CooperVision recently reaffirmed its extensive philanthropic support for domestic and international optometry initiatives at the Academy of Optometry meeting in San Antonio this month.
“CooperVision has always been dedicated to strengthening optometry through industry partnerships. Making meaningful contributions to a range of like-minded organizations that support the optometric profession is one component of that effort,” said Simon Seshadri, Vice President of Marketing, North America.
CooperVision Professional and Academic Affairs representative Mark Andre was a featured speaker at the Armed Forces Optometric Society (AFOS) meeting, held at the Marriott Plaza San Antonio. As a top-level Patriot Sponsor, CooperVision assists AFOS in its mission to improve eye care for military personnel, veterans, and their families, elevating standards of practice.
While in Texas, the company also recommitted to its longstanding sponsorship of the American Academy of Optometry Foundation, which enables financial support through fellowships, scholarships, grants, and student and residency award programs. CooperVision began its support of the Foundation in 2014 and has given nearly $150,000 since that time. Company representatives attended the Foundation’s An Evening at the Grotto reception on Wednesday, November 7 to celebrate.
For the fourth consecutive year, CooperVision underwrote the Cornea, Contact Lenses and Refractive Technologies Resident Travel Fellowships, allowing 30 residents from U.S. and Canadian universities to make the trip to Academy ‘18. Recipients were recognized at the CooperVision booth.
On the evening of Friday, November 9, CooperVision sponsored the International Reception. During the festivities in the Lone Star Ballroom, CooperVision joined the International Association of Contact Lens Educators (IACLE) leaders in bestowing the prestigious IACLE Contact Lens Educator of the Year Awards to four members of the profession from Canada, India, and the Netherlands. In addition to its awards underwriting, CooperVision is the only Gold-level sponsor of the organization.
“Combining philanthropic contributions like these in support of current and future leaders in optometry, along with initiatives such as our Best Practices program and government advocacy efforts, make a measurable difference in how optometry is perceived and practiced. We’re enthusiastic about how our industry partnerships have evolved, and remain committed to partnering with eye care professionals and the organizations that support them,” noted Seshadri.
