Product: InsideVision “Optometry: Decision-making in a Public Health Crisis
Top Line: The next episode of InsideVision TV will air Wed., June 24, at 9:30 a.m. EDT, the 11th show of the New England College of Optometry (NECO) and Sector Media Group’s InsideVision YouTube Channel. This week’s show features a discussion from two of optometry’s well-known OD, MPH educators, Drs. Diane Russo and Gary Chu, who both received their MPH from the Harvard, T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Diane Russo, OD, MPH, FAAO is an Associate Professor of Optometry at the New England College of Optometry where she is Instructor of Record for courses ranging from Public Health to Patient Care. Dr. Russo is also an Attending Optometrist at Codman Square Health Center. She received her BS from Quinnipiac University in 2006 and her OD degree from SUNY State College of Optometry in 2010. After graduation, she completed a residency in Primary Care and Low Vision at the West Haven VA Medical Center. She completed her MPH degree from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health in 2017. In 2019 she received the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (ASCO)
Rising Star Award and in 2010 she was one of Vision Monday’s Most Influential Women in Optical.

Gary Chu, OD, MPH is the Vice President of Professional Affairs at the New England College of Optometry. He received his OD degree from the New England College of Optometry in 1995 and his Masters of Public Health (MPH) in 2002 from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Dr. Chu has been in the forefront of leading change in eye care through the development of partnerships with health systems, federally qualified health centers, social service agencies, government, school systems, health payors, ophthalmic industry and optometry employer groups. Dr. Chu has been involved in issues of diversity, equity and inclusion for over 10 years and has served on the diversity and cultural competency committee for the Association of Schools (ASCO) and College of Optometry since 2011. He is the founding chair of ASCO’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) SIG.
The live program is anchored by NECO President and CEO Howard Purcell, OD, FAAO, with Erik Liljegren, InsideVision Correspondent At-Large. Stated Dr. Purcell, “As we navigate our way through the turmoil of COVID-19 we are now keenly aware of the consequences a public health crisis can have on our practice and our lives. We are fortunate to have among us those who have made the effort to educate themselves on the issues and solutions that will enable us to protect and prepare ourselves and our practice/business. How does an OD with a Masters in Public Health look at optometry for the future? What do they want to warn us about? What can we all learn regarding public health that will serve us well for the future?”
Vital Stats: In advance of the program, eyecare professionals and business owners and employees nationwide are encouraged to visit the channel and click the subscribe button to receive updates on live and posted reports, and to submit questions anytime in advance of the the program to show@InsideVision.tv. InsideVision’s YouTube channel’s weekly episodes are recorded and remain online for replay at any time. Subscribers will also receive updates and can sign up on the InsideVision YouTube Channel here.