SEE INTERNATIONAL - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Director of Development and Communications
I am passionate about SEE's mission because I believe everyone should have access to the health services they need, when and where they need them.
Job Titles:
- Vice President of Programs
Arianna Castellanos joined SEE International in January 2021 as our Vice President of Programs. Before joining the SEE team, Arianna worked at CenCal Health, a non-profit community-based health care organization administering Medi-Cal benefits through local care providers in the Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties. Arianna has also worked for Allergan Medical's compliance department, where she primarily focused on International dermal reporting.
She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from California State University of Northridge, and currently serves on the Santa Barbara Public Health, Health Center's board and the Board of Directors for Family Service Agency.
Brian Kelly has many years of expertise as a computer scientist, technology consultant, aviation consultant and vintner. He has been an active member on the Board of SEE International for over 13 years. Brian is married with four children and is actively involved in multiple non-profit organizations.
Brian received his Bachelor's degree from Point Loma Nazarene University in History and Political Science. He holds a Master of Business Administration with a specialization in aviation and a Master of Aeronautical Science with a specialization in operations from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University. He is also a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Air War College.
I believe that restoring sight is one of the most cost effective ways of reducing poverty, and I am proud of SEE International's mission and dedication to establishing more sustainable eye care systems around the world.
Dante J. Pieramici, M.D., regularly trains international ophthalmologists from underserved areas around the world. An esteemed ophthalmologist himself, he is also the Co-Director of the California Retina Research Foundation, a partner of the California Retina Consultants, Assistant Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology at the Doheny Eye Center in Southern California, and serves on the Board of Directors at SEE International.
Dr. Lauren Shatz is a board-certified ophthalmologist with subspecialty training in refractive cataract surgery with premium intraocular lenses and corneal diseases. He has served the Pioneer Valley community with offices in Northampton and Amherst, Massachusetts since 2003.
After obtaining his undergraduate degree in English Literature at the University of Michigan, Dr. Shatz received his medical degree from Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia. He completed his residency in ophthalmology at the Boston University Medical Center. Dr. Shatz then went to complete his training with a subspecialty fellowship in Cornea and Refractive Surgery at the world-renowned Bascom Palmer Eye Institute. US News and World Report has consecutively ranked Bascom Palmer as the #1 eye hospital in the country.
Dr. Shatz is dedicated to using state-of the-art technology and surgical techniques to provide exceptional care for his patients. Using the most advanced intra-ocular lens (IOL) technology including Toric, Multifocal and Extended Depth of Focus IOLS, Dr Shatz is able to customize the cataract procedure to match the unique needs and specific visual goals of each patient. He pioneered the "Dropless" cataract surgery technique in this region. His other professional interests include laser refractive cataract surgery, advanced corneal transplantation surgery and glaucoma care.
Volunteer work is an important component of Dr. Shatz's career. On a yearly basis, he provides free eye care services to underserved populations in countries where quality health care can be scarce and not taken for granted. On SEE International programs, he has traveled to Cambodia, India, Vietnam and Honduras at the invitation of local governments to perform cataract and corneal surgery in conjunction with teams of local healthcare providers.
Dr. Shatz also serves as an instructor for SEE International, teaching other US Surgeons cataract surgery techniques valuable in low-resource settings.
George B. Primbs, MD, FACS, has been a key figure at SEE International since its inception in 1974. As an ophthalmologist and eye surgeon, Dr. Primbs specializes in the diagnosis of diabetic retinopathy. He has provided free eye examinations for people with diabetes, and the medically underserved, through SEE's Santa Barbara Vision Care program since the early 1980's.
Dr. Primbs received his medical degree from UCLA School of Medicine, and completed his surgical internship at UCLA Hospital. After serving as an eye surgeon and Captain in the U.S. Air Force, he earned his ophthalmology degree from UCLA. He worked as an ophthalmologist in private practice in Santa Barbara from 1962 to 1995. He remains extremely active in nonprofit organizations, as reflected by his continued involvement with SEE International. Today, Dr. Primbs is Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology at Jules Stein Eye Institute at UCLA Medical Center, and a researcher at the Neuroscience Institute at University of California.
Dr. Primbs has received many prestigious awards, including: the Lions Sight and Hearing Award, in 1994; the Jules Stein Eye Institute Teaching Award at UCLA, in 2003; and, the W.D. Sansum Award for distinguished service to the community, in 2013.
