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 Past Honoree

RETAILER
Lynn Millay
Senior Director, Lens Management
Luxottica Retail
Mason, Ohio

CHOSEN BECAUSE... “Her influence over the years has manifested itself in production innovation and in driving the growth of important trends in optical. She is widely respected for her vision and partnership.”

Since being honored as one of Vision Monday’s first Most Influential Women in Optical in 2003, Lynn Millay has seen her responsibilities at Luxottica Retail increase exponentially. (After beginning her career in the optical business at American Optical, Millay became LensCrafters’ third employee when the chain was founded in 1983.)

Following parent Luxottica Group’s acquisition of Cole Vision in October 2004, Millay began to oversee lens purchasing not only for Luxottica Retail’s 800-plus LensCrafters stores, but also for the company’s newly acquired Pearle Vision, Sears Optical, Target Optical and BJ’s Optical locations. She was also now dealing for the first time with stores that did not have on-site optical labs. “It’s been a major responsibility to look at the areas in which the various retail brands are similar, and take advantage of those synergies, and at where they’re different, and figure out how to deal with that as well,” Millay said. “It’s also been a new experience dealing with centralized labs as well as LensCrafters’ traditional in-store labs.”

SHE SAYS... “I think optical may be a little more welcoming to women than retailing--and business--in general because of the connection with people, which women are innately good at. Our industry helps people see--that’s pretty amazing, and a very personal thing...and women get that.”

 New Honoree 
OPTICIAN
Jean Miller
Director of Ophthalmology Retail Service
Mayo Clinic
Rochester, Minn.

CHOSEN BECAUSE... “She does her job with an even disposition, a very open mind, a sense of humor, trust in her management team and unbelievable optical instints.”

While training to be a medical secretary, Miller worked in an optometric practice, a job which became the springboard for her 30-year career as an optician and manager. Following a two-year apprenticeship, she was recruited by Pearle Vision Center, eventually becoming supervisor of the Rochester, Minn. location. After earning ABO certification, she spent five years at a private practice before joining the Mayo Clinic’s new optical division in 1996.

In 2004, Miller was promoted to her current position as director of ophthalmology retail service at Mayo Clinic. She oversees two high-volume opticals in Rochester, a surfacing lab and nine off-campus sites in Minnesota and Wisconsin. The optical business has consistently grown under her direction, with more than 30 employees in the main Rochester location and a second location that will soon double in size.

SHE SAYS... “Rely on your ownconfidence and instincts. I also recommend that women starting out in optical become ABO-certified, because that offers more credibility. Don’t be afraid to gather new ideas and learn from your peers and grow.”

 New Honoree 
OPTOMETRY
Colleen H. Riley, OD, FAAO
Director, Research and Development
Vistakon
Jacksonville, Fla.

CHOSEN BECAUSE... Her ability to bring clinical, materials and design science to product development has been instrumental in the creation of contact lenses that addresses the underserved needs of millions.”

After 12 years with the Indiana University School of Optometry, Colleen Riley found herself at a career crossroads. She served as co-director of the school’s Contact Lens Clinic, was an assistant clinical professor and supervisor of the Contact Lens residency program. Throughout her tenure, Riley was instrumental in securing more than 14 grants and served as Principal Investigator for the Collaborative Longitudinal Evaluation of Keratoconus Study (CLEK) funded by the National Eye Institute. Three years later she joined the R&D team at Vistakon and helped the company launch several products including the silicone hydrogel  Acuvue Oasys and Acuvue Advance for Astigmatism.

She participates in Johnson & Johnson’s Women in Leadership Initiative (WLI), a company-wide networking and mentoring program promoting career development as well as real life advice. 

SHE SAYS...  “You have to opt for what will offer you the best lifeexperience. In my case, being able to combine teaching with private practice allowed me to grow and learn early in my career which gave me the abilityto make good choices later on.”

 Past Honoree
RETAILER
Jackee Smith
President and CEO
Co-op Optical
Detroit

CHOSEN BECAUSE...... “She is a capable, compassionate leader who focuses on people, charitable service and sound business practices.”

In the course of her 30-year optical career, Smith has risen from being a receptionist to being president and chief executive officer of Co-op Optical, a Detroit-based company with 135 employees and 11 retail stores, an optical manufacturing division and a vision insurance company. She is one of the few African American women to lead a regional optical company. Under her leadership, Co-op Optical’s sales have grown from $13.6 million in 2004, the year she became CEO, to $17.7 million in 2006. The company’s customers include the Detroit Board of Education, Wayne County Community College District and Oakland University. Nationally, it serves DaimlerChrysler and American Axle. She sees Co-op Optical as an “eyecare conservation organization.”

