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Kayla Ashlee, ABOC

CEO and Co-Founder
Spexy
Boise, Idaho

CHOSEN BECAUSE… “She’s one of the most well-known leaders in the entire industry, running one of the most recognizable brands.”





After learning the role of practice manager, she started consulting for other optical practices who wanted to improve their capture rate. Later, she worked for Hoya as a sales rep and refined her training skills. In 2019 she took the leap to launch beSpexy.com, an online training platform for ODs and their teams.

“I believe I’ve made a difference by giving opticians and optometrists everything their school and training failed to mention—the proper way to build, manage and lead a team, and how to properly purchase, retail and merchandise their massive frame inventory investment,” she said. “We’ve created a solution to help independent practices master both—and we’ve made it amazingly affordable.”

Today, Spexy is one of the fastest-growing training and education companies for optometric staff and practice leadership. Ashlee speaks frequently at conferences and private events and has written a sales column for Invision magazine for the past two years. Her communication training is becoming the most effective and trusted way to sell eyewear for ECPs and their staff because her philosophy is simple: “What’s best for the patient is best for the practice.”

SHE SAYS… “My biggest accomplishment is building a culture and team with a reputation for being real, honest, approachable and human. Our authenticity is what sets Spexy apart.”


Kelly Bowling

President
Robertson Optical Laboratories, Inc.
Loganville, Ga.

CHOSEN BECAUSE… “On a daily basis, she inspires everyone at Robertson Optical with her willingness to work shoulder to shoulder with every employee, regardless of their role.”





Kelly Bowling is much more than the president of Robertson Optical Laboratories—many consider her the matriarch of the family business. Not surprisingly, Bowling grew up in the optical industry, working after school in different areas of the lab. She graduated from the University of Georgia, moved into accounting and a few years later became vice president of the company. In 2016, she became president and CEO.

In her current role, Bowling mainly manages administrative functions and finance. However, she’s also still very involved with the day-to-day operations of the labs, including marketing and decisions on new technologies, both in prescription eyewear and the equipment used to process them.

Her mentors were her father, Richard Robertson, and her uncle, Calvin W. Robertston, Jr., who taught her much about the family business. Now she strives to carry on their legacy through her passion to help ECPs and their patients through innovative solutions.

“I like to think that I’ve made a difference through our legacy and company values to always keep the independent eyecare community thriving in this competitive, ever-changing industry,” she said.

Robertson Optical Laboratories was started in 1958 and is one of the only independent labs left in the southeast, which is why Bowling strives to ensure the company maintains a healthy balance, continuing to evolve to help not only her company stay relevant, but independent doctors as well.

According to Bowling’s colleagues, she leads the organization with a humility rarely seen among executives, and there’s no problem too small or large that she isn’t fully committed to solve. She always considers the good of the company as a whole—and goes to great lengths to make sure the company progresses.

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.”


Janel Burnett

Head of IT, EyeMed
EssilorLuxottica/EyeMed
Mason, Ohio

CHOSEN BECAUSE… “Her innovative technical solutions provide a better vision care experience for our clients, members and providers.”





Janel Burnett’s career is the culmination of smart moves across a variety of industries, ultimately landing her where she is today—head of IT and a member of EyeMed’s senior leadership team. Throughout her career, she has held leadership positions and roles in multiple industries, including defense, paper and packaging, manufacturing, retail, insurance and now optical. She has also supported a wide range of responsibilities, including application development, off-shore support models, acquisitions, data center migrations and service management.

“By traversing through IT organizations through promotions and lateral moves, and accepting new roles in current positions, I gained extremely valuable experience, exposure and knowledge that has made me successful in my career,” she said. “I consider this one of my biggest accomplishments.”

With her career movement, Burnett felt fortunate to accept an opportunity within Luxottica’s IT department to support the company’s SAP implementation. Taking this role helped her view the optical industry from a different vantage point, and with her prior experience, Burnett found that she was able to bring many insights to the organization.

Today, she is responsible for EyeMed’s IT organization supporting the managed vision care business. She leads project coordination and delivery of all IT initiatives and maintains EyeMed systems to ensure data integrity and security, as well as performance to service level expectations.

Her most recent achievement was a technology stack modernization to enable growth and innovation, improve user experience and meet changing client requirements.

SHE SAYS… “I’m inspired when I hear feedback from clients, members and providers on how our systems and technology positively impact their business operations and lives.”


Kaelin Currie

VP of Lab Operations
Neurolens Inc.
Coppell, Texas

CHOSEN BECAUSE… “Throughout her years in the industry, Kaelin has been a mentor to countless people in many fields. Her hand has touched everything from training to corporate strategy to lens designs, lab partnerships and communications. She is a wonderful professional who always maintains the highest level of integrity.”





Kaelin Currie began her career in accounting and finance before transitioning to operations when she joined Neurolens in 2017. The company specializes in prescription lenses that use a contoured prism to treat headaches, neck and shoulder pain, and eye strain caused by eye misalignment.

