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Ethics Board Docket No. 2023-012 <br /> Page 3 of 11 <br /> 3. <br /> OAL is a Louisiana non-profit corporation incorporated on September 29, 1937. OAL was <br /> incorporated under the name "Louisiana State Association of Optometrists Inc.", but changed its <br /> name to "Optometry Association of Louisiana" effective March 6, 2003. <br /> 4. <br /> From June 2019 through June 2, 2022, Dr. Gerdes served as the Past President's Council <br /> Chairman of OAL. This role is a position on the Board of Directors of OAL with voting authority. <br /> In his capacity as Past President's Council Chairman of OAL,Dr. Gerdes helped OAL with respect <br /> to all matters relating to the advancement of the optometry profession, including continuing <br /> education and monitoring legislation affecting the profession. <br /> 5. <br /> By letter dated June 2, 2022, Dr. Gerdes resigned his position as Past President's Council <br /> Chairman of OAL. <br /> 6. <br /> On October 30, 2021, Dr. Gerdes presented a lecture at a continuing education event <br /> sponsored by OAL. As payment for such service, OAL paid Dr. Gerdes an honorarium of$700. <br /> 7. <br /> As routine practice, OAL paid its board members per diem payments on days of its <br /> meetings. Additionally, OAL paid mileage for travel to the meeting site and one night's lodging <br /> at the hotel where the board meeting was held. In 2021, OAL paid Dr. Gerdes a total of$879.13 <br /> for per diems, mileage and lodging in connection with attending OAL board meetings on March <br /> 26, 21, June 3, 2021, October 9, 2021, and October 29, 2021. <br />