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  • Orbital Gala 2016

    Orbital Gala 2016 guests Sonny D. Goel, MD; Ravi D. Goel, MD; Joseph T. Nezgoda, MD, MBA; Swati Goel, MD; Sidney K. Gicheru, MD; and Tomas A. Moreno, MD enjoyed the exhibits, dinner and dancing at Chicago’s renowned Field Museum.

    THE FOUNDATION’S 13TH ANNUAL ORBITAL GALA was one of the most successful galas to date, raising over $190,000 for Academy programs. More than 400 guests enjoyed dinner, dancing and pictures with Sue the T. rex, a fossil replica, at Chicago’s Field Museum. They also supported Academy programs with bids in the silent auction, which included ophthalmic equipment, travel experiences, designer fashion accessories and fine wine.

    Gala chairs Ruth D. Williams, MD, and Stephen C. Gieser, MD, MPH, hosted the event, which honored former EyeNet® Magazine Chief Medical Editor Richard P. Mills, MD, MPH, for his more than three decades of exceptional service to the Academy.

    The Orbital Gala has become the premier social event at the Academy’s annual meeting. Since its inception, the event has raised more than $2 million in support of the Academy’s educational, quality-of-care and service programs.

    Event Chairs
    Ruth D. Williams, MD
    Stephen C. Gieser, MD, MPH

    Host Committee
    Chris Albanis, MD
    Kathryn A. Colby, MD, PhD
    Mary Lou Lunde
    William F. Mieler, MD
    Christie L. Morse, MD
    Joseph T. Nezgoda, MD, MBA
    Purnima S. Patel, MD
    Ron Pelton, MD, PhD
    Peter A. Quiros, MD
    John R. Stechschulte, MD
    Prem S. Subramanian, MD, PhD
    Dalel Tartak, MD

    Corporate Supporters

    CHAMPION ($15,000+)
    Ellman, a Cynosure Company
    Lumenis
    Nextech
    Optos
    Shire

    PATRON ($10,000)
    Abbott Medical Optics
    Freeman
    Integrity EMR for Eyes

    STAR ($5,000)
    Allergan Foundation
    Clearside Biomedical
    Regeneron

    The Foundation thanks Orbital Gala founders Alice Lea and William Tasman, MD, for years of generous support. Dr. Tasman, who passed away in March 2017, touched the lives of ophthalmologists, residents and patients the world over. “We are grateful to Bill and Alice Lea for their remarkable leadership of the Orbital Gala. With exceptional vision and grace, they cultivated this fabulous event for 10 successful years,” said Orbital Gala Chair Ruth D. Williams, MD.

    Auction Donors
    Chris Albanis, MD
    Allergan
    American Academy of Ophthalmology
    Margarita Barnoya, MD
    Miranda Bishara, MD
    Patricia Bonsall
    Choose Chicago
    Minas Coroneo, MBBS, and Anna Coroneo
    DigiSight Technologies
    Jane C. Edmond, MD
    Ellman, a Cynosure Company
    EyeNet® Magazine
    William J. Faulkner, MD
    Grandstand Sports & Memorabilia
    Gulden Ophthalmics
    HEINE USA, Ltd.
    Integrity Digital Solutions
    Randolph L. Johnston, MD
    Janice C. Law, MD
    Richard and Jaci Lindstrom
    Lumenis
    Jeff Maltzman, MD
    Max Vision
    Jim Mazzo
    Tony McClellan
    Metropolitan Touring
    Mobius Therapeutics, LLC
    Museum of Vision
    Nextech
    Optos
    Purnima S. Patel, MD
    Ron and Wendy Pelton
    Jose A. Pitarque, MD, and Andrea D. Molinari, MD
    Peter A. Quiros, MD
    Reichert, Inc.
    George Reiss, MD
    Gail Schmidt
    Sonogage, Inc.
    Amanda Spivey
    John R. Stechschulte, MD
    Prem S. Subramanian, MD
    Dalel Tartak, MD
    Alice Lea Tasman
    TTI Medical
    Sue Vicchrilli
    Volk
    John Waldman
    Peter J. Whitted, MD, JD
    Ruth D. Williams, MD, and Stephen C. Gieser, MD, MPH

    DONOR SPOTLIGHT

    Leela V. Raju, MD

    LIKE MANY in our profession, I am proud to be an ophthalmologist. My father is also an ophthalmologist, and inspired my passion for medicine at an early age. He also instilled the importance of philanthropy and collaboration. The Foundation exemplifies these ideals by helping the Academy to educate ophthalmologists and improve patient care worldwide.

    For example, the Foundation funds the Academy’s global outreach programs, which provide educational materials such as the ONE Network and the Basic and Clinical Science Course to ophthalmologists in developing countries. Donor contributions also support the Rotary Club Host Project, which sponsors ophthalmologists from other countries to attend the Academy’s annual meeting. This opportunity provides physicians with educational, professional and networking experiences. They also learn new surgical techniques and treatment methods, which they can propagate to others when they return home.

    With improved learning opportunities, we can collaborate globally to improve the quality of life for our patients, and set residents and young ophthalmologists up for success. I am grateful to be an Academy member, and I am very happy to share the Foundation’s commitment to advancing ophthalmic education. By giving my energy and donations to the Foundation, I am paying it forward to future generations of ophthalmologists.

    Dr. Raju gives annually at the Leadership Council level ($2,500+).