SUNY College of Optometry Foundation Names New Member to the Board of Trustees

(PRESS RELEASE) NEW YORK, NY — The SUNY College of Optometry Foundation recently named Jason Eckert to its board of trustees for a three-year term beginning earlier this month. Mr. Eckert is vice president and chief operating officer at Vision Serve Alliance. He has 25 years of professional experience in the Blind and Vision Impaired community. He is widely regarded for working closely with providers and partners in the blind and vision impaired community to remove impediments to success and foster the development of innovative, goal-oriented programs.

Jason Eckert

The SUNY College of Optometry Board meets at least four times a year. The core responsibilities include fiduciary oversight and securing resources to support student scholarships, vision research and patient care.

Mr. Eckert began his career as a rehabilitation counselor providing career services at Lighthouse International (now Lighthouse Guild). In 2000 he joined the New York State Commission for the Blind, where he rose to become downstate regional coordinator, a position he held for seven years. From 2021 to 2023 he served as the executive director at the Readers Digest Partners for Sight Foundation.

Mr. Eckert holds many postgraduate certifications in counseling, has completed several government executive training programs, and received many management and leadership awards. He has lectured widely on topics related to blindness and vision impairment. He earned an M.A. in Counseling and a B.A. in Psychology with a secondary field of study in Special Education from George Washington University.

Dr. Richard Soden, OD, FAAO serves as the president of the board of trustees and welcomed its newest member. “Adding Mr. Eckert will help strengthen key purposes of our board that include helping patients, students, and the community,” explained Dr. Soden. “It is through the dedication and commitment of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees that we are able to secure funding for programming that promotes opportunity and better health for all people.”

To make a donation visit here or to learn more contact the foundation at ocny@sunyopt.edu or 212-938-5600.