Washington, D.C. — The Health Care Alliance for Patient Safety (HCAPS) proudly congratulates three esteemed representatives from its partner organizations—Dr. Charissa Lee of Johnson & Johnson, Dr. Michele Andrews of CooperVision, and Dr. Ryan Parker of EssilorLuxottica—on receiving the inaugural American Optometric Association (AOA) Patient Safety Champion Award.
Presented for the first time this year, the AOA Patient Safety Champion Award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to protecting patient safety and preserving the integrity of the doctor-patient relationship in eye and vision care. The award honors both the leadership of these doctors and the broader dedication of their respective companies to advancing safe, high-quality, doctor-led vision care.
“These distinguished leaders exemplify what it means to put patients first,” said a spokesperson for HCAPS. “Through advocacy, clinical innovation, and public education, Dr. Lee, Dr. Andrews, and Dr. Parker have helped ensure that the voice of the doctor remains central to how vision care is delivered and regulated across the country.”
As core partners of HCAPS, Johnson & Johnson, CooperVision, and EssilorLuxottica have each played a critical role in championing the organization's mission to advocate for policies that uphold patient safety, end corporate interference in medical decisions—such as robocalls and lens substitution—and expand access to doctor-led care for conditions like myopia.
The AOA's recognition of these individuals underscores the growing national importance of safeguarding the doctor-patient relationship and protecting the clinical decisions that impact millions of Americans’ vision and overall health.
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About HCAPS
The Health Care Alliance for Patient Safety (HCAPS) is a coalition of health care providers, patient safety advocates, and industry leaders committed to protecting the doctor-patient relationship and ensuring safe, effective vision care for all. Learn more at https://www.patientsafetytoday.com/.