FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, November 20, 2024
New York, NY: SUNY College of Optometry Foundation proudly hosted the first annual Value of Vision Breakfast on Tuesday, November 19, 2024. The event, which brought together esteemed honorees, scholarship students, and passionate advocates, shed light on the critical importance of eye care as a public health issue.
The Value of Vision Breakfast served as a platform to emphasize the role of eye care as a gateway to the broader healthcare system. It highlighted the need to increase visibility, philanthropic support, and awareness surrounding this vital issue. The event showcased profoundly personal testimonials, underscoring the impact of the Foundation's work in the lives of individuals and communities.
Melinda Morvai, a scholarship student from the Class of 2026, shared her inspiring journey at the event. She expressed her gratitude for the scholarships that enabled her to pursue her academic aspirations while actively participating in community-focused organizations. Morvai, a first-generation student, overcame challenging personal circumstances to pursue her dream at SUNY Optometry. She stated, "Being able to attend and continue optometry school in New York City represents years of strength and hard work—not just mine, but my family's as well."
Nicole Greevy, a patient of the University Eye Center for over 20 years, emotionally recounted a “perfect storm of events” that led to a harrowing eye injury she experienced two years ago. She described the exceptional care and compassion she received at the center, emphasizing its crucial role in saving her sight. Greevy emphasized, "Everyone's incredible care and compassion really moved me and still does to this day. The University Eye Center truly helped save my sight."
Dawn Rigney, Executive Director of the SUNY College of Optometry Foundation, highlighted the power of human connection in her address. She acknowledged the presence of attendees who were personally invited by friends or colleagues, emphasizing the importance of personal relationships in driving engagement and support.
The Value of Vision Breakfast also recognized exceptional individuals who have made significant contributions to business and healthcare. This year's honorees included Neil Blumenthal and Dave Gilboa, Co-Founders and Co-CEOs of Warby Parker; Dr. Robert W. Amler, Dean of the School of Health Sciences and Practice at New York Medical College; and Daniel A. Biederman, President of Bryant Park Corporation and the 34th Street Partnership.
Neil Blumenthal, co-founder and co-CEO of Warby Parker, spoke about the company's commitment to providing vision for all through their Buy a Pair, Give a Pair program. To date, over 15 million pairs of glasses have been distributed through the program. He also shared, "Warby Parker would not have the impact it has without our dedicated optometrists and the broader vision care community."
In her closing remarks, Dawn Rigney, Executive Director of the SUNY College of Optometry Foundation, reflected upon Dr. Amler’s, statement, "No one really cares how much we know until first, they know how much we care." Rigney urged attendees to share their newfound knowledge, provide feedback on the Foundation's case for support, and consider investing in the value of vision for the future.
The Value of Vision Breakfast served as a powerful reminder of the transformative impact of eye care and the importance of supporting initiatives that ensure vision for all. SUNY College of Optometry Foundation remains committed to its mission and looks forward to continuing its work in collaboration with partners, advocates, and the broader community.
Media Contact: Rob Rosiello, [email protected]
About the SUNY College of Optometry Foundation
Founded in 1956, SUNY College of Optometry Foundation (Formerly the Optometric Center of New York), serves as an example of what partnership among visionary community leaders, education, vision organizations and businesses can accomplish. Since its inception, the Foundation has demonstrated an ongoing commitment to supporting vision care for underserved populations; educating the next generation of optometrists including providing merit and need-based scholarships to students; and advancing research into the complex human visual system.
About SUNY Optometry
Founded in 1971 and located in New York City, the State University of New York College of Optometry is a leader in education, research, and patient care, offering the Doctor of Optometry degree as well as MS and PhD degrees in vision science. The College conducts a robust program of basic, translational and clinical research and has 65 affiliated clinical training sites as well as an on-site clinic, the University Eye Center. SUNY Optometry is regionally accredited by the Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools; its four-year professional degree program and residency programs are accredited by the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education of the American Optometric Association. All classrooms, research facilities and the University Eye Center, which is one of the largest optometric outpatient facilities in the nation, are located on 42nd Street in midtown Manhattan. To learn more about SUNY Optometry, visit www.sunyopt.edu.