Raising $250,000 for children with visual impairments and their families, this year’s gala celebrated Beyond Blindness’ dynamic 60-year history of creating a world where children with visual impairments and other disabilities are empowered to achieve their fullest potential. More than 250 sponsors, partners and families celebrated together at the Marconi Automotive Museum in Tustin, enjoying a keynote speech from Paralympic gold medalist Becca Meyers and the organization’s signature dining in the dark experience.
Beyond Blindness was proud to honor two dedicated board members at the event with the newly created Dr. Wilhelm de Nijs Vision Award, named for our founder and first executive director. The award recognizes outstanding individuals who have made significant contributions to changing the lives of those living with visual impairments.
Congratulations to our inaugural recipients: Dr. Ashish Mehta, Chief of Ophthalmology at Southern California Permanente; and Dr. Catherine Heyman, Assistant Dean at Marshall B. Ketchum University.
Specializing in pediatric ophthalmology, Dr. Ashish Mehta has served on the board of directors for the past eight years. He is at the forefront of modern medicine, providing initial diagnoses to patients and then connecting them to ongoing care at Beyond Blindness. Dr. Catherine Heyman has been a key supporter of the Low Vision Clinic for the past 25 years. In addition to serving on the board of directors for the past three years, she has served on the Ophthalmic Advisory Board and spent time as the chair of the board governance committee. Both individuals have played an instrumental role in helping Beyond Blindness evolve to meet the changing needs of children and families.
The event was made possible by generous sponsors, including OSRX Pharmaceuticals and Eide Bailly, along with the Thompson Family Foundation (Diamond Sponsor); The Glaukos Charitable Foundation, Wine Country Gift Baskets and the Konopisos Family (Decade Sponsors); and FivePoint and Carol Trapani (Uplifter Sponsors).