INDIANAPOLIS, IN – For the past six years, Eye Surgeons of Indiana has proudly served as the presenting sponsor of the Indiana Blind Children’s Foundation (IBCF) Through the Looking Glass Gala. The relationship goes far beyond a corporate sponsorship; it is a deeply personal connection to a mission that changes lives.
The IBCF empowers Indiana youth who are blind or have low vision to reach their full potential by providing year-round resources and support to the youth and their families. Recently, several of our renowned surgeons reflected on their personal experiences with the foundation and what drives their continued support. This year's Through the Looking Glass Gala, held on October 24 at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Noblesville Conference Center, achieved a record-breaking milestone by raising just over $298,000 to advance the foundation's vital work.
A Direct Connection to the Mission
Having practiced with Eye Surgeons of Indiana for over two decades, Anthony Lombardo, M.D., Ph.D., lives near the historic location of the Indiana School for the Blind and Visually Impaired (ISBVI). Attending the Gala has brought the realities of the foundation’s work closer to home.
“It's changed my whole perception, now that I know more about the school and the foundation,” Dr. Lombardo explains. “I'm able to run or drive past those buildings, and I know what goes on inside — it makes it even more heartwarming.” He notes that the IBCF Gala creates a powerful, direct connection between the support given and the actual difference made in the children's lives.
Leveling the Playing Field
For Patrick Hopen, M.D., the community-based, patient-centered culture at Eye Surgeons of Indiana is exactly what drew him to the practice in 2016. As a parent himself, Dr. Hopen feels a profound personal connection to the children the foundation helps.
“We're all there with a common goal of helping these kids,” Dr. Hopen says. “I see the students who come up and speak, and as a parent, that could be my child or anybody's child up there. They're starting with a little bit of a disadvantage with a visual impairment, but our goal is to say, 'How can we level this playing field for them?'” He urges fellow physicians to attend the inspiring event, noting that attendees will leave with "a lot more appreciation and determination for your job."
Inspired by Pure Intentions
Since joining the team in 1999, Paul Cacchillo, M.D., has dedicated his career to helping patients see better and restoring their vision. However, the dedication of the IBCF team continually moves him.
Dr. Cacchillo is regularly brought to tears by the Gala’s incredible guest speakers. He credits the tireless work of IBCF Chief Executive Officer Laura Alvarado and Gala Committee Co-Chairs Amanda Madore and Lindsey Jordan. “They're doing it because they're really good people, and they want to make the world better for everybody, including the visually impaired,” says Dr. Cacchillo. “They're like angels that walk on earth. When I'm around them and see what they do, I just feel like I want to be a better person.”
A Partnership Woven into Our Fabric
The relationship between Eye Surgeons of Indiana and the Indiana Blind Children’s Foundation is a shared commitment to creating opportunities and brighter futures.
Laura Alvarado, CEO of IBCF, recently shared her thoughts on the partnership: “Eye Surgeons of Indiana has become woven into the fabric of our foundation. Their support goes well beyond sponsorship; they have built meaningful relationships with our students, families, and community. For years, their physicians and team have shown up with generosity, compassion, and a genuine commitment to our mission.”
Eye Surgeons of Indiana remains committed to delivering state-of-the-art surgical care while continuing to uplift the Indianapolis community and support the incredible children of the IBCF.
To learn more about the Indiana Blind Children's Foundation and how you can support their mission, visit their website. For more information on the world-class vision care provided by our team, contact Eye Surgeons of Indiana today.
