Posted:  Fullerton, CA, September 25, 2012

Ophthalmologist Thomas S. Tooma, M.D., has been honored by the Southern California College of Optometry (SCCO), with its distinguished V-Award for Global Service.  Dr. Tooma was recognized for his pioneering work in laser vision correction and his long-term commitment to providing vision care around the world to those less fortunate at SCCO's Shared Visions Gala and V-Awards on September 20 at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library in Yorba Linda, CA. SCCO President Kevin L. Alexander, O.D., Ph.D., and SCCO Chairman, Board of Trustees Gene D. Calkins, O.D., J.D., presented the V-Award to Dr. Tooma before the 300 Gala attendees.

A pioneer in the world of LASIK surgery, Dr. Tooma, has been a principal investigator in the field of laser vision correction since 1993.  He helped several excimer laser manufacturers obtain FDA approvals for their lasers in the United States and in fact, holds the record for many firsts in this specialized vision care area.  In 2010, Dr. Tooma purchased TLC's interest in eight Southern California locations and formed NVISION Laser Eye Centers.  One key facility is located in the Eye Care Center of the Southern California College of Optometry.

Dr. Tooma received his M.D., from Loma Linda University, School of Medicine, where he also completed his internship in internal medicine and residency in ophthalmology.  He completed his fellowship in Corneal and Refractive Surgery at Emory University, Department of Ophthalmology.  He has been board certified in ophthalmology for more than 25 years.

In his spare time, Dr. Tooma has served on medical teaching missions to Romania, Bulgaria, China and Fiji, helping teach local ophthalmologists new surgical techniques.  In 2008, he and his wife, Marta Tooma, D.D.S., started the Mission at Natuvu Creek in Fiji.  The Mission serves the 250,000 people living on the island, with medical, dental and eye care provided by visiting physicians and dentists, including the Toomas.