Northeastern State University’s College of Optometry is Once Again in the National Spotlight

Northeastern State Universitys College of Optometry is Once Again in the National Spotlight

TAHLEQAUHDr. Richard Castillo, clinical professor in the College of Optometry, was selected to become a board member of the National Commission on Vision and Health.

I was honored by the invitation to be part of such a distinguished panel of experts and leaders in eye care and public health, said Castillo.

The National Commission on Vision and Health is a national, non-partisan group of public health leaders, whose mission is to improve the nations visual health by helping assure access to vision care as an integrated part of public health programs at the national, state and local levels. The Commission collaborates with experts in science and health policy to ensure informed analysis and policy recommendations to help prevent blindness, improve vision function and eliminate vision health disparities, according to its website.

Castillo said the commissions goal is to assure that access to vision care is integrated into public health policy and programs at all levels.

One of the goals of the commission is to assure that the role of optometry and vision care is integrated into public health programs at the national, state and local levels, he said. This is something I've seen the College of Optometry strive for every day since my association with NSU began back in 1983.

"For almost three decades now, NSU Optometry and the Cherokee Nation have done an outstanding job of integrating basic and advanced eye care into community-based programs in our region. Having a seat at the table will, in my opinion, amplify NSU and the Oklahoma College of Optometry's ability to continue this tradition of service and innovation in the public health arena.

The commission will provide authoritative information and advice concerning health policy to decision-makers, health professionals and the public at large, he said.

I will be collaborating with experts in science and health policy to ensure informed analysis and policy recommendations in order to improve the visual well-being of our community, our state, and our nation. We will work to provide authoritative information and advice concerning health policy to decision-makers, politicians, other health professionals, and the public at large, said Castillo.

According to its website, the commission is composed of up to 12 members. At least two thirds of the membership is non-optometrists who represent the broadest array of stakeholders and expertise in health care. The non-optometrists currently serving are a dentist, a physician assistant, an ophthalmologist, a state health department chronic disease program specialist, a Medicaid policy specialist, the Executive Director of the National Medical Association and a CDC disabilities specialist.

Castillo said the length of service at this point is indefinite.

Together NSU and the Cherokee Nation have built an amazingly efficient and high-quality system for the delivery of comprehensive eye care services throughout northeastern Oklahoma. Perhaps as the national debate on healthcare continues, and traditional paradigms are re-examined, the spotlight might just shine on northeast Oklahoma, where quality and affordable eye care is available every day, said Castillo.

Castillo is a native of Bayside, N.Y. He is a graduate of the Oklahoma College of Optometry at Northeastern State University as well as the Oklahoma State University Health Science Center College of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery. He completed a medical/surgical internship followed by a residency in Ophthalmic Surgery at the OSU Medical Center in Tulsa where he served as chief resident.

Prior to accepting a position at NSUs Oklahoma College of Optometry, he served as chief of Ophthalmology, and resident education at the OSU Health Center. Returning to his alma mater and Optometry roots, he has been NSUs principle surgeon, consulting ophthalmologist, and a clinical professor of Optometry for well over a decade. He is a strong proponent of optometric continuing education, lecturing extensively, and holding workshops both nationally and internationally.

Dr. Castillo is the author of several textbook chapters and he currently chairs the Systemic Disease Committee for the National Board of Examiners in Optometry, and serves as one of the examining boards Councils. He is a member of the professional staff at Hastings Hospital, Tahlequah City Hospital as well as the Cherokee Nation Healthcare System.

Castillo resides in Broken Arrow along with his wife Tammy, also an optometric physician and NSU graduate, and their two boys, Nathan and Joshua.

6/2/2009

Published: 2009-06-02 00:00:00