About Hawaiian Eye Foundation: Leadership

Former Leadership

We are proud and grateful for our previous board members who have been supporters of our organization since the beginning and who continue to share their wisdom and guidance with the new organization today. To see our current Board of Directors, click here.

Mahalo to our distinguished, former members of the Board of Directors and Scientific Advisory Board:

John Corboy

John M. Corboy, M.D., ABES – Founder  
Kaunakakai, Hawai’i

Dr. Corboy, founder of the Hawaiian Eye Foundation, led the first expedition to Tonga in 1984, and developed the Royal Hawaiian Eye Meeting and the Training Program in VietNam.

Corboy has practiced ophthalmology for over 40 years, and was founder and Surgeon/Director of the Hawaiian Eye Center, Hawai’i’s largest eye care provider, until his retirement.

Corboy is former Associate Clinical Professor of Surgery at the University of Hawai’i John A. Burns School of Medicine, and author of The Retinoscopy Book (Slack, Inc.), and 60 @ 60: Things that can happen to your body and what you can do about them (Simpler Life Press), a portion of the sale of which supports HEF (www.60@60.com).

For the past decade, Corboy has donated his services full-time to volunteer programs of the Foundation, as well as Junior Achievement, BODIES…the Exhibition, and various substance abuse programs. He was awarded the Lions’ Melvin Jones Fellowship, and numerous humanitarian and volunteer awards.

To read more about our fearless leader, click here: Our Founder.

 

Jeffrey Rutgard

Jeffrey J. Rutgard, M.D. – Mission Director
La Jolla, CA

Dr. Rutgard attended the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana. He was academically honored as a James Scholar Independent Study Student and graduated in three years with High Honors and Departmental Distinction for his research in Biology, Physiology, Nutrition, and Physical Fitness. Rutgard earned his medical degree at the University of Illinois, Chicago, where he was again academically honored as a James Scholar Independent Study Student.

Rutgard received the University of Illinois’ Medical Research Award for his research in immunology, cancer, and ophthalmology. Rutgard’s research was highly acclaimed and published in prestigious medical journals and a chapter in a book. Rutgard attended the University of Illinois Graduate School for three years while he attended medical school and earned a Masters Degree in Surgery. He began his ophthalmology training at UCLA’s Jules Stein Eye Institute where he studied ophthalmology basic science, pathology, and had his first clinical experience. He completed his residency in ophthalmology at the highly acclaimed University of Iowa. Rutgard teaches small incision cataract surgery in the United States and internationally.

Rutgard presently devotes his practice to the international humanitarian sector in on-going volunteer medical and surgical clinics for the Hawaiian Eye Foundation in collaboration with SEE International, Medical Ministry International, ORBIS, and other international foundations.

To read more about HEF’s full-time charity surgeon, click here: Our Surgeon

 

Alan R. Faulkner, M.D.

Alan R. Faulkner, M.D. – Board of Director, Project Vision Hawai’i
Honolulu, Hawaii

Dr. Alan Faulkner grew up in Hawaii from the age of eight, graduating from Punahou High School in Honolulu. He went on to receive his Bachelor of Arts degree from Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois and graduated from Tulane Medical School in New Orleans, Louisiana in 1986. While in medical school he was elected to the National Medical School Honors Society Alpha Omega Alpha. He remained at Tulane, completing an internship in Internal Medicine, residency training in Ophthalmology, and a Fellowship in Oculoplastics, Ocular Oncology, and Orbital Disease.

His training complete, Dr. Faulkner joined the full-time faculty at Tulane as an Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology before going on to practice general ophthalmology and refractive surgery. In June 2000, Dr. Alan Faulkner joined his father’s practice in Honolulu at Faulkner Eye Institute, and in July 2001 founded Aloha Laser Vision, LLC.

 

Jane T. Shuman, COT

Jane T. Shuman, COT – Board of Director, Project Vision Hawai’i
Needham, Massachusetts

Jane T. Shuman, MSM, COT, COE, OCS, CMSS, President and Founder of Eyetechs, Inc., is a nationally recognized authority on clinical flow, scheduling and technician education. She worked in a high volume ophthalmology practice for over fifteen years and founded Eyetechs Inc. in 1999.

During her work as an Ophthalmic Technician and Clinical Manager, Jane has seen firsthand the many important issues confronting today’s busy ophthalmology practices. Based on her past experiences, she has learned how the proper schedule and competent technicians positively impact patient flow by decreasing wait times and increasing volume and practice revenue.

