Thursday, July 23, 2009

Palo Alto-VA Optomertist Defended by State Organization

Dr. Stephen Ezeji-Okoye, deputy chief of staff at Palo Alto-VA said: "It was identified that there were treatment options available that potentially could have prevented their loss," he added. "We felt that they didn't get optimal treatment."

Despite VA's investigation and finding of improper care, "A state optometrists association Wednesday publicly declared its support for an optometry chief placed on administrative leave as part of an investigation at the Palo Alto veterans hospital."

"Dr. Hilary Hawthorne, president of the California Optometric Association, said Wednesday her group stands behind Keswick.

"Dr. Keswick is a member of our organization," Hawthorne said in a statement. "I've known Curt for almost a decade as a compassionate and thorough optometrist. It's sad that this information was given to the media before he was given the opportunity to respond fully. We're hopeful that he'll be able to confront his unnamed accusers in public, to protect his rights and his reputation."

Full Article: Optometrists association defends Palo Alto VA optometry chief

By Jessica Bernstein-Wax

Daily News Staff Writer
Posted: 07/22/2009 11:43:31 PM PDT
Updated: 07/22/2009 11:43:32 PM PDT