NEW YORK—With The Big Apple as a vibrant backdrop, the optical community honored several industry veterans on March 15. At the famed Cipriana’s, the SUNY “Eyes on New York” Gala paid tribute to John Carrier, president and CEO of Essilor of America, Inc., and Jim Murphy, VP/general manager U.S. Vision Care for Alcon Laboratories, Inc.

The Gala, sponsored by the Optometric Center of New York, the foundation of the State University of New York (SUNY) College of Optometry, marked the 57th Anniversary of the foundation and the 42nd Anniversary of the College. The College includes the University Eye Center, one of the largest vision care facilities in the country and the Graduate Center for Vision Research.

According to Ann Warwick, the foundation’s executive director, this annual event supports the foundation’s community outreach programs such as vision care for the homebound elderly and indigent, scholarships and vision science research.

Serving as co-chairs for the event, were Marc Ferrara, CEO, Information Services Division, Jobson Medical Information, and Dave Plogmann, senior VP, Optical Partnerships, Luxottica Retail. The event featured a cocktail reception, dinner and entertainment. ■

 
 
At the Eyes on New York Gala to benefit SUNY College of Optometry, were, (l to r) Marc Ferrara, CEO, Information Services Division Jobson Medical Information; honoree John Carrier, president and CEO of Essilor of America; and Richard Feinbloom, president, Optometric Center of New York.

Also honored at the Eyes of New York gala was Jim Murphy, vice president, general manager, U.S. Vision Care, Alcon Laboratories (c). With him are Dave Plogmann, senior vice president, Optical Partnerships, Luxottica Retail (l) and David A. Heath, OD, president, SUNY College of Optometry (r).






(L to R) AOA president Ronald L. Hopping, OD, with past presidents Dori Carlson, OD, and Joe Ellis, OD.

Honoree John Carrier, president of Essilor of America, with his wife, Karine Carrier.






(L to R) Honoree Jim Murphy of Alcon with Andrew Buzzelli, OD, Dean, University of The Incarnate Word, Rosenberg School of Optometry, and Rick Weisbarth, OD, FAAO, vice president, professional affairs, Alcon Laboratories.

Danne Ventura, Director of Professional Relations for Essilor of America and David A. Heath, OD, SUNY.






Pam Colucci and Bob Colucci, chairman of the Essilor Vision Foundation.

Dave Sattler, director professional relations-academic development at Alcon Laboratories.