CHICAGO— Prevent Blindness America, has elected Sandra S. Block, OD, of the Illinois College of Optometry, Tracy L. Dieterich, of Wells Fargo Insurance Services USA, Inc. and Michael R. Pender, CPA, of Cavanaugh & Co. LLP, to the PBA Board of Directors. The vote was held at the 2010 Annual Board Meeting in Chicago on Nov. 13.

“As we enter 2011, we look to our National Board of Directors to help guide us to achieve our ongoing mission of preventing blindness and preserving sight,” said Hugh R. Parry, president and CEO of Prevent Blindness America. “We welcome Dr. Block, Mr. Dietrich and Mr. Pender to the board and look forward to their leadership and expertise on moving our organization forward.”

Dr. Block, Medical Director of School Based Services and Director of School Based Research, has been on the faculty since 1982 specializing in eyecare for children and persons with disabilities, as well as the process of diagnosis and treatment of visually-related learning problems. In addition to her volunteer work, she has been a member of both the Public Health and the Scientific Committee and contributed heavily to the children’s vision screening protocols for Prevent Blindness America. Dr. Block currently serves as spokesperson for the new “Star Pupils” children’s eye health education program of Prevent Blindness America.

Dieterich is currently senior vice president responsible for Wells Fargo Insurance Services benefits practice in Houston where he serves clients in the southwest. Dieterich started his career in the insurance industry in 1988 and has worked for major insurance carriers like CIGNA and Great-West Healthcare, as well as two of the top five largest insurance brokerage firms in the world. He previously served on the Prevent Blindness Texas regional board in Dallas and currently serves on the Prevent Blindness Texas state board in Houston.

Pender, a partner at Cavanaugh & Co. LLP, specializes in all areas of public accounting including auditing, tax and small business accounting and services. He has served as the past treasurer and board member for Prevent Blindness America as well as chair of Audit Committee. Pender also served as chairman and treasurer for the Prevent Blindness Florida Board of Directors.