Chehalis optometrist Dr. David Stanfield, from the Pacific Cataract and Laser Institute (PCLI), has received the 2022 “Lifetime Achievement Award” from the Great Western Council of Optometry.
Stanfield began his practice in the Northwest at PCLI in 1988 and served as OD director from 2013 to 2021. During his tenure, he has been “instrumental in developing and growing one of the nation’s gold standard programs for optometric co-management,” stated a press release from the Optometric Physicians of Washington (OPW).
The release stated Stanfield has been active in national and state-level professional optometry associations and that throughout his career, he has played a role in increasing the field’s ability to care for patients, including advocating for the need to update Washington’s existing scope of practice with the Access to Eyecare Act.
The bill represents the first major revision to optometry’s scope of practice in Washington state in almost 20 years, the release stated.
“(We are) deeply grateful for David’s thoughtful leadership and expertise in the development and introduction of our bill to expand optometry’s scope so we can better serve our patients,” said OPW President Dr. Michael Sirott, adding later, “David has been an invaluable leader in our latest scope effort, and continues to serve as a mentor for young ODs and veteran professionals alike.”
Stanfield has lectured at regional, national and international levels and served as an adjunct faculty member at multiple optometry schools while being involved in training externs for over three decades. He is also co-author of the book, “Primary Care of the Cataract Patient.”
