NEWARK, N.J.—The 22nd edition of Vision Monday’s Most Influential Women in Optical feature brings a class of leaders, changemakers and trailblazers who are as impressive and exciting as it gets. This past week, Vision Monday announced its 2024 roster of 40 women of accomplishment who were selected by VM’s editors from several hundred submissions. For this year’s Annual Report, VM considered women who are making a difference in the following five categories: Executive Suite, Rising Stars, Mentors, Innovators and Above & Beyond.

This year’s group of MIWs (Most Influential Women), is made up of executives, sales and marketing professionals, designers, ECPs, lab experts, social media mavens, administrators, researchers and teachers. They oversee companies, head up marketing and design teams, and run universities and optical practices. But above all, they are women who have had and continue to have profound impacts on the lives and careers of those around them. And they change our industry for the better while doing it.

 
Each of these 40 women have trailblazed their way onto this year’s list thanks to their motivation, impact and genuine care for this industry and the people who make it so special. Whether they’re just starting their career or have been an industry backbone for decades, the common thread between all of this year’s honorees is the exceptional and influential work they do.

In this special feature you will get to meet and hear from these Most Influential Women in Optical themselves, as well as the people who nominated them, and learn about their careers, inspirations, hopes for the future and more. As always, we invite you to join with us in celebrating these remarkable women, and hope you come away from this year’s feature both impressed and inspired.

Click here to read the full Special Report, which includes the women’s profiles, a downloadable pdf of the feature and an alphabetical list of MIW honorees from 2003 to 2024.


   
  Click HERE to register for VM's special luncheon event at Vision Expo West, celebrating this year's "class" of Most Influential Women in Optical. 
   


Read More About It

Here is a small sampling of quotes from the 2024 MIW honorees, which VM refers to as SHE SAYS…





Kelly Bowling
President
Robertson Optical Laboratories, Inc.
Loganville, Ga.

SHE SAYS… “The wholesale lab business is always changing with new technologies, and it inspires me to learn something new just about every day in our industry.”





 
 

Becky Fritz
VP, Practice Operations
VSP Ventures
Rancho Cordova, Calif.

SHE SAYS… “When you do have a seat at the table or the ability to influence, be sure to make space for others to join. Pave the way for future female leaders because there is room for everyone, and teams are made better with diverse perspectives. Above all, be authentic—there is only one you!”









Premilla Banwait, OD, MPH, FAAO
Vice President of Clinical Programs
UnitedHealthcare Vision
Minnetonka, Minn.
SHE SAYS… “I strive to use data, technology and innovation to develop clinical programs that can evolve with the changing times.”





 

Crystal Crawford
Owner
Liberated Eyewear
Los Angeles, Calif.

SHE SAYS… “Taking risks and failing is not an easy feat, but always stick to why you got started. Learn from and follow the experts, and address challenges. Keep your knowledge and skills sharp, know what’s going on in your industry, and become an expert.”










Amanda Frugé
VP of Sales, Premium Fashion and Luxury, Central Region
EssilorLuxottica
Houston, Texas

SHE SAYS… “Seek and live your passion, approach everything with an open mind, and believe in yourself. Be open to new challenges, take the step forward when given the opportunity, and never stop learning.”





 
 

Donna “Dede” Reyes, FCLSA
Manager, Consultation & Education
ABB Optical Group
Kansas City, Mo.

SHE SAYS… “My philosophy is to never give up and never stop learning. Each barrier you face is a learning experience placed there for a reason—to teach you something.”








Felicia Timmermann, OD, MS, FAAO
Senior Manager, Myopia Management
CooperVision
Miami, Fla.

SHE SAYS… “My advice for women developing their careers in the optical industry is to never set limits for yourself. This is a dynamic and continuously accelerating field that provides the opportunity to grow and develop with it. With this growth, it allows one to incorporate and pursue keen interest to tailor your career that provides ultimate joy and fulfillment. When you enjoy what you do, it allows you to be the best version of yourself and invigorates that drive and motivation to only propel you further.”




 
 

Lisette Sacks
Vice President, Brand + Creative
Eyemart Express
Farmers Branch, Texas

SHE SAYS… “Don’t be afraid! Ask people in positions you admire for a phone call or a cup of coffee—even if they aren’t in your direct field of expertise. I’ve learned so much from informational meetings with people in finance, IT and other sectors unrelated to optical. It seems scary but we’re all just humans trying to learn and do our best. Most people are so happy to tell their story and help along the next generation. It’s always a win-win.”








Kristy Stone
Director of Member Education
PECAA
Boca Raton, Fla.

SHE SAYS… “Use all experiences as learning opportunities to help you meet and exceed your personal and professional goals. Embrace change and challenges, they help you more than you think. Above all else, be happy in what you do, let pride and passion drive you.”




 
 

Judy Walrath, OD
Director of Professional Relations
Dr. Tavel Family Eyecare
Indianapolis, Ind.

SHE SAYS… “First and foremost, I went into optometry to help people achieve a better quality of life by providing exceptional eyecare. Along the way, I’ve found great satisfaction in thinking creatively to find solutions, collaborating with leadership and doctors, and being part of the forward-thinking evolution of the profession.”






   
  VM to Celebrate 2024 ‘Class’ of Influential Women in Optical at Special Luncheon Event at Expo West


NEW YORK—This year, Vision Monday will once again be hosting a special luncheon event and program to pay tribute to this year's roster of 2024 Most Influential Women (MIW) in Optical on Sept. 20 during Vision Expo West in Las Vegas. These women, along with many prior-year MIW honorees and other guests, will be celebrated at this special event. The luncheon will take place from 12:00-2:00 p.m. in Room 3003 of The Venetian Hotel.

"This special, one-of-a-kind event and program in Las Vegas during Vision Expo West marks an exciting and enjoyable opportunity to connect with colleagues, enjoy time together over lunch, celebrate industry leaders and continue to build on the valued and meaningful relationships that make our industry unique," stated Anne Cooper, editorial director of Vision Monday and 20/20. "We look forward to seeing you there."

The special program, marking the 22nd year of VM's Most Influential Women in Optical annual issue and special report, will recognize the accomplishments of 2024’s MIW honorees, whose achievements span an exclusive and unique group of Rising Stars, Innovators, Mentors, Executive Suite execs and those who go Above and Beyond. Be a part of the celebration as we salute this amazing group of women.

Tickets to the luncheon are priced at $95 and registration includes the program and lunch. Go to www.visionmonday.com/women to register for the event. 

As of press time, Visionary Sponsors for the event include EssilorLuxottica and VSP Vision. Partner Sponsors are Walmart and Zeiss. The Supporting Sponsors are Advancing Eyecare, EyeMed, Hoya, the Optical Women’s Association and UnitedHealthcare. For more information, or for companies and individuals interested in sponsorship, please contact James DeMatteis, publisher of Vision Monday and 20/20, at jdematteis@jobson.com.