Dr. Stephen Cook, O.D. (Doctor of Optometry) uses a phoropter to measure any refractive error in order to determine a patient's spectacle lens prescription during an eye examination at the VA specialty clinic in Corpus Christi, Texas, on November 7, 2018. (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs photo by Shalonn Simmons)

Corpus Christi VA clinic welcomes eye doctor

 

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – Veterans enrolled in VA Texas Valley Coastal Bend Health Care System (VCB) can now count on one more medical professional to help with their eye care needs.

Dr. Stephen Cook, O.D. (eye doctor) previously worked for VCB from April 2016 to October 2017. He rejoins the medical staff at the Corpus Christi VA Specialty Clinic bringing with him a set of medical skills and expertise that includes the experience of running a private practice for 28 years near Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri.

Dr. Cook has served active-duty service members, dependents and military retirees throughout his career. Before joining the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Dr. Cook completed his eyecare internship at General Leonard Wood Army Community Hospital in Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri.

Dr. Cook graduated with honors from the University of Missouri—St. Louis, School of Optometry. He recently earned his optometric glaucoma specialist certification from the Texas Optometry Board, and his skills emphasizes care and treatment in the areas concerning cataracts, diabetes and glaucoma care.

In addition to serving Veterans and their families for more than three decades stateside, Dr. Cook has also volunteered his professional abilities on vision mission trips to Mexico and Costa Rica.

“The Veterans Health Administration's mission is to strive for excellence in eye care for our nation's Veterans,” said Homero S. Martinez III, acting director for VCB. “Doctors of optometry help fulfill this important mission goal and make significant contributions as primary eye care providers, for this very reason we are very glad to welcome Dr. Cook back to the VCB team.”

To recognize this contribution, the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) offers numerous tangible and intangible benefits to VA employed optometrists. The VHA offers a state-of-the-art environment that encourages professional growth and development with individual recognition for personal achievement. 

In addition, VA optometrists enjoy a special appreciation for their efforts from Veteran patients which is not typically found in other practice settings.

These and many other professional rewards are available in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in addition to generous employment benefits and educational opportunities.

For a list of current opportunities for optometrists within the VA, please click here.