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Testimonials
Low Vision Scholarship Helps Recent Graduate Towards Private Practice "I found out about (the scholarship) the day before Graduation. I wasn’t expecting this, so it was great. This money will help as I try to establish a low vision practice." ~ Keith Castleton Keith J. Castleton O.D., native of Montana and recent graduate of the Southern California College of Optometry, was recently awarded the Telesensory Low Vision Award. The award was presented for outstanding leadership at the 2003 Honors Banquet: Leadership in Vision Care & Education at the Southern California College of Optometry (SACO) on May 22, 2003. "Keith was an excellent clinician from Montana, and is entering the military," says Lesley Walls, O.D., M.D., D.O.S., and President of the SACO. Dr. Castleton will be based at the Naval hospital in Okinawa, Japan for three years, after which time he will decide whether he will open a private practice or remain with the military. Dr. Castleton thought he was going into engineering, "I was always good at math and physics," he says, "but when I got into some biology classes, I found it fascinating." The six-week low vision program at the SACO was helpful to Dr. Castleton, because "the patients are extremely gracious, and are happy to be able to see again." He adds that one patient offered him a big hug upon being given the ability to see and read again. He said that the idea of working with people was what prompted him to consider the field of optometry. "I spoke with a recruiter in Los Angeles about the scholarship process," Dr. Castleton continues. The Navy’s stipend for living, tuition and equipment expenses was "a great way to have a job straight out of school," he adds. "Especially when the work I do will help enable people to maintain their jobs and lead full, active lives." "I like the fact that the field of optometry allows me to maintain a balanced family life while continuing to help people," says Dr. Castleton. He will be accompanied to the Naval base in Japan by three daughters, all under age four, and his wife. "I plan to immerse the kids so they can learn Japanese," he notes. "Well, except for my youngest daughter, who was just born two weeks ago!" he exclaims with a smile. For nearly three decades, the Telesensory Low Vision Award has brought students and doctors one step closer to fulfilling their vision of helping the visually impaired. |
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