George Rudenauer is a leader in the fields of luxury marketing and digital communications. Former positions of prominence include Director of Public Relations & Retail Marketing - The Americas for Tiffany & Co (1997-2005); Senior Vice President & Deputy General Manager for Edelman Worldwide (July 2007-July 2008); and Vice President of Public Relations & Digital Communications for Remy Cointreau USA, Inc (Jan. 2009-April 2012). He previously studied marketing strategy at Stanford University, Harvard University, and the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.
Job Titles:
- International Programs Coordinator
I am passionate about SEE's mission because I believe everyone should have access to the healthcare services they need. I am honored to be part of the team as SEE's efforts in restoring sight allow people to follow their dreams, care for their families and improve their quality of life.
Job Titles:
- Secretary
- Treasurer
- Principal of Howard Hudson CPA & Company
Howard Hudson is the Principal of Howard Hudson CPA & Company. He has a Bachelor of Arts, Business Administration from the University of Redlands, 1969. He has more than 35 years of experience in the areas of auditing, accounting and business consulting.
Jeffrey Levenson, M.D., is a board certified ophthalmologist, and medical director of Levenson Eye Associates in Jacksonville, Florida. He has an extensive history of volunteering with SEE, joining the organization in 2009. Since then, he has traveled to several clinic locations in Peru, El Salvador, and Mexico, providing free eye exams and sight-restoring surgeries to those who would otherwise not have access to proper vision care.
In addition to serving on the SEE Board of Directors as the Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Levenson is a member of several local and national medical societies, and is an Associate Clinical Instructor of Ophthalmology with the University of Florida. He has served as Chief of the Section of Ophthalmology of Baptist Medical Center, and is active with several charitable medical organizations including Volunteers in Medicine, Vision is Priceless, and We Care Jacksonville. He has coordinated the Gift of Sight program in Jacksonville for over 20 years, which provides free cataract surgery to blind and medically indigent patients.
Dr. Levenson received his bachelor's degree in Biology with honors from Princeton University. He received his medical degree from the University of Florida College of Medicine. He served his residency training in Ophthalmology at Emory University where he also served as Chief Resident. Dr. Levenson currently lives in Jacksonville, with his wife, Ilene. When not restoring sight, he enjoys traveling, running, mountain biking, and other outdoors activities.
In November 2017, Dr. Levenson gave an illuminating talk at TEDx Santa Barbara. Jeff shared the story of how his life changed dramatically when he started losing his sight to cataracts. Once he received the treatment he needed to regain his sight, he became passionate about restoring sight to those without access to eye care. To do so, he needed to learn a different cataract surgery method that did not involve the technology commonly used in the United States.
A graduate of Stanford Medical School, Dr. Crowder was Board Certified in Ophthalmology in 1964 and later that year began his ophthalmic career at Sansum Medical Clinic in Santa Barbara, California, specializing in cataract surgery, retinal surgery, oculoplastic surgery, glaucoma, and diseases of the eye.
In 1964, he also became a Fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, which he continues to participate in to this day. From 1968 to 1985, Dr. Crowder served as the Associate Examiner for the American Board of Ophthalmology in San Francisco, California . He retired from surgical practice in 1998.
He served as past president of Santa Barbara Eye Society, and past board member of Sansum Medical Clinic. Previously, he completed two years in service as Chief of Ophthalmology and Captain in the U.S. Air Force. While an undergraduate at Stanford University he lettered in varsity track, and remains an active sailor.
Joseph Hopkins is a thought leader in AI, blockchain, authentication, quantum and data security technologies, and leads an innovative technology advisory and IP valuation services firm. Additionally, he serves as the senior managing partner of a proprietary first-mover advantage technology incubation accelerator Fund that concentrates on growth opportunities in emerging deep technology markets to mitigate the exploitation of data privacy and data rights breaches. Joseph has also authored key patents about network security, identity verification, content security, as well as network tracking/use verification.
Joseph serves as a judge, expert and speaker for United Nations (UN) AI for Good Innovation Factory project, whereby deep tech start-ups participate in live pitch sessions to help accelerate the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Additionally, he is also a participant with the AI SME with City.AI where the group identify needs which apply to AI ecosystems globally and set up various initiatives that foster the democratization of the design, development and use of AI.
Prior to his deep technology and data security areas of interest, Joseph served in key executive management roles for Fortune 500 companies, including Kaiser Permanente, 3M, GSK, Allergan, and KPMG. His experience represents over 20 plus years of entrepreneurship, technology, global operations management and business development responsibilities largely within the Healthcare and Life Sciences industry.
