RALEIGH, N.C.—Local Eye Site and Icare USA announced the winners of the Outstanding Ophthalmic Technician Awards in four regions of the U.S. The awards recognize the quality care and dedication of ophthalmic technicians who demonstrate exemplary talents in clinical practices, patient care and collaboration. The awards program was established by Local Eye Site and is sponsored by Icare USA. Local Eye Site has granted awards to ophthalmic technicians twice before in previous years. Each winner will receive $500 in the form of a Visa gift card and the person who nominated the winner will receive a $250 gift card.

The winner in the Midwest region is Kristine Smallman of Williams Eye Institute in Hammond, Ind., nominated by Kristin DeLuna; the Northeast winner is Elizabeth Foley of Berks Physicians and Surgeons Ltd. in Wyomissing, Pa., nominated by Jessica Bohner; Charlene Seidel of Jacksonville Eye Center in Jacksonville, Fla., won in the Southeast and was nominated by Susan Corwin; Marilu Garcia of Eye Physicians Medical Surgical Center in Chula Vista, Calif., won in the West and was nominated by Gayle Howard.

Brad McCorkle, founder and CEO of Local Eye Site, said “We congratulate all winners and as well as the 277 individuals who participated in this program by nominating colleagues for the amazing work they do. I’m so impressed by this spirit of teamwork and support from ophthalmic professionals.”

Sponsor, Icare USA, is also providing an Icare Home tonometer to the ophthalmology practice where the winners are employed. The Icare Home tonometer is an easy and patient-friendly method for 24-hour monitoring of intraocular pressure to tailor the management of glaucoma patients and suspects, according to Icare USA.

“We’re delighted to show our appreciation to hard-working ophthalmic technicians,” said Icare president and CEO, John Floyd. “We’ve read countless inspirational stories and it’s clear to us that there are many individuals in this profession going above and beyond at work.”