NEW YORK—Allan Barker, OD, the president of eyecarecenter, will serve as corporate chair at the upcoming Optometric Center of New York’s 12th annual “Eyes on New York” Gala at The Plaza in New York City on March 20.
 
As previously reported by VMail, this year’s Gala will honor Angel Alvarez, founder and CEO of the ABB Optical Group. The annual gala is the marquee fundraising event for the OCNY, the foundation of the SUNY College of Optometry, which supports educational, patient care, research and community activities at the College.
 
With over 50 locations throughout North and South Carolina, eyecarecenter was founded in 1954 and Barker has been president since 1977. He is a graduate of the Southern College of Optometry (SCO) and has served on the SCO’s Alumni Council, 75th Anniversary Committee and as the preceptor of its externship program.  Barker holds or has held positions on the Essilor National ECP Advisory Panel, the Wharton Chief Executive Optometrist Program, board of directors of Opticare Health System, Inc. (AMEX), board vice president of Optometry Cares (the charity foundation of the American Optometric Association) and is a past president of the North Carolina State Optometric Society.  He is also a recipient of the 1994 North Carolina Entrepreneur of the Year award.
 
“We are very pleased that Dr. Barker has agreed to serve as our Corporate Chair,” said Ann Warwick, the OCNY’s executive director. “He has a distinguished career in vision care and a well-known commitment to philanthropy bringing together the two underlying themes of this year’s Eyes on New York Gala.”
 
In addition to Barker, State University of New York Chancellor Nancy L. Zimpher will serve as honorary chair of the event.
 
Details about the SUNY Gala, including information about tickets and participation in the salute journal are posted here as well as via Ann Warwick at SUNY at awarwick@sunyopt.edu.