In this role, she broadened her scope of work and established a commercial launch strategy for the company’s first version of the Neurolens Measurement Device. She was also a driving force behind building a training and onboarding platform for new providers.

Currie was instrumental in launching the Neurolens Lens Design Software, the freeform design calculator developed by Neurolens to create design files to be manufactured at optical labs around the world. This included integrating the company’s first optical lab partner in November 2020.

“The continuous innovation within our organization makes me excited to go to work every day. Beyond the technology, we continue to expand the impact our work is having on patient’s lives,” Currie said. “Each time I see a patient testimonial or talk to an excited doctor, it reminds me how meaningful the work we are doing here is.”

She said her biggest inspiration personally and professionally has been her mother. “Seeing her in her career showed me how to have grit, resilience, and gratitude in every moment.”

Currie said her open mind has allowed her to propel her career far beyond where she started. She said her desire to learn new things and take on opportunities has helped her achieve the role of a female leader within Neurolens.

SHE SAYS… “I attribute my growth within this industry to a work-hard, learn-hard mentality. When I started at Neurolens, my humility in being new to the industry allowed me to be a sponge and learn from smart and talented colleagues, partners and vendors. Each new lab management system or lab we integrate with continues my growth, network and knowledge.”


Sarah Dacko

Chief Operations Officer
Randolph Engineering
Randolph, Mass.

CHOSEN BECAUSE… “As the chief operations officer and a third-generation family member of Randolph Engineering, Inc., Sarah brings a wealth of experience and insider knowledge to the table. Her influence in the optical industry is evident through her strategic vision, collaborative spirit, and commitment to the growth and development of her company and its employees.”





Sarah Dacko has a unique perspective on the optical industry. As a third-generation team member at Randolph Engineering, she has been deeply influenced by the passion for the optical and engineering industry that her grandfather and father passed on to her.

She began her career pursuing a degree in social work from Boston College. She said the foundational experience in social work provided her with a unique perspective on human needs and care, which she carried into several subsequent roles.

“Before joining Randolph, I explored various fields, including finance and store management. These experiences enriched my understanding of diverse business operations and prepared me for the multifaceted challenges at Randolph,” she said. “Driven by a commitment to making a positive impact in a macro environment, I transitioned into human resources at Randolph, at a time when the company lacked a formal HR department. I was instrumental in establishing a comprehensive HR department to support our staff.”

In recognition of her leadership and contributions, she was named a member of Chief, a private women’s business networking organization for senior executives. In 2023, Dacko was promoted to chief operations officer at Randolph Engineering, overseeing 10 direct reports across various facets of the business.

Dacko said she is inspired by the ever-evolving nature of the industry, which challenges her to continuously learn, grow, and adapt to new technologies and trends.

SHE SAYS… “Remember, your passion and dedication will shine through, making a lasting impact on your career and the industry as a whole. Embrace every opportunity to learn, grow and connect—your journey in the optical industry will be as rewarding as you make it.”


Becky Fritz

VP, Practice Operations
VSP Ventures
Rancho Cordova, Calif.

CHOSEN BECAUSE… “Becky serves a critical and influential role as the day-to-day leadership ‘face’ of VSP Ventures for our practice teams across the country. Her leadership plays a pivotal role in building goodwill with acquired practices, demonstrating our value to the professional community, and fostering continued growth across the organization. Becky has been instrumental in taking Ventures into the next phase of high performance and a thriving culture. Her sharp talent and dedication make her an industry leader who sets the tone for our teams and organization as a whole.”





Becky Fritz started her optical career journey as a receptionist at a private practice while pursuing her pre-med degree at St. Cloud State University. Following graduation, she planned to attend optometry school but found her calling in operational leadership at a single-doctor commercial practice.

“Since then, I’ve held nearly every role in an optical practice as well as leadership roles supporting both optical operations and clinicians,” she said.

In her role at VSP, she oversees field and central operations to advance the organization’s business strategy. Her primary focus in her first two years at VSP Ventures was to introduce operational processes to deliver better support to practices, ensuring their long-term success and growth. She said, “I am proud of the progress we’ve made in that time. Since 2022, our organization has experienced unparalleled success and is better positioned for future growth than it was when I first joined.”

She is also a member of several industry organizations focused on women’s success including the Optical Women’s Association, OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation, VSP Vision’s Women’s Business Resource Group and VSP Vision’s PRIDE Business Resource Group.

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!”


Pamela Riedy, OD, MBA

Senior Vice President of Healthcare Services
Visionworks
St. Louis, Mo.

CHOSEN BECAUSE… “She’s an integral part of developing and executing Visionworks’ growth strategies—she’s a perfect blend of clinical, operations and strategic leadership.”





Pamela Riedy, OD, has always been fascinated by the health and wellness fields. In fact, an early career in veterinary care exposed her to eye diseases and disorders in pets that then inspired her to study optometry.

