Former ophthalmology chair Dr. Earl Crouch has died
Earl Crouch Jr., MD, a world-renowned expert in pediatric ophthalmology and 44-year member of the EVMS faculty, including 28 years as Chair and Residency Director for Ophthalmology, died Feb. 14.
Dr. Crouch (pictured above at left during a 2008 lecture) helped establish the ophthalmology department at EVMS and trained and mentored generations of ophthalmologists, including his successor, Shannon McCole, MD. “From the moment that I received a personal phone call from Dr. Crouch informing me that I had been matched in ophthalmology at EVMS, he has been an integral part of my life,” Dr. McCole wrote in a note to department faculty and alumni.
Even after stepping down as chair, Dr. Crouch remained interested in resident education and served on several department committees. He was active in recruitment of new ophthalmology residents and on the education committee.
Dr. Crouch was an international recognized expert in several areas of pediatric ophthalmology, including pediatric cataracts, Duane’s syndrome and pediatric hyphemas. He also was proud of developing pediatric surgical instrumentation. He had numerous publication and national presentations throughout his distinguished career.
A native of Richmond, Dr. Crouch earned his MD at Virginia Commonwealth University. He did his residency at the University of Illinois and completed a fellowship at the Children’s National Medical Center. He was a Heed Ophthalmic Fellow.
Dr. Crouch’s son, Earl Crouch III, MD, is an EVMS graduate and Professor of Ophthalmology at EVMS.
The family will receive friends Feb. 26 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Holloman-Brown Funeral Home, Great Neck location. A graveside service is set for 11 a.m. at Princess Anne Memorial Park/Cemetery followed by a memorial service at 1 p.m. at King’s Grant Baptist Church. Read the obituary and leave condolences.