CHICAGO—Prevent Blindness America recently elected three industry veterans to its national board of directors. Brenda J. Luckritz, vice president of public affairs for Novartis (NYSE: NVS); Rick. Elias, senior vice president, optical and specialty materials for PPG Industries (NYSE: PPG) and CEO of Transitions Optical; and Richard Meier, president and chief operating officer of Advanced Medical Optics (NYSE: EYE) were elected to the board July 26 at the 2008 Summer Board Meeting here.

At Novartis, Luckritz is responsible for the creation of alliances with independent think tank organizations and policy-shaping groups. She brings to the organization more than 25 years of experience in a variety of fields, including marketing, economic development and legislative affairs.

Elias is currently responsible for PPG’s Optical and Specialty Materials reporting segment, which comprises the optical products business, including Transitions Optical, and PPG’s silicas business. He has had a role with Transitions Optical since the company was founded, serving as vice president of marketing and sales, and later as president.

Meier has served at AMO since 2002. He is currently responsible for AMO’s cataract and eye care businesses, as well as global operations and global service organizations.

"We are so fortunate to have these three talented individuals join our national board," said Hugh R. Parry, president and CEO of Prevent Blindness America. "Luckritz, Elias and Meier are all well respected in our industry and we look forward to their contributions toward our organization and the next 100 years of our sight-saving mission."