Jeff Todd, JD, MS
President + CEO, Prevent Blindness & Vision Care Expert
Highlights
- Over 35 years of professional experience in public health, with the past 23 in the vision and eye health sector.
- Instrumental in establishing and advancing the National Center for Children’s Vision and Eye Health, promoting comprehensive pediatric vision systems and early detection nationwide
- North America Regional Director for the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB), contributing to global eye health strategy and collaboration
- Board member and Immediate Past Chair of the National Health Council, representing the voice of patients in national health policy discussions
- Inaugural recipient of the Champion for Vision Award, established in 2013 by the Children’s Eye Foundation and the American Association of Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus to honor individuals or organizations that promote vision health and work to eliminate preventable blindness in children.
Jeff Todd serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of Prevent Blindness, the nation's leading organization dedicated to preventing blindness and preserving sight across the lifespan. Since its founding in 1908, Prevent Blindness has advanced eye health and safety through public education, advocacy for equitable access to care, early detection of vision problems, and support for patients and care partners.
Jeff joined Prevent Blindness in 2003, serving as Director of Public Health and later Chief Operating Officer before becoming President and CEO in 2018. Under his leadership, the organization has launched the National Center for Children's Vision and Eye Health to promote comprehensive pediatric eye care; convened a national summit on vision and public health; produced influential research on the prevalence and economic impact of vision disorders in the United States; and advanced federal policy, including the Early Detection for Vision Impairment in Children Act, currently under Congressional review.
Beyond Prevent Blindness, Jeff is an active leader in the vision and public health sectors. He serves on the Board of Directors of the National Health Council (Immediate Past Chair), the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (North America Regional Director), and Vision 2020 USA (Past Chair). He has also served as Chair of the Vision Care Section of the American Public Health Association and as a board member of Howard Brown Health.
Earlier in his career, Jeff led statewide health and safety initiatives in the Indiana Governor's Office, directed national youth development efforts, and oversaw the National Youth Violence Prevention Resource Center.
Originally from Indiana, Jeff earned a J.D. from Indiana University School of Law–Indianapolis, an M.S. in Communications from Butler University, and a B.S. from Indiana University's Kelley School of Business. He resides in Chicago and is a member of the District of Columbia (DC) Bar Association.
Features and Contributions
Peer-reviewed Publications:
- Todd J, Baldonado KN. The Most Urgent Voice in Eye Research—The Patient's. JAMA Ophthalmol. 2023;141(6):511–512.
- Todd J, Whitson HE, Marshall EC. Eye and Vision Health for Tomorrow: From Recommendations to Coordinated Action. JAMA Ophthalmol. 2019;137(2):208–211.