Rick Weisbarth, OD, FAAO.

GENEVA, Switzerland—After more than four decades in the optometric industry, Dr. Rick Weisbarth, Alcon’s vice president of professional affairs, has announced his retirement, effective at the end of March. Dr. Weisbarth’s commitment to partnering with eyecare professionals has helped Alcon shape the future of eyecare, according to the company. Carla Mack, OD, will be transitioning to a combined role of global and U.S. head of professional education and development at Alcon (formerly known as professional affairs), according to a spokesperson.

Sean Clark, general manager, US Vision Care for Alcon said, “Rick leaves a strong legacy at Alcon. He’s been a strong advocate for the profession of optometry and has consistently brought the perspective of the ECP to our business. We value the strategic partnership he provided to the US Vision Care team throughout the years and wish him all the best for life in retirement.”

Over a career that has spanned almost 42 years, the majority with CIBA Vision and Alcon, Dr. Weisbarth has greatly contributed to the evolution of Alcon history, including many successful mergers and initiatives with CIBA Vision and Novartis.

Dr. Weisbarth was born and raised in Fairview Park, Ohio and received his doctor of optometry from Ohio State University in 1980. He later completed the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s first cornea and contact lens residency in 1981.

 
 Carla Mack, OD.
Dr. Weisbarth then began his journey with Alcon in 1982, when he joined CIBA Vision as a clinical research optometrist. He also worked in progressively responsible roles for its global and North America franchises, in the U.S. and Switzerland, where he held a number of different positions in clinical research, professional development and partnerships, and professional services and most currently, as vice president, professional affairs.

Dr. Weisbarth has published and lectured internationally on a variety of contact lens and lens care related topics. He is a fellow of the American Academy of Optometry and a diplomate in its section on cornea, contact lenses & refractive technologies. He served on the American Academy of Optometry’s executive council and board of directors and was president of the Academy in 2007 – 2008. Additionally, he has served as past chairperson of the Contact Lens Institute (CLI) and chair of the National Academies of Practice in Optometry (NAPO).

As Dr. Weisbarth moves to the next phase of his career, he will continue to serve as president of the Alcon Children’s Vision Center, where he will champion for accessible eyecare for children of all ages.