Jane has taught countless seminars on the integral aspects of today’s busy ophthalmic practice, including the annual conferences of both the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Society of Ophthalmic Administrators. Jane is the current Director of the Nursing and Allied Health Program of the Royal Hawaiian Eye Meeting and was recently named Co-Editor in Chief of Ophthalmic Professional. Previously, she served as the Director of the Massachusetts Society of Eye Physicians and Surgeons Ophthalmic Technician Training Program, helping to earn the 2002 and 2008 AAO State Affairs Star Award for Programs for Ophthalmic Administrators and Technicians. She was also a Member-at-Large on the Board of Directors of the American Society of Ophthalmic Administrators.

Jane has published numerous articles that can be found in many publications such as Review of Ophthalmology, Administrative Eyecare, Ophthalmology Management and Eyeworld. JCAHPO approved online courses can be found on the BSM Connection for Ophthalmology website.

 

Christopher Tortora, M.D.

Christopher Tortora, M.D. –  Treasurer, Project Vision Hawai’i
Wahiawa, Hawaii

Chris Tortora, MD, is the Medical Director and primary surgeon at the Hawaiian Eye Center. Dr. Tortora is an expert in “no stitch,” or “small incision” phacoemulsification cataract surgery. He has performed well over 10,000 cataract procedures and has been asked to lecture internationally about his surgical techniques. Surgeons from the United States and abroad have also traveled to our surgery center to observe Dr. Tortora’s surgical techniques.

Dr. Tortora attended Columbia University and went on to receive his medical degree and ophthalmology residency training at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York. He subsequently completed subspecialty fellowship training in the medical and surgical treatment of glaucoma at Harvard University’s Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary.

Dr. Tortora purchased the Hawaiian Eye Center from Dr. John Corboy in 2000. He was chosen as one of Honolulu Magazine’s 2015 “Top Doctors in Hawaii” and the center continues to be named as one of this year’s “Best Places to Work” by Hawaii Business Magazine.

 

Candace S. Simerson, COE, CMPE, FASOA – Advisor
Cincinatti, Ohio

Candy is owner of iCandy Consulting, LLC and serves as an icon in ophthalmology administration. As the former President and COO of Minnesota Eye Consultants for 18 years,  Candy grew a reputation for her expertise in organizational restructuring, physician recruitment, operational efficiencies, technology optimization or revenue cycle management.

Candy is a Certified Ophthalmic Executive (COE), and a Certified Medical Practice Executive (CMPE.)  She attended Wharton School of Business and Yale School of Management. She is a past-President of ASOA. While serving as an ASOA Board member, she helped to develop a certification program that evolved into the Certification of Ophthalmic Executives (COE) credential. Candy was the first Chair for the National Board for Certification of Ophthalmic Executives (NBCOE). In 2011 Candy was awarded the ASOA Pinnacle Award for Volunteerism in addition to becoming an ASOA fellow the same year.

Candy currently serves as Director of the Administrator program at the annual Hawaiian Eye Meeting and Practice Management Section of the OSN New York Meeting. She is a frequent lecturer at ophthalmic meetings and has published numerous articles regarding practice management trends. She also serves on the Ophthalmic World Leaders (OWL) Board.

Sherri L. Boston, MBA

Sherri L. Boston, MBA, Secretary, Board of Directors; Chief of SAB
Marco Island, Florida

Sherri Boston has been affiliated with the Hawaiian Eye Foundation for over 30 years. Ms. Boston received her bachelor of science degree in Medical Laboratory Technology from the University of Saint Joseph, West Hartford, Connecticut. She completed her graduate studies at the University of Rhode Island, College of Business Administration – Executive program, earning a Masters Degree in Business Administration. Sherri is a Certified Ophthalmic Executive (COE), an industry certification through the Joint Commission of Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (JCAHPO) and the American Society of Ophthalmic Administrators (ASOA). She is a member of the Ophthalmic World Leaders (OWL) organization.

Ms. Boston’s career in ophthalmology started with clinical experience as a technician at the Hawaiian Eye Center followed by a robust business career in the ophthalmic sector at Allergan, Inc. Her role as an Eye Care Business Advisor at Allergan focused her on the critical business issues facing ophthalmologists, administrators, and staff in private practice and surgery center settings. Ms. Boston has been a frequent invited speaker during local, regional, and national meetings including the American Society of Ophthalmic Administrators (ASOA), American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ASCRS), American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), Florida Society of Ophthalmic Administrators (FSOA), and the Hawaiian Eye meetings.

