Blog

2019 Membership Drive

The membership drive for the 2019 NAVAO membership is officially underway!  The last day for registration is January 31, 2018.  You can also register by following this link:  Renew Membership. As we continually strive to improve the membership drive for our members, we are happy to announce we are offering a $5 discount (applicable to this year) for anyone that signs up for an annual recurring membership.  We are also pleased to announce that there will Read more…

By KevinMercado, ago

Recurring PayPal Subscriptions Discontinued

As of today all NAVAO Recurring Memberships with PayPal have been stopped. This only applies to those members with automatic yearly subscriptions. How This Will Affect You You will not lose any access to the NAVAO website over the next several months. We have converted your recurring membership to an annual membership which will expire on Jan 31, 2019. When the PayPal memberships are cancelled you should also receive a notification from PayPal indicating such. New Read more…

By Richard Zimbalist, ago

2018 NAVAO Meeting and Reception

Thank you to everyone that attended the NAVAO Business Meeting and Reception! The NAVAO Business Meeting and Reception was held in conjunction with the American Academy of Optometry (AAO) in San Antonio, TX on Thursday November 8, 2018 at Biga on the Banks Riverwalk Restaurant. The reception was highlighted by NAVAO Resident Scholarships, our keynote speaker, Dr. Laurence Meyer, a tribute to Dr. Gay Tokumaru and the presentation of the first Dr. Gay Tokumaru Leadership Award. Read more…

By KevinMercado, ago

Gay Tokumaru Bessen, OD, FAAO

Gay Tokumaru Bessen, OD, FAAO   It is with heavy hearts and deep sadness that The National Association of VA Optometrists (NAVAO) shares with you the passing of Dr. Gay Tokumaru Bessen.  Dr. Tokumaru was a visionary leader in NAVAO.  She served as NAVAO President from 2005-2009.  Moreover, Dr. Tokumaru was a guiding force and leader in VA Optometry.   Dr. Gay Tokumaru passed away last week after her brief battle with cancer.  She had Read more…

By Richard Zimbalist, ago

Response to NAVAO Letter

In May of 2017, the Disabled Veterans internet site suggested a proposal to eliminate optometry and audiology services at VA facilities.  Under the proposal, Veterans would be outsourced to civilian facilities for optometry services.  NAVAO submitted a response to The Honorable David J. Shulkin, The Secretary of Veterans Affairs.  The letter underscored the importance of eye care provided by optometrists in VA. The response to NAVAO from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs can be Read more…

By KevinMercado, ago