CHICAGO--Prevent Blindness America, the nation’s leading volunteer eye health and safety organization dedicated to fighting blindness and saving sight, will honor actress Jane Seymour and five corporate partners at the organization’s Centennial Gala at the Waldorf Astoria on Jan. 10, 2008.

Although Prevent Blindness America is currently based in Chicago, the group will hold its celebration in New York, the birthplace of the organization.

Five companies that have provided generous support to Prevent Blindness America over the years, Alcon, Allergan, Novartis, Pfizer and VSP, will also be honorees at the event.

TV personality, Willard Scott, is the emcee for the event. Actor/musician Tom Sullivan will present Seymour’s award.

Individual tickets may be purchased for $500 each online at www.preventblindness.net/gala. Tables for up to 10 persons are also available. Ticket prices include cocktails and entertainment, a full-course dinner, awards ceremony and the Prevent Blindness America Centennial commemorative book, and an opportunity to bid on items from the silent auction.

Seymour has been personally affected by macular degeneration through her mother, Meike, who was diagnosed with the disease more than 20 years ago and recently passed away. “Although there is no cure for macular degeneration, I’m encouraged about the new advances being made to help curb the effects,” said Seymour. “Simply through early diagnosis and treatment, the severity of vision loss can be lessened.”

Said Hugh R. Parry, president and CEO of Prevent Blindness America, “In 1908, two New York ophthalmologists decided to make a difference and improve vision care for infants. Thanks to our volunteers and supporters, such as Ms. Seymour, who continually donate their time and efforts to protecting vision, we’re embarking on our next century of saving sight.”

For details on tables, reservations or more information, please contact Colleen Robbins at (312) 363-6023 or [email protected].