Phone: (812) 855-1298
FAX: (812) 855-7045
Email: brooks@indiana.edu

     Dr. Brooks teaches in both the Optometry and Optician/Technician Programs. He is probably best known for the textbook System for Ophthalmic Dispensing, which he coauthored with Dr. Irvin Borish. This book is an industry standard for optician programs, is used in many optometry schools, and as a reference and training tool in ophthalmic practices. He has written several other textbooks including Essentials of Ophthalmic Lens Finishing and Understanding Lens Surfacing.

     Dr. Brooks had been inducted into the National Academy of Opticianry's Hall of Fame and has received several teaching awards, including the National Federation of Opticianry School's Educator of the Year Award and Indiana University’s Trustee’s Teaching Awards. He is the Founder and President of FCO International (the Fellowship of Christian Optometrists).

AOA Certified Paraoptometric Technician (CPOT)
American Board of Opticianry Certified Optician (ABOC)
Phone: (812) 855-3997 or (812) 855-1917
FAX: (812) 855-8664
Email: pickel@indiana.edu

     Sandra Pickel is the Director of the Optician/Technician Program. She graduated in August 1972 with an Associate of Science degree in Optometric Technology from the IU School of Optometry and she completed her Bachelor’s degree from IU School of Continuing Studies in May 1983. Ms. Pickel is a Certified Paraoptometric Technician (CPOT) through the National Council on Paraoptometric Certification, American Optometric Association. She is also American Board of Opticianry Certified (ABOC) through the American Board of Opticianry. She was appointed as a member to the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education (ACOE) and served from 1987-1989. Recently she has been re-appointed to ACOE and is serving a term from 2009-2012. On ACOE, she is Chair of the Quality Improvement Committee and also Chair of the Technician Committee. She has lectured extensively around the country teaching paraoptometric continuing education courses. Ms. Pickel currently teaches V153 Ophthalmic Dispensing and V174 Office Procedures. In addition to her teaching and administrative duties, she provides academic advising to current students in the program and prospective students. Anyone interested in the Optician/Technician Program is encouraged to contact her to discuss the program or to arrange a tour of the School of Optometry facilities.

Phone: (812) 855-7203
FAX: (812) 855-8664

     Dr. Gerstman received his A.B. degree from the University of Illinois in 1966. He received a B.S. in 1968, O.D. in 1969, and M.S. in 1971--all from Indiana University. He was at the Optometric Center of New York in 1969 and in clinical practice from 1969-71. In 1971 in came to Indiana University as Assistant Professor of Optometry and became Associate Professor in 1975. He was Chief of Low Vision/Geriatric Services (1971-72) and Assistant Director of the Division of Patient Care (1980). He became Assistant to the Dean in 1981; Associate Dean for Budgetary & Fiscal Affairs in 1984; and was Executive Associate Dean for Budgetary Planning & Administration 1994 - 2011.

Phone: (812) 855-7435
FAX: (812) 855-7045
Email: mkpickel@indiana.edu

     Dr. Merle Pickel teaches V151 and V251 Ophthalmic Procedures courses in the Optician/Technician Program. Dr. Pickel, who practices optometry in Nashville, IN, has returned to the School of Optometry on a part-time basis. After graduating from the doctor of optometry program at IU in 1970, he became Chief of the Optometry Clinic at Edwards Air Force Base in California for 2 years. He then returned to IU School of Optometry and was an assistant professor and a clinical faculty member from 1972-1976. He was an adjunct faculty member from 1977-1980.

Phone: (812) 856-7829
Email: nhimebau@indiana.edu