Sherri has participated in two medical expeditions with the Hawaiian Eye Foundation. Her first experience was as a technician on the clinical team serving over 400 patients in the Kingdom of Tonga. Most recently she accompanied Dr. Jeffrey Rutgard along with the foundation’s partner, Marine Reach Ministries. This expedition found her on the remote island of Tanna in the country of Vanuatu where she assisted the surgical team in the role of circulating technician.  Ms. Boston served on the Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) for four years and the Board of Directors (BOD) as Secretary, and Chief of the SAB for her last two years. Her expedition experiences continue to inspire Sherri as she serves to expand awareness, reach, and service of the Hawaiian Eye Foundation.


Sherri L. Boston, MBARobert B. Miller, M.D., Treasurer

Davis, California

After finishing both molecular biology and biochemistry degrees in San Francisco in 1978, Dr. Miller came to the University of California at Davis for medical school and Ophthalmology training. He practiced at the Woodland Clinic for six years, expanding the practice to include a Davis office. In 1990, he assisted in designing the Woodland Surgery Center eye surgery operation. He is Vice President of the Davis Surgery Center, which has been serving the community since September 2003. Currently, Dr. Miller performs surgery at the Davis Surgery Center, Sutter Davis Hospital, and performs Laser Vision Correction in the operating suite of Advanced Valley Eye Associates Davis office.

 

Spencer P. ThorntonSpencer P. Thornton, M.D., FACS, Vice President, Board of Directors; Chief of SAB.
Nashville, Tennessee

Dr. Thornton is an ophthalmologist with over 40 years experience in private practice in ophthalmology in Nashville, Tennessee. He lectured internationally and writes extensively. Dr. Thornton has authored, edited or written chapters in 29 textbooks on ophthalmology, and has published more than 250 Articles in ophthalmology journals. He is an internationally known speaker, having traveled to 36 countries to share his knowledge.  He holds honorary life membership in ophthalmic societies in five countries, and is named in numerous Who’ Who listings.

Dr. Thornton earned his M.D. from the Bowman Gray School of Medicine of Wake Forest University, and completed his residency in Ophthalmology at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine. He is Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology at the University of Tennessee, Memphis.  He is a past president of the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (1997 – 1999) and has served on the board of directors of the American College of Eye Surgeons, the International Society for Refractive Surgery, the Hawaiian Eye Foundation and the International Refractive Surgery Club.  As co-founder of Biosyntrx in 1998, he has been the President / Chief Medical Officer. He continues to serve as a Director.

Thornton has received a number of honors including The American Academy of Ophthalmology’s Honor Award and Wake Forest University School of Medicine’s Distinguished Achievement Award. He is listed in Best Doctors in America, was named 1996 “Ophthalmologist of the Year” by the Editors of Ocular Surgery News Magazine, and is one of “America’s Best Ophthalmologists” by Ophthalmology Times. He was named Sir Harold Ridley Distinguished Visiting Professor of Ophthalmology at University of Tennessee in 2001.

 

Ric Tiplady

Ric Tiplady, MBA, Treasurer, Board of Directors; Chief of SAB                                      

 Mr. Tiplady attended undergraduate school at Eastern Washington University and Marylhurst University where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree. Additionally, he received a Master of Arts (MA) in Business with emphasis on International Business and Finance at Benedictine University in Lisle, Illinois.  Prior to this he served and received an Honorable Discharge from the United States Army. He has also been active with multiple mission trips to Asia for the Hawaiian Eye Foundation and has served as a Board Member of that foundation. He is also a founder and Director for the American Outreach Foundation a charity that provides electric wheelchairs free of charge to veterans, low-income seniors and under-insured individuals.

Ric has worked in the ophthalmic industry for over 30 years. He has demonstrated a commitment to ongoing ophthalmic education through his participation in both clinical programs and professional symposia. He has been a frequent speaker to industry and physician groups. He has held the position of Director of Strategic Accounts for Alcon Laboratories (Novartis). Prior to Alcon’s acquisition of WaveLight, he served the company as Vice President of Business Development. He was formerly Vice President of North America sales for VISX/AMO. He also was a co-founder and co-owner of Focus Eye Centres, Canada a leader in laser vision correction in North America.

