[bc]ANDREA GLUCK HONORED BY NEW YORK CHILDREN’S VISION COALITION [/bc]
MINNEAPOLIS, February 27, 2004 – The Optical Women’s Association (OWA) today announces its member, Andrea Gluck, co-president, Eyewear Designs, Ltd., will be recognized by the New York Children’s Vision Coalition a their annual award reception, “Eyes of the Future.” The reception will be held on March 24 at 6 p.m. at The Penn Club, 30 West 44th Street, New York. The evening’s events will include a cocktail party, award program and silent auction. All proceeds from the silent auction will benefit the Coalition’s programs.

“The Children’s Vision Coalition is important because its work is focused on assuring that all children have comprehensive eye and vision care,” said Gluck.

The New York Children’s Vision Coalition’s mission is to assure comprehensive eye care for all New York’s children. The Coalition brings together educators, parents, healthcare professionals, philanthropists, political leaders, private industry and the general community to preserve and protect the gift of sight for New York’s children.

“An investment in eye care made early in a child’s life assures that child an equal opportunity to excel in school and society,” said Dr. Norman Haffner, board president, New York Children’s Vision Coalition.

The facts:
o One in every four children has an undetected vision problem
o Vision disorders are the leading cause of handicapping conditions in childhood
o 86% of all children do not receive a comprehensive eye exam before starting school

Gluck was selected for this honor based on her active involvement and commitment to children’s vision care. She was the New York Children’s Vision Coalition’s first president. Gluck is the vice-chairperson for the Vision Council of America (VCA) and sits on the boards of the Gift of Sight Program and the American Liver Foundation. She recently received the OWA’s Pleiades Award for fostering the growth of women in the optical industry. She is also actively involved with UJA-Optical Division, Prevent Blindness New York and the Helen Keller Association.

Gluck joined Solitaire Designs in 1974. Over the last thirty years, Solitaire Designs evolved into Eyewear Designs, Ltd., where she currently serves as co-president. Eyewear Designs, Ltd., is a leading optical company that designs and distributes eyewear to wholesalers and retail chains throughout the world.

For more information about the New York Children’s Vision Coalition and its activities, contact Rosemary Clemens at 212-997-3500 or rosemaryclemens@aol.com.

About the OWA

The OWA, founded in 1997, exists to enhance and promote the leadership role of women in the ophthalmic industry through networking and peer support. The association’s program includes the Star Network mentoring program, networking events and resource and presentation of the annual Pleiades award. The association also publishes an annual Networking Directory and optical calendar. Further information is available by visiting www.opticalwomen.com.