Dr. Sandra S. Block is an internationally recognized optometric leader, educator, and public health advocate dedicated to improving children's vision and expanding access to quality eye care worldwide. She earned her Doctor of Optometry degree in 1981 and completed a Pediatric Residency in 1982 at the Illinois College of Optometry, where she served as a faculty member for nearly four decades before retiring as Professor Emeritus in 2020. She also holds a Master of Education and a Master of Public Health degree.

Throughout her distinguished career, Dr. Block has championed pediatric eye care, vision services for individuals with disabilities, and equitable access to eye health programs. She played a key role in developing the Special Olympics Lions Clubs International Opening Eyes program, helping establish a vision care model that continues to be used globally.

As President of the World Council of Optometry from 2023–2025, she worked closely with the World Health Organization and global eye health organizations to advance access to vision care and raise awareness of childhood myopia as a growing public health issue. She continues to serve as Immediate Past President of WCO and remains one of the world's leading voices in pediatric and public health optometry.