Devin Sasser, third-year optometry student at UMSL, is a member of the American Optometric Student Association Board of Trustees and vice president of the local National Optometry Student Association chapter.

Devin Sasser is making the most of his time at the University of Missouri–St. Louis. The third-year optometry student has taken an active roll on the College of Optometry’s admissions committee. And he’s a member of the American Optometric Student Association Board of Trustees and vice president of the local National Optometric Student Association chapter.

OptometryStudents.com recently caught up with Sasser for a Q&A in which the native Texan and self-described “southern boy” talked about his leadership experience, residency preferences and fondness for oatmeal-chocolate chip cookies.

On leadership, he said being an AOSA trustee has been a tremendous experience.

“Members of the board are on the front lines of change in many different aspects of optometry,” he told the website. “As a member, I particularly enjoy seeing the concerns of my peers being addressed and acted upon at the national level.”

Sasser also encouraged fellow optometry students to get involved in the community.

“Go out into the communities and bring optometric care to those who are in need,” he told OptometryStudents.com. “Facilitate open dialogue with your state government officials. Attend conferences and activities that foster communication with lawmakers at the national level.

“All of these things help to build the profession so that we may continue in providing the best care to our communities,” he said.

Visit OptometryStudents.org to read the full article.