Dr. Horace Deal of Southeastern Eyecare Clinics was named one of 59 Philanthropists of the Year by Optometry Giving Sight for his 10 years of continuous monthly giving.
        As a Vision Source leader, Dr. Deal's support has directly resulted in Optometry Giving Sight providing more than $20 million to 72 projects in 38 countries.
        In the process Dr. Deal and other vision care providers have helped to support the establishment of 13 schools of Optometry/Optometry programs, train 749 new optometrists and optometric technicians; fund 133 vision centers and optical clinics; provide access to services for more than 7.6 million people; and support important national and international community education and advocacy programs.
        Optometry Giving Sight is an international nonprofit initiative that seeks to eradicate preventable blindness in developing parts of the world by partnering on projects that support sustainable eye care services.
        Dr. Deal was honored for his support as his award was announced at the Vision Source Exchange in Las Vegas earlier this year.
        Optometry Giving sight has made significant progress in the last 10 years thanks to the philanthropy of people like Dr. Deal and officials said they are grateful to him for his leadership and generous heart.