Farewell to Dr. Scott Slagle
National Program Executive Director
Optometry
On behalf of the Specialty Care Program Office, we would like to recognize and thank Dr. William “Scott” Slagle for serving as the National Program Executive Director, Optometry from November 2021 to February 2023. His knowledge and expertise are truly appreciated and have impacted many aspects of VHA Clinical Services.
Dr. Slagle provided national leadership and expert advisory consultation for all VHA Optometry services, programs and initiatives under the purview of Specialty Care Service with tenacious rigor and impressive diligence. His unique insight and experience provided additional understanding of the challenges faced throughout all levels of VA, highlighting the key role of Specialty Care Services to the mission of serving Veterans.
Under Dr. Slagle’s dedicated and driven leadership, the VA Optometry Program attained a 25% increase in optometry residency stipends beginning in academic year 2023 making VA optometry programs competitive with programs sponsored by academic affiliates; created a clinical leadership board for clinical leaders in optometry to network, share ideas, partner and support each other across VHA; and developed the Optometry Visual Management Board to assess current processes, monitor ongoing improvement projects and assist optometry in its journey as a high reliability organization.
Dr. Slagle’s passion for VHA, along with his leadership and dedication to Veteran-centric care will be missed. Please join us in thanking Dr. Scott Slagle for serving as the National Program Executive Director Optometry for the Specialty Care Program Office. We wish him the very best in his new role!
Ajay Dhawan M.D., FACHE
Chief Officer
Specialty Care Services