Power Women - visionmonday.com corporate ladder in the optical indus- ... career plan Joining optical organizations and associations Developing a relationship with a mentor Networking

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NEW YORK—Women’s capabilities and points of view are more visible throughoutmore segments of the vision care field and the optical industry than ever before.

In work reflected at individual companies, regional and local groups as wellas on the national stage via organizations, educational institutions, research anddevelopment, design, marketing, sales and senior management positions,women are bringing a new dynamic to the business and the professional arena.

Vision Monday’s fifth annual, groundbreaking report takes a slightly differ-ent approach in VM’s 20th anniversary year: this year we asked readers to nomi-nate women who have not yet been recognized but also to consider the ongoingachievements and influence of some of those who’ve been cited in past years.

The result and, importantly, the collective impact ofthese women and their accomplishments, are what lendpower to Vision Monday’s report. Some of their com-ments also support the roles that mentoring and educationand experience play in helping them get the job done.

Notes one of these women, “Through economicchanges and the financial need for two- income house-holds, women have educated themselves and haveearned a position to be not only licensed professionalsbut also leaders in their respective fields. I believe thatbecoming a learned individual, male or female, is the wayto advance oneself and I feel that the higher education ofwomen has played a significant role in the shift of womenfrom the office pool to the boardroom/exam room.”

Says another, “As more and more women enter medical schools and tradeprograms the amount of women in our industry will naturally grow. Each indi-vidual will leave their own mark on society. No one can predict how genderwill change the direction of our field but I would like to think that those indi-viduals entrusted to care for another will do so with intellect and integrity. Thepresent and future should be about exceeding your client/patients expectationsand being the best you can be in what you do, regardless of gender.”

And finally, how will women continue to impact the blend of fashion, tech-nology and healthcare that is today’s vision care universe and optical industry?States one of our honorees, “With flair!” —The Editors

Nomination forms requesting submissions for Vision Monday’s 5th Annual “Most InfluentialWomen in Optical” report were issued via Jobson’s Vision Monday, 20/20 and Review ofOptometry publications and their Web sites during the months of May and June 2007.

This year’s report was structured differently than those in the past.This year, VM considered nominations from among the 200+ women previously honored,

requesting that readers consider who among them was, in their opinion, among the most influ-ential in the field and industry this year. In addition, we encouraged readers to submit nomina-tions for newcomers.

On the occasion of Vision Monday’s 20th anniversary, the goal was to create a report citingthe contributions of 2007’s 20 Most Influential Women.

Nominees are required to have a minimum of two years of experience in the opticalindustry in any segment of the market or vision care field and nominators were askedto submit the nominee’s title and current role, along with a brief description of the wayshe influences the business. There was no limit to the number of nominations submitted.

The “Influential Women” process is not designed to be a vote or a ranking and thenumber of nominations received did not affect the people considered for final selection.More than 500 responses were reviewed and categorized. Vision Monday’s editorsreviewed each entry, consolidated the candidates and made the final selection.

The “Chosen Because...” selections are drawn from the nominations submitted foreach candidate. Honorees are organized alphabetically by sector. nn

Methodology

Vision Monday’s “Most Influential Women in Optical”started as a Special Report in 2003 and we’ve recog-nized,with the help of our readers, the achievements andcontributions of more than 200 leaders in that period.

On occasion, we’ve recognized the pioneering effortsof some, posthumously, who helped grow the opticalbusiness and we have also reached out internationallyto women who exert influence around the world.

In addition to the 2007 honorees, we also pres-ent the names of the 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006rosters on the following pages.

First Honor for Women Industry “Pioneers” in 2004Ruth White, Avante Garde OpticsNorma Golden, D.O.C. Optics International Women in 2005Melanie Devlyn-Perez, Devlyn Optical GroupAstrid Galimberti, AnfaoLaurence Lafont, LafontMelanie Sherk, OD, Doctors Eyecare Network

For a look at past year’s reports, please visitwww.visionmonday.com

5 Years of Honors

Power Women

NEW YORK— Over the past 20 years,women have made huge inroads climbingthe corporate ladder in the optical indus-try and according to Vision Monday’srecent survey of “Influential Women”past honorees, prospects for futureadvancements are looking even brighter.

When askedabout careeropportunities forwomen over 40,as compared toother industriesor professions,nearly two-thirds,

39 percent, said the outlook was “verypromising” while 57 percent rated theopportunities as “promising.”

Several past honorees offered goldennuggets of advice for their colleagues look-ing to further develop their professional/working careers in the optical field. “Be pro-fessional, learn your trade well and workhard,” said Deb Malakoff, Vision Council ofAmerica’s VP of trade shows. “Don’t everassume that you will move ahead for anyreason other than performance. Take full

advantage of industry support groups, train-ing and education [in and outside the indus-try] and networking opportunities. Theoptical industry is a wonderful blend of fash-ion, technology and healthcare whereopportunities abound,” she said.

Andrea Thau, OD, owner of Thauand Associates advised, “Be the best thatyou can be. Give back to your professionby volunteering—it is rewarding andenjoyable. You can make a difference.”

Several past honorees reminiscedabout how things have changed over theyears for women. “Having worked withoptical retail, optical wholesale, opticallab, frame manufacturing, optical buyinggroups, optical third party networks anddoctors of optometry over the last 30years, I have seen tremendous changein the role of women,” according toEmily Mikel Folline, Folline VisionCenters, Columbia, S.C.

“We were once support staff, wholearned the optical business from ourmore-often-than-not male employers.But perhaps the real change is that mostpeople in the optical business look to

one another as opticians, technicians,executives, optometrists, etc., who hap-pen to be male or female. We are nolonger the woman optician.”

Change, especially for women, has moreoften than not been a good thing. “When Ientered the industry some 20 years ago,one of the gentlemen I worked for lovedto refer to me as a “broad”—now that I amone…no one uses the terminology,”according to VCA’s Malakoff. “Back then,women in leadership positions were farand few between. Yes, there were a fewwomen in powerful roles scattered in themanufacturing, retail and professional side,but not to the extent that you see today. Iwould estimate that 20 years ago, even asrecent as 7 to 10 years ago, the majority ofindividuals graduating with an optometricdegree going into practice were men…now there are more women then menentering the field,” she said.

Thau agreed with the sentiment thatmore women were entering the fieldthan ever before. “When I beganoptometry school women represented 9percent of practitioners. Now the

schools are well over 50 percent women.I always heard that there were notenough women in leadership. I gotinvolved to change that,” she said.

When asked to characterize prospectsfor young women entering theeyecare/eyewear industry, more than halfof the survey’s respondents, 56 percent,rated the outlook as “excellent” whileanother 37 percent said prospects for newentrants was “very good.” New honoreeCheryl Archer, OD agreed that timeswere indeed changing for women in theindustry. “With some of the failures inmanaged care, I believe healthcare ismaking a shift towards consumer- drivendecisions. Patients are becoming moreeducated and there is wealth of informa-tion available to them on the Internet.Women still tend to be the primaryhealthcare decision makers for their fam-ily. Being on both sides of that exchangeprovides women with an opportunity toinfluence and bring a fresh perspectiveon the delivery of eyecare in every stepof the process,” she said.

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Excellent

How would you characterize the career prospects for youngwomen entering the eyecare/eyewear industry?

56.0%

37.0%

12.0%

4.0%

Very Good Good Fair Poor

0%

Very Promising

Compared to other industries or professions, how are thecareer opportunities for women age 40 and over?

39.0%

57.0%

10.0%

Promising

0%

Not Promising At AllSomewhat Promising

Very Stong Impact

How would you characterize the impact you and your femalecolleagues have made on your company, organization or institution?

94.0%

12.0%

0% 0%

Somewhat of an Impact A small Impact Not Much of an Impact Very Important

How important a role have mentors played in your career?

Important Not Very Important Not at all Important

57.0%

37.0%

10.0%

4.0%

VM Survey of Past Honorees Reveals They’ve Come a Long Way

Continued on page 46

Opinions of “Influential Women”

SOURCE: 2007 OPINION SURVEY OF VISION MONDAY’S 2003-2006 “MOST INFLUENTIAL WOMEN”

Vision Monday’s survey also indicat-ed that women have a high opinion oftheir own accomplishments and those ofother women in the industry. Whenasked to characterize the impact theyand their female colleagues have madeon their respective organizations, a stag-gering 94 percent cited a “very strongimpact.” According to one respondent,“Women are stronger and more confi-

dent than they were years ago. They arehappy to speak up and stick by whatthey believe. Women in optical are suchan important influence because of theway we think and simply due to thebuying power we have—from makingkey decisions, researching buying pat-terns and working with different per-sonality types, we have the opportunityto become experts in this and so muchmore.” —Mary Kane



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Taking continuing ed/management courses

Which of the following would give women in the industry thebest opportunity to advance their careers to include managementresponsibility? Rank in order of importance from 1 to 5, with1 being the most important and 5 being least important.

