NEW YORK—SUNY College of Optometry Foundation has announced that it will be hosting the first annual Value of Vision Breakfast on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, from 8:30 to 10 a.m. This complimentary, invitation-only event will serve as a tribute to several individuals who have transformed and championed health care and vision care through leadership, advocacy, philanthropy and visibility, according to the announcement. This year’s honorees include Neil Blumenthal and Dave Gilboa, co-founders and co-CEOs of Warby Parker; Dr. Robert W. Amler, dean of the School of Health Sciences and Practice at New York Medical College; and Daniel A. Biederman, president of Bryant Park Corporation and the 34th Street Partnership.

According to the Foundation, The Value of Vision Breakfast aims to connect influential leaders and community members in the greater New York City area, while raising awareness about SUNY College of Optometry and the University Eye Center. This event will highlight the importance of eyecare as a public health issue and the need to increase visibility, philanthropic support and awareness around this critical issue. SUNY Optometry fosters strong partnerships with other health care providers, as comprehensive eye exams can detect over 200 systemic diseases, extending beyond traditional eyecare.

According to the announcement, the recipients of this year’s awards demonstrate a level of personal accomplishment and dedication to vision and health care while supporting the next generations of visionaries and health care providers.

 
 (Clockwise from top left) SUNY College of Optometry Foundation’s Value of Vision event will honor Dave Gilboa and Neil Blumenthal, co-founders of Warby Parker; Dr. Robert W. Amler, dean of the School of Health Sciences and Practice at New York Medical College; and Daniel A. Biederman, president of Bryant Park Corporation and the 34th Street Partnership.
“Dave and I are honored to receive the inaugural Visionary Award from the SUNY College of Optometry Foundation,” said Blumenthal. “Since founding Warby Parker, our mission has been to provide vision for all, and over the last 14 years, that mission has guided us as we’ve grown the brand from an online-only optical retailer to a holistic vision care company. Our optometrists, many of whom graduated from SUNY, are key members of our team and enable us to deliver exceptional, high-quality vision care to patients every single day. Thank you for this honor, and congratulations to our fellow honorees Dr. Robert Amler and Daniel A. Biederman.”

“This award from the SUNY College of Optometry Foundation is especially meaningful to me because of the noble values and mission our professions share in the health space,” added Dr. Amler. “Congratulations to my fellow awardees, Neil Blumenthal and Dave Gilboa, co-founders of Warby Parker, and Dan Biederman, president of Bryant Park Corporation and the 34th Street Partnership.”

Seating for the Value of Vision Breakfast is limited, so interested individuals are encouraged to register here.