SAN ANTONIO—CooperVision, one of the world’s leading contact lens providers, reaffirmed its extensive philanthropic support for domestic and international optometry initiatives during this year’s annual meeting of the American Academy of Optometry (AAO). Held here Nov. 7 to 10 at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, the meeting drew thousands of eyecare professionals, researchers, educators and students every year. “CooperVision has always been dedicated to strengthening optometry through industry partnerships. Making meaningful contributions to a range of like-minded organizations that support the optometric profession is one component of that effort,” said Simon Seshadri, vice president of Marketing, North America.

According to a release from the company, CooperVision professional and academic affairs representative Mark Andre was a featured speaker at the Armed Forces Optometric Society (AFOS) at the Marriott Plaza San Antonio, Texas. As a top-level patriot sponsor, CooperVision assists AFOS in its mission to improve eyecare for military personnel, veterans and their families, elevating standards of practice.

Also while in Texas, the company recommitted to its longstanding sponsorship of the American Academy of Optometry Foundation, which according to CooperVision, provides financial support through fellowships, scholarships, grants, and student and residency award programs. CooperVision began its support of the Foundation in 2014 and has given nearly $150,000 since that time. Company representatives attended the Foundation’s An Evening at the Grotto reception on November 7 to celebrate.

For the fourth consecutive year, CooperVision is underwriting the Cornea, Contact Lenses and Refractive Technologies Resident Travel Fellowships, allowing 30 residents from U.S. and Canadian universities to make the trip to Academy ‘18. Recipients were recognized at the CooperVision booth on Nov. 8.

On the evening of Nov. 9, CooperVision sponsored the International Reception. During the festivities in the Lone Star Ballroom, CooperVision joined the International Association of Contact Lens Educators (IACLE) leaders in bestowing the prestigious IACLE Contact Lens Educator of the Year Awards to four members of the profession from Canada, India and the Netherlands. In addition to its awards underwriting, CooperVision is the only gold-level sponsor of the organization.