3.3 3.2 3.3

2.6 2.7

Developing a five-yearcareer plan

Joining opticalorganizations and

associations

Developing a relationship with a mentor

Networking withpeers

How the role of women in optical has changedover the past 10 to 20 years:“Women have always had a presence in retail, but mostly at entrylevel positions. Over the course of the past 10 years, women haveprogressed considerably to upper level management within retailorganizations.”

“Women are a rising force in our profession and are setting new stan-dards of professionalism in dynamic new ways. I see young women ascommitted, challenged and very driven, perhaps even more than theirmale colleagues. Our local optometry school is more than 70 percentfemale. The new face of optometry is that of a woman.”

“Women today have earned the management and leadership roles theypossess. Hardworking, dedicated and loyal, women in the optical pro-fessions have created opportunities by starting their own companies,engaging in many types of leadership roles, taking on more challengingmanagement positions and leading the way in education.”

“Women have come along way in building confidence in patients. Wehave seen the compassion in women grow over the years. Thepatients tend to feel more comfortable with women. And whenchoosing eyewear they have risen in choosing the perfect eyewearfor them, which in return brings pleasure and referrals to theirfriends and family.”

QUOTABLE QUOTES

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SOURCE: 2007 OPINION SURVEY OF VISION MONDAY’S 2003-2006 “MOST INFLUENTIAL WOMEN”



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PastHonoreesRetail ExecutivesNancy DiCosmo,Au CourantMeera Dua,Cole Licensed BrandsDebra Fink,D.O.C. OpticsDiana Hall,Bard OpticalMichele Jantzen,Shopko EyecareCentersCarene Kunkler,Sight ResourceSherry LayPearle VisionLynn MillayLensCraftersSherrie RogersonDoctor’s VisionCenterOpticians andDispensingManagers/ExecutivesDiane Charles,Woodlawn OpticalDenise CookHarvard VanguardMedical AssociatesStacia DeckerAlvernon OpticalDiane Easterwood,Kaiser Permanente Peggy Hudicer-Zillmann,Berris OpticalEmily MikelFolline Vision CenterJuanita Moman,Moman’s EyecarePam ParizoParizo’s ChamplainValley EyecareSelima SalaunSelima OptiqueMello ThompsonImage OpticalOptometryCatherine Amos OD,Eyecare AssociatesVision Service PlanSusan Danberg OD,Special OlympicsOpening Eyes ProgramHarlyne Hantman, ODIndependent PracticeJan Jurkus OD,Illinois College ofOptometryThe Supplier SideGrady CulbrethCarl Zeiss OpticalMimi Friedfeld,ClearVision Optical

Gai Gherardi,l.a. EyeworksBarbara McReynoldsl.a. EyeworksAndrea Gluck,Eyewear DesignsNikki Iravani OD,CooperVisionTeresa Mandarini-Hanlon,Davis VisionJean ScottLuxotticaDonna Van GreenSeiko Optical FrameDivisionSheila VanceSama EyewearField Sales/TrainingMindy BernsteinKenmark OpticalVal Manso,Optical DynamicsDanne VenturaEssilor LensesLaboratoriesDonna BenedictOptical LaboratoriesAssociationLorinda FraboniWalman OpticalCorrine Hood,Katz & Klein OpticalVicki Kathe,LightbendersTeri LewVision Service PlanSue MurrayCumberland OpticalNaomi SvochakTru Form LabsDana Weeks,Optical ServicesInternationalMedia/Associations/ConsultantsJackie AngelWind River CountyOpticalMarge AxelradJobson Optical GroupStephanie De Long,Eyecare BusinessDarlene EakinKentucky OptometricAssociationPam Fritz,American Associationof DispensingOphthalmologistsCarole NorbeckSilhouette Optical

NewHonoree

MANAGED CARE

Patricia CochranChief Financial OfficerVision Service PlanRancho Cordova, Calif.

CHOSEN BECAUSE… “As a pioneer-ing female leader in managed visioncare and finance, Patricia acts as a rolemodel and mentor to many women.”As VSP’s chief financial officer, Cochranleads VSP’s finance division and charita-ble giving programs. Since she joinedVSP in 1978, she has been instrumentalin VSP’s numerous acquisitions ofregional vision plans. From 1984 to 2000,these acquisitions helped transform thecompany from a one-state organizationto the national leader in eyecare benefits.Cochran’s strategic management skillswere fundamental in navigating thecompliance steps necessary for VSP toexpand to all 50 states.

As a pioneering female leader in man-aged vision care and finance, Cochranserves as a role model and mentor tomany women. She helped establishVSP’s mentor program and made keycontributions to VSP’s corporate culture,which blends a focus on high perform-ance with a healthy work/life balance.

Cochran is the founder and leader ofVSP’s Sight for Students charity pro-gram, which provides underprivilegedchildren nationwide with free eyecare.She also volunteers on three non-profitboards of directors.SHE SAYS… “I would encourageyoung women to find a mentor intheir organization to get some honestfeedback from outside the normalchain of command. Also, I advocatethat they volunteer for causes theylove and are passionate about. Youcan learn a lot of skills that you canbring back into your workplace andfurther your career.”

’03PastHonoree

ASSOCIATIONS

Grady Culbreth Liaison, Vision Council of America’sAR CommitteeMidlothian, Va.

CHOSEN BECAUSE… “She is dedi-cated to promoting AR lenses, pre-mium lenses and educating ECPs.”Culbreth is well-known throughout theindustry for her work as an educator andas an officer for various industry organi-zations. She is a member of the Opti-cians Association of Virginia and presi-dent of the National Academy ofOpticianry. In 1999, she became the firstfemale president of the AR Council.

Currently, Culbreth serves as liaisonfor the Vision Council of America’s ARCommittee. In September, she willbecome president of the OpticalWomen’s Association.

Culbreth earned her opticianry degreefrom J. Sargeant Reynolds in the early1980s. (She’s now on the school’s adviso-ry board.) She used her skill and knowl-edge to earn the confidence of patientswho were used to seeing a male opticianin the dispensary.

In 1989, Culbreth began her corporatecareer with Carl Zeiss Optical, Inc. (nowCarl Zeiss Vision), holding a variety ofjobs including manager of sales adminis-tration, national professional develop-ment manager, director of businessdevelopment and spokesperson. For thelast two years, she has served as a con-sultant to Zeiss. She also operates herown consulting company.SHE SAYS… “Women will find manyopportunities for professional growthand development if they join an opti-cal organization and chair a commit-tee. That experience will help youlearn how to manage, and you’ll beable to meet influential people. You’llbe helping the organization as well ashelping yourself.”

OPTOMETRY

Cheryl Archer, ODAllen-Auglaize Eye Care CenterLima, Ohio

CHOSEN BECAUSE… “Dr. Archer isthe current president of the OhioOptometric Association, the secondlargest state association in the coun-try, certainly one of the most influen-tial women leader in the AmericanOptometric Association (AOA).”Upon graduation from Ohio State Collegeof Optometry in 1984, Archer toyed withthe idea of teaching or going into research,but she opted for private practice and hasnever looked back. Today, as senior part-ner and president of a four-office, six-doc-tor group in Ohio, Archer is still enamoredof the idea of being in business for herselfsaying, “I just can’t see myself runningany other type of practice.” Archer partici-pates in several volunteer programsincluding Vision USA offering free eyeexams, as an InfantSEE provider, and as avolunteer in VOSH missions to theUkraine helping to fit more than 500 peo-ple with eyeglasses in the span of a week.

“This year, we are going back to theOhio legislation to get the state to updatethe scope of optometric practices, whichhas a great effect on what we can prescribeand how we can treat patients,” she said.

“We need to be a unified voice advo-cating that optometry is the source for alifetime of quality comprehensive eye-care. We have a powerful message todeliver. Being dedicated to that task is myway of both recognizing the contributionmade by leaders preceding me and pay-ing ahead to generations yet to come.”SHE SAYS… “I’ve learned that you’recapable of achieving so much morewhen you keep a positive attitudeand have a passion for what you aredoing. Never allow your attitude tobecome stagnant. Do not fear suc-cess or failure because you’ll learnfrom both.”