Now, 20 years into her career in eyecare, Dr. Riedy has equally focused on seeing patients as an OD and has served in various leadership positions to support health care providers and patient care. Specifically, she’s developed a unique skillset in clinical strategy and operations, transformational change management, training and development, recruiting and retention, digital innovation and telemedicine.

As senior vice president of health care services, she leads the clinical department for Visionworks. In the past year alone, she’s built a new clinical structure where doctors report to other doctors within the organization. She has also introduced new leadership and development programs for optometrists, clinical assistants and the company’s support center.

Dr. Riedy oversees more than 1,300 ODs, clinical partners and business leaders, and is tightly involved in the patient care protocols and doctor satisfaction within Visionworks. She has paved the way to support optometrists and clinical assistants in their patient care, professional networking and career advancement.

“It’s extremely fulfilling to help people grow their confidence and excel in ways they never dreamed they could achieve,” she said.

Her expansive knowledge in the clinical realm of vision care directly influences her ability to connect, mentor, and support doctors and other leaders in the industry.

SHE SAYS… “I believe everyone has something to contribute; by uncovering and developing talents in others we ignite a contagious passion that leads to endless possibilities in the optical industry.”


Kristen Tobin

Associate Dean of Student Affairs
New England College of Optometry
Boston, Mass.

CHOSEN BECAUSE… “Kristen not only serves as a leader of the college but also leads ASCO’s (Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry) student affairs and admissions group supporting all the schools and colleges in their efforts to improve both categories. Her leadership is not just local and ASCO-related. Kristen is a mentor for so many women in helping them attain their goals of leadership and discovery. She inspires all of us to be our best.”





Kristen Tobin has worked in higher education for 20 years and at the New England College of Optometry for nearly 10 years. In her current role, she oversees the student life cycle from admission through graduation. She also manages the school’s office of admissions, the registrar’s office, and the center for academic preparation and achievement.

Further, she oversees enrollment goals and enrollment management. She is responsible for ensuring NECO makes its admission class goals and for managing the support of current students, including student life, activities and events, academic advising and support, NBEO Board preparation and career services. Tobin also sits on the school’s president’s leadership team, representing the student voice and experience, and participates in strategic conversations and oversight for the institution.

“Before working at NECO, I knew little about optometry or the optical field. I am constantly impressed by the field, its new technology and growth, and the wonderful and dynamic people I meet,” said Tobin.

“I gravitated to college admissions and recruitment because it combines education, sales, communications, event planning and strategy. I have always been attracted to small, mission-driven institutions, and NECO is an incredible place to work,” said Tobin.

“I am inspired by students and humbled by the opportunity to be a small part of their journey. I especially love working with optometry students as they are intelligent, dedicated and compassionate people. Higher education and optometry are both fields that are constantly evolving, and I love that I am continually challenged to grow and learn.”

SHE SAYS… “Confidence, hard work, humility, strong communication skills, and the desire to learn and grow are all traits that will serve women well in the optical industry and beyond. Seek mentors and learning opportunities, take risks, and never underestimate the power of humor.”


Jennifer Trakhtenberg

Chief People Officer/ Co-Chief Operating Officer
ClearVision Optical Company Inc.
Hauppauge, N.Y.

CHOSEN BECAUSE… “Jen’s passion, generosity and humbleness is unusual in the ‘me’-centric world in which we live. She has an exceptional talent for growing teams, building employee programs, and developing tools to enhance each individual’s personal growth and success. There is never a moment when she does not have the time to lead, mentor or guide ClearVision’s employees.”





For as long as she can remember, Jennifer Trakhtenberg has had a keen interest in the human resources (HR) field. After obtaining a bachelor’s degree in business management with a dual HR/marketing concentration from Binghamton University, she went on to pursue a master’s degree in industrial/organizational psychology from New York University.

After working at Morgan Stanley for seven years as part of their HR asset management team, she joined ClearVision Optical 15 years ago and has never looked back. Trakhtenberg said, “I started in the early days of establishing our talent management (HR) function and progressed to leading the team in 2014. My focus is on the people, culture and philanthropic endeavors of this 75-year-old, family-owned business.”

In 2020, Trakhtenberg assumed the additional role of co-chief operating officer, partnering closely with the company’s leadership team. “Many of my efforts are geared to growing and coaching high performing teams, developing intentional career pathing for retention and succession planning, along with creating an environment that rewards innovation, sales excellence, and where great ideas are welcome. I work closely with sales team members, and across the company to steer projects, develop programs, and to ensure our efforts are aligned with the values of the organization.

“Find resources that help you to stay on top of what trends are coming next. When we are inspired and challenged, we are still growing and can become the best version of ourselves,” she said.

SHE SAYS… “Every single day, I have the chance to share in people’s stories—helping them to be successful, to find a work home where they can thrive, and supporting leaders who genuinely serve others. I have the chance to direct meaningful actions to drive the success of moving our business forward.”