Eugene VanArsdale attended South Philadelphia High School from 1974 to 1977. He attributes being the man he is today to his family and Mr. Yates, who was not only his choir director but also his mentor. After graduation he attended Drexel University’s LeBow School of Business.
Eugene developed a relationship with a company called Keeler, which is an international company specializing in optometry and ophthalmic supplies. He rose through the ranks to his present position of Vice President of Business and Channel Manager. Eugene is also ambassador to Orbis International’s vision, which includes a flying eye hospital that travels the world to teach doctors how to perform eye surgery.
Eugene holds two patents. One for a face mask doctors use to change the color of their product. The second patent is called Vantage Plus Patent. This invention allows eye doctors to view the back of the eye and decide what treatment is needed. This device is used globally to save vision.
Eugene is also an advisor to Lensrxlab, the first Philadelphia-based Black American and Service-Disabled Veteran-owned Ophthalmic goods manufacturer located in North Philadelphia.
Eugene married his best friend, Donna. They have three children and recently welcomed their first grandchild into the family. A second grandchild is expected in March 2025.
Eugene is a member of the Annunciation Parrish. In the spring of 2006 he came up with the idea and the design of the city’s first rosary-prayer garden. Two hundred people turned out for the dedication, where each piece was blessed, and now the spot rarely sees an hour pass without several visitors.