2003 HONOREES

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LensCrafters | PearleVision | Sears Optical | Target Optical | BJ’s Optical | EyeMedVision Care | Sunglass Hut | Luxottica Optical Manufacturing N.A.

Two of the most innovative women in optical!

Luxottica Retail Congratulates Liz

DiGiandomenicoSenior Vice Presidentand General Manager,

EyeMed Vision Care

LynnMillaySenior DirectorLens Buying

VIS_0723_LuxotticaHalf 7/12/07 11:18 AM Page 1

that meet the evolving needs of hercustomers.”Liz DiGiandomenico is currently respon-sible for all facets of EyeMed’s sales,marketing and services, having led thecompany’s growth to a position whereEyeMed now serves more than 135 mil-lion covered lives through more than3,500 client companies. Under DiGian-domenico’s leadership, and with the ris-ing demand for vision wellness and itsgrowing role in overall health care andwellness programs, EyeMed has contin-ued steady growth year after year. Overthe past three years, the company hascontinued to see double-digit revenuegrowth, according to DiGiandomenico.

DiGiandomenico was also a foundingmember and is currently first vice president ofthe National Association of Vision Care Plans.

SHE SAYS… “This is an excitingtime for women in optical, with morewomen making important inroadsinto many professional areas. MoreAsian women are entering and com-pleting optometry school than anyother female minority, which adds akey element of diversity as well.”

’03PastHonoree

SUPPLIER

Andrea Gluck Co-PresidentEyewear Designs Ltd.Syosset, N.Y.

CHOSEN BECAUSE… “She demon-strates longevity in an ever changingindustry, influences trends and the waywe look at the optical field today.”Thirty-two years ago Andrea Gluck was aneighbor of the man who would changethe course of her life forever, her future

partner at Eyewear Designs Ltd., the lateBarry Baum, and after three decades shestill loves coming to work every morning.Gluck, who since became the foundingpresident of the Children’s Vision Coali-tion, a member and Pleiades honoree ofthe OWA, and the most recent past chair-man of the VCA, is responsible for sales,product and marketing of EyewearDesigns Ltd., and credits a good portionof her success to her parents. “I comefrom a large Irish family and we learnedearly on to pull our own weight. It didn’tmatter if you were a girl or boy, old oryoung, if you were assigned a job you gotit done. It built a great work ethic in all ofus,” said Gluck. Her personal philosophyis to run her business the same way sheruns her personal life: by treating all peo-ple equally and by caring about every-thing with the same intensity.SHE SAYS… “There are no prob-lems, only solutions. Les Brownsaid, ‘Shoot for the moon—even ifyou miss you will land among thestars.’ To me it means never say‘never,’ always give it a try.”

MANAGED CARE

Liz DiGiandomenicoSenior Vice President General Manager/EyeMed Vision CareMason, Ohio

CHOSEN BECAUSE… “She is pas-sionate about providing value andservice to clients, members andproviders… adept at identifying trendsand translating them into products

’04

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To This Year’s

20 Most Influential WomanThe Next Generation of Leaders

CongratulationsCongratulations&

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VIS_0723_JobsonWomen-Ad1 7/12/07 11:35 AM Page 1

NewHonoree

Mary and Mike Hagge started MJ Opti-cal 42 years ago as an uncut lab in theirOmaha basement. In the beginning,Mary fined and polished lenses and han-dled the billing. After Mike moved thelab to a bigger building, she trained to bea nurse and then stayed home to raisetheir seven children. She also raisedthoroughbred horses.

When Mike passed away in 2003,Mary took over the leadership of MJ.With the support of her employees,including her sons Marty, Morrie, Mikeand daughter Michelle, Mary soon set towork modernizing the business. MJ isnow a full-service laboratory that is com-pletely computerized and offers adiverse product range.

She continues to indulge her eques-trian passion and now raises quarterhorses.

SHE SAYS… “I try to encourageeverybody, no matter what their roleis. I have an open door. Anybody cancome and talk with me about any-thing.”

’03

PastHonoree

RETAILER

Diana Hall Owner/PresidentBard OpticalPeoria, Ill.

CHOSEN BECAUSE… “A true pio-neer among women in optical retail-ing…an active business leader.”Diana Hall has owned Bard Optical since

1981, taking it from a 40-year-old, single-location dispensary to an 18-store opera-tion that generated $8.5 million in overallsales in 2006—an increase in volume ofmore than 20 percent over the last fiveyears. Hall gives credit to Bard Optical’semployees—many of them companyveterans—for much of the chain’s steadygrowth: “Organizational consistency is amajor factor in our success,” she said.

Hall also pays close attention to train-ing in sales and customer service, urgingstore personnel to greet long-time cus-tomers by name and to maintain relation-ships with them. Helping other womenfind their niches in retailing, in general,and in optical in particular, is important toHall. She regularly spends time speakingbefore business groups, and is serving thisyear as incoming president of the centralIllinois chapter of the National Associa-tion of Women Business Owners.SHE SAYS… “It’s so important forsuccessful women to reach out toother women and help them moveup the ladder. Part of that isthrough talking about all aspects ofthe business—the good as well asthe bad.”

LABORATORIES

Mary HaggePresident, Co-ownerMJ OpticalOmaha, Neb.

CHOSEN BECAUSE… “She has keptMJ Optical in Vision Monday’s Top Labssince taking over the company in 2003,with growth happening each year.”



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importance of regular eye exams.”King oversees merchandising for the3,000-plus company-owned Wal-MartVision Centers and Sam’s Club Opticalsin the U.S. Before joining Wal-Mart’soptical division in August 2003, sheworked in merchandising in jewelry,sunglasses and watches for the retailinggiant; King celebrates her 12th year withWal-Mart this month.

She sees the key opportunity for theWal-Mart and Sam’s optical departmentsas “education for our consumers.” What Ienjoy most in my job is the opportunityto make a difference in the lives of ourpatients —like being a part of nationaloutreach programs that provide needychildren with vision care, educating adultpatients what to expect as their eyes ageand as their children's eyes develop, andleading them to the high-value solutionswe have at Wal-Mart and Sam’s Clubs.”

SHE SAYS… “As women develop theircareers in optical, my advice is to keepone thing in mind and that one thing isthe patient. If you are a good studentof the patient you will have theanswers needed for success.”

RETAILER

Julie KingVice President/Divisional MerchandiseManager, Optical MerchandisingWal-Mart/Sam’s ClubBentonville, Ark.

CHOSEN BECAUSE… “She is respon-sible for sourcing and purchasing forone of the largest optical operations inthe country. She is also out in frontspeaking of women’s health and the

’06

PastHonoree

NewHonoree

early 90’s that dream was realized whenshe arrived on a special project forSwatch Eyes and stayed to work forEYEota. After spearheading the launch-es of high-end brands like Kata andIsaac Mizrahi, she left the optical indus-try in 2002 and returned in 2005 whenSteve Horowitz, executive vice presi-dent of REM, asked her to head up anew, as yet named, division. Kremser,armed with a fresh perspective, becamethe managing director of Base Curve,where she is involved in every aspect ofthe business, from building the brandsto customer service and finance. “Theadditional perspective of having livedand worked in other countries hashelped me to think globally and to reachacross other cultures and industries,”said Kremser. “The greatest challenge isto get your brands on the map. It is anoversaturated market and you have tofind a way to make your brands indis-pensable to the consumers and opti-cians. But I love what I do because Ihave a great team of people to rely on.”SHE SAYS… “Given the scope of theindustry, there is no area a womancan’t be successful in if you follow

SUPPLIER

Heike KremserManaging DirectorBase CurveSun Valley, Calif.

CHOSEN BECAUSE… … “Heike was apioneer in the high-end segment of theindustry in the 90’s and has broughther wealth of experience to a new lead-ership role for Base Curve.” As a child in Germany, Heike Kremserdreamed about living in the U.S... In the



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’03PastHonoree

RETAILER

Lynn MillaySenior Director, Lens ManagementLuxottica RetailMason, Ohio

CHOSEN BECAUSE… “Her influenceover the years has manifested itselfin production innovation and in drivingthe growth of important trends inoptical. She is widely respected forher vision and partnership.”Since being honored as one of VisionMonday’s first Most Influential Womenin Optical in 2003, Lynn Millay has seenher responsibilities at Luxottica Retailincrease exponentially. (After beginningher career in the optical business atAmerican Optical, Millay becameLensCrafters’ third employee when thechain was founded in 1983.)

