Dr. Sandra Block, WOF Trustee

Dr. Sandra S. Block, O.D., M. Ed., MPH, FAAO, FCOVD is a Professor Emeritus  at Illinois College of Optometry, Global Clinical Advisor and consultant to the Special Olympics Lions Clubs International Opening Eyes program, and co-chair of the National Center for Children’s Vision and Eye Health. Dr. Block received her O.D. degree (1981) and Pediatric Residency (1982) at the Illinois College of Optometry where she is a faculty member. She completed her Master of Education at National Louis University and her Master of Public Health from the University of Illinois, School of Public Health. She is a Diplomate in Public Health and Environmental Vision at the American Academy of Optometry and a Distinguished Fellow of the National Academy of Practice. She sits on the Prevent Blindness Board of Trustees and recently joined the VISION 2020 Board of Directors.

She has been a consultant to the Special Olympics Lions Clubs International Opening Eyes program since 1995 and has been instrumental in developing the vision program globally.  Her interests lie in primary care for children and persons with disabilities, as well as diagnosis and treatment of visually related learning problems as well as public health issues facing the equity and quality of eye care delivery.

Dr. Block has authored numerous publications and conducted presentations worldwide. In September 2023, she was installed as WCO President for the 2023-2025 term, having previously been elected as the WCO President-Elect in November 2021 and serving in this role for just under two years. Prior to this, Dr. Block served on WCO’s Board of Directors as the Public Health Committee Chair.