Prevent Blindness announced that the 2027 Prevent Blindness Person of Vision Award will be presented to Reade Fahs, executive chairman, National Vision Holdings, Inc. The award recognizes an individual whose inspired outlook champions healthy vision and its importance for a healthy life. An all-volunteer committee selected Fahs for his leadership in the optical industry combined with a commitment to expanding access to vision care for those in greatest need, Prevent Blindness said in a news release.
"Reade Fahs embodies the spirit of the Prevent Blindness Person of Vision Award," said Jeff Todd, president and CEO of Prevent Blindness. "Throughout his career, he has led the industry with a deep commitment to improving the lives of people across the world through the gift of sight. As we honor Reade, we hope his example inspires others to join us in creating a future where everyone has the knowledge, support, and access to care they need to protect their sight."
Commenting on being the Person of Vision Award recipient, Fahs said: "I’m honored to be recognized by Prevent Blindness and humbled to join such an outstanding group of past recipients. For more than 40 years, I’ve had the privilege of working with people who believe that better vision can open doors and improve lives. I look forward to celebrating with friends and colleagues across the industry while supporting the vital work Prevent Blindness does for people and communities around the world."
Fahs has been a member of the optical community in the United States and Europe for 40 years. Beginning his career in a junior marketing position with LensCrafters in 1986, he later became the managing director of VisionExpress UK and Ireland in 1997. In 1999, Fahs became the CEO of FirstTuesday, an early-stage European Internet start-up company. In 2002, Fahs assumed leadership of National Vision and led the company for 23 years as CEO before becoming executive chairman in late 2025. Under his leadership, National Vision grew into one of the nation’s leading optical retailers, with a portfolio that includes America’s Best and Eyeglass World, Vista Optical, and DiscountContacts.com.
In addition to his achievements in the corporate realm, Fahs has been actively involved in providing eye exams and glasses to those in need around the globe. He has served on the board of directors of both VisionSpring and RestoringVision and served as chairman of VisionSpring for over a decade. During his board tenure VisionSpring and RestoringVision helped provide prescription eyeglasses to more than 50 million people worldwide.
Recent Prevent Blindness Person of Vision Honorees in the optical industry include Jim McGrann, Advancing Eyecare; Howard Purcell, OD, New England College of Optometry; C. Edward Buffington, GPN Technologies; Megan Molony, Europa Eyewear; Rick Gadd, Essilor of America; Marc Ferrara, Jobson Interactive; VSP Global and Michael Guyette; Glenn Ellisor, OD, and Jim Greenwood, Vision Source; Sue Downes, MyEyeDr.; and Marge Axelrad, Vision Monday/Jobson Optical Group.
The Person of Vision Award Gala will be held on March 10, 2027, at The Venetian Resort, Las Vegas, in conjunction with Vision Expo. All proceeds from the annual celebration will support the sight-saving work of Prevent Blindness, the organization said in the press release.