Skip to main content

  • Ravi D. Goel, MD

    AAOP Advisory Board Ex-Officio Member
    Senior Secretary for Ophthalmic Practice — American Academy of Ophthalmology
    Dr. Ravi D. Goel is a clinical instructor at Wills Eye Hospital and a comprehensive ophthalmologist in Cherry Hill, N.J. He served on the Academy's Young Ophthalmologist Committee and EyeNet® editorial advisory board. A graduate of the Academy's Leadership Development program, he currently serves on the Academy's Communications Secretariat and the American Medical Association’s (AMA) Ophthalmology Section Council. Dr. Goel is a past chair of the AMA's Young Physician Section, past president of the New Jersey Academy of Ophthalmology and recipient of top doc awards from South Jersey Magazine and SJ Magazine.
    orozco headshot_120X160

    Martin Orozco Jr., COMT, OSC

    AAOP Advisory Board Chair
    Martin has been involved in ophthalmology since 2012. His career began when he was looking for a job and came across an ophthalmic technician position while taking his grandmother to her eye doctor appointment. He developed his ophthalmic career by learning on the job training in sub-specialty clinics at Dean McGee Eye Institute in Oklahoma City. In 2020 he achieved the highest level of certification for a technician, Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technologist (COMT).
    PLESSINGER_headshot_120X160

    Veronica Plessinger, BA, COMT

    AAOP Advisory Board Chair-Elect
    Veronica is currently the clinical director at Eye Care Associates Inc. in Youngstown, Ohio. Veronica has served on the board of directors at ATPO & its various committees for many years. She is a member of the Train the Trainer faculty and lectures at state and national meetings on various topics. She started her ophthalmic career working in optical sales for Pearle Vision in 2005, then became a tech for Tri-State Ophthalmology in Ashland, Kentucky from 2006-2011. In 2010, Veronica served as Vice President for the Kentucky chapter of ATPO (KATPO) and was a valued member of the board. In 2011 she began at Eye Care Associates in Youngstown, Ohio and from 2016-2021 she was also the clinical lab instructor for Mercy College of Ohio’s Ophthalmic Technology program. She currently serves on the AAOP Planning Committee and OOS Planning Committees. She has a true passion and love for everything “eye” whether it is teaching, teaching or leading.  
    ullom headshot_120X160

    Rhonda Ullom, COMT, FCLSA, OSC, OCS, OCSR

    AAOP Advisory Board Past-Chair
    Rhonda has been in the field of Ophthalmology for over four decades. She began her career as the surgical technician for a small private practice in West Texas. Everywhere her career has taken her, Rhonda has tried to serve on local and state boards, teach courses for the different organizations, do mission and charity work, and always elevate those AOP around her. She loves the field of ophthalmic technology and considers it an honor and privilege to contribute to it. Ophthalmology is full of opportunities, challenges and endless possibilities. Rhonda is the CEO of BottomLine Ophthalmic Consultants, LLC and does ophthalmic consulting, training, and program development.
    gill headshot_120X160

    Sarah Gill, COT, OSC

    AAOP Advisory Board Ex-Officio Member
    Sarah has been in Ophthalmology since 2007. Like many other ophthalmic technicians, she came upon the career by chance when she accepted a position as a front desk receptionist with the intention to train as a technician. She fell in love with the field of Ophthalmology and hasn't looked back. A trained educator, her motto is, "I love to gain and share knowledge." She uses her passion for teaching to help educate and motivate others in ophthalmology and is the Clinical Trainer for Virginia Eye Institute where she is responsible for the training and education of all incoming and current clinical staff. Sarah is eager for the continued opportunity to contribute to the member’s professional and career development. 
    Sharon_Alamalhodaei_headshot_120X160

    Sharon Alamalhodaei, COMT, OSC, CEP

    Sharon is a nationally recognized leader in ophthalmic technician training and education. She has been IJCAHPO certified since 1994. With more than thirty years’ clinical and administrative ophthalmology experience as a Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technician, Certified Ophthalmic Surgical Assistant, Clinic Manager and Practice Manager, she has extensive knowledge in the field of ophthalmic medical assisting and surgical assisting. Sharon has been training technicians for most of her career.
    busch headshot_120X160

    Susan Busch, COMT

    Susan started her career as an ophthalmic assistant in 1984 and fell in love with it. Throughout her career she worked as an ophthalmic tech-photographer, Clinical Research Coordinator and as a Study Coordinator. She has always been a supporter and volunteer serving on many committees, volunteering for IJCAHPO’s COMT Practical Review since 2005. Susan was recipient of JCAHPO Foundation’s The Virginia S. Boyce Humanitarian Award in 2016. She served two terms as Treasurer on the Board from 2010-2014. She currently is the National Chair for the Regional Mentor Program and is a Director on the JCAHPO Board of Education and Research Foundation, Inc. 
    olivo headshot_120X160

    Joel Olivo, COT, OSA

    Joel’s desire to help people dates back to elementary school. He had a childhood friend that got hit in the eye with a basketball causing swelling, tearing, and eye redness. Joel rushed to his rescue and kept him calm until they arrived at the nurse's office. His friend was quite thankful, and they have remained friends ever since. Joel has a strong desire to assist those in need. He has always known he wanted to be a leader who understands what to do in a crisis. He brings over 5 years of clinical and administrative expertise to his current role as a Clinical Supervisor. Joel’s efforts include creating and implementing training and education programs for all employees. He aims to continue expressing his passion for eyecare and grow by generating awareness, creating relationships, and educating. His background has aided him in developing and implementing strategies to improve patient care, budgetary choices, and team morale. 
    pfeifer headshot_120X160

    Wanda Ottar Pfeifer, OC(C), COMT, CO

    Wanda serves as Associate Director of the University of Iowa Orthoptic Fellowship Program and Ocular Electrophysiology Service Coordinator. She has been a tireless advocate for all ophthalmic professionals, encouraging certification, and helping to provide high quality continuing education opportunities. As an international orthoptist who has worked with many ophthalmic organizations, she is in a unique position to help promote the image of Allied Ophthalmic Personnel not only nationally but also internationally. She has been teaching for 29 years and recently challenged herself to be a better teacher by going back to school to get a master’s degree in medical education.
    Savory Turman Headshot_120X160.jpg

    Savory Turman, COMT, COE, MS, ACC, OCS

    Savory's extensive experience includes staff training, hiring, coaching, termination, schedule building and strategic operational initiatives. She is an associate certified coach through the International Coaching Federation and has a master’s degree in organizational leadership. Savory serves on AAOE's Content Committee, teaches for AAOE, American Society of Ophthalmic Administrators and IJCAHPO’s Annual Continuing Education on many other topics from technical skills to leadership. She has turned her passion for coaching into Savory Coaching and Consulting LLC.