Cape Coral Eye Center Named Business of the Year by Lee County’s Hispanic Affairs Advisory Board

Cape Coral, FL October 6, 2009 - Cape Coral Eye Center was honored as Business of the Year by Lee County’s Hispanic Affairs Advisory Board at a banquet October 6 at the Broadway Palm Dinner Theater in Fort Myers. The award is given annually to a Lee County business that has demonstrated “a true commitment to diversity and real contributions to the Hispanic community within Lee County.”

The eye center was lauded for its diversity which serves the community, its employee training program, its commitment to students in the form of jobs and job training while attending school, flexible work hours and college tuition reimbursement programs.

Cape Coral Eye Center will soon celebrate its 30^th anniversary. Its founder, Dr. Benjamin Martin, says his vision when he started the eye center was to be a part of the community, to know its people, their children, and their grandchildren. “To serve the community well, you must be a reflection of that community,” he said. “We are honored to be a part of your lives for these past 30 years, and to have you and yours a part of our Cape Coral Eye Center family.”

Also honored were Yudith Ruiz and Rene Brito, both whom work at the eye center.

Yudith Ruiz, an ophthalmic technician at the Cape Coral Eye Center and coordinator of its Retina Program, was honored as Employee of the Year. The purpose of the annual award is to recognize those “whose daily contributions make Lee County a better place to live and to serve as an inspiration to others.”

Mrs. Ruiz immigrated to the US ten years ago, sacrificing a career as a surgeon by doing so. She continues her education with a goal of one day obtaining her degree here and returning to practice.

Rene Brito, a second year student at Edison College and an Intern in the purchasing division at the Cape Coral Eye Center, was honored as High School/College Student of the Year. The award recognizes those students who “project a positive image of the Hispanic culture, as well as demonstrating an ability to triumph over cultural, language, economic, health or other barriers.” Brito was honored for overcoming extraordinary odds as a youth to excel in school. His volunteer spirit was cited as an inspiration to others.

Cape Coral Eye Center and members of its staff were honored by the Lee County Hispanic advisory board. From left: Dr. Benjamin Martin, Rene Brito, Dr. Suzi Martin, Adrian Ortega, Kimberly Smith, and Yudith Ruiz