Following parent Luxottica Group’sacquisition of Cole Vision in October 2004,Millay began to oversee lens purchasingnot only for Luxottica Retail’s 800-plusLensCrafters stores, but also for the com-pany’s newly acquired Pearle Vision, SearsOptical, Target Optical and BJ’s Opticallocations. She was also now dealing for thefirst time with stores that did not have on-site optical labs. “It’s been a major respon-sibility to look at the areas in which thevarious retail brands are similar, and takeadvantage of those synergies, and at wherethey’re different, and figure out how todeal with that as well,” Millay said. “It’salso been a new experience dealing withcentralized labs as well as LensCrafters’traditional in-store labs.”

SHE SAYS… “I think optical may be alittle more welcoming to women thanretailing—and business—in generalbecause of the connection with peo-ple, which women are innately goodat. Our industry helps people see—that’s pretty amazing, and a very per-sonal thing…and women get that.”

ASSOCIATIONS

Deborah MalakoffVP Trade Shows Vision Council of AmericaAlexandria, Va.

CHOSEN BECAUSE… “She is aleader in coordinating all of VCA’sprograms. In her role with the VisionExpos for VCA, she’s extremelyadept at marketing, relationships andbuilding on prior levels of success.” Malakoff started her career with a B.S. inad design and marketing, joining RCARecords. She freelanced for optical retailpioneer, Bob Hillman, when he had onestore. When Quaker Oats bought Hill-man’s business, he hired her as visual mer-chandising manager for what grew into 38EyeLab locations. Deb joined him againin a new Hillman-Kohan venture as direc-tor of creative services until that businesswas sold in 1999. She later was tapped bythe Vision Council of America (VCA) .

“Apart from my day-to-day interac-tions with VCA member companies myfocus is on the show partnership withReed, the VCA Show Committee, andrelations with industry organizations affil-iated with our events,” she noted. Lastyear, VCA welcomed a new CEO,industry veteran Ed Greene, who hasreenergized the staff, the membershipand the partnership.”

Malakoff recently completed serving athree-year term on the board of MATSO(Major American Trade Show Organizerstrade association). Last March, Malakoffreceived the Optical Women’s Association’s2007 Pleiades honor.

SHE SAYS… “Of all the advice I’vereceived through the years, one pieceof advice is paramount: be passionateabout what you do—otherwise it’stime to do something else. Of late, Irely the most on my husband, TonyCastor, who continues to be a greatsounding board and confidant.”

PastHonoreesRetail ExecutivesSharon BlankenshipPearle VisionJanet CallifLuxottica RetailDebbie Thomas,Eye Care Centersof AmericaKathy Veltri,Cole Vision/TargetOpticalLisa Wolman,For Eyes OpticalDebra Woyce,National VisionOpticians andDispensingManagers/ExecutivesJanie Blackstock,Horizon Eye CareDiane DrakeAll About EyesVision CenterAmy Endo,A. EndoDianna FinisecyWagner Opticians andNational Academy ofOpticianryPatti Galko,Northeastern EyeInstituteHelene Goldschmidt,Frame Up Eyewear Inc.Kelly Huntsinger-Chasnov,Eyetopian OpticalCathy TrejoMonument Vision ClinicOptometrySandra Bury, OD,Complete Vision CareJanet Carter, OD,Association ofRegulatory Bodies ofOptometry (ARBO)Paula Newsome, OD,Advantage Vision CenterKelly Nichols, OD,The Ohio State UniversityCollege of OptometryBina Patel, OD,New England Collegeof OptometrySusan Resnick, ODKathryn Reynolds, OD,Clarkson EyecareGlenda Secor, ODSuppliers, Field Salesand TrainingMary Angrisani,CooperVisionPat Aptaker,Nouveau Eyewear

Liz Davila,VISX, Inc.Debra DeLong,Sàfilo USAKyle Duffens,Duffens Optical/South-Central region,Essilor Laboratories ofAmerica (ELOA)Connie FalvoTransitions OpticalDonna GindyRem EyewearGail Israel,LuxotticaJan Kubiak,Signet Armorlite, Inc.Regina LageViva International GroupCorrine McCormack,Corrine McCormack Inc.Susan PolsonNational Optronics, Inc.Nancy RoelkeSOLA OpticalChristina Schnider,VISTAKON, VisionCare, Inc.Jennifer WalkerEssilor Laboratoriesof AmericaBecky WilkinsonOakleyDebi 'Zuke' Zuccheri,CIBA VisionManaged CareLaura CostaVision Service PlanDonna Denby,Davis VisionLiz DiGiandomenico,EyeMed Vision CareSusan HauserComprehensiveProfessional SystemsMary Lou Stephan,Kaiser PermanenteLaboratoriesSue CrawleyVolunteer OpticalLaboratoryKathy Gross-Edelman,Pech Optical Corp.Julie Larson,Walman OpticalAssociations/ConsultantsSusan KnoblerGift of Sight DevelopmentDebbie MalakoffVision Council of AmericaRene SoltisVision Council of America

2004 HONOREES

’04

PastHonoree New

Honoree

OPTICIAN

Jean MillerDirector of Ophthalmology Retail Service Mayo ClinicRochester, Minn.

CHOSEN BECAUSE… “She doesher job with an even disposition, avery open mind, a sense of humor,trust in her management team andunbelievable optical instints.”While training to be a medical secretary,Miller worked in an optometric practice,a job which became the springboard forher 30-year career as an optician andmanager. Following a two-year appren-ticeship, she was recruited by PearleVision Center, eventually becomingsupervisor of the Rochester, Minn. loca-tion. After earning ABO certification,she spent five years at a private practicebefore joining the Mayo Clinic’s newoptical division in 1996.

In 2004, Miller was promoted to hercurrent position as director of ophthal-mology retail service at Mayo Clinic.She oversees two high-volume opticalsin Rochester, a surfacing lab and nineoff-campus sites in Minnesota and Wis-consin. The optical business has consis-tently grown under her direction, withmore than 30 employees in the mainRochester location and a second locationthat will soon double in size.

SHE SAYS… “Rely on your ownconfidence and instincts. I also rec-ommend that women starting out inoptical become ABO-certified,because that offers more credibility.Don’t be afraid to gather new ideasand learn from your peers andgrow.”



V IS IO N MON DAY

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COVER STORY

2007 MANAGEDVISION CARE

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VIS_0723_JobsonManaged_Ad3 7/12/07 11:51 AM Page 1

found herself at a career crossroads. Sheserved as co-director of the school’s Con-tact Lens Clinic, was an assistant clinicalprofessor and supervisor of the ContactLens residency program. Throughouther tenure, Riley was instrumental insecuring more than 14 grants and servedas Principal Investigator for the Collabo-rative Longitudinal Evaluation of Kera-toconus Study (CLEK) funded by theNational Eye Institute. Three years latershe joined the R&D team at Vistakonand helped the company launch severalproducts including the silicone hydrogelAcuvue Oasys and Acuvue Advance forAstigmatism.

She participates in Johnson & Johnson’sWomen in Leadership Initiative (WLI), acompany-wide networking and mentoringprogram promoting career development aswell as real life advice.

SHE SAYS… “You have to opt forwhat will offer you the best lifeexperience. In my case, being able tocombine teaching with private practiceallowed me to grow and learn early inmy career which gave me the abilityto make good choices later on.”

’05PastHonoree

RETAILER

Jackee Smith President and CEOCo-op OpticalDetroit, Mich.

CHOSEN BECAUSE…… “She is acapable, compassionate leader whofocuses on people, charitable serviceand sound business practices.”

In the course of her 30-year optical career,Smith has risen from being a receptionistto being president and chief executiveofficer of Co-op Optical, a Detroit-basedcompany with 135 employees and 11retail stores, an optical manufacturing divi-sion and a vision insurance company. Sheis one of the few African Americanwomen to lead a regional optical compa-ny. Under her leadership, Co-op Optical’ssales have grown from $13.6 million in2004, the year she became CEO, to $17.7million in 2006. The company’s cus-tomers include the Detroit Board of Edu-cation, Wayne County Community Col-lege District and Oakland University.Nationally, it serves DaimlerChrysler andAmerican Axle. She sees Co-op Optical asan “eyecare conservation organization.”

