Local optometrist presented with first ever constituent service award by the California Optometric Association

Sacramento, Calif. April 4, 2012

Three Rivers doctor of optometry, Lee Goldstein O.D., was bestowed the Outstanding Constituent Service award for his volunteer service to the community and the profession by the California Optometric Association (COA).  The presentation to the award’s first recipient was made by California State Senate Health Committee chair, Senator Ed Hernandez, O.D., at the recent COA Legislative Day.

“I was honored to present Dr. Goldstein with this award,” said Senator Hernandez. “Dr. Goldstein has been instrumental in providing access to care for vulnerable Californians and increasing the scope of practice of optometry.  Throughout his career he has been an extraordinary advocate for our profession.”

Dr. Goldstein’s decades of work in the health care profession have not only given him a unique perspective, but have provided him with a legion of followers who are respectful of his commitment to his patients and his personal integrity. 

“When I began, contact lenses were on the cutting edge,” Dr. Goldstein said.  “As the field of health care changes so does the profession of optometry,and it has been important for those of us working in the profession to encourage students and our fellow doctors to keep up with these changes.”

COA is quick to point out that Dr. Goldstein has not been content with the status quo.  Following graduation from the UC Berkeley School of Optometry in 1966, after which he launched an optometric practice together with his father in Claremont, just outside of Los Angeles, Dr. Goldstein went on to earn a master’s degree in healthcare administration from the University of Southern California.

A leader in his profession, he served as president of the California Optometric Association from 1997-1998.  In 2003, he was elected president of the California State Board of Optometry and has held that position with distinction, extraordinary leadership, and an inherent grace.

“Dr. Goldstein is the kind of health care provider we all strive to be,” said COA President Movses D'Janbatian, O.D.  “He has relentlessly advocated for affordable access to care for patients and increased the ability of optometry to reach the needs of the most vulnerable.  He gives so much of his time to his community.  He was a unanimous choice by the board and an extraordinarily popular choice by the optometric community in receiving this first ever service award.”

Dr. Goldstein is the past chairman of the Red Cross of California.  He also serves as chairman to Three Rivers Village Association and on the board of the Visalia Rotary Club.

“There are lots of nice people everywhere and I’ve been fortunate to work with many of them,” said Dr. Goldstein.  “Everything that I’ve accomplished is due largely to the incredible teams of people with whom I have worked.  I am honored to receive this award.  The work to increase access to health care for Americans continues and I will keep being active.  Thank you to the California Optometric Association.”

About the California Optometric Association

Established in 1899, the California Optometric Association is California’s oldest organized community for optometrists. COA is dedicated to ensuring the highest quality of health care for the public through the advancement of optometry. Learn more at www.coavision.org, www.Facebook.com/CaliforniaOptometric and www.Twitter.com/COA_Vision. Find an optometrist at www.eyehelp.org.