Eyecare Business delivers the latest updates across the eyecare industry, from appointments to achievements and other notable news. This week’s update includes news from Prevent Blindness, ClearVision Optical, and CooperVision.

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Prevent Blindness announced the promotion of five staff members as part of its effort to expand its impact and implement a new five-year strategic plan:

• Kira Baldonado, MPH, has been named executive vice president, a newly created position aimed at strengthening organizational growth and partnerships. Baldonado joined Prevent Blindness Ohio in 2003 as director of marketing and community services. She most recently served as vice president of public health and policy of the National Center for Children’s Vision and Eye Health at Prevent Blindness and has played a key role in the organization’s public health and advocacy efforts.
• Sarah R. Hecker has been promoted to vice president of marketing. She joined Prevent Blindness in 2004 as director of media relations to lead branding, communications, and social media initiatives. In her new role, she will oversee the launch of national campaigns and work to increase public awareness of the organization's mission.
• Ken West is now vice president of digital content. He leads the organization’s digital strategy, managing web platforms including PreventBlindness.org and the Living Well With Low Vision resource. West works across departments and with state affiliates to strengthen digital engagement and outreach.
• Sara D. Brown, MPA, has been named senior director of government affairs. After spending several years as a legislative and staff aide in the U.S. Senate and as associate director with the Medical Group Management Association, she joined the organization in 2017 and has helped grow its policy presence on Capitol Hill. She will continue to lead advocacy efforts, including support for federal funding and legislation related to eye health.
• Nita P. Sinha, MPH, has been promoted to senior director of public health. Sinha, who joined Prevent Blindness as director of public health in 2009, oversees educational initiatives and leads the annual Focus on Eye Health Summit. She also manages several of the organization’s advisory committees on topics including diabetes-related vision issues and glaucoma.

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ClearVision Optical has been recognized for the 10th time as one of the Best Companies to Work for in New York. The honor was awarded by the New York State Society for Human Resource Management, Best Companies Group, and the Rochester Business Journal. The program is based on a two-part evaluation process, which includes a confidential employee survey and a detailed company application that reviews workplace practices, benefits, and employee engagement initiatives.

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The Ohio State University College of Optometry has awarded CooperVision the Neal J. Bailey Optometry Medal for Development in recognition of the company’s contributions to optometric education and its role in helping fund a new eyecare clinic at the university—a six-story facility with 56 exam rooms that facilitates a range of services including primary vision care, dry eye treatment, vision therapy, and contact lens services.