SEE International Announces Humanitarian Award Recipients for its 50th Year

SEE International announced its Humanitarian Award recipients at a private event hosted by SEE International Board Chair Scott Groff and his wife Kohanya, at their Montecito estate, formerly owned by Michael Towbes, on Wednesday, October 23.

The evening soirée was limited to awardees, their significant others, SEE International staff and Board, and your Society reporter. Scott and Kohanya provided warm welcomes to everyone along with a cocktail reception and buffet dinner outside in the pool garden area. 

At dinner, Scott welcomed everyone and said, “I’m here tonight with my heroes – the doctors who donate their efforts. We on the SEE Board are happy to support you, and do whatever we can, but you do the magic. I just returned from Namibia and saw the incredible work you are doing. It takes a village of people to put this together; logistics, the skill of the doctors, the supplies, the organization. It is an exceptional thing you are doing and I’m so proud to be a part of this organization. Thank you all for coming.”

He was followed by SEE International President & CEO Donald Bell, who addressed the awardees. “You are important members of the SEE family locally and internationally, some who have traveled a great distance to be with us tonight. As leaders in the patient care and global ophthalmology movement, you have shaped patient care. Many are committed SEE International surgeons and corporate sponsors who have defined what humanitarian eye care looks like and how it can be effectively delivered. Along the way, you have sponsored a generation of surgeons, volunteers, partners, NGOs and advocates around the world. On behalf of the SEE Board and staff, we are privileged and fortunate to be in your company tonight, thank you. And thank you to Scott and Kohanya who have welcomed us into their stunning home.”

The awards were given by members of the SEE International staff with a statement on the accomplishments of the honorees. The awards were in two areas, as follows.

Honorary Humanitarian Awards for continued years of service went to renowned Namibian Dr. Helena Ndume; Dr. Preeti Shah and Dr. Janak Shah from Mumbai, India; French ophthalmic lenses manufacturer, Essilor International; and the late Dr. Michael Colvard.

The 2024 Humanitarian Awards went to Dr. Michael J. Paveloff, Dr. Jeremy Joseph, Dr. James B. Conahan,Dr. Reed Kindermann, Dr. Rajesh Saini, Matt and Lisa Lawenda fromlocal Carpinteria business Blue Planet Eco-Eyewear; Dr. Mark Silverberg from Sansum Clinic-Sutter Health; and the late Dr. George B.
Primbs, M.D.

Each awardee talked about their work, provided statistical surgical achievements and thanked SEE International for supporting their work. The event concluded with a photo op of all the honorees and Scott Groff.

411: www.seeintl.org