Setting the Stage for Optical Industry Honors

NEW YORK—With The Big Apple as a vibrant backdrop, the optical community honored several industry “stars” on March 15. At the famed Cipriana’s, the SUNY “Eyes on New York” Gala paid tribute to John Carrier, president and CEO of Essilor of America, Inc., and Jim Murphy, VP/general manager U.S. Vision Care for Alcon Laboratories, Inc. The Gala, sponsored by the Optometric Center of New York, the foundation of the State University of New York (SUNY) College of Optometry, marked the 57th Anniversary of the foundation and the 42nd Anniversary of the College. The College includes the University Eye Center, one of the largest vision care facilities in the country and the Graduate Center for Vision Research. According to Ann Warwick, the foundation’s executive director, this annual event supports the foundation’s community outreach programs such as vision care for the homebound elderly and indigent, scholarships and vision science research.

Serving as co-chairs for the event, are Marc Ferrara, CEO, Information Services Division, Jobson Medical Information, and Dave Plogmann, senior VP, Optical Partnerships, Luxottica Retail. The event featured a cocktail reception, dinner and entertainment.

That same night in a different part of town, the Optical Women's Association (OWA) paid tribute to three optical industry “stars” as it presented honorary awards at its 15th Anniversary Celebration and Award event at the Milk Gallery. The networking reception, was open to both OWA members and non-members. Jobson Optical Group’s Marge Axelrad received the OWA’s 2013 Pleiades award. The OWA’s Pyxis Award was presented to Tiara Claxton, OWA member and sales consultant for Safilo, USA. The first OWA Lifetime Achievement Award was given to Grady Culbreth, of Grady & Associates, Inc. Culbreth was unable to attend and her award was accepted on her behalf by OWA member Valerie Manso.

For more VEE 2013 related slideshows, please follow the links below:
Party Time at Vision Expo East 2013
VEE Show Shots 2013

SUNY Eyes on New York Gala »

At the Eyes on New York Gala to benefit SUNY College of Optometry, were, (l to r) Marc Ferrara, CEO, Information Services Division Jobson Medical Information; honoree John Carrier, president and CEO of Essilor of America; and Richard Feinbloom, president, Optometric Center of New York.

SUNY Eyes on New York Gala »

Also honored at the Eyes of New York gala was Jim Murphy, vice president, general manager, U.S. Vision Care, Alcon Laboratories (c). With him are Dave Plogmann, senior vice president, Optical Partnerships, Luxottica Retail (l) and David A. Heath, OD, president, SUNY College of Optometry (r).

SUNY Eyes on New York Gala »

AOA president Ronald L. Hopping, OD, with past presidents Dori Carlson, OD, and Joe Ellis, OD.

SUNY Eyes on New York Gala »

Honoree John Carrier, president of Essilor of America, with his wife, Karine Carrier.

SUNY Eyes on New York Gala »

Honoree Jim Murphy of Alcon with Andrew Buzzelli, OD, Dean, University of The Incarnate Word, Rosenberg School of Optometry, and Rick Weisbarth, OD, FAAO, vice president, professional affairs, Alcon Laboratories.

SUNY Eyes on New York Gala »

Danne Ventura, Director of Professional Relations for Essilor of America and Dr. David Heath, SUNY.

SUNY Eyes on New York Gala »

Pam Colucci and Bob Colucci, chairman of the Essilor Vision Foundation.

SUNY Eyes on New York Gala »

Dave Sattler, director professional relations-academic development at Alcon Laboratories.

OWA Awards Reception »

Optical Women’s Association award winners Tiara Claxton, Safilo (r) and Marge Axelrad, Jobson, receive the Pyxis and Pleiades Award.

OWA Awards Reception »

The founding members of the Optical Women’s Association, (l to r) Lorinda Fraboni, Christie Walker, Stephanie DeLong, Marge Axelrad, Linda Little and Valerie Manso, are honored at the Friday night event at the Milk Gallery.