OAOP honors three with strong ties to NSU

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TAHLEQUAH, Okla. -- The Oklahoma Association of Optometric Physicians recently awarded three individuals from its more than 600 member association. Each recipient won a different type of honor, but they all had one thing in common ... Northeastern State University Oklahoma College of Optometry.

OAOP honored Dr. Lee Carr, O.D. with the OAOP 2014 Distinguished Service Award; Dr. Kathleen Elliott, O.D. was named the 2014 Optometrist of the Year; and Dr. Crystal Mosteller, O.D. was named the 2014 Young Optometrist of the Year.

Carr graduated from Ferris State University in Michigan and began teaching at NSUOCO. He left to work at Pacific University in Oregon, where he was named dean. In 2006 he returned to NSU. Carr is now the Assistant Dean and Professor of Optometry for NSU.

The service Ive given to OAOP has never felt like work, Carr said. I have always been pleased to have been given the opportunity to make some sort of a difference in our profession while enjoying my role with students in the university setting at the same time.

Elliott is a 1993 graduate of NSUOCO and completed a residency in Ocular Disease with the W.W. Hastings Indian Hospital/NSUOCO/Triad and went on to complete a two year Pediatric Optometry Fellowship in Tulsa. She currently practices at the pediatric clinic, His Vision for Children. Elliott also co-owned and operated a successful private practice and hospital-based clinic in Bristow from 1998-2010.

Working at a pediatric practice, I love being able to not only help a child see, but change the course of their lives in some cases, Elliott said. Improving vision instills confidence and can change what once were frustrations into a love of learning.

Mosteller graduated from NSUOCO in 2006 with honors after earning a degree in biology from Cameron University, also with honors. In 2007, she established Tuttle Family Eyecare, where she currently practices.

I am honored and humbled to be recognized as the 2014 Young O.D. of the Year, Mosteller said. It only adds to the pride I have for my profession and makes me want to continue to give back in any way I can.

The OAOP is an organization that leads physicians through education and opportunities to improve vision, eye care and health care.

The Oklahoma College of Optometry at Northeastern State University is one of only 21 optometric training schools in the nation. They pride themselves on creating world-class optometrics with practical experience both in and out of the classroom. Through their partnerships with the Cherokee Nation and other area entities, NSUOCO students experience more than 60,000 patient encounters each year.

For more information regarding NSUOCO, contact 918-444-4000