March 10, 2025- New York, NY: – SUNY College of Optometry Alumna Dr. Samantha Slotnick, ’04. R’05 is a behavioral optometrist practicing in Scarsdale, New York, who has completed her new book, “But MOMMY, I can SEE!”, a charming story that centers around a young girl who has trouble remembering to use her glasses for learning and reading in school. Parents and educators will recognize the familiar challenges which come with children adjusting to new glasses. Although Sylvia resists wearing her glasses, her sharp questions lead to a thoughtful and open discussion with her optometrist, bringing new insights for children, families, and teachers about the role of vision in learning.
Dr. Slotnick’s journey as both a practicing optometrist and new author of a children’s book about the joys of early eyewear demonstrates the endless opportunities and possibilities that exist for those who choose an optometric career journey. Her accomplishments are also an ongoing part of our monthly recognition and celebration of alumnae, faculty and staff during Women’s History Month.
After obtaining her OD degree from SUNY Optometry, Dr. Slotnick completed a residency in Vision Therapy and Rehabilitation, also at SUNY, along with advanced studies in Vision Science. Through postgraduate clinical and academic work, Dr. Slotnick has attained fellowships in two academic organizations: The American Academy of Optometry and the College of Optometrists in Vision Development. She also conducted vision research for ten years while practicing in clinical care. Her private practice, Mind-Body-World Optometry, takes a holistic approach to vision care, where she provides primary eye exams to both children and adults.
“What does it mean to ‘see’ and what can reading glasses do for a child who can ‘see’ without them?” are common questions that Dr. Slotnick raises. She encourages readers of all ages to “Join Sylvia on her journey with her glasses. It’s love at first ‘sight,’ but when the excitement of the accessory wears off, how is she supposed to remember to use her glasses, especially when she notices she can ‘see’ without them?”
“Embedded within this engaging story are important insights for parents about the visual skills needed for learning in a classroom setting, and the subtle signs of visual problems which can be treated with glasses. Parents and children, alike, come away understanding the difference between ‘needing’ glasses and ‘benefitting’ from them as a powerful tool for learning and sustaining attention in the classroom.”
Published by Newman Springs Publishing, Dr. Slotnick’s riveting tale hopes to help normalize wearing glasses and listening to one’s optometrist in order to have healthy vision for a lifetime.
Readers who wish to experience this inspiring work can purchase “But MOMMY, I can SEE!” at bookstores everywhere, or online at the Apple iBooks Store, Amazon, or Barnes and Noble.
About SUNY Optometry
Founded in 1971 and located in New York City, the State University of New York College of Optometry is a leader in education, research, and patient care, offering the Doctor of Optometry degree as well as MS and Ph.D. degrees in vision science. The College conducts a robust program of basic, translational and clinical research and has 65 affiliated clinical training sites. SUNY Optometry is regionally accredited by the Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools; its four-year professional degree program and residency programs are accredited by the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education of the American Optometric Association. All classrooms, research facilities, and the University Eye Center, which is one of the largest optometric outpatient facilities in the nation, are located on 42nd Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues in midtown Manhattan. To learn more about SUNY Optometry, visit www.sunyopt.edu.
###
Contact: Rob Rosiello, communications@sunyopt.edu