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NEW YORK—The Optometric Center of New York will honor four women dedicated to advancing eyecare, who are leading the vision and health care field at the 17th annual Eyes on New York Awards Celebration on Friday, March 27. The annual event is part of the State University of New York College of Optometry’s mission to highlight the importance of vision and eyecare within population health. This year's ceremony, which will be held as a cocktail reception event, will also commemorate the March opening of the Barbara Saltzman Center for Pediatric Eye Care a 5,000 square foot, state-of-the-art facility accommodating the growing need for both basic and advanced pediatric eye care within the University Eye Center at the College. The 2020 Eyes on New York awards and honorees include:

• Eyes on Leadership: Eva Kosanovic, president of Keeler, medical devices and ophthalmic supply company.

• Eyes on Rising Stars: Jessica and Ella-Jane Darcy, founders of Funoogles—a children’s eyewear company that allows kids to easily change the colors of their frames.

• Alumna of the Year: Denise Whittam, OD, class of 1991, optometrist at Cohen’s Fashion Optical and professional affairs consultant at Johnson & Johnson Vision Care.

Proceeds from Eyes on New York Awards and Gala will support student scholarships and patient care at SUNY Optometry and the University Eye Center.

The new Barbara Saltzman Center for Pediatric Eye Care will feature eight state-of-the art examination rooms, a sensory room (the “chill room”), consultation space, pediatric optical dispensing, and a centrally located area (the “Collaboration Zone”) for multiple disciplines to engage in collaborative practice, assuring optimal patient outcomes.

Saltzman, who passed away late last month, had served as president of the board of trustees for the Optometric Center of New York (OCNY), the College's related foundation. A gift of $1.28 million will support key priorities for both the OCNY and the College, which include completing the construction and equipping of the college’s new state-of-the-art pediatric eyecare center and the establishment of a new endowed student scholarship fund.

Details about sponsorships and tickets for the Eyes on New York event are posted here.