SEE International’s 50th Anniversary and Humanitarian Awards Dinner

A SENSATIONAL BLACK-TIE GALA

The 50th Anniversary Gala of See International at the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort attracted the creme de la creme of the SEE International team and guests, including a bevy of See International ophthalmologists, eye surgeons, and additional professionals who have a long history working with the organization that is renowned for its mission to end preventable blindness around the world, and most were celebrating in their black-tie and sparkling best.

Guest arrived decked out in the black and gold code for a memorable 50th anniversary evening that included a fun filled formal cocktail hour on the upper rotunda, a three course dinner with award presentations and live entertainment, as well as a fabulous black and gold after party where guests enjoyed dancing the night away in Rodney’s to music by Andrew Manos. The 50th Gala attendees included local, national and international medical professionals, partners, and financial supporters of See International.

Donald Bell, SEE’s Chief Executive Officer, welcomed guests and commented on the value and importance of this occasion: “Our 50th anniversary marks a significant milestone, made possible by the unwavering support of our community, the dedication of our volunteers, and the generosity of our partners. This gala is a celebration of our collective achievements and a catalyst for our shared vision of the future. We invite you to join us as we continue our mission to make a positive difference,” he said.

Guest speakers included Dr. Helena Ndume, Dr. Jeff Levenson & Dr. Rupert C. Chowins, Dr. Madhavi Reddy and Dr. Rajesh Saini.

Dr. Michael Paveloff, SEE International Board Member, owner of Paveloff Vision Center and event sponsor with Dr. Steven Carter, was among those honored with the 2024 Humanitarian Award, along with his long-time friend Dr. George B. Primbs, MD, FACS Ophthalmologist and eye surgeon who passed away on January 7, 2024.

Dr. Primbs was a Trustee Emeritus of SEE International, MD, FACS Ophthalmologist and eye surgeon who was a key figure at SEE International since its inception in 1974.

Others honored included James B. Conahan, M.D., Reed Kindermann, M.D., Jeremy Joseph, M.D., Rajesh Saini, M.D., Blue Planet Echo Eyewear, and Sansum Clinic – Now Part of Sutter Health.

As an ophthalmologist and surgeon, Dr. George B. Primbs specialized in the diagnosis of diabetic retinopathy. He provided free eye exams for people with diabetes and worked with the minimally underserved through SEE’s Santa Barbara Care Program beginning in the early 1980s.

Dr. Primbs, the recipient of numerous awards, attended UCLA School of Medicine and interned at UCLA Hospital, served as an eye surgeon and Captain in the U.S. Airforce and was in private practice from 1962-1995. He was a clinical professor at the Jules Stein Institute UCLA Medical Center, and a researcher at the Neuroscience Institute at University of California.  He was loved by so many, including my own son, who through the efforts of Dr. Primbs, SEE International and Dr. Michael Paveloff has his sight today.

I’m sure we are among an endless list of people who have eternal gratitude to these brilliant and generous SEE International doctors and will keep them at the top of our prayer list forever. Within our own community, SEE’s local program, SEE Vision care has served over 75,000 people in the greater Santa Barbara area.

“The joy we see on the faces of those who have regained their sight is the result of great teamwork and the generosity of all who have contributed to this cause,” said Dr. Madhavi Reddy, SEE Ophthalmologist and Board Member.

SEE International has provided 5 million people with 750,000 sight restoring surgeries since 1974, reaching great heights in their mission to end preventable blindness. SEE International envisions a world where preventable blindness no longer exists, and where quality eye care is accessible to all. They appreciate supporters whose efforts break the cycle of hardships caused by blindness and visual impairment, making patients, families and communities healthier and stronger.

The 2024 SEE International honorary committee included Keith Moore, Beverly Cavalieri, Caryl Crahan, Gary Simpson, George Leis, Hiroko Benko, Jody Dolan Holehouse, Katherine Murray-Morse, Mara Abboud, and Missy Chandler De Young,

Generous sponsors for the 50th Anniversary Gala included: Alcon – Ophthalmic Ambassador, Drs. Ilene & Jeff Levenson – Eyesight Advocates, Genentech – The Julia Stearns Dockweiler Charitable Foundation – Drs. Madhavi & Sundeep Reddy – Robert Behrens – Optical Partners – The Hutton Parker Foundation – Champion of Sight: Dr. Michael Paveloff &  Dr Steven Carter, Pavloff Vision Center, Support of Sight – Cen Cal Health, Sansum Clinic, now part of Sutter Health, David & Patricia Markoff, Drs’ Randall & Karen Goodman, Shepard Eye Center, Howard  Lynn Hudson, and Montecito Bank & Trust.

For additional information or to donate please visit: www.seeintl.org.