Board of Directors
The Board of Directors provides leadership and strategic oversight to ensure FLLEC’s mission of free, high-quality eye care thrives.
By guiding policies, securing resources, and supporting mission-driven initiatives, they help expand access and sustain
the clinic’s impact in the community.
Larry DeArmond – Chair of the Board
Retired CFO and partner at Catalyst Equity Group, LLC; Bachelor of Science degree, accounting and CPA Wichita State University
“The clinic inspires me to give back to society that has given me great opportunity.”
Dawn DeArmond – Vice Chair
Retired president and CEO of Kansas Big Brothers Big Sisters; Bachelor of Science degree in sociology from Wichita State University
“The Clinic inspires me because we are giving the Gift of Sight to a population of people that need our help the most.”
Carol Marston-Foucher – OD Medical Director
Clinic Doctor
Retired ophthalmologist from Warren Ophthalmology Associates in Ohio and early supporter of the Florida Lions Eye Clinic; Medical degree from Jefferson Medical College in Pennsylvania; and received the post-doctoral Heed Fellowship in retinal detachment at The Ohio State University.
Melissa Watson-Boyer – Secretary
Division Director for Pediatrics through Golisano Children’s Hospital of SWFL. Serving in healthcare for over 23 years.
MBA, FACMPE
“The clinic inspires me because there are so many families who are stuck between making too much money to apply for Medicaid and making too little to pay the rent, gas, food, and other expenses. This clinic offers free care to our community families with no insurance allowing them to have the clinical care needed to protect or enhance their eyesight. This service is amazing and we are very fortunate we can offer this to our community.”
Joseph Jackson – Bonita Springs Lions Club past president,
FLLEC Liaison
Retired Director of Psychological Services for Miami Public Schools, School Psychologist, Lions Club member for over 31 years, President of Miami Kendall West and Bonita Springs Lions Clubs, Coordinator of the Lions Preschool Screening Program for Lee County. Ordained Minister, Graduate of Lincoln Christian College and University of Miami.
“The clinic inspires me because it is the embodiment of Lions Clubs which seeks to serve those in need who have problems with vision. I am so proud that the Bonita Springs Lions Club was a major supporter of establishing the clinic.”
Dawn Lieb – Director
Retired federal administrative law judge in the Departments of Health and Human Services and Social Security Administration; Juris Doctor degree from Marquette University
“The Clinic inspires me because it offers a sense of connection to my community which comes from working with others on a shared mission and purpose.”
Howard Freedman – MD, Director
Current volunteer clinic doctor
Retired ophthalmologist; co-founder of the Florida Lions Eye Clinic; Medical degree specializing in ophthalmology from Harvard Medical School
“The Clinic inspires me because it is a unique venue that provides complete care, treatment, and surgery for hundreds of uninsured and low-income patients in our community who have no other access to excellent eye care.”
Richard D. Shapiro – MD, Director
Current volunteer clinic doctor
Retired ophthalmologist from Warren Ophthalmology Associates in Ohio and early supporter of the Florida Lions Eye Clinic; Medical degree from Jefferson Medical College in Pennsylvania; and received the post-doctoral Heed Fellowship in retinal detachment at The Ohio State University
“The Clinic inspires me because I can continue treating those in need and use my years of experience to help others.”
Diane Clifton – Director
Diane Clifton, originally from Minnesota, has been a Florida resident since 1997 and brings over
47 years of experience as a registered nurse, licensed in both Florida and Minnesota. She worked
at the University of Minnesota Hospital for 20 years before joining Lee Health, where she served
for 27 years. Diane spent the majority of her bedside nursing career in the Intensive Care Unit
and later worked as a nursing professional development specialist, providing education and
orientation for clinical staff. Diane has been a member of the Fort Myers Beach Lions Club for
20 years and has participated in 14 medical missions to the Dominican Republic, providing post-
operative ICU care for open-heart surgery patients. Her commitment to community service
includes volunteering at FLLEC in vision screenings and assisting with pterygium surgeries, and
she looks forward to contributing her expertise further in retirement.
Doug Halpert – MD, Director
Trained at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and the Medical University of
South Carolina, and as a Pediatrician at Healthcare Network, I am privileged to
providing care for my young patients. My fluency in Spanish and knowledge of
Haitian Creole have been invaluable in ensuring every child receives the care they
deserve, irrespective of language barriers.
Providing Eye Care
to Florida’s Underserved is Our Mission
The Florida Lions Eye Clinic is a federally recognized 501(C)3 charitable status organization.