Chicago – September 15, 2026 -- Prevent Blindness will present its 2027 Person of Vision Award to Reade Fahs, Executive Chairman of National Vision Holdings, Inc., the nation's leading eye-health advocacy organization announced.
Gala set for March 10, 2027, at The Venetian Resort in Las Vegas during Vision Expo
The award ceremony will coincide with Vision Expo, with all proceeds directed toward Prevent Blindness's sight-saving programs.
Fahs led National Vision for 23 years, building one of the largest U.S. optical retail chains
Fahs took the helm of National Vision in 2002 and served as CEO through 2025 before moving into the Executive Chairman role. Under his leadership, the company's portfolio expanded to include America's Best, Eyeglass World, Vista Optical and DiscountContacts.com.
Board tenure at VisionSpring and RestoringVision delivered eyeglasses to over 50 million people
Fahs chaired VisionSpring for more than a decade and served on the boards of both VisionSpring and RestoringVision, nonprofits that supplied prescription eyewear to underserved populations worldwide.
Four-decade career began at LensCrafters, spanned European retail and startup leadership
Fahs entered the optical industry in 1986 in a junior marketing role at LensCrafters, later becoming Managing Director of Vision Express UK and Ireland in 1997. He then served as CEO of European internet startup FirstTuesday before returning to the optical sector to lead National Vision in 2002.
Selection committee draws executives from EssilorLuxottica, Jobson Interactive and Europa Eyewear
Deb Bulken of EssilorLuxottica chairs the 2027 award committee, which also includes Marge Axelrad, Marc Ferrara, Jerilyn Johnson, Alex Louw, Jim McGrann, Megan Molony and Jamie Shyer.
"I'm honored to be recognized by Prevent Blindness and humbled to join such an outstanding group of past recipients," Fahs said.