LAS VEGAS—This year’s Optical Women’s Association Connection Series event, Getting Four Generations to Work Together, brought together six panelists from the four generations in the workplace today to tackle common “sticking points” that arise such as communication, feedback, work ethic and knowledge transfer.

Based on the OWA book selection, Sticking Points: How to Get 4 Generations Working Together in the 12 Places They Come Apart by Hadyn Shaw, a moderated panel from each generation gave their perspective on these hot topics.

On the panel, representing the Traditionalist generation was Mimi Friedfeld, co-founder, ClearVision Optical; representing the Baby Boomers were Donna Gindy, COO, REM Eyewear and Gary Gerber, OD, The Power Practice; representing Gen Xers was Jill Saxon, OD, Bausch + Lomb; and representing the Millennials were Gillian Mulhere, Jobson, and Steven Squires, Local Eye Site.

The event was moderated by Baby Boomer, Christie Walker, president of OWA and editor, LabTalk, and Millennial Nogah Jones of Jobson.

The OWA also held its Annual Networking and Raffle Event at Vision Expo West which took place on the Red Carpet on Friday, Sept. 18. Attendees enjoyed hors d’ouvres and cocktails while networking with friends.

The room was packed as attendees listened to an industry panel tackle “Getting Four Generations to Work Together,” bringing together six panelists from the four generations in the workplace. The panel representing several generations included Donna Gindy (r) of REM Eyewear who shared a Baby Boomer’s perspective and ClearVision Optical co-founder, Mimi Friedfeld. Jobson Optical’s Nogah Jones, helped plan the program with OWA president, Christie Walker (r) and helped moderate the panel and the audience Q&A. Jobson’s Gillian Mulhere represented the Millennial generation at the OWA’s Connection Series,“Getting
Four Generations to Work Together.”
Heather Smith of VisionWeb, the new president of the OWA, welcomes guests to the organization’s Annual Networking and Raffle Event at the Venetian. The current OWA board was also on hand to mingle with guests at the Networking event. Rene Soltis Shepherd, The Vision Council; Eden Wexler, Safilo; and Deborah Castor, The Vision Council gather at the OWA networking event.
From Eyefinity are (l to r) Koi Rivers, Rhonda Regguinti,and Kelly Balaam. The team from VSP Optics Group enjoys the OWA networking event. (L to R) Paul Janes, Lynne Skyrme, Kathy Frew and Robyn Crimmins. (L to R) Luxottica’s Maryam Rahimi, Deb Bulken, and Anila Nadkarni are ready for the raffle at the OWA networking event.