She serves as chairperson of the chil-dren’s division for New Center Communi-ty Mental Health, and coordinates a Toysfor Tots program for low income children.She has also participated in the Child CareCoordinating Council.

SHE SAYS… “This is a great industry.If you leave your heart and mind opento grow, you’re bound to succeed.”

OPTOMETRY

Colleen H. Riley, OD, FAAODirector, Research and DevelopmentVistakonJacksonville, Fla.

CHOSEN BECAUSE… Her ability tobring clinical, materials and design sci-ence to product development has beeninstrumental in the creation of contactlenses that addresses the underservedneeds of millions.”After 12 years with the Indiana Univer-sity School of Optometry, Colleen Riley

NewHonoree



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MANAGED CARE

Kathy TorrenceProduct Line ManagerKaiser Permanente Optical ServicesRichmond, Calif.

CHOSEN BECAUSE… “She hasspent many hours educating andimplementing updated testing forcontact lens fitters across the coun-try. She is a dedicated professionaland a wonderful person.”Twenty-eight years ago, Kathy Torrencewas a dispenser in an optical shop inPhoenix, Ariz. Today, she is responsiblefor marketing, product selection andmanagement of two product lines—con-tact lenses and frames—for Kaiser Per-manente Northern California. She isABO certified, NCLE advanced and aCLSA Fellow. She has been president ofthe Pacific Coast Contact Lens Society, aCLSA board member and is currentlyserving on the Fellow Committee thatadministers the Fellow exam for CLSA.

Torrence oversees the design of newKaiser Permanente optical stores and theremodel of existing locations. She’s also ontwo national teams for Kaiser Perma-nente, the Contact Lens Sourcing andStandards team and the National Market-ing team. With three boys, balancing fam-ily and her job can be a challenge but herpassion for both keeps her positive andeffective. “I try and make sure I do what Isay I’m going to do, offering support forboth my co-workers and my family. Thepeople I work with and the members Ihelp at the clinic inspire me daily. Theyare my motivation to do my best.”

SHE SAYS… “Women in the opticalindustry today are more empowered andshow great passion for what they do.Passion for your work is a good thing. Iknow sometimes it comes across aspushy, but don’t let negative peoplestand in the way of your passion.”

’03PastHonoree

SUPPLIER

Danne Ventura Director, Professional RelationsEssilor of AmericaDallas, Texas

CHOSEN BECAUSE…”She workstirelessly to serve and inform eyecareprofessionals about new technologyand helps education in numerousways. She represents Essilor ofAmerica and the optical professionwith grace and dignity.”As a college-educated dispensing opti-cian, Ventura joined Essilor in 1989 aseducation coordinator, initiating her ownprograms, including the co-founding ofthe Varilux Optometry Super Bowl com-petition. Today, Ventura is lecturing,teaching and publishing to fulfill Essilor’sprofessional relations mission.

Ventura is a fellow in the NationalAcademy of Opticianry (NAO) and theOpticians Association of America.

On the board of directors of the NAO,JCAHPO education and research foun-dation, New York City Technical Collegeand Essex County College, Ventura’sreceived many honors including theNational Federation of OpticanrySchool’s “Person of the Year” in 1995, theATPO (Association of Technical Person-nel in Ophthalmology) President's Awardin 2004, the NAO Recognition Award in2006 and she is currently on the Com-mission on Opticianry Education.

In November, she will receive a veryspecial, high-level award from JCAHPO,the group’s 2007 Statesmanship Award,granted “to a person who has manifestedleadership through the support and train-ing of allied health personnel in ophthal-mology, and whose career has demon-strated dedication in the finest ethics andideals of our ophthalmology profession.” SHE SAYS… “I’d advise anyone todo what you love, and to always takethe high road.”

OPTOMETRY

Dr. Andrea P. Thau, OD,FAAO, FCOVDOwnerThau and AssociatesNew York, N.Y.

CHOSEN BECAUSE… “She hasbeen very successful at combiningher dual roles as an academician anda private practice optometrist.”Andrea Thau, OD has been in practice forthe last 23 years and since 1987 she’sowned and run a four-woman group privatepractice located on Park Avenue in NewYork City, specializing in full scope optom-etry with an emphasis on children andvision therapy. As an associate clinical pro-fessor at SUNY State College of Optome-try, Thau’s background and experience inthe industry is extensive, including stints aspast president of NYSOA, N.Y. Academyof Optometry, Optometric Society of N.Y.,and current president of the N.Y. Chil-dren’s Vision Coalition. Recently, sheadded another star to her orbit when shewas elected to the AOA’s board of trusteesat the organization’s Optometry’s Meetingheld in June. Thau considers her election tothe board a special honor since there areonly a handful of women selected for theAOA board. “You need to be at a certainstage in your career to be considered.”

“I also feel a profound duty to ‘pay itforward’ and contribute to my professionby volunteering to help future generationsof ODs.” She is a founding committeemember of the InfantSEE public healthprogram, a partnership between the AOAand Johnson & Johnson Vision Care.

SHE SAYS…“It is a privilege toenable patients of all ages to havethe vision they need to enjoy life. Mymentor was my late father, Dr. EdwinC. Thau, an optometrist who lovedpracticing optometry and was dedi-cated to advancing our profession.”

PastHonoreesRetail ExecutivesDebbie Cohen,D.O.C OpticsLora Loveland,Wal-Mart OpticalJacqueline Marvucic,Emerging Vision, Inc./Sterling OpticalGretchen Oldt,Empire VisionCenters/Davis VisionLaura O’Neill,Nationwide VisionNancy Noll,Opticare Eye Healthand Vision CentersJo Patt,Accurate OpticalKatheryn Schramm,A Child’s ViewRegina Sharp,Shared ServicesLuxottica RetailJackee Smith,Co/op OpticalVision DesignsSandy Smith,Doctors Vision CenterDispensing OpticiansSandra Brown,Dr. Bizer’s Vision WorldJerry Himes,AoSola/Carl ZeissVisionCarol Russell,Bay State Eye CareOptometrists/OphthalmologistsTuyet Kathleen Doan, OD,Clarkson EyecareSusan Meek, MD, JD,OphthalmologistBeverly Miller, OD,Eye AssociatesKaren Rosen, OD,Rosen OptometryAssociatesJanice Scharre, OD,Illinois College ofOptometrySusan M. Stenson, MD,New York UniversitySchool of MedicineRegina McCollum Sullivan, OD,Focal Point OpticalAndrea P. Thau, OD,Thau and AssociatesPenny Walter, OD, MPA,FAAO,Naval OphthalmicSupport and TrainingActivity

SuppliersLaurie Badone,Seiko Optical Productsof AmericaLynda Baker,Con-Cise ContactLense Co.Kathy Bernard,Signet ArmorliteYvette Carranza,Digital Vision, Inc. (DVI)Yvonne Grieco,ZylowareDebby Kelly,Safilo, USALisa Lingard,Vision West, Inc.Debbie Lochli,Viva InternationalGroupMarj McGraw,Nouveau EyewearKara Casey Meyer,REM EyewearAudrey Reed,Essilor of AmericaDonna Rollins,Marchon EyewearBette Zaret,Transitions OpticalManaged CareCathy Holley,EyeMed Vision CareKate Renwick-Espinosa,Vision Service PlanLinda Sauer,Allied EyeCareLaboratoriesKelly Bowling,Robertson OpticalLaboratories, Inc.Lynn Cherry,Cherry Optical, Inc.Candice Levr,Homer Optical Co.Susan Nutgrass,Midwest LabsGale Meyer,Diversified OpthalmicsLu-Lu White,Jorgenson Optical SupplyAssociations/Consultants/MediaEileen Baird,Int’l Vision Expo andMidwest Vision CongressJenean Carlton, ABOC,NCLC,Carlton & Associates, LLCGloria Nicola,20/20 MagazineMary E. Schmidt,EyeSystemsShirley Platzer-Stocks,SPS Associates

2005 HONOREES

’05PastHonoree

’06PastHonoree



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COVER STORY

RETAILER

Shirley WanamakerOptical BuyerEmpire Vision/Davis VisionSyracuse, N.Y.

CHOSEN BECAUSE… …“Perhapsone of the most powerful and influ-ential people in the optical indus-try…a must on the list.”Shirley Wanamaker began in optical in1975, as a receptionist at an ophthalmol-ogy practice. Since then, her career hastaken her to many of the industry’s best-known and historic retail chains, and toincreasing levels of responsibility.

