Frank Fontana, OD, a.k.a. “Uncle Frank,” shared some memories about Rick Bay with those at the dinner.
ATLANTA— A jam-packed room at the annual Review of Optometry dinner during SECO last month was filled with friends, co-workers and colleagues among the optometric community, who came together at this year’s event to pay special tribute to the late Rick Bay.

Bay, who was the long-term publisher and president of Review of Optometry and Review of Ophthalmology, and a dynamic business leader and mentor to many, passed away in December 2012. At the SECO dinner at Morton’s here, one of Bay’s favorite and signature events, many reminisced about Bay, his passion, enthusiasm and friendship.

Jeff MacDonald, CEO of Jobson Healthcare LLC (JHI), also used the occasion to announce that JHI has established a non-profit foundation in memory of Bay. The Rick Bay Foundation for Excellence in Eyecare Education will provide annual scholarships in the fields of both optometry and ophthalmology education.



 


 Allergan’s Julian Gangolli, (l), with Review of Optometry’s Mike Hoster (c), and John Rumpakis, OD (r).
The Vision Council’s Mike Daley, with SECO’s Elizabeth Taylor and Review of Optometry’s Aubrey Feeley.
The Rick Bay Excellence in Eyecare Education Scholarship in Optometry will be awarded to a student at Pennsylvania College of Optometry at Salus University, Elkins Park, Pa. and The Rick Bay Excellence in Eyecare Education Scholarship in Ophthalmology will be awarded to a student at Wills Eye Institute, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, Pa. Each of the selected students will be chosen by their school based on qualities that embody Rick’s commitment to the profession including integrity, compassion, partnership and dedication to the greater good.

The website is now live at RickBayFoundation.org. Marc Ferrara, CEO, Information Services Division, JHI, said, “Rick embodied a rare combination of traits: business savvy, steadfast loyalty, competitive fierceness, impenetrable integrity and a personal warmth. He welcomed us all into the professional and industry family he nurtured these past decades. We invite Rick’s many friends and colleagues to partner with Jobson Healthcare by means of a contribution to the Foundation.” ■

maxelrad@jobson.com