The Visionary Award was established by the EyeSight Foundation of Alabama on the occasion of its tenth anniversary in 2007 to recognize extraordinary service by an organization or an individual in addressing the unmet eye care needs of Alabama’s citizens.
Latest recipients
Torrey Van Antwerp DeKeyser served as Executive Director of the EyeSight Foundation of Alabama for 22 years. She was a tireless advocate for vision and eye research, education and access to care. Mrs. DeKeyser also was a masterful relationship builder, resulting in fruitful collaborations and partnerships throughout the country. She received the Visionary Award on April 28, 2022, at her retirement celebration, where she was also named Executive Director Emerita.
Christopher A. Girkin, MD, MSPH, FACS, FARVO, served as Chair of UAB Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences for more than nine years. Dr. Girkin’s clinical practice focuses on the treatment of pediatric and adult glaucoma and complex cataracts, while glaucoma, optic neuropathy, and the higher prevalence of these diseases among people of African ancestry are the primary focus of his extensive research. Dr. Girkin is a transformational leader who led the DOVS to an unprecedented #5 ranking in National Institutes of Health funding during his tenure. He received the Visionary Award on May 17, 2022, in conjunction with the 25th anniversary celebration of the EyeSight Foundation.
For a downloadable list of all Visionary Award winners, click here for the PDF.