Wanamaker’s career roster includes astint with Benson Optical; a position asco-manager for EyeLab, the industry’sfirst eyewear superstore, in the mid-1980s; and working as an optical buyerfor Price Club as that warehouse cluboperation moved into optical retailing.Settling in Arizona in the early 1990s,she was a merchandise manager forWestern States Optical there, then spentthree years with Nationwide Visionbefore shifting to Sam’s Club as thatwarehouse chain entered, then expand-ed in, the optical business. In the mid-1990s Wanamaker struck out on her ownas co-founder of the Reading Glass Co.,a 16-store chain selling non-prescriptionreaders; when that concept failed toattract needed funding, she left tobecome general manager of Bard Opti-cal, where she spent eight years untiljoining Davis Vision two years ago thismonth. Wanamaker now buys oph-thalmic and contact lenses for Davis andits Empire Vision Centers optical chain.

SHE SAYS… “I’ve gotten where Ihave because of my own tenacity; Idon’t think it’s made much differencebeing a woman. Even going back towhen I was a dispenser, if someonehad a problem dealing with a woman, itwas their problem, not mine.”

’03PastHonoree

LABORATORIES

Dana Weeks Optical Services InternationalPresidentNorcross, Ga.

CHOSEN BECAUSE… “Dana is pres-ident of the most influential, respect-ed and prestigious optical laboratoryassociation in the country. With allthe acquisitions taking place withinthe industry, she has been able tomaintain her desired level of mem-bership. Dana is an enthusiastic,very hard working individual.”As president of Optical Services Interna-tional (OSI) since 1988, Dana Weeks pro-vides services that help the independentlaboratory compete in today’s world oflarge corporate-owned laboratories. OSIprovides a variety of services includingeducation, dispenser training, marketingand promotions. “Being a small business,I wear all the hats. Anything that needs tobe done to assist our members, I try anddo it,” said Weeks. Since joining OSI, shehas increased membership 85 percent, amajor accomplishment considering OSIhas lost 22 members due to lab acquisi-tions. On the board of directors for theOptical Women’s Association and winnerof the group’s 2004 Pleiades award, she hasseen women become more visible in man-agement and sales positions over the past20 years. “Today, there are women head-ing independent labs, women who are avital part of management teams and twowomen who were past presidents of theOptical Laboratories Association.” Heradvice for women interested in a career inthe optical industry: “Work hard, be pre-pared, keep your sense of humor and don’ttake yourself too seriously.” SHE SAYS… “The only thing that isconstant is change. The old adage thatit takes quality, service and price to besuccessful is no longer the case.These three ingredients are a must toexist, but fresh ideas and growthopportunities are the real factors thatcan set you apart today.”

SUPPLIER

Rose WallaceSenior Marketing Manager,Lens ManufacturersTransitions Optical, Inc.Pinellas Park, Fla.

CHOSEN BECAUSE… “Rose Wallacehas been lending her creative mindand keen understanding of the opti-cal industry to Transitions Optical ina range of roles.” As a senior marketing manager for Tran-sitions Optical, Rose Wallace is responsi-ble for the development and manage-ment of marketing strategies formarketing Transitions Lenses for thelens manufacturers. She works closelywith several of Transitions Optical’s lenspartners to promote emerging lines ofsunglass lenses, Activated by Transitions.She led the way in the creation of a neweyeglass guide, which educates con-sumers on their eyewear options througha print magazine insert and interactiveWeb site, then drives them to their eye-care practitioner for more information.With Transitions Optical since 1991, Wal-lace has seen women rise to higher-levelpositions in all areas at Transitions. “Wenow have many women in key positionson our commercial team and severalwomen on our global leadership team.”

SHE SAYS… “Early in my career, Iwas fortunate to have a woman as amanager who encouraged me andshowed me the ropes, highlightingmy accomplishments within theorganization. I encourage people tofind someone highly respected inyour company. Then learn everythingyou can from them. Also, never beafraid to take on a new opportunityor challenge. Even if you fail, you willlearn so much.”

PastHonoreesRetail ExecutivesDiane Beaufils,Eye Care Centersof AmericaRebecca C. Jackson,Omega OpticalJulie King,Wal-Mart/DMMPaulette KrstevskiVision PointVanessa Wise,LuxotticaRetailDispensing OpticiansPolly Fisher,A&A Optical RetailBarbara FolgoStrand Eye CareLaura Frezza-Chiarello,West & StannishOpticiansMadeleine Kruhsberg,Apex OpticalSylvie Putman,Pro-Style OpticalOptometrists/OphthalmologistsSarah Appel, OD,Pennsylvania Collegeof OptometryRoxana F. Barad, MD,Pittsburgh Eye AssociatesIda Chung, OD,SUNY College ofOptometryKristine Eng, OD,Orinda AssociatesJoan Exford Korb, OD,Korb AssociatesMichelle Harrison, OD,Camden EyeCareAssociatesElizabeth Hoppe, OD,New England Collegeof OptometryLorie Lippiatt, OD,Salem EyeCare CenterKatherine Mastrota,OD, Omni Eye ClinicPamela Miller, ODJennifer Planitz, OD,Rio EyeCare PCMaria Richman,OD,The Doctor’s Choice forLow VisionRhonda Robinson, OD,Ossip/RobinsonOptometryJenny Smythe, OD,Pacific UniversityCollege of OptometrySarita Soni, ODIndiana UniversitySuppliersKim Bratcher,The Alliance

Carole Bratteig,Transitions OpticalJudy Canty,Polycore Optical USALouise Courville-Gill,Hoya Vision CareLori Feldman,I-dealopticsBarbara Flickinger,Marchon EyewearDiane Gillis,Essilor of AmericaKaren Gough,CIBA VisionAnn Harrison,1-800 ContactsCathy Kaye,ClearVision OpticalDonna Nagawaki,Rem EyewearCindy Pelletier,ABB OpticalJanet Phillips,New York EyeCarmen Renscher,Shamir InsightManaged CareKim Caruso,Davis VisionCheryl Johnson VisionService Plan (VSP)Marylin Seastrom,EyeMed Vision CareKathy Torrence,Kaiser PermanenteOptical ServicesLaboratoriesKaren Keeney,Chadwick Optical, Inc.Carol Lamy,DiversifiedOphthalmics, Inc.LuAnn Mosier,Pech Optical Corp.Jennifer Steffey,SunStar OpticalLaboratoriesSue CrawleyVolunteer OpticalLaboratoryKathy Gross-Edelman,Pech Optical Corp.Julie Larson,Walman OpticalAssociates/Consultants/MediaCathy Ciccolella,Vision MondayValerie Scott,Association ExpositionServicesElizabeth Taylor-Creed,Southern Council ofOptometrists/SECO

2006 HONOREES

NewHonoreeNewHonoree

NEW YORK—The nation’s professional col-leges of optometry and a diverse range of opti-cianry and technical schools are groomingtoday’s vision care professionals and tomorrow’seyecare leaders.

Perhaps one of the most dramatic elementsof change in the arena has been the notableand significant increase in the number ofwomen drawn to the optometric professionand the dispensing community.

As has been well documented of late,women are comprising the majority of today’soptometric school graduates. Drawn to thecore values of the profession, the various prac-tice opportunities that exist in private practice,group practice, public health and corporate and hospital settings, women comingout of the schools, as exemplified by the students we spotlight here, are alreadyvery active, curious and eager to extend the scope of their contributions.

As well, the need for educated dispensing opticians remains paramount.

Increasingly complex and varied producttechnologies – combined with a moreinformed and inquisitive patient base—rein-force the need for professionally-trainedindividuals to serve their needs as well asthe demands of competitive business dis-pensaries and retail operations.

This is the second year that Vision Mon-day will be bringing a new dimension to itsannual report honoring the “Most InfluentialWomen in Optical.”

We asked the heads of the nation’s profes-sional optometry schools as well as those head-ing the ophthalmic dispensing and opticianrytech programs around the U.S. to recommend

a female candidate to represent their school and the Class of 2007 graduates.Their choices reflect superb standards of commitment, passion and accomplish-

ment. The spirit of these young women are already influencing patient care andwill undoubtedly impact the professional eyecare field’s future. —The Editors


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The Next GenerationOf Female Leaders

The Next Generation of Leadership is presented by

VIS_0723_LuxotticaStrip 7/13/07 10:25 AM Page 1

The Classof ’07

Today’s Students Embrace Professional Options



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COVER STORY

Judy LogueCuyahoga Community CollegeCleveland, OH.

