Lab executive Steve Sutherlin has passed away

With great sadness shared The Vision Council the passing of Steve Sutherlin on December 28. He died of a heart attack at the age of 70. Steve was The Vision Council’s Lab Division Liaison from 2015 to 2020 when he retired. Services will be held at 3 pm. Wednesday, January 24, 2024, at The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection, 13720 Roe Ave, Leawood, KS 66224.

“Steve’s expertise in the optical industry and his outstanding leadership experience speaks for itself”, announced the organization when he retired in 2020. He held the position of President of the Optical Laboratories Association from 2005 to 2006, and was a member of the Association’s Board from 1998 to 2007. He was also the President of the Midwest Optical Laboratories Association for two years, was inducted into the Optical Laboratories Association Hall of Fame in 2008 and honored again by The Vision Council’s Lab Division with the prestigious Director’s Choice award in 2019.

Previously, he was President of the family-owned lab Sutherlin Optical, held in third generation. He became president of the lab in 1991. Together with his siblings they grew Sutherlin Optical into one of the largest independent labs in the U.S. Sutherlin Optical became an Essilor Partner Lab in 2007. The lab closed its doors several months ago.

His countless contribution to the organization and the optical industry but especially his kind and loyal nature will always be remembered.

Donations can be made in his name to the Kansas City Free Eye Clinic and the Pharmacy of Grace.