(PRESS RELEASE) BLOOMINGTON, IL – Keplr Vision announced its strategic partnership with Cockrell Eyecare Center in Stillwater, Oklahoma and Dr. David Cockrell, Dr. Cherry Cockrell, and Dr. Jeff Miller. In concurrence with this announcement Keplr Vision launched Keplr Advocacy with Dr. Cockrell as its leader. Keplr Advocacy was created to pursue policy and regulatory changes at the state and federal levels to expand and protect the practice of optometry, allowing Keplr Vision providers to practice the highest level of care while increasing access to the patients that they ultimately serve.
“When I learned about the opportunity to launch Keplr Advocacy, it was clear that Keplr Vision was the right place for myself and our practice,” said Dr. Cockrell. “By joining Keplr Vision I know that I will be able to continue to do the work that will make our industry better, now and into the future.”
Dr. Cockrell has served with distinction in many roles in the American Optometric Association, including membership on its Statutory Scope Committee, Board of Trustees, President of the Board of Trustees, and ultimately as President of the AOA in 2014. During his term as president he testified before a Senate Committee regarding the potential deregulation of contact lenses, he testified before the Federal Trade Commission, and he oversaw efforts to defeat harmful anti-patient legislation drafted by 1-800-Contacts, which was ultimately introduced in a dozen states around the country.
“We know that Dr. Cockrell is the right choice to join the leadership team of Keplr Vision and to advocate on behalf of optometry. As a former AOA President and with his history in advancing the scope of practice in his home state of Oklahoma and beyond, he will lead the charge to push regulation and policy to benefit optometrists and their patients nationwide,” said Nick Williams, Keplr Vision CEO.
Along with Dr. Cockrell the inaugural members of Keplr Advocacy will include Keplr Vision Chief Medical Officer Dr. Ben Gaddie and other influential Keplr Vision partners such as former AOA President Dr. David Nelson, and Louisiana Senator Dr. David Heitmeier, with Keplr Vision VP Dr. Steve Wilson and Keplr Vision CEO Nick Williams serving as special advisors. The group will also address legislation and policy issues such as the FTC’s recent decisions around the Contact Lens Rule as well as state related optometric issues where they can positively influence legislation affecting providers and patients.
“I am thrilled to have Dr. Cockrell on board to lead Keplr Advocacy,” said Dr. Ben Gaddie, Keplr Vision Chief Medical Officer. “His leadership in Oklahoma and on behalf of all optometry worldwide is frankly unparalleled. The manner in which he represents optometry continues to make me proud today. We are excited to welcome Drs. Cockrell and Dr. Miller to Keplr Vision.”
Following graduation from Southern College of Optometry in 1981, Dr. Cockrell opened Cockrell Eyecare Center with his wife, Cherry Cockrell, O.D. The practice has since grown to include 6 optometrists serving the Stillwater and surrounding communities. He has served on many committees for the Oklahoma Association of Optometric Physicians (OAOP) as well as a trustee and President of the OAOP. Dr. Cockrell is also an AOA National Hall of Fame Inductee.
Cockrell Eyecare Center is the second Keplr Vision partnership in the state of Oklahoma. With over 150 practices across 29 states, Keplr Vision brings together private practice optometrists who focus on pushing the practice of optometry forward. Through a collaborative partnership, Keplr Vision offers OD partners robust business support services and supply chain management, allowing doctors to focus on their practice and their patients while retaining their legacy.
Cockrell Eyecare Center was represented in the transaction by The Williams Group.