Job Titles:
- Director
- Member of the California Bar
Kenneth Gack has been a member of the California Bar since 1976, and a resident of Sonoma County since 1978. Ken joined JAMS (Judicial Arbitration and Mediation Services) in 1996. JAMS is the the largest Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) provider in the United States with 24 offices nationwide. Prior to joining JAMS, Ken had a private ADR practice for several years, and before that, he founded and was managing partner of a law firm where he handled a variety of cases including business litigation, construction, agribusiness, real property, and personal injury matters.
As an arbitrator, mediator, judge pro tem and special master/discovery referee, Ken is praised by his clients for his thorough preparation, quick grasp of complex facts, and his ability to relate to all parties. With a keen focus, Ken is able to resolve underlying insurance coverage, liability and indemnity issues that arise in business, professional liability, healthcare and personal injury cases. Mr. Gack is frequently requested lecturer on ADR and civil litigation. has been recognized as a ADR Northern California Super Lawyer, by San Francisco Magazine, 2006-2013 and as a "Top Neutral," Daily Journal Top California Neutrals List, 2013.
Job Titles:
- Director of International Programs
I'm passionate about SEE's sustainable approach to providing access to eye care, and I'm proud to be part of an organization that has both a robust local presence and a broad global reach.
Job Titles:
- Director of Warehouse Operations
Job Titles:
- Chief Development Officer
Rachel Tennant is the Chief Development Officer at SEE International. In her role, she manages all fundraising, marketing and communications efforts of the organization. Rachel's team plans, executes, manages and evaluates donor stewardship to effectively connect with supporters and deliver results of their impacts.
Job Titles:
- Director
- Member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology
Randall Goodman, M.D., is a board-certified ophthalmologist at the Santa Maria-based Shepard Eye Center. Dr. Goodman frequently volunteers with SEE to Vanua Levu, Fiji, where he holds clinics for people who would not otherwise have access to vision care. His clinics typically last for five days, serving over 200 patients and performing surgery for 50-60 patients suffering from cataracts.
Prior to joining Shepard Eye Center, Dr. Goodman served as Chief of Ophthalmology at the United States Air Force and Veteran's Hospital in Las Vegas, Nevada. He received his Medical Doctor degree from Loma Linda University School of Medicine. After serving for two years as an Air Force flight surgeon, he completed his ophthalmology residency at Wilford Hall Air Force Medical Center and Brooke Army Medical Center.
Dr. Goodman is an active member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, and is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. He and his family also enjoy hiking, traveling and time spent together.
Job Titles:
- International Programs Specialist
I am honored to be able to work at SEE and help in supporting our International Programs, volunteer ophthalmologist and medical team bring sight to those who otherwise would not have access.
Job Titles:
- Chairman of the Board
- President of Repeated Signal Solutions, Inc
Scott Groff is the president of Repeated Signal Solutions, Inc., in Santa Barbara, CA and oversees business issues including marketing, accounting, and corporate affairs. Repeated Signal Solutions designs, builds, commissions, and maintains distributed antenna systems to improve cellular reception within buildings nationwide.
He is the former CEO, founder and inventor of VARS Video Imaging Systems, in San Jose, CA. Scott invented a network based communication product which quickly became the standard in semiconductor defect imaging. Company accolades included listing as among the top 100 fastest growing Silicon Valley companies and Semiconductor International Best Products Award. After selling the company to KLA-Tencor and leading the strategic direction of the new division he relocated to Santa Barbara, CA. As a technologist with a strong background in networks and digital communication, Scott's interests led him to become cofounder and president of Repeated Signal Solutions in 2006.
Other philanthropic activities include participation in the UCSB Technology Management Program. Scott obtained a B.S. in Accounting from Santa Clara University.
Job Titles:
- Medical Director
- Member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology
Theresa Turla, M.D., is a board-certified ophthalmologist who worked for much of her career in the Greater New Orleans area.
She currently travels and works nationally as locum tenens ophthalmologists and has provided services and surgeries in Maine, Colorado, Wisconsin and North Carolina. Dr. Turla volunteers with SEE International in many brigades for the people of Honduras who would not otherwise have access to vision care. Honduras is where she learned and now performs, Manual Small-Incision Cataract Surgery, or MSICS, which is critical to treat cataracts in humanitarian settings. She is active with the medical mission organization, Centro Cristiano De Servicios Humanitarios De Honduras, located in San Pedro Sula, Honduras; and the following organizations: Health in Sight Mission (HISM) and Clinica Esperanza, providing ophthalmology services and surgeries. She has assisted HISM in locating the future site for their ophthalmology clinic that plans to serve the underserved population of Roatan, Honduras, and provide a location for other surgical brigades.
