NONPROFIT
Beyond Blindness, Orange County’s leading nonprofit provider of early intervention, education and enrichment, and family support services for children with visual impairments and other disabilities, today announces the expansion of its Board of Directors.
“We are excited to welcome Rex Chandler, Ashish Mehta, M.D., and Nora Perez to the Board of Directors,” says Angie Rowe, President and CEO of Beyond Blindness. “These community leaders bring a sharp strategic focus with experience across diverse industries ranging from health care to business, as well a strong desire to ensure all children in Orange County, no matter their abilities, are equipped to live full and rewarding lives.”
Appointees include:
Rex Chandler, an accomplished medical device executive with more than 25 years of strategic marketing, product marketing, brand creation, communication, and product development expertise working with startup companies and multinational corporations including Novartis, Boston Scientific, and STAAR Surgical. He also holds 10 U.S. patents in the field of ophthalmology. Chandler has an MBA from the University of Phoenix and a master’s degree from Florida State University. He was previously appointed to Beyond Blindness’ Ophthalmic Advisory Board in 2023.
“Beyond Blindness is one of the finest, most generous organizations in Orange County that serves exceptional children and their families,” Chandler says. “It is my humble honor to serve as a member of the Board of Directors.”
Ashish M. Mehta, M.D., Partner, Southern California Permanente Medical Group specializing in Pediatric Ophthalmology with Kaiser Permanente in Orange County. Mehta also specializes in adult strabismus and, in addition to his work locally, he travels to India to diagnose and operate on underserved children with eye conditions. Prior to this term, Mehta served on the Beyond Blindness Board of Directors for 10 years. He is a board-certified physician with the American Board of Ophthalmology and completed medical school at the University of California, San Francisco.
“Beyond Blindness’ dedication to creating the best possible chance for children with visual impairments and other disabilities to thrive aligns perfectly with my passion for the health and wellness of all pediatric patients,” Mehta says. “I look forward to extending my longtime commitment to the organization on the Board of Directors.”
Nora Perez, a Vice President and Community Development Officer for Enterprise Bank & Trust. With 33 years of banking experience, she focuses on identifying, building, cultivating, and maintaining strong partnerships in low to moderate-income communities. In addition to sitting on the Beyond Blindness finance committee and serving with the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, she is actively involved with several community organizations. Perez holds an associate degree from Orange Coast College and a California Bankers Association certificate in human resources.
“Beyond Blindness has created a dynamic, inclusive community that not only champions the inherent strengths of every child, but also recognizes the importance of supporting the entire family,” says Perez. “I am pleased to serve on the Board of Directors as we work together to help children of all abilities achieve their fullest potential.”
A complete list of board members is at www.beyondblindness.org
