NEW YORK—The Optometric Center of New York, the affiliated foundation of the State University of New York (SUNY) College of Optometry, will recognize the contributions of several honorees and celebrate the recent opening of the Barbara Saltzman Center for Pediatric Eye Care in the College's facilities during the "Reframed: Eyes on New York Gala." Originally scheduled for March, the gala has now been planned as a virtual event on Thursday, Nov. 5. Proceeds from this year’s Eyes on New York Awards Celebration will support optometry student scholarships and vision care for patients at SUNY Optometry and the University Eye Center.

Eyes on New York is the signature annual event of the Optometric Center of New York (OCNY), the SUNY College of Optometry's affiliated foundation. This year's virtual celebration will kick off on Nov. 5 at 6:30 p.m. with an introduction by Danne Ventura, retired from Essilor of America, and will also include a welcome and remarks from president of the OCNY Board of Trustees, Dr. Richard Soden, and president of SUNY College of Optometry, Dr. David A. Heath.

Taking center stage at the celebration will be the contributions of four women to the advancement of optometric education, industry, and the profession, as well as the stories of students and patients who have benefitted from the care and generosity of donors.

Honorees include:
• Eva Kosanovic, Keeler USA – Eyes on Leadership Award
• Ella-Jane & Jessica Darcy, Funoogles – Eyes on Rising Stars Award
• Dr. Denise Whittam, Class of 1991 – Alumna of the Year Award
• Impact of Your Generosity – Stories from students and patients

The event is free thanks to the sponsors and supporters who donated, however, advanced registration at www.sunyopt.edu/gala is required. Sponsors include Coopervision, Designs for Vision, Glenmede, Dr. Ronald Millman, Essilor, Dr. Mark Feder, HaagStreit, Jobson, William Moran and VSP.

The evening will be topped by a talk with Brooklyn-native and “Queen of Cake,” Sylvia Weinstock, who will share the scoop behind her signature eyewear and the importance of vision care, followed by a musical performance by singer-songwriter and electronic violinist Deni Bonet.

Additional information and registration are available at www.sunyopt.edu/gala.