She serves as chairperson of the children’s division for New Center Community Mental Health, and coordinates a Toys for Tots program for low income children. She has also participated in the Child Care Coordinating Council. 

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

 

 Past Honoree
OPTOMETRY
Dr. Andrea P. Thau, OD, FAAO, FCOVD
Owner
Thau and Associates
New York

CHOSEN BECAUSE... “She has been very successful at combining her dual roles as an academician and a private practice optometrist.”

Andrea Thau, OD has been in practice for the last 23 years and since 1987 she’s owned and run a four-woman group private practice located on Park Avenue in New York City, specializing in full scope optometry with an emphasis on children and vision therapy. As an associate clinical professor at SUNY State College of Optometry, Thau’s background and experience in the industry is extensive, including stints as past president of NYSOA, N.Y. Academy of Optometry, Optometric Society of N.Y., and current president of the N.Y. Children’s Vision Coalition. Recently, she added another star to her orbit when she was elected to the AOA’s board of trustees at the organization’s Optometry’s Meeting held in June. Thau considers her election to the board a special honor since there are only a handful of women selected for the AOA board. “You need to be at a certain stage in your career to be considered.”

“I also feel a profound duty to ‘pay it forward’ and contribute to my profession by volunteering to help future generations of ODs.” She is a founding committee member of the InfantSee public health program, a partnership between the AOA and Johnson & Johnson Vision Care.

SHE SAYS... “It is a privilege to enable patients of all ages to have the vision they need to enjoy life. My mentor was my late father, Dr. Edwin C. Thau, an optometrist who loved practicing optometry and was dedicated to advancing our profession.”

 

 Past Honoree
MANAGED CARE
Kathy Torrence
Product Line Manager
Kaiser Permanente Optical Services
Richmond, Calif.

CHOSEN BECAUSE... “She has spent many hours educating and implementing updated testing for contact lens fitters across the country. She is a dedicated professional and a wonderful person.”

Twenty-eight years ago, Kathy Torrence was a dispenser in an optical shop in Phoenix, Ariz. Today, she is responsible for marketing, product selection and management of two product lines--contact lenses and frames--for Kaiser Permanente Northern California. She is ABO certified, NCLE advanced and a CLSA Fellow. She has been president of the Pacific Coast Contact Lens Society, a CLSA board member and is currently serving on the Fellow Committee that administers the Fellow exam for CLSA.

Torrence oversees the design of new Kaiser Permanente optical stores and the remodel of existing locations. She’s also on two national teams for Kaiser Permanente, the Contact Lens Sourcing and Standards team and the National Marketing team. With three boys, balancing family and her job can be a challenge but her passion for both keeps her positive and effective. “I try and make sure I do what I say I’m going to do, offering support for both my co-workers and my family. The people I work with and the members I help at the clinic inspire me daily. They are my motivation to do my best.”

SHE SAYS... “Women in the optical industry today are more empowered and show great passion for what they do. Passion for your work is a good thing. I know sometimes it comes across as pushy, but don’t let negative people stand in the way of your passion.”

 

 Past Honoree
SUPPLIER
Danne Ventura
Director, Professional Relations
Essilor of America
Dallas

CHOSEN BECAUSE...”She works tirelessly to serve and inform eyecare professionals about new technology and helps education in numerous ways. She represents Essilor of America and the optical profession with grace and dignity.”

As a college-educated dispensing optician, Ventura joined Essilor in 1989 as education coordinator, initiating her own programs, including the co-founding of the Varilux Optometry Super Bowl competition. Today, Ventura is lecturing, teaching and publishing to fulfill Essilor’s professional relations mission.

Ventura is a fellow in the National Academy of Opticianry (NAO) and the Opticians Association of America.

On the board of directors of the NAO, JCAHPO education and research foundation, New York City Technical College and Essex County College, Ventura’s received many honors including the National Federation of Opticanry School’s “Person of the Year” in 1995, the ATPO (Association of Technical Personnel in Ophthalmology) President's Award in 2004, the NAO Recognition Award in 2006 and she is currently on the Commission on Opticianry Education.