Balancing family, work and school,Logue, a single mother with three chil-dren, was a chiropractic assistant and

wanted a new career and new opportunities.After talking to the program manager at Tri-C, which

was in her town, she entered the optical technology pro-gram and learned the opticianry field, maintaining an ‘A’average and appearing on the Dean’s List.

Today she works at Madison Eye Care, in Westlake,Ohio, a two-office, private practice, a Vision Sourcepractice.

HER SCHOOL SAYS: “Logue’s positive atti-tude and sunny disposition has brightenedthe lives of all around her, encouraged andinspired her classmates. What’s she’s accom-plished here at Cuyahoga lead us to believethat Ms. Logue is a future leader in the fieldof opticianry in Northeast Ohio and we’reproud she graduated from our program.”

Sarah Hutchinson,ABOC, NCLCMiddlesex Community CollegeMiddletown, Ct.

Hutchinson is a graduate of the oph-thalmic design and dispensing program

and a recipient of an associate science (A.S.) degree. Nationally certified by the American Board of Opticianry

(ABOC) and the National Contact Lens Examiners (NCLE),she completed a fellowship in specialized contact lensfitting with Rene R. Rivard at Consulting Ophthalmologistsin Farmington, Ct. as well as the course in contact lensesat the Vision Care Institute, sponsored by Johnson &Johnson Vision Care.

Hutchinson also represented Middlesex CommunityCollege at this year’s National Federation of OpticianrySchools/Essilor College Bowl at Vision Expo East inNew York.

Just finishing her Connecticut state practical exam,Hutchinson is currently working with Glasses Galore ofMiddlebury, Ct.

HER SCHOOL SAYS: “Sarah is an outstandingstudent and has tremendous potential in herfuture career.”

Judy HavermannCommunity College of VermontRutland, VT.

Haverman’s opticianry degree is the startof a second career for this 59-year-old,who worked full-time while attending CCV.

Havermann spent 22 years as director of rental andproperty management at Killington Ski Resort in Vermont,but had been long fascinated with the eyecare field.

“Way back when I was in my 20’s, I’d wanted to be anoptometrist, but as they say, ‘life got in the way,’ and Iraised a family and things took another direction so I gotinvolved in business.

“But about three years ago, I learned that the commu-nity college in my town offered a good program in opti-cianry and I thought it would be great to get involved ineyecare in that capacity. I’ve been wearing glasses sinceI was 8 years old and my kids have ad had eyecare/vision issues as well. It’s just been something I’ve alwayswanted to be involved in.”

During the program, she spent 5 semesters doing dis-pensing and laboratory clinical work at Rutland Optical.

Now in North Carolina, Havermann works for Eastern Car-olina Eye Center.

HER SCHOOL SAYS: “Judy consistently submit-ted high-quality work, demonstrating her grow-ing understanding, appreciation and enthusiasmfor the field.”

Sali AlshafaiErie Community CollegeWilliamsville, N.Y.

Alshafai, originally from Nablus, Pales-tine, has lived in the U.S. since 2003.With the challenge of learning a new

language, Alshafai maintained a 3.54 GPA and tutoredher classmates in computer application of optics through-out her studies at Erie.

She’s currently working for LensCrafters in the McKin-ley Mall in Hamburg, N.Y. and eventually would like tofocus her practice in the contact lens area.

Alshafai, a volunteer for the United Nations in thePalestine refugee camps, in the U.S. is a member of theMuslim Public Affairs committee.

She is continuing her education to pursue a Bachelor’sdegree at the University of Buffalo this fall.

HER SCHOOL SAYS: “Sali’s positiveattitude is a delight to those around her.”

Tzippy AbramowitzRaritan Valley Community CollegeSomerville, N.J.

Abramowitz was a mother of four whenshe started the program at RaritanValley—she currently has 6 kids, ages

1 to 11 years old, but neverthess found time for her stud-ies and the development of an optical business, too, bal-ancing it all.

She started one business, Eyewear Unlimited, whileshe was in college and about six months ago launcheda new higher-end location, called Imperial DesignerEyewear in her town of Lakewood, N.J.

“I saw a need in our area for an optical store—weused to have to drive a half-hour to get to the neareststore.”

Abramowitz loved her experience at Raritan Valley, shesaid, “I enjoyed learning and understanding the conceptsof good vision and there’s a personal satisfaction help-ing people see.”

HER SCHOOL SAYS: “Tzippy is a born leaderand will do well with her career and her life.She was a phenomenal student, managing tostart her own optical business, with severalyoung children at home. We never were ableto figure out how she managed to do all thatand still be the brightest and most eager stu-dent in the classroom!”

Women Swell RanksOf Opticianry FieldToday’s dispensing and opticianry schools

are a diverse range of community and

state schools which offer students many

ways to take part in eyecare’s growth and

to learn about modern patient care.

Sometimes women entering the field are

coming out of high school or college. In

other cases opticianry is attracting women

exploring new career opportunities.

The profession is also attractive to

young moms and offers flexibility in

terms of time and practice structure. It’s

a career choice that enables contribution

in the health-care arena.

Women are increasingly entering the

field.

The Next Generation of Opticianry LeadershipThe Classof ’07



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COVER STORY

Erica Johnson, ODOhio State UniversityCollege of Optometry

Johnson is concurrently completing a doctor of optometrydegree and a master’s degree in vision science. Her master’sthesis is titled “Individual Education Programs for Students inOhio” and she’s collecting vision information from childrenwho have difficulty in school, comparing those to kids whohave no difficulty to determine better screening options andimprove the understanding of vision and education.

She was president of OSU’s class of 2007 and has held anumber of other student leadership roles, including serving aspresident of the Optometry Student council and the OSU chap-ter of the American Optometric Student Association (AOSA).

A recipient of many awards including the AOSA’s Studentof the Year and the OSU board of trustees Student Recogni-tion Award, she’s a member of the Gold Key InternationalOptometric Honor Society and Beta Sigma Kappa.

She’s also received scholarships from the OSU College ofOptometry, the Wildermuth Foundation, the Ohio OptometricFoundation, the AOA and Vision Service Plan.

Following her graduation, Johnson will complete a pediatricsresidency at the Southern California College of Optometry.

HER SCHOOL SAYS: “She’s an exceptional schol-ar, clinician and exemplary leader. She is a consen-sus builder, regarding differing points of view withobjectivity and respect.”

Rebecca A. Enloe, ODNortheastern State UniversityOklahoma College of OptometryTahlequah, Okla.

Enloe received NUSOCO’s 2007 Gold-en Retinoscope Award for demonstrat-

ing the most outstanding clinical skills in her class. This year she was also the recipient of several presti-

gious awards including the Heart of America ContactLens Society Award, the Vistakon Award of Excellence inContact Lens Patient Care, the Eschenbach Low VisionAward and the Oklahoma Academy of Optometry FirstPlace Award.

A member of Beta Sigma Kappa, Becky was the direc-tor for Students Incorporated for Textbooks and Equip-ment in 2005-2006.

Her professional memberships include the AOA, AOSA,COVD, Women in Optometry and the Oklahoma Associa-tion of Optometry Physicians.

HER SCHOOL SAYS: “She consistentlydemonstrated the highest level of profession-alism in the clinic, classroom and social set-ting. Becky is an excellent healthcare providerwho is caring and compassionate toward eachand every patient she encounters.”

Chelsa TinkhamSkinnerIndiana University Schoolof Optometry Optician/TechnicianProgram Bloomington, Ind.

Recipient of the Optician of the Year Award, Skinnerreceived her A.S. degree this year and her Bachelor ofGeneral Studies from the IU School of Continuing Stud-ies in May.

She graduated with honors for both degrees, onDean’s List.

She is currently employed by the IU School of Optom-etry Borish Center for Ophthalmic Research assisting inresearch projects.

She performs preliminary exam testing, data entry andanalysis, and full scope opticianry duties for projectsinvolving spectacles.

Due to her husband’s educational plans, she will bemoving to Phoenix, Arizona in August 2007.

HER SCHOOL SAYS: “Chelsa has been anexcellent leader and role model to her class-mates. She is hard-working, dedicated, andwell respected by the faculty, staff, and stu-dents.”

Stefanie SmithCamden County CollegeBlackwood, N.J.

Smith acknowledges she “fell into” theoptical business, when a local opticalstore was looking for help, after con-

sidering new job options, she started working there andlearned she really liked it and all it entailed.

