Sight for Life Founder Dr. Cathleen McCabe Named Visionary Leader by Ophthalmic World Leaders (OWL)

Award honors lifelong commitment to advancing diversity, innovation, and access to eye care

SARASOTA, Fla. – Nov. 04, 2025 – Sight for Life founder Dr. Cathleen McCabe has received OWL: Advancing Diversity in Leadership’s 2025 Visionary Leader Award. The honor was announced at OWL’s Signature Event during the American Academy of Ophthalmology annual meeting in Orlando.

OWL’s Visionary Leader Award recognizes individuals who have paved the way for diversity in eye care leadership through significant achievement. Nominees must demonstrate leadership throughout their careers, creating opportunities for others while advancing the profession.

A leading cataract and refractive surgeon and chief medical officer for Eye Health America, Dr. McCabe has performed more than 75,000 cataract surgeries using advanced bladeless laser technology. Deeply committed to advancing ophthalmic innovation, she has participated in numerous clinical trials involving new intraocular lenses, perioperative medications and therapies for glaucoma, dry eye disease and presbyopia. Dr. McCabe is a longtime volunteer and board member for Sight for Life, where she leads efforts to expand access to surgical and medical eye care in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

“I am deeply honored to receive OWL’s Visionary Leader Award,” Dr. McCabe said. “Diverse voices and experiences make our profession stronger and help us deliver better care to patients. I am grateful to the mentors and colleagues who have supported me, and I remain committed to creating opportunities for the next generation of leaders in eye care.”

About Sight for Life

Sight for Life is a volunteer-driven nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding access to medical and surgical eye care for the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Since 2000, the organization has partnered with the government of St. Vincent, the Lion’s Club, and local ophthalmologists to provide education, advanced technology, community outreach, and investments in healthcare infrastructure. Through these efforts, Sight for Life has impacted thousands of patients by performing sight-saving procedures, including cataract, glaucoma, and corneal transplant surgeries.  The organization also supports local eye care through clinics, glasses distribution, educational programs, and outreach to children’s organizations. Sight for Life is currently building the Cyrus Medical Center, a state-of-the-art surgical facility in St. Vincent slated to open in 2026. Named in honor of Dr. Cecil Cyrus, a trailblazing surgeon who dedicated his life to the St. Vincent community, the center will expand access to high-quality surgical and medical eye care while providing a global platform for medical education and training.  For more information, visit www.SightforLife.org.

About OWL: Advancing Diversity in Leadership

OWL: Advancing Diversity in Leadership is a nonprofit organization dedicated to driving innovation and patient care in ophthalmology through diverse leadership. Founded to promote professional development, mentoring, and collaboration across all career stages, OWL provides programs and resources that empower individuals to lead and excel in the eye care industry.  Each year, OWL honors outstanding leaders who exemplify its mission through its Leadership Awards, recognizing those whose vision, influence, and achievements have elevated the profession and created pathways for others to succeed. To learn more about OWL, visit owlsite.org.