Gala Event Nets $115,000 to Support Mission of Prevent Blindness America
CHICAGO (Feb. 15, 2013)– Prevent Blindness America (PBA), the nation’s leading volunteer eye health and safety organization dedicated to fighting blindness and saving sight, honored Jim Mazzo, senior vice president, Abbott and president, Abbott Medical Optics (retired), as the recipient of its 2013 Person of Vision Award. The award was presented to Mazzo at the PBA Person of Vision Dinner on Feb. 2, 2013 at the Balboa Bay Club & Resort in Newport Beach, Calif. The event also netted over $115,000 to support the work of Prevent Blindness America.
PBA board member Paul Howes and Jim Mazzo
The PBA Person of Vision Award recognizes an individual or corporation for outstanding leadership and dedication in the field of vision and eye health. Mazzo was recognized for his career accomplishments and leadership in the eye health and eye care industry which includes senior executive-level positions at both AMO and Allergan. He has committed personal time to education, serving on several university boards as well as supporting other non-profits including Prevent Blindness America, the University of California, Irvine and the Gavin Herbert Eye Institute.
Julian Gangolli, president of Allergan North America and PBA board member, spoke at the event and served as chairperson for the 2013 Person of Vision Committee. Other event speakers included Hugh R. Parry, president and CEO, Prevent Blindness America; Tom Sullivan, patient advocate; David Pyott, Chairman of the Board, President & CEO Allergan Inc.; Gavin Herbert, Chairman Emeritus, Allergan and founder of the Gavin Herbert Eye Institute.
Abbott Medical Optics Inc. and Allergan Inc. served as the event gold sponsors. Silver Sponsors were Beacon Healthcare Communications, the David & Julianna Pyott Foundation, Microsemi, PSKW. MedForce was the event Bronze Sponsor.
“We were excited to recognize Mr. Jim Mazzo for his commitment to eye health through his many years of leadership in the vision industry as well as his philanthropic efforts,” said Hugh Parry. “Thanks to everyone who joined us in honoring Jim Mazzo and helped support the sight-saving programs and services of Prevent Blindness America.”
Download a copy of the press release.