A New Jersey Stars scholarship recipient, she graduat-ed with honors and plans to attend Rutgers University inthe fall.

HER SCHOOL SAYS: “Stefanie is one of thebrightest stars and we’re proud to have herrepresent our school and class of 2007.”

Crystal ShuttJ. Sargeant ReynoldsCommunity CollegeRichmond, Va.

A Magna Cum Laude graduate and amember of the National Honor Society

Phi Theta Kappa, Shutt represented her school at therecent National Federation of Opticianry Schools CollegeBowl in New York.

“I always liked health care and I started working in thefield and loved helping people and the technical aspectof eyewear!”

Shutt works at the Eyewear Plus Optometric Center inWilliamsburg, Va. She notes that the upcoming VisionExpo West conflicts with her pending wedding, but “I lookforward to getting back to Expo in New York, I hope, nextyear.”

HER SCHOOL SAYS: “She is a shining exam-ple for the rest of her classmates, alwayscoordinating test review sessions and helpingtutor others.”

The Next Generation of Opticianry LeadershipThe Classof ’07

The Next Generation of Optometry Leadership


Women Are ChangingDynamics of ProfessionNow composing the majority of students

enrolled at virtually every optometric

school in America, the emergence of

women is already changing the dynamics

of the profession.

Women are embracing the core values

of the vision care field and are participat-

ing in primary eye care as well as bring-

ing a new perspective to such specialties

as contact lenses, sports vision, pediatric

optometry, public health care and hospi-

tal service.

Students, too, are taking time to give

back and are learning the value of volun-

teerism throughout the country.


V IS IO N MON DAY

OP


COVER STORY

Emma Vicuna, ODSouthern California Collegeof OptometryFullerton, Calif.

Raised in Las Vegas, Nev., Vicuna grad-uated from the University of California,

San Diego in 2003 with a B.S. in general biology and aB.A. in Spanish literature. She says, her father, a familypractice doctor, was one of the inspirations for her to con-sider becoming an MD, but her awareness of optometryled her in a new direction when she considered its pos-sibilities.

At Southern Cal, she served as president pro-tem ofthe student association as a second year student andwas also class president as a third and fourth year. Vicu-na was co-founder of the SKY Vision program, which pro-vides polycarbonate lenses for under-insured childrenwho are patients at the eye care center.

She said, “I had started at a clinic as part of myexternship and just loved working with kids.” For the nextyear, Vicuna will be completing a clinical residency in pedi-atric optometry at the University of Houston College ofOptometry.

HER SCHOOL SAYS: “In addition to leaving animportant leadership imprint at the college, shealways displayed a high level of professionalismand dedication to her studies and to her class-mates.”

Kasey Suckow, ODNova Southeastern UniversityCollege of OptometryFt. Lauderdale, Fla.

In addition to various leadership activi-ties during her first two years as a stu-

dent, Suckow served last year as the president of theschool’s Student Government Association representingthe interests of over 400 optometry students.

Also an active member of Student VOSH and the opto-metric honor society, Beta Sigma Kappa, she graduatedsixth in her class and was only one of three students inthe third-year class who earned clinical honors for theentire year.

Growing up on a small farm in Iowa, Suckow wasdrawn to optometry.

“I did an externship at a VA and loved the system andit was the best learning experience I could have had.”She’s also doing a residency at a VA in Chicago and isinterested in disease management and low vision.

HER SCHOOL SAYS: “She maintained a highlevel of clinical care and earned rave reviewsfrom her externship supervisors. She’sdemonstrated dedication and commitment tothe optometric profession. We look forwardto greeting Kasey as a colleague.”

Jennifer Stewart ODNew England College of OptometryBoston, Mass.

An upstate-New York native, Stewart waspre-med and a biology major as well ascaptain of the track team at Marist Col-

lege in Poughkeepsie, NY.In her senior year, she worked for an OD who was a fam-

ily friend and became intrigued with optometry.With her enthusiasm for sports, the idea of sports vision

opened up a world of opportunity that combined her interests.Steward interned with well-known sports vision specialist DonTeague OD and worked with and learned a great deal from him.

“I was the national student liaison for the sports visionsection of the AOA, helping them develop ways to get stu-dents involved in this area and was able to start the Perfor-mance Vision Club at our school—we got 80 students inter-ested! Performance is not limited to sports, but computers,technology, pilots, police forces, etc.”

Stewart has worked with Dr. Howard Purcell at Johnson& Johnson on the Worldwide Performance Vision Council.J&J is a sponsor of the upcoming Beijing Olympics.

A recipient of numerous scholarships, Stewart is nowjoining a single-location private practice in Hopewell Junc-tion, N.Y. working in the sports vision arena.

HER SCHOOL SAYS: “She is an excellent repre-sentative of optometry’s future leadership andalready has many accomplishments to her credit.”

Keri Owyang, ODUC Berkeley School of OptometryBerkeley, Calif.

After receiving her B.S. in biology in2003 from UC San Diego, Owyangworked at the school’s department of

ophthalmology Glaucoma Center.When she got to Berkeley’s optometry school, she was

active in the Beta Sigma Kappa honor society by helpingto grow membership, tutoring and organizing lectures forall students. She also became USOSA’s academic liaisonand was academic vice president of her class.

Involved in clinical work at the UC Berkeley pediatric,primary care, low vision, and advanced contact lens clin-ics, she also was involved in doing work in the fast-pacedsetting of Kaiser Permanente, the Veteran’s Administra-tion Hospital in Mather and the San Diego State Opto-metric Clinic.

Volunteer work included participation in the NorthernCalifornia Special Olympic games and a VOSH missionto Thailand.

Owyang plans to work as an optometrist in Palo Alto,Calif.

HER SCHOOL SAYS: “She’s demonstratedtremendous potential for future leadership andexcellence in the field.”

Natasha Jenkins, ODUniversity of Missouri-St. Louis College of OptometrySt. Louis, Mo.

Jenkins completed her doctorate ofoptometry graduating Dean’s List with

honors and was chosen by the optometric faculty as ClassMarshall for the graduating class of 2007.

She was selected as a Nebraska State Contract Scholarand honored as a four-year member of the Beta SigmaKappa Optometric honor society and has been an activemember of AOSA, the Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation Asso-ciation and the College of Optometrists in vision develop-ment. She’s also received several awards for academicscholarship.

Prior to her studies, Jenkins earned her bachelor’s degreein biopsychology at Hastings College in Hastings, Nebras-ka, graduating with high distinction, summa cum laudethere. While at Hastings, she was a chemistry tutor and per-formed violin with the Hastings Symphony.

Growing up on a ranch in Western Nebraska, Jenkins isexcited to return to her home community and she is joininga private practice there, with Drs. Terry Adams, ToddMahoney and Paul Colburn at Scottsbluff Vision Clinic.

“I think private practice is the best way to promoteoptometry in general and how I can best use my talents.”

HER SCHOOL SAYS: “She is just an exception-al student and a great leader.”

Tracy Jacobsen, ODPacific University Collegeof OptometryForest Grove, Ore.

Originally from Grand Island, Nebraska,Jacobsen was hit in the eye with a soc-

cer ball at age 16 and almost lost her sight. “I’d been inand out of eye doctors’ offices—since then, I’ve regainedmost of the vision in my eye, but eyecare was something Ifelt I always wanted to be connected with.”

Jacobsen was also the first in her family to graduate fromcollege. She attended liberal arts Hastings College, whereshe received her B.A. in psychobiochemistry.

She graduated from Pacific’s College of Optometry witha 3.94 GPA and also achieved a masters in education invisual function in learning this year with a 4.0 GPA.

Just this month she started a residency at the AmericanLake Veteran’s Administration facility in Tacoma, Wash. “I’vebeen interested in low vision issues, but I’ve also found thatoptometry really supports the values of continued learning. Iwas the AOSA trustee from Pacific. It’s also important to edu-cate lawmakers about the role and potential of our profession.”

HER SCHOOL SAYS: “An outstanding studentand #2 in her class, she was involved in collegeactivities including serving on the Academic andProfessional Standard’s committee, she wasthe AOSA trustee which allowed her to travelto meet with leaders in optometry nationwide.”

The Next Generation of Optometry LeadershipThe Classof ’07


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Power Women - visionmonday.com corporate ladder in the optical indus- ... career plan Joining optical organizations and associations Developing a relationship with a mentor Networking