His concept of a web-based resource for Eye Physicians came out of his many years of working directly with Eye Care Physicians. A keen interest in practice marketing based on excellent patient care gave way to launching EPN. “Our goal is to provide critical non-clinical information and guidance for Eye Physicians who care for millions of patients each year”.

 

 Stephen S. Chang, M.D. Stephen S. Chang, M.D., Vice President, Board of Directors

Dr. Stephen Chang is an ophthalmologist in Glendale, California and is affiliated with Glendale Adventist Medical Center. He received his medical degree from Loma Linda University School of Medicine and has been in practice for more than 20 years.  He is one of 17 doctors who specialize in Ophthalmology.

Stephen S. Chang, MD is a practicing Ophthalmologist (Eye Specialist) in Glendale, CA. Dr. Chang graduated from Loma Linda University School of Medicine in 1970 and has been in practice for 47 years. He completed a residency at White Memorial Medical Center. He currently practices at Glendale Eye Medical Group and is affiliated with Glendale Adventist Medical Center, Glendale Memorial Hospital & Health Center and Northridge Hospital Medical Center. Dr. Chang accepts multiple insurance plans including Aetna, Medicare and Humana. Dr. Chang is board certified in Ophthalmology. In addition to English, Dr. Chang’s practice supports this language: Armenian, Chinese and Spanish.

Donald J. Ham, M.D., Vice President, Board of Directors

Dr. Donald Ham is an ophthalmologist in Alamogordo, New Mexico and is affiliated with Gerald Champion Regional Medical Center. He received his medical degree from Baylor College of Medicine and has been in practice for more than 20 years. He is one of 4 doctors at Gerald Champion Regional Medical Center who specialize in Ophthalmology.

Dr. John Corboy, President of HEF, with Drs. Donaldson, Brunton, and Ham

Dr. John Corboy, President of HEF, with Drs. Donaldson, Brunton, and Ham (left to right) at a recent reunion on Oahu on 1/20/18.

Robert (Bob) I. Brunton, MD, Board of Directors

Did. Robert Brunton is an ophthalmologist in Olympia, Washington.  He received his medical degree from University of Washington School of Medicine. He was the President and CEO of Eye Physicians of Olympia, Inc., his private practice from 1968-1998 and has served as an ophthalmologist for over 50 years.

Among the many medical societies and activities that he has participated in are:  President, St. Peter Hospital Medical Staff, where he also served as Chairman of the Credentials Committee,  Utilization Review Committee and Impaired Physician Program; President, Thurston-Mason County Medical Society and Chairman of the Ethics & Grievance Committee; Member and Delegate to the Washington State Medical Association; Member and Trustee of the Washington State Academy of Ophthalmology; Organizer and Leader of Ophthalmic Surgical missions to the Kingdom of Tonga.

He is active in his community through his church, Rotary Club of Olympia, St. Peter Hospital Foundation, The Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County, and an Emeritus member of Whitman College.

Bob Baller, MDBob Baller, MD, Board of Directors

Dr. Robert Baller is an ophthalmologist in Bloomington, Illinois. He received his medical degree from University of Illinois College of Medicine and did his residency at the University of Iowa. Dr. Baller has been in practice for more than 30 years.

 

HEF’s BOD history:
HEF’s founding fathers were all Hawai’i licensed ophthalmologists: Drs. Baller, Chang, and Corboy. Soon after, Drs. Brunton and Beisner joined the group. The fab 5 ran HEF for over a decade until Drs. Baller and Beisner retired. They were replaced by Drs. Thornton and Rutgard. When Dr. Brunton resigned, Dr. Ham was invited. In 2015, Ms. Boston replaced Dr. Thornton. In 2016, with the resignation of Drs. Chang and Ham, Mr. Tiplady and Dr. Faulkner took their place. Dr. Miller replaced Mr. Tiplady later in 2016. In 2017, Dr. Miller and Ms. Shuman joined. In late 2018, Dr. Tortora filled Dr. Miller’s spot. In 2019, Dr. Corboy retired to Emeritus status. Ms. Simerson took his place.
Stay Informed

Stay up-to-date with Hawaiian Eye Foundation. Get our latest news and updates by email:
PO BOX 23212,
Honolulu, HI 96823
Phone: (808) 201-3937
contact@hawaiianeyefoundation.org
Hawaiian Eye Foundation is a division of Project Vision Hawaii.

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