JUNE 2026 | VOL 6

BEAUTY OF SIGHT CELEBRATES LEADERSHIP, SERVICE, AND IMPACT AT 2026 ANNUAL INSTALLATION GALA

On May 30, 2026, Beauty of Sight welcomed supporters, partners, and community members to its Annual Installation Gala at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Sunrise, Florida.

The evening celebrated the individuals, achievements, and milestones that continue to advance our mission to create a world without blindness. Leadership for both Beauty of Sight and the Beauty of Sight Foundation remains unchanged this year. Joel Levenston, PVDG, continues to serve as President of Beauty of Sight, and Marta Ramirez continues as President of the Beauty of Sight Foundation. Together, they remain dedicated to strengthening the organization’s impact and advancing its life-changing work in the year ahead.

The gala also featured the presentation of two distinguished awards. William Buras, Director of Business Development at Beauty of Sight, received the Ross Carr Award in recognition of his outstanding service and dedication to the organization. The Orange Blossom Lions Club received the Jimmy Nelson Award for its longstanding support, fundraising efforts, and commitment to advancing our mission.

Additionally, Beauty of Sight’s staff and board members were recognized for their dedication, leadership, and contributions over the past year. Their collective efforts continue to drive the success and growth of our vision-saving programs and services.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our event sponsors, Wells Fargo Private Bank and Calamos Wealth Management, whose continued generosity year after year makes this special evening possible and strengthens our ability to serve those in need.



With support from our leaders, volunteers, partners, donors, and community members, Beauty of Sight remains committed to restoring vision, preserving sight, and creating a world without blindness.

JOEL MENENDEZ DECADES HELPING OTHERS IMPROVE THEIR VISION

Joel Menendez is remembered for his warmth, humor, and lifelong dedication to helping others see the world more clearly. Joel’s story continues to inspire through the gift he gave to others.



He spent 40 years as an optician, touching countless lives at respected institutions, including Bascom Palmer in the 1980s, Miami Lakes Eyecare Center Optical, and later Exceptional Vision, where he retired. Following his passing, Joel gave one final gift that perfectly reflected the life he lived, the gift of sight through cornea donation.

His family shared that after decades of helping others improve their vision, it felt fitting that his final act would allow others to experience the beauty of the world in his honor.

Beyond his career, Joel was known for his vibrant spirit and ability to connect with everyone he met. A lifelong sports enthusiast, he passionately supported Miami’s teams and enjoyed playing soccer and tennis well into his 60s.

Above all, he will be remembered for his kindness, humor, and the light he brought into the lives of others. Today, Joel’s legacy lives on through the gift he gave, continuing to bring clarity, hope, and renewed sight to others.

ELIZABETH FOUT ELECTED TO EBAA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Beauty of Sight is proud to announce that Executive Director Elizabeth Fout, MHSA, CEB, was elected to the Board of Directors of the Eye Bank Association of America (EBAA) during the Association’s Annual Meeting held in early June.

The EBAA is the internationally recognized organization that establishes medical standards, accredits eye banks, promotes research and education, and advances the field of eye banking throughout the United States and around the world. Election to the EBAA Board of Directors is a significant professional honor and reflects the confidence of eye banking professionals nationwide.

Elizabeth will serve a two-year term on the Board of Directors, helping guide the strategic direction of the Association and shape the future of the eye banking profession.

This is not Elizabeth’s first leadership role within the EBAA. She previously served two terms as Secretary/Treasurer from 2020 through 2024, where she also chaired the Finance Committee and worked closely with fellow Board members to support the Association’s mission and financial stewardship.

“I am honored by the trust and confidence of my colleagues and grateful for the opportunity to serve the profession that has meant so much to me throughout my career,” said Fout. “As eye banking continues to evolve through new technologies, innovations in transplantation, and advancements in patient care, we have an incredible opportunity to shape the future of vision restoration. I look forward to working with my fellow Board members to ensure EBAA remains at the forefront of these advancements while upholding the standards of excellence that have defined our profession for decades.”

With more than 25 years of experience in eye banking, Elizabeth’s election further reflects Beauty of Sight’s longstanding commitment to leadership, innovation, and excellence in service. We congratulate her on this achievement and look forward to the contributions she will make during her term on the EBAA Board of Directors.