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The NJSOP Team
Dr. Michael Veliky, O.D., President
Michael Veliky, O.D., has been named president of the New Jersey Society of Optometric Physicians for 2007. A longtime and active member of NJSOP since 1993, Dr. Veliky also Co-Chairs NJSOP’s Legislative Committee and serves on the organization’s Clinical Care Committee. He is honored to serve in the capacity of adjunct faculty for the New England College of Optometry, SUNY College of Optometry, Pennsylvania College of Optometry, University of Houston College of Optometry, Inter-American University of Puerto Rico School of Optometry and UC Berkeley College of Optometry. Full Bio »
Dr. Michael Veliky, O.D., Interim Executive Director
In addition to his duties as president of the New Jersey Society of Optometric Physicians (NJSOP), Dr. Veliky has been named the Interim Executive Director while a full search is underway. Full Bio »
Rebecca Kelly, Director of Public Relations
Ms. Kelly joined the NJSOP staff in November 2003. Ms. Kelly has 13 years of experience in the field of public relations. She serves as the editor of “Eye on New Jersey,” (NJSOP’s members-only bimonthly newsletter) and manages the external and internal public relations programs. In 2004, Ms. Kelly was the recipient of NJSOP’s Communications Award. Full Bio »
Sharon Kais, Executive Assistant
Ms. Kais joined the NJSOP staff as Executive Secretary in June 1986. She is responsible for office management, staff training, administrative procedures, meeting and seminar management and assisting the Executive Director and the Board of Directors. She serves as staff liaison to the Member Programs Center and the Dr. Leslie Mintz Scholarship Foundation. Full Bio »
A Nucleus of Professionals
On March 28, 1903, some 100 men gathered to form the New Jersey State Optical Society, forerunner of the present New Jersey Society of Optometric Physicians.
Incorporated on April 27, 1903, society membership was open to anyone in general who was interested in the optical field. Their first objective was to secure legislation to legalize optometry in New Jersey. After eleven years of unremitting effort, the Society managed to get an optometry law passed in April 1914. The first State Board Examination was given at the State House in Trenton, October 26, 1914, when 31 applicants applied for licensing.
With the legalization of the optometric practice in New Jersey, the society changed its name to the New Jersey Optometric Society and membership was limited to licensed optometrists.
A nucleus of professionally oriented practitioners recognized early in history the necessity to acquaint the public with the eminent qualifications of O.D.s to render proper eyecare.
Dedicated to the Future
Today, we are called the New Jersey Society of Optometric Physicians (NJSOP). While our name has changed, our goals are the same as those set forth by our founders more than 100 years ago.
We are dedicated to advance the profession of optometry and serve optometrists in meeting the eye care needs of the public. NJSOP is focused on improving the quality and availability of vision care and we fulfill this objective by providing reliable and current information regarding eye care and health care policies. One of our most important responsibilities is to educate the public to enhance and ensure competent, quality patient care along with promoting the importance of routine comprehensive eye exams. Additionally, NJSOP assists members in conducting their practices successfully in accordance with the highest ethical standards of patient care and efficiency.