George B. Primbs, MD, FACS

George B. Primbs, MD, FACS, had been a key figure at SEE International since its inception in 1974. He passed away on January 7th, 2024.

As an ophthalmologist and eye surgeon, Dr. Primbs specialized in the diagnosis of diabetic retinopathy. He provided free eye examinations for people with diabetes, and the medically underserved, through SEE’s Santa Barbara Vision Care program since the early 1980’s.

Dr. Primbs received his medical degree from UCLA School of Medicine, and completed his surgical internship at UCLA Hospital. After serving as an eye surgeon and Captain in the U.S. Air Force, he earned his ophthalmology degree from UCLA. He worked as an ophthalmologist in private practice in Santa Barbara from 1962 to 1995. He remained extremely active in nonprofit organizations, as reflected by his continued involvement with SEE International. Dr. Primbs was Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology at Jules Stein Eye Institute at UCLA Medical Center, and a researcher at the Neuroscience Institute at University of California.

Dr. Primbs received many prestigious awards, including: the Lions Sight and Hearing Award, in 1994; the Jules Stein Eye Institute Teaching Award at UCLA, in 2003; and, the W.D. Sansum Award for distinguished service to the community, in 2013.