Prevent Blindness presented the 2025 Prevent Blindness Person of Vision Award, to Howard Purcell, O.D., F.A.A.O., president and CEO, New England College of Optometry (NECO), as part of its annual Person of Vision gala on February 19, in conjunction with Vision Expo East in Orlando, Fla.
The Prevent Blindness Person of Vision Award recognizes an individual, corporation and/or organization whose inspired outlook champions healthy vision and its importance for a healthy life. The gala raised more than $300,000. All proceeds go to support the sight-saving programs of Prevent Blindness.
“All of us at Prevent Blindness extend our deepest gratitude to all of our sponsors and attendees for their roles in helping to make our 2025 Person of Vision gala, honoring Dr. Howard Purcell, another tremendous success,” said Jim McGrann, CEO of Advancing Eyecare, and Prevent Blindness Board of Directors Chair. “And special recognition to our all-volunteer committee, led by our tireless leader, Maureen Cavanaugh, for their tremendous efforts to plan a fabulous evening and raise funds for our important programs.”
EssilorLuxottica served as the Platinum sponsor. Jobson Optical Group was the Silver sponsor. Bronze sponsors were Advancing Eyecare, Bausch + Lomb, Keplr Vision, MyEyeDr., Vision Expo, and VSP Vision. Table+ sponsors included ABB Optical Group, AEG Vision, Amgen, CooperVision, EyeMed Vision Care, Johnson & Johnson Vision, MacuHealth, National Vision, Neurolens, NECO, Ocuco, Safilo USA, Silhouette, Vision Source, and Zeiss. Table sponsors were the 2024 Person of Vision Award recipient Mr. Ed Buffington, DigitalOptometrics, Europa Eyewear, Friends of Essilor, Optical Women’s Association, PECAA, Shamir, and The Vision Council. Zyloware was once again the Nightcap Reception sponsor.
During the gala, the first $10,000 in donations made to Prevent Blindness were matched by the Marco Family Foundation, David and Julie Marco. For those who would still like to contribute to Prevent Blindness, gifts may be made online, or by texting SIGHT to 1-833-711-1621 (message and data rates may apply).
For more information on the 2025 Prevent Blindness Person of Vision Award event, please contact Albert Muci at [email protected].
