Kirkland, WA -- (SBWIRE) -- 12/15/2015 -- Most people would find the idea of a blind man legally gaining a driving license to be unconventional, unlikely or even absurd. However, thanks to the work of Washington Optometrist, Dr. Ross Cusic, Wes Holthusen is now legally driving day and night, and has become the first person in State to have tagged on a Bioptic Motorcycle Endorsement.

Dr. Cusic and Holthusen have forged a strong practitioner/patient bond due to their collective achievements, and are now taking their stories public.

"I was born completely blind, gained limited sight through risky surgeries many years ago, and spent decades quite frankly doing things blind people shouldn't!" explains Holthusen. "This included driving; yes, driving. I didn't want to let my children down as all of the other parents got involved with school events, dances, driving friends to the movies, etc – so I got behind the wheel without a license."

Continuing, "In 2011, a Police officer pulled me over and the cat was out of the bag. However, what I first thought would land me in jail actually became the most positive experience of my life. Ironically, the day before I had booked an appointment with Dr. Cusic to see what he could do for me."

Dr. Cusic was met with more than a challenge; something that ended up becoming a turning point in his own career.

"Here I was with a blind man in my clinic, who had been driving for years and was looking to finally gain his license legally. I prescribed him a bioptic telescope and helped him arrange an intensive two-week driving course. Now he has legally gained a full license to be behind the wheel day and night, and he's the first person in Washington State with a Bioptic Motorcycle Endorsement. What a result from a man who was told he would never be able to see! But this unwavering determination is obviously in Wes' blood; he was so enthusiastic and friendly throughout the entire process. It's hard to keep such a model citizen and family person down!"

Holthusen has nothing but praise for Dr. Cusic, the man who literally gave him his freedom.

"My life has changed since that day in May of 2011 when I got my new bioptic glasses. I jumped through all of the State's qualification and was cleared. I can now drive day and night legally. A huge weight had been lifted off my shoulders because of Dr. Cusic. These are dreams that I was told would never happen – thank you!" he adds.

Dr. Cusic currently sees patients in Kirkland, Bellingham, Olympia, and Vancouver, WA. For his office locations and schedule, call: 877 823 2020.

About Dr. Ross A. Cusic, OD
Dr. Cusic earned his B.S. degree in behavioral neuroscience and psychology in 1992 from Indiana University. He received his O.D. degree in 1996 from Indiana University School of Optometry--a school ranked consistently among the top three optometry schools in the country. Before moving to Washington State, he practiced in rural Eastern Oregon (Enterprise) for five years. Being the only eye doctor within 70 miles, Dr. Cusic gained extensive experience in medical eye care. This included treating and managing hundreds of glaucoma and macular degeneration patients. He also managed the eye problems common in patients with diabetes and high blood pressure. As the only eye doctor in the county, he usually treated all eye infections and ocular injuries that occurred while the patient was on the job. He was the primary consult for the local primary care physicians when they encountered eye problems with their patients either in the office or the ER. Dr. Cusic also had clinical privileges at the local county hospital. He is board certified in the treatment of ocular disease including the use of oral medications. He is also one of the few optometrists in the country specially trained and certified by the American Optometric Association as an aviation vision specialist.

Contact: Ross A. Cusic, OD / 877 823 2020