One of our own — esteemed OWA member Sue Downes, who was the 2016 winner of the Pleiades Award — is now being honored by Prevent Blindness as their 2018 Person of Vision. Prevent Blindness aims to bring Americans to eye care in order to preserve sight, a mission that resonates deeply with Sue.
For Sue, preventing blindness is personal. She experienced a loss of vision in her left eye for six weeks while battling optic neuritis. Her experience with impaired vision was very scary, as are her continued problems with eye movement, color vision, and different prescriptions. Like most of us, Sue also has many friends with parents who suffer from macular degeneration. Her personal experiences have emboldened her to become a champion for healthy vision, an outlook that inspires her organization, MyEyeDr., and for which Prevent Blindness is recognizing her.
Since 2001, Sue has focused on improving the eye health of individuals. As the cofounder and CEO of MyEyeDr., she works to encourage annual eye exams, not just new eyewear, and educate patients on the importance of healthy vision. Through the optometric practices of MyEyeDr, Sue feels like she has the voice and ability to reach many patients and then listen to their needs.
Sue is extremely honored to be the recipient of Prevent Blindness's 2018 award. Although she is a 30-year veteran in the optical industry, this honor surprised her. Sue lives her mission of promoting healthy vision, just like Prevent Blindness. As a female recipient of the 2018 Prevent Blindness Person of Vision Award, Sue acknowledges that the stage is set for other women to blend their personal and professional passions to help others. Also, as an OWA member receiving this this award, there is an opportunity for more collaboration between Prevent Blindness and the OWA and in broadening Prevent Blindness's mission.
Supporting the OWA allows Sue to give back to the optical industry and support female leaders in it. Aligning with Prevent Blindness allows Sue to help people maximize their vision and minimize vision issues. You, too, can help Prevent Blindness by getting involved in your local chapter. Encourage your coworkers and company to get involved, stay abreast of volunteer opportunities via social media, and check out the Prevent Blindness website, which contains helpful and authoritative vision health content.
The 2018 Prevent Blindness Person of Vision Award will be presented to Sue on March 14, 2018, at the Prevent Blindness Person of Vision Dinner at the Lotte New York Palace in New York City, in conjunction with Vision Expo East. All proceeds from the event will go to support Prevent Blindness's sight-saving programs.
Congratulations, Sue! The OWA is proud of you!
Back to: January 2018 : January 2018 Newsletter