Family and friends gathered to bid farewell to Southern California College of Optometry (SCCO) Benefactor and Trustee Emeritus Carling H. Childs, on April 4.  A long-time Fullerton resident, Mr. Childs died on, March 30 at the age of 88.

"First a patient at the SCCO's Eye Care Center, then a major donor, and then a member of the College's Board of Trustees, Mr. Childs was a champion of eye and vision care," said SCCO President Kevin L. Alexander, O.D., Ph.D.  "He generously gave time and treasure to the College and for that we are most appreciative."

In 2004, he was named an SCCO Centennial Honoree and he wrote the following at that time:  "At 17, I decided that if I ever had enough money, I wanted to be able to help people.  After years of working in the electronics field and now, with my children ably running the family business, I have the time to make that difference in people’s lives.  I began my philanthropy at the College in 1999 by purchasing the first of four lasers for what was to become the Childs Family Laser Center – now the third floor of the new Eye Care Center.   In 2002, I started the Foundation for the Preservation of Sight and feel blessed to be able to help people with severe eye problems restore independence to their lives.  I’m proud that the College is choosing to be at the forefront of setting the standard for schools of optometry nationally, and am looking forward to the College eventually being the standard bearer worldwide."

Mr. Childs is survived by his wife, Bessie; sons, Frank and Roger Childs; daughter, Terry Nevin; eight grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

The family has asked for donations to the Southern California College of Optometry, Foundation for the Preservation of Sight, Office of Advancement and Marketing, 2575 Yorba Linda Blvd., Fullerton, CA 92831.