Nadeau appointed to state board of optometrists

Nadeau appointed

to state board of optometrists

By Lisa Kristoff

Boothbay Register staff writer

    After graduating from the Southern College of Optometry in 1977, Thomas Nadeau set his sights on two professional boards: the Maine Optometric Association and the State Board of Optometrists. Earlier this month, 35 years later, he was appointed to the State Board by Governor Paul LePage.

    THOMAS NADEAU, ODPC,  an optometrist of 35 years, with offices in Boothbay Harbor and Wiscasset, was appointed to the State Board of Optometrists December 3. Joining him for the photo is his “patient greeter” Rhody, a Rhodesian ridgeback.

    “Being appointed to this board is the last thing on my professional list that I wanted to do,” Nadeau said.

    In September, Nadeau learned two of the five doctors were leaving the board.

    On Dec. 4, the Boothbay Harbor optometrist learned he made the cut and was one of the new board members. Members of the State Board of Optometrists serve a 5-year term. Nadeau’s membership is official on Dec. 11. His first of four meetings in 2013 will be Feb. 8.

    As a member of the State Board of Optometrists, he will have three primary roles. He will be an examiner of new eye care specialists; a reviewer of state laws and recommend changes to the legislature in current law that may be ineffectual or dated; and he will review and making decisions on consumer complaints.

    As a kid growing up in Presque Isle, Nadeau said he wanted to emulate his optometrist, Norm Varnum, who was very involved in the community and professional service.

    Varnum also helped Nadeau get into optometry school.

    Nadeau, like his role model before him, has served on many professional boards and committees, and in key roles from chairman to president. These include being on staff at St. Andrews Hospital from 1981 to present, to many local organizations like the Boothbay Chamber of Commerce, Lions Club, Boothbay town committees, the Rotary Club, the Boothbay Region YMCA and many others.

    “There’s more to life than living a good life,” Nadeau said. “You have a responsibility to your profession and your patients to be the best you can be.

    “Often while doing these things I have learned so much, and have had the privilege of doing some pretty cool things.”

    Nadeau’s office, Sheepscot Eye Associates, is at 145 Townsend Ave., (Route 27) in Boothbay Harbor.