In November, she will receive a very special, high-level award from JCAHPO, the group’s 2007 Statesmanship Award, granted “to a person who has manifested leadership through the support and training of allied health personnel in ophthalmology, and whose career has demonstrated dedication in the finest ethics and ideals of our ophthalmology profession.” 

SHE SAYS... “I’d advise anyone to do what you love, and to always take the high road.”

 

 New Honoree 
SUPPLIER
Rose Wallace
Senior Marketing Manager, Lens Manufacturers
Transitions Optical, Inc.
Pinellas Park, Fla.

CHOSEN BECAUSE... “Rose Wallace has been lending her creative mind and keen understanding of the optical industry to Transitions Optical in a range of roles.” 

As a senior marketing manager for Transitions Optical, Rose Wallace is responsible for the development and management of marketing strategies for marketing Transitions Lenses for the lens manufacturers. She works closely with several of Transitions Optical’s lens partners to promote emerging lines of sunglass lenses, Activated by Transitions. She led the way in the creation of a new eyeglass guide, which educates consumers on their eyewear options through a print magazine insert and interactive Web site, then drives them to their eyecare practitioner for more information. With Transitions Optical since 1991, Wallace has seen women rise to higher-level positions in all areas at Transitions. “We now have many women in key positions on our commercial team and several women on our global leadership team.”

SHE SAYS...  “Early in my career, I was fortunate to have a woman as a manager who encouraged me and showed me the ropes, highlighting my accomplishments within the organization. I encourage people to find someone highly respected in your company. Then learn everything you can from them. Also, never be afraid to take on a new opportunity or challenge. Even if you fail, you will learn so much.

 

 New Honoree 
RETAILER
Shirley Wanamaker
Optical Buyer
Empire Vision/Davis Vision
Syracuse, N.Y.

CHOSEN BECAUSE... “Perhaps one of the most powerful and influential people in the optical industry...a must on the list.”

Shirley Wanamaker began in optical in 1975, as a receptionist at an ophthalmology practice. Since then, her career has taken her to many of the industry’s best-known and historic retail chains, and to increasing levels of responsibility.

Wanamaker’s career roster includes a stint with Benson Optical; a position as co-manager for EyeLab, the industry’s first eyewear superstore, in the mid-1980s; and working as an optical buyer for Price Club as that warehouse club operation moved into optical retailing. Settling in Arizona in the early 1990s, she was a merchandise manager for Western States Optical there, then spent three years with Nationwide Vision before shifting to Sam’s Club as that warehouse chain entered, then expanded in, the optical business. In the mid-1990s Wanamaker struck out on her own as co-founder of the Reading Glass Co., a 16-store chain selling non-prescription readers; when that concept failed to attract needed funding, she left to become general manager of Bard Optical, where she spent eight years until joining Davis Vision two years ago this month. Wanamaker now buys ophthalmic and contact lenses for Davis and its Empire Vision Centers optical chain.

SHE SAYS...  “I’ve gotten where I have because of my own tenacity; I don’t think it’s made much difference being a woman. Even going back to when I was a dispenser, if someone had a problem dealing with a woman, it was their problem, not mine.”

 

 Past Honoree
LABORATORIES
Dana Weeks
Optical Services International
President
Norcross, Ga.

CHOSEN BECAUSE... “Dana is president of the most influential, respected and prestigious optical laboratory association in the country.  With all the acquisitions taking place within the industry, she has been able to maintain her desired level of membership. Dana is an enthusiastic, very hard working individual.”

As president of Optical Services International (OSI) since 1988, Dana Weeks provides services that help the independent laboratory compete in today’s world of large corporate-owned laboratories. OSI provides a variety of services including education, dispenser training, marketing and promotions. “Being a small business, I wear all the hats. Anything that needs to be done to assist our members, I try and do it,” said Weeks. Since joining OSI, she has increased membership 85 percent, a major accomplishment considering OSI has lost 22 members due to lab acquisitions. On the board of directors for the Optical Women’s Association and winner of the group’s 2004 Pleiades award, she has seen women become more visible in management and sales positions over the past 20 years. “Today, there are women heading independent labs, women who are a vital part of management teams and two women who were past presidents of the Optical Laboratories Association.” Her advice for women interested in a career in the optical industry: “Work hard, be prepared, keep your sense of humor and don’t take yourself too seriously.”

SHE SAYS... “The only thing that is constant is change. The old adage that it takes quality, service and price to be successful is no longer the case. These three ingredients are a must to exist, but fresh ideas and growth opportunities are the real factors that can set you apart today.”