FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For more information:
Prevent Blindness Ohio
Dori Jennings
(614) 270-0746
[email protected]
Prevent Blindness People of Vision Celebration Features Keynote Dr. Frederic Bertley, Recognizes Franklin County Community Based Correctional Facility
April 3, 2024 (Columbus, OH) – Prevent Blindness Ohio (PBO) featured keynote speaker Dr. Frederic Bertley, President & CEO of the Center of Science and Industry (COSI), at its People of Vision luncheon event at COSI in Columbus.
Since 1985, Prevent Blindness Ohio has recognized and awarded select organizations and their leaders for outstanding leadership and community service. The annual event has recently evolved into the People of Vision Celebration, where community visionaries are invited to share with guests their personal journey in establishing a vision for their community and seeing it through to fruition. The People of Vision event has become one of Central Ohio’s premier charitable events in support of PBO and its mission to prevent blindness and preserve sight.
COSI has been voted the #1 science museum in the nation 4 years in a row by USA Today. Affectionately known as Dr. B., he is truly an exemplary visionary in Central Ohio. During the event, Dr. Bertley shared with everyone his passion about democratizing access to STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math). Dr. B. supports this through a myriad of innovative programs, commitment to outreach and ubiquitous engagement.
At the luncheon, PBO also took the opportunity to present its Community Partner in Vision Award to the Franklin County Community Based Correctional Facility (FCCBCF), for their partnership with PBO and their critical role in bringing vision care to medically underserved communities.
“PBO was proud to feature Dr. Bertley and share information about the fantastic programs and experiences at COSI and to recognize the Franklin County Community Based Correctional Facility for its partnership with PBO,” Amy Pulles, President and CEO of Prevent Blindness Ohio, stated. “Half of all blindness is preventable, and the number of individuals who are blind or visually impaired is expected continue to grow exponentially unless we continually address the problem. Furthermore, it is estimated that the economic impact of visual disorders and disabilities costs approximately $6.1 billion annually in Ohio,” she explained.
About Prevent Blindness Ohio
Founded in 1908, Prevent Blindness is the nation’s leading volunteer eye health and safety organization dedicated to fighting blindness and saving sight. The Ohio Affiliate of Prevent Blindness serves all 88 Ohio counties, providing direct services to 1,000,000 Ohioans annually and educating millions of consumers about what they can do to protect and preserve their precious gift of sight. For more information or to contribute, call 800-301-2020 or donate here. Visit us at pbohio.org. Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/pbohio/ and X: twitter.com/PB_Ohio
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