She received her Bachelors of Science in Biochemistry at Cornell University, where she was usually found on the Dean's List and she played for their volleyball team. She obtained her medical degree from New York Medical College where she was elected to the medical school honor society, Alpha Omega Alpha. She completed her ophthalmology training at Tulane University where she experienced the concept of charity in the no-longer-existing famous Charity Hospital in New Orleans. The hospital no longer exists due to Hurricane Katrina. She recently completed her Executive MBA with Quantic School of Business and Technology.
Dr. Turla is an active member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. She has a strong interest in education, which is reflected by a book she authored, Tea with T, Let's Talk about Age Management, Eyes, which teaches the public about the aging eye. In addition, Dr. Turla enjoys the mountains, skiing and snowboarding with her husband and sons, and has summited Mount Kilimanjaro. You can usually find her snorkeling and scuba diving in Roatan, practicing yoga and reading.
W. Wright Watling is a veteran of the Central and Southern California Coast real estate world, boasting thirty-five years of experience in commercial brokerage, development, and investing in industrial, office, and retail projects. A graduate of Claremont McKenna College (BA 1972) and Dartmouth College's MBA program (1974), Mr. Watling began his career in 1974, at the major accountancy firm Price Waterhouse. The following year, he took his first job in the nonprofit sector, serving as controller and bus manager at the American Electronics Association. From 1978-1994, he was a commercial real estate associate at Beaver-Free Corp (later renamed Pacifica). In 1994, he founded Watling Real Estate, which he heads to this day.
Mr. Watling believes very strongly in donating time and money to worthy causes, and has involved himself in multiple Santa Barbara community and philanthropic activities over the past four decades. These include the University Club of Santa Barbara (1978-94, Director 1985-87), the Valley Club of Montecito (1979-present, Director 2004-07), and as a trustee of the Hazel Heath Horton Philanthropic Trust (1982-present). He has been a donor to SEE International for almost twenty years, calling it "a terrific organization that does very important work." In his free time, Mr. Watling enjoys golfing, hiking, or traveling whenever the opportunity arises.
William E. O'Connor is a highly motivated self-starter who was the founder, owner, and C.E.O of Horizons Window Fashions, a wholesaler of unique and high-end custom window fashions. Horizons started from zero and built its way into a $30 mm company with over 300 employees. By any accounting ratio analysis, Horizons was the best performing company in its industry. For example, its growth was self-funded. Horizons never borrowed. Moreover, it was commonly regarded amongst its 3,000+ retail customers as being the most innovative, reliable, and best supplier in the industry. It was purchased by Springs Industry with an appraised value of a $1 billion entity.
Mr. O'Connor continues to live by his guiding principles as a consultant & advisor to clients such as AIM Communications, Greater Source Innovations, Window-ology, SecurShade, Select Blinds. In addition to being a consultant, Mr. O'Connor actively supports and provides helpful guidance to local nonprofits and organizations in his community to share his time and knowledge. SEE appreciates Mr. O'Connors generosity as displayed by not only his significant contributions to our sight-restoring efforts over many years, but by volunteering his time to help develop necessary and strategic reviews on development and marketing outreach. The following are his core beliefs and responsibilities he bestows in his daily practice:
It is my primary responsibility to ensure that all employees are as psychologically and physically healthy leaving work at the end of the day as they are arriving at the beginning of the day.
It is my responsibility to protect product profit margins at all times regardless of the economic environment.
It is my responsibility to provide not just great service to our customers, but impossible service to our customers; impossible being that which the competition either thinks is impossible or is too scared to try.
It is my responsibility to lead our organization into developing great new products, fashions, and options.
It is my responsibility to provide a working environment that encourages all employees to believe that Horizons is the greatest company in the history of planet earth.
Don brings to SEE over 25 years of leadership experience in physician education and humanitarian eyecare. He previously served as the Chief Operating Officer for the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, a 7,000-member professional association representing anterior segment ophthalmologists worldwide.
While at ASCRS, Don oversaw the launch and 20-year leadership of the ASCRS Foundation, a charitable organization providing physician training and direct patient care in Ethiopia and the United States. Through its International Division, the foundation helps facilitate partnerships and arrangements aimed at improving global outreach and patient care in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean.
In the United States, Don was instrumental in the planning, development and launch of Operation Sight, a coordinated coast-to-coast network of volunteer surgeons and organizations providing free cataract surgery to needy patients right in their own communities.
"I'm excited to be a part of the SEE International team, and to help build on its 45-year history of global surgical outreach, physician education, and infrastructure-building. Through its network of dedicated volunteer surgeons and staff, industry partners, donors, and educators working in over 40 countries, SEE is uniquely positioned to improve the lives of underserved patients."