GOLDEN, Colo.—Optometry Giving Sight has named Vic Connors, OD as CEO of the global fundraising organization in the U.S.

Connors will remain as chair of the National Committee in the U.S. and as a member of Optometry Giving Sight’s Global Board. He is the immediate past president of the World Council of Optometry; and is a past president of the AOA and the Wisconsin Optometric Association.

Connors fills a position held on an interim basis by Clive Miller, Global Deputy CEO of Optometry Giving Sight. Miller will continue to manage the strategic marketing and development of the global organization.

The National Committee of Optometry Giving Sight in the U.S. also welcomes new members. The Committee, chaired by Connors, now includes:
• Barry Weiner, OD—(Deputy Chair), Private optometrist
• Larry Hookway, OD—President, VOSH International
• Rick Weisbarth, OD—past-President American Academy of Optometry; Vice President, Global Head, Professional Development and Partnerships, CIBA Vision
• Jan Cooper, OD—CHSI Optometrist, Trustee, California Optometric Association
• Paul Karpecki, OD—researcher, educator and author

Professor Brien Holden, Global Chair of Optometry Giving Sight, is stepping down from the U.S. National Committee. “Dr. Connors is a passionate leader in optometry and the prevention of blindness. With his support and tireless efforts, Optometry Giving Sight has already been able to distribute $1 million to its priority projects,” said Professor Holden. “He will continue to exhibit tremendous leadership with the support of our fantastic board of optometric and humanitarian champions, a strong U.S. based staff and a core support system at the global level.”

The organization’s goals over the coming years include funding for projects that would screen more than 5 million people by 2009 and provide training and infrastructure development in communities that lack access to basic vision care services.

Optometry Giving Sight is a joint initiative of the World Optometry Foundation, the International Centre for Eyecare Education and the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness. National industry sponsors include CIBA Vision, the Institute for Eye Research, Marchon, Vision Source!, Signet Armorlite, AllAboutVision.com and EyeVis Eye and Vision Research Institute.