Alireza Somji, OD.
 
MONROE, N.J.—The International Sports Vision Association (ISVA), an interdisciplinary group of professionals dedicated to advancing the field of vision training for athletes of all ages and levels to help them achieve peak athletic performance, announced the appointments of its new executive and advisory board members, effective April 1, 2023. Vision, just like speed and strength, is a critical component in how well you play any sport, according to the association. Executive board appointments include the following:

Alireza Somji, OD, assumes the position of president, succeeding Charles Shidlofsky, OD, FCOVD. Dr. Somji is the owner of a private practice in greater Houston and founder of NeuroVision Performance, a visual performance service in his main practice. He is a visual performance consultant to the Houston Dynamo FC MLS soccer team and has previously served on the medical team for the Sugar Land Skeeters (now Sugar Land Space Cowboys) minor league baseball team. Dr. Somji is also a regional leader for Professional Eye Care Associates of America (PECAA).

Frederick R. Edmunds, OD, FAAO, joins the ISVA executive board in the newly created position of vice president, academic engagement and interdisciplinary collaboration. In this role, he will lead efforts to strengthen the connection between schools and colleges of optometry and ISVA as well as developing and enhancing relationships with organizations and associations representing specialties that work with eyecare professionals to advance the quality and delivery of sports vision care and training.

 
Jarrod Davies, OD, FCOVD, (vice president – education) and Jennifer Stewart, OD, (vice president – education) will remain on the executive board in their respective roles, along with immediate past president Charles Shidlofsky, OD, FCOVD, and Alex Andrich, OD, FCOVD, who preceded Dr. Shidlofsky as president.

Advisory board appointments include:

The following individuals will join returning members Greg Appelbaum, PhD, Thomas Bourdon ATC/L, PES, CES and Adam J. Clarin, OD on the ISVA advisory board.

Paul Brewer, OD, is the founder of Diverge Sports Vision, which is dedicated to innovating the field of sports vision training and sports performance. Dr. Brewer has lectured and trained on sports vision and concussions at several universities, conferences and sports camps. Currently, he is part of a team researching the impact of vision training on sports performance and physical education.

Melissa Bussey, OD, is currently licensed and practices in both Detroit, Mich. and Windsor, Ontario. She is the owner and founder of MB Optometry and Sports Vision Windsor, which she established in 2021 in her hometown, Windsor. Throughout her career, Dr. Bussey has had the opportunity to work with amateur and elite athletes throughout the ECHL, AHL, NHL and NBA and has served as a consultant for Major League Baseball.