 Influential Women whom Vision Monday has profiled since 2003.