Madhu Chawla Elected President of the California State Board of Optometry

July 2015

KPASCO Secretary Madhu Chawla, OD, began serving her term as President of the California State Board of Optometry on July 1, 2015.

Chawla’s 2012 appointment to the State Board of Optometry by Governor Jerry Brown and her subsequent election to the position of President was no fluke. She brings to the position a vast array of experience and has long been an advocate for the well-being of patients.

Chawla’s interest in science and health care was cultivated at an early age. At the age of 13, she began volunteering at a hospital where her mother worked as a labor and delivery nurse. Having received numerous awards throughout her career, including being named Kaiser Permanente’s Optometrist of the Year in 2014, Chawla considers her greatest and most satisfying accomplishment to be the volunteer work she has done providing care to underserved communities in the US and abroad.

Chawla was led to the Board by her strong interest in public health and the desire to expand her involvement in public service. “It is a unique opportunity that allows me to participate in shaping care delivery, scope of practice, and public policy pertaining to my profession,” she says.

“My experience on the Board has been extremely positive. I’ve met and worked in partnership with a lot of amazing individuals including Board members, Board staff, and staff within the Department of Consumer Affairs. The most satisfying part of the experience is knowing that our work on the Board will help enhance the quality of care delivered to optometric patients in California.”

“It is an exciting time for optometry in our state,” says Chawla. “I am grateful for the opportunity that Governor Brown has given me.”

Congratulations to Madhu Chawla!