Jan. 16, 2025 — Tickets and sponsorships are still available for the 2025 Prevent Blindness Person of Vision Award Gala, which will honor Howard Purcell, OD, FAAO, president and CEO of the New England College of Optometry (NECO). Coinciding with Vision Expo East, the gala is scheduled for Feb. 19 at the Hyatt Regency Orlando in Orlando, FL, with proceeds supporting Prevent Blindness. Individual tickets are priced at $400, with tables for 10 available for $4,000.

The Person of Vision Award recognizes individuals, corporations, or organizations for their contributions to advancing vision health. Dr. Purcell, a 2020 #EBGameChanger, has been chosen for his long-standing dedication to eye health programs and practices.

Donations made during the gala will be matched up to $10,000, thanks to a contribution from the Marco Family Foundation and David and Julie Marco. Those unable to attend can honor Dr. Purcell and support Prevent Blindness by purchasing program ads or making donations here.

Maureen Cavanagh of Advancing Eyecare is serving as the 2025 Person of Vision committee chair, overseeing committee members Deb Bulken of Luxottica Wholesale; Gary Chu, OD, of NECO; past award recipients Marc Ferrara and Rick Gadd; Peter Kehoe, OD, of EyeMed; Jim McGrann of Advancing Eyecare; Millicent Knight, OD, of Integrated Eye and Wellness; Marge Axelrad of Vision Monday; and Jamie Shyer of Zyloware.

“We are thrilled to honor Dr. Howard Purcell as our 2025 Person of Vision Award recipient, and to celebrate the occasion in a new location and venue in Orlando for Vision Expo East,” says Jeff Todd, president and CEO of Prevent Blindness. “We invite everyone to join us for a fantastic event commemorating Dr. Purcell’s life work and spend the evening connecting with leaders in the eye health community.”