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SunTrust invests in free eye care program by Heather Woolwine Public Relations It seems that SunTrust Bank administrators know a good investment when they see it. Relatively new to the Charleston area, SunTrust has made it known through a new partnership with the MUSC Storm Eye Institute’s Fight for SIGHT organization that becoming involved in the Lowcountry community is a primary goal for one of the nation’s largest financial holding companies.   SEI board member Linda Derbyshire holds a check presented by SunTrust's Mark Lattanzio (second from right). Also present are Dr. Matt Reese, (left)  Fight for SIGHT incoming chairman, Karl Novak, (second from left) vice chairman of SEI's board of directors, and Dr. Jay Biber.               “There are tons of worthy charities in the area, but Fight for SIGHT is really meeting a huge unmet need here in Charleston,” said Mark Lattanzio, SunTrust city president and community banking manager. “We heard their story and felt their work was something that SunTrust could support. We were amazed at the productivity of this particular organization. They operate eight or nine free clinics each year and have numerous stories of great success. We have been impressed with the program’s mission, the ownership taken by residents, and the scope of services provided by the clinics they deliver. We are proud to be a part of this community reinvestment effort to strengthen the Charleston community.”   For the next three years, SunTrust Bank will serve as Fight for SIGHT’s primary sponsor with the initial agreement promising $10,000 to the organization for the next three years totaling $30,000 through 2010.   “Fight for SIGHT is grateful for the tremendous support provided by SunTrust. We are humbled to be associated with such a highly regarded organization and one that shares our mission of giving back to the community and improving the quality of life of its citizens. This partnership will enhance our clinical endeavors and educational programs for patients and volunteers,” said Jay Biber, M.D., Fight for SIGHT chairman.   Fight for SIGHT provides free, comprehensive eye care to those who might not otherwise receive it. By establishing fully funded mobile clinics throughout the area that are equipped with the most up-to-date diagnostic instruments and technology, residents, attending physicians, and medical students can offer complete eye exams, early diagnostic screening for vision loss, and immediate access to treatments. SIGHT stands for “Services for the underserved; Initiatives for the preservation of vision; Growth and rehabilitation; Health education and advocacy; and Training for compassionate physicians.”   “The Storm Eye Institute is doing amazing things on a national basis and we are very eager to commence our sponsorship and find ways to promote this important mission through employee volunteerism, utilization of SunTrust sites for clinics and joint gatherings, and to celebrate and promote further awareness of Fight for SIGHT,” Lattanzio said.     Friday, May 11, 2007 Catalyst Online is published weekly, updated as needed and improved from time to time by the MUSC Office of Public Relations for the faculty, employees and students of the Medical University of South Carolina. Catalyst Online editor, Kim Draughn, can be reached at 792-4107 or by email, catalyst@musc.edu. Editorial copy can be submitted to Catalyst Online and to The Catalyst in print by fax, 792-6723, or by email to catalyst@musc.edu. To place an ad in The Catalyst hardcopy, call Island Publications at 849-1778, ext. 201.