Latest News International Vision Expo Announces 2016 Visionaries By Staff Friday, February 12, 2016 12:24 AM NEW YORK—Celebrating 30 years of contributions to the vision community, International Vision Expo & Conference has announced its inaugural class of Visionaries. The Visionaries campaign was launched in 2015 to showcase the stories and achievements of individuals and groups working to make a difference and push progress for the eyecare and eyewear professions. “This year's Visionaries are leaders and creative powerhouses who represent innovation and entrepreneurship, and are strongly dedicated to vision care, fashion and technology,” the announcement said. The 2016 Visionaries include Dynamic Duo: Ron Melton, OD, FAAO, and Randall K. Thomas, OD, FAAO. Creative Force: Eyewear Designers of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (edCFDA) featuring Christian Roth, creative director, Christian Roth Eyewear; Shane Baum, CEO and founder of Leisure Society; Blake Kuwahara, creative director, Blake Kuwahara Eyewear; Selima Salaun, founder and creative director, Selima Optique; Gai Gherardi, co-founder/co-designer, l.a.Eyeworks; and Robert Marc, president and chief creative officer, Robert Marc Eyewear. Community Builder: Alan Glazier, OD, Founder, ODs on Facebook. Next Generation Innovator: Kristin O'Brien, OD, Vision Source of GVR. Celebrated Speaker: Phernell Walker, II, ABOM, Master Optician. Inspirational Professor: Diana Shechtman, OD, professor, Nova Southeastern University.Passionate Philanthropist: Brittany Graber, ABOC, president and owner, Ulla Eyewear. Aspirational Mentor: Ryan Parker, OD, Family Vision Center. International Buyer: Melly Mae Martucci, optometrist, owner, OPTICA MASTERVISION, Panama. Inspired Entrepreneur: Ryan Horne, owner and founder, SPEX by Ryan. Designers: Christopher and Andrew Shalhoub, owners and founders, Parkman Sunglasses. "These visionaries represent the expansive network of creative talent, leadership and innovation within the Vision Expo community," says Tom Loughran, industry vice president, Reed Exhibitions. "These Visionaries set the standard of excellence for the vision community and are characteristic of the contributions and achievements of every single individual at Vision Expo where tens of thousands of professionals gather year-after-year.” From the classroom to the exhibit hall to evening parties in Midtown, the 2016 Visionaries will be engaged in many aspects of Vision Expo East, to be held here from April 14 to 17.To learn more about the background and accomplishments of the 2016 Visionaries, click here.