Prevent Blindness honored Howard Purcell, OD, FAAO, president and CEO of the New England College of Optometry (NECO), with the 2025 Prevent Blindness Person of Vision Award during its annual gala on Feb. 19, coinciding with Vision Expo East.

The Person of Vision Award recognizes individuals, corporations, or organizations that advocate for healthy vision. The gala raised more than $300,000, with all proceeds supporting Prevent Blindness programs.

Ahead of the event, EB caught up with Dr. Purcell and Prevent Blindness president and CEO Jeff Todd to hear more about this commendable recognition as well as the Person of Vision Award gala.

“All of us at Prevent Blindness extend our deepest gratitude to all of our sponsors and attendees for their roles in helping to make our 2025 Person of Vision gala, honoring Dr. Howard Purcell, another tremendous success,” says Jim McGrann, CEO of Advancing Eyecare, and Prevent Blindness board of directors chair. “And special recognition to our all-volunteer committee, led by our tireless leader, Maureen Cavanaugh, for their tremendous efforts to plan a fabulous evening and raise funds for our important programs.”

The Marco Family Foundation, along with David and Julie Marco, matched the first $10,000 in donations. Contributions to Prevent Blindness can still be made here.

The 2025 Person of Vision Committee featured representatives from across the optical and vision care industry, including past award recipients and professionals from organizations such as NECO, Luxottica Wholesale, and EyeMed, chaired by Maureen Cavanagh of Advancing Eyecare.