(L to R) Mitchell V. Brinks, MD, and Michelle Skinner.

CHICAGO—Prevent Blindness has announced that two new members have been elected to its board of directors. They are Mitchell V. Brinks, MD, co-director International Ophthalmology, medical director for Domestic Outreach, and assistant professor of Ophthalmology at the Casey Eye Institute at Oregon Health & Science University; and Michelle Skinner, chief network officer of VSP Global. The vote to elect Brinks and Skinner was held on July 14 at the Prevent Blindness Summer Board Meeting, according to the announcement from Prevent Blindness.

In his work at the Casey Eye Institute, Dr. Brinks implements epidemiological studies to investigate the areas and populations in Oregon most affected by vision impairment and blindness. In addition, he develops ways to address the issue. He also participates in resident training on community outreach programs, and supervises residents in their clinical and surgical educational programs. His clinical practice focuses on comprehensive ophthalmology and anterior segment surgery.

Dr. Brinks is also a past chair of Vision 2020 USA, as well as a member of a variety of organizations including the American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Medical Association, American Public Health Association and the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons. Finally, Dr. Brinks serves on the advisory committee for the Center for Vision and Population Health at Prevent Blindness. He will be the new chair of the Public Health and Policy Committee at Prevent Blindness.

Skinner is responsible for VSP’s doctor network, and connects the organization’s nearly 90 million members with the providers that best meet their needs. She leads a variety of network-related business areas, including VSP Ventures, VSP Retail, and Strategic Partnerships, and is responsible for the organization’s doctor-facing functions and programs including the VSP Global Premier Program, which she helped develop and launch.

She began working with VSP in 1994 through Altair Eyewear. Since then, Skinner has served in a variety of senior sales leadership roles, including with Marchon Eyewear. She has been honored as part of Vision Monday’s Most Influential Women in Optical award in 2016 and 2009. She holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Organizational Communications from CSU Sacramento.

Jeff Todd, president and CEO of Prevent Blindness said, “The Prevent Blindness board of directors consists of leaders across various industries and institutions. We welcome Dr. Brinks and Ms. Skinner to our Board of highly esteemed individuals and look forward to their significant contributions to our organization and our sight-saving mission.”

A full list of the Prevent Blindness board of directors is available online.