Blackburn honored with award from Special Olympics Delaware

WILMINGTON — Special Olympics Delaware has announced that Dr. Don Blackburn, the clinical director for its Opening Eyes program, has been given the 2024 Golisano Health Leadership Award.

This honor recognizes Dr. Blackburn’s commitment to advancing health services for individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Presented in collaboration with the Golisano Foundation, the award chooses individuals and organizations that have demonstrated leadership and dedication to inclusive health practices.

Dr. Blackburn has worked for more than 20 years on Opening Eyes, a Special Olympics initiative focused on providing vision care to athletes.

Under his leadership, Opening Eyes has expanded its reach, ensuring that athletes receive comprehensive eye exams, prescription eye wear and referrals for follow-up care.

His dedication to improving access to vision care has not only enhanced the health and well-being of Special Olympics athletes in Delaware but has set a benchmark for health equity.

At this year’s Summer Games in early June, Dr. Blackburn oversaw an Opening Eyes event during which 95 athletes were screened. Of those, four were referred to follow-up care, 23 received sunglasses and 36 received prescription glasses.