Event

Annually, Sight Savers America holds a special celebration that brings together a comprehensive representation of Alabama’s eye care community, as well as corporate and community leaders across Alabama. This event raises awareness of the work of Sight Savers America and honors the recipient of our Hall W. Thompson Hero For Sight Award. This annual award is presented to an individual or organization whose impact on children’s eye care has been both lasting and profound.

The inaugural year for the Sight Savers America Hero For Sight Event was 2014. Our 2024 event will take place on TUESDAY, APRIL 30, at The Club in Birmingham.

Click here for sponsorship information – https://sightsaversamerica.org/sponsorship-information/

Hero For Sight Award Recipients & Artists are listed below:

2024 – TBA Artist: TBA

2023 John Mascia, Au.D., President, Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind Artist: John Bramblitt

2022Dawn K. DeCarlo, OD, PhD, Director, UAB Center for Low Vision Rehabilitation Artist: Robert Steinem

2021William “Bill” Burrus, Chairman of the Board, Sight Savers America Artist: Mary Dignan-Rosten

2020Torrey DeKeyser, Executive Director, EyeSight Foundation of Alabama Artist: Mary Dignan-Rosten

2019 – Dr. Kathy Weise, Director of Pediatric Optometry, UAB School of Optometry  Artist:  John Bramblitt

2018Edwina Taylor, Executive Director, Cahaba Valley Health Care  Artist:  Ricky Trione

2017Doyce Williams, President & CEO, Alabama Eye Bank  Artist:  George Mendoza

2016Monday Morning Quarterback Club & Quarterbacking Children’s Health Foundation  Artist:  Amy Monthei

2015Hartwell Davis, Jr Artist:  Allan Eddy

2014Songs for Sight  Artist:  Jeff Hanson


Sight Savers America Tribute Wall

In 2014, the UAB Callahan Eye Hospital in Birmingham dedicated a 25-foot tribute wall in their first floor lobby to Sight Savers America.

A unique part of the space displays an original work of art by an artist with severe visual impairment. The artwork, commissioned by Sight Savers America, is displayed for one year as the centerpiece of the tribute wall to honor the current Hero For Sight Award recipient.

The space also includes a plaque that shares the mission and scope of Sight Savers America’s work, a plaque honoring Hall Thompson’s role in improving children’s vision in Alabama, a plaque recognizing the current Sight Savers America Hero For Sight Award recipient and artist, and a plaque recognizing all award recipients throughout the years.

Media & Coverage from prior HERO FOR SIGHT events: