(WASHINGTON) – The Health Care Alliance for Patient Safety (APS) today announced David A. Cockrell, O.D. as its new chairman. Dr. Cockrell, a practicing optometrist in Stillwater, Okla., succeeds Deanna Alexander, O.D., whose term as chairwoman concluded at the end of 2020. A photo of Dr. Cockrell can be found here.
“Under the leadership of inaugural chairwoman Deanna Alexander, O.D., the Health Care Alliance for Patient Safety quickly established itself as the leader in advocating for policy that safeguards the millions of contact lens-wearing patients across the United States,” said David Cockrell, O.D. “I’m eager to begin working on priority initiatives that strengthen the doctor-patient relationship, enhance contact lens prescription verification methods to protect patients and modernize the means by which patients are informed of their rights.”
Dr. Cockrell has a long history of advocating for patient safety. He is a past president of the American Optometric Association, American Board of Optometry, Oklahoma State Board of Optometric Examiners and the Oklahoma Association of Optometric Physicians.
He has been recognized for a lifetime of service and advocacy on behalf of patients by being inducted into the American Optometric Association National Hall of Fame, receiving the Oklahoma Association of Optometric Physicians Distinguished Service Award and being named the Optometrist of the Year by the Oklahoma Association of Optometric Physicians.
Dr. David A. Cockrell and his wife, Cherry Cockrell, O.D., own and operate Cockrell Eyecare Center in Stillwater, Okla., where he is active in the Stillwater Rotary Club, Stillwater Chamber of Commerce, the Stillwater Public Education Foundation and the Stillwater Medical Foundation.
Dr. David Cockrell completed his Bachelor’s degree in Zoology at Oklahoma State University and received his Doctor of Optometry degree from Southern College of Optometry.
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About APS
The Health Care Alliance for Patient Safety, founded in 2018, advocates for eye health and safety and elevates the doctor-patient relationship – the essential foundation of personal health care decision making. Members of the Alliance for Patient Safety work together to raise awareness and protect public health. Advancing policy and collaboration between leading eye health advocates, vision innovators and trusted voices is essential to elevate patient care.
The Alliance is made up of patient safety advocates, eye doctors, and contact lens manufacturers.
To become a local advocate or to get involved in protecting patient safety, visit www.patientsafetytoday.com.