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Jacquie Bowen, OD, FAAO,
Diplomate, American Board of Optometry

Full Scope Medical Optometrist
MyEyeDr.
Greeley, Colo.

CHOSEN BECAUSE… “Her exceptional service and leadership in optometry make her a standout figure in the industry.”





Dr. Jacquie Bowen always knew that she wanted to work in health care but honed her focus while in college—sparked by a conversation with an optometrist in her hometown of Helena, Mont. What started as interest quickly evolved into passion for the eyecare industry that has sustained her career for 36 years.

After graduating from Southern California College of Optometry and completing an ocular disease residency, she opened a small solo practice in Greeley, Colo. The next two decades brought vast change for the practice, ultimately growing into an operation with four doctors and 24 staff members. In 2005, the practice joined Vision Source, then merged with another practice six years later. In 2021, Dr. Bowen and her partner decided to join forces with MyEyeDr.

Along the way, Dr. Bowen never shied away from serving the industry. She worked for the Colorado Optometric Association (COA) as a member of various committees and as the Northern Colorado Society president, chair of the Leadership Institute, and as a board member for seven years. In 2005, she served as COA president.

Her service continued when she was elected to the American Optometric Association (AOA) Board of Trustees in 2016. This past June, she was named president-elect of the AOA at Optometry’s Meeting in Nashville.

Her dedication to the field has been recognized with numerous awards, including the Colorado Optometrist of the Year and the Colorado Distinguished Service Award.

“Having served as a leader in the industry for many years, I’ve seen the strength of this profession, and frankly, the existence of optometry and opticianry lies in working together as one unified voice in the health care community,” she said.

Overall, she has been instrumental in developing many programs and policies that have improved her practice and the overall industry as it tries to remain ahead of societal, cultural and health care changes.

SHE SAYS… “I am both proud and humbled every day as I work with the most dedicated professionals in the world.”


Wanda Davis

District Manager
Eyemart Express
Farmers Branch, Texas

CHOSEN BECAUSE… “Wanda has been instrumental to her store teams as a district manager and mentor. An experienced teacher, she genuinely enjoys investing in the professional development of her team members from the start of their optical careers and beyond, by sharing her extensive retail and optical knowledge. Her valuable feedback challenges team members to improve, reach their goals, and shine in the growing company.”





Wanda Davis is a 25-year district manager veteran with 17 years of district leadership in the beauty industry. As district manager at Eyemart Express, she oversees the operations of more than 20 locations in the optical retail field.

“In this role, I ensure we are growing our markets in the B2B field and doctor detailing so we can be successful year after year. We lead by example to ensure that we have the right associate in every location to meet the needs of our customers,” she said.

Davis said she draws inspiration from lifting others up professionally and acknowledging their efforts in contributing to the company’s success. She loves to celebrate her leaders’ successes and help them believe in themselves to further their achievements in the optical industry.

SHE SAYS…“I feel like I have made a difference by mentoring others to believe in themselves and in what they can achieve, in any role they choose in the optical realm. Build a network in this field, know your role well, then mentor and train your replacement so that you can move into your new role.”


Mylène Émond

Eastern Canada Sales Manager
WestGroupe
Ville Saint-Laurent, Quebec

CHOSEN BECAUSE… “Always smiling, attentive and efficient, Mylène knows how to help others reach their full potential and goals. She’s always there to motivate and encourage her team and those around her. She consistently finds ways to solve problems and develop new avenues. She is a true leader.”






Before joining WestGroupe, Mylène Émond studied to be an optician, a skill that would help make her a key member of the WestGroupe sales team. Committed to personal and professional development, she continued her studies, adding several certifications to her list of credits, including certified professional coach.

“Through strategic recruitment, comprehensive training programs and consistent coaching, I have developed a high-performing team capable of exceeding sales targets. My efforts have not only strengthened our market presence but also fostered a culture of continuous improvement and excellence within the team. This accomplishment reflects my dedication to nurturing talent and driving sales performance to new heights,” she said.

Émond finds inspiration in her work by unlocking the full potential of her sales team. Surrounded by supportive leaders, she said she is encouraged to be herself, which generates positive results.

She credits Mike Debono, COO and VP of global sales at WestGroupe, as a pivotal mentor, adding that his guidance and insights have played a significant role in shaping her professional journey. Émond said, “From providing valuable advice on navigating complex challenges to offering support during critical decision-making moments, Mike’s mentorship has been invaluable.”

SHE SAYS…“Stay informed about what’s happening in the industry, network, seek out tools like training, be confident, seize opportunities, be yourself and don’t be afraid to stand out. Shine!”


Amanda Frugé

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

CHOSEN BECAUSE… “Amanda has built her career at EssilorLuxottica for over a decade. She grew rapidly from a rep position to a field manager, then to director and now vice president. She is a very strong and talented people leader. Her great coaching approach has helped to turn every sales group in her charge into a top-performing team.”





With 24 years of sales experience, Amanda Frugé joined the EssilorLuxottica team in 2014 as a Ray-Ban sales consultant. She quickly rose within the company, and was named vice president for premium fashion and luxury in 2023.

She has received several honors during her tenure with EssilorLuxottica, including president’s circle and regional sales manager of the year in 2020.

“I am inspired by the people I am honored to work alongside every day. My teammates, direct reports, and sales leaders have taught me so much. Each day, we work together to perfect our craft. I love that our company mission is to ‘See More, Be More,’” she said. “It is never lost on me that our frames hold the lenses that change the way people see the world.”

Frugé said she strives daily to maintain a positive mindset, positive energy and lead by example, keeping her perspective and passion at the forefront every day. She said, “I believe these two traits go hand-in-hand, solidifying trust and relationships. I coach my team on doing hard things.”

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.”


Nicole Jensen, OD

Director of Professional Relations, Optometrist
Bard Optical
Peoria, Ill.

CHOSEN BECAUSE… “She has an infectious personality and a desire to see all ODs practice full-scope optometry.”





When Dr. Nicole Jensen, OD, was two years old, she had a strabismus that had to be patched for four years. And with countless hours of vision therapy, a career in the optical industry was inspired by the care she received from her doctors.

Dr. Jensen graduated from Illinois College of Optometry in 2011 and started working for Bard Optical shortly after graduation. At the time, she was also the journal editor for the Illinois Optometric Association and was on the development team for Eyefinity EHR.

Enjoying leadership and teaching roles, she worked her way up to director of professional relations for Bard Optical in 2016. The same year, Dr. Jensen received the Illinois Young Optometrist of the Year Award. She has also received the Patient First Award from Bard Optical in 2019 and 2023.

In addition to seeing patients during the week at Bard’s Center of Excellence, she also trains all the new ODs in the EHR system, teaches about new billing and audit regulations, and recruits new ODs from schools nationwide. Her priority is to help ODs learn the skills necessary to run a well-rounded practice.

Dr. Jensen says her biggest accomplishment is her children—and she is inspired by helping families like her own find vision solutions. “There’s nothing like solving real eye mysteries for patients and doctors: fitting difficult contact lenses, finding the right eye drops to help red eyes heal, or helping anyone with their prescriptions,” she said.

Through her efforts at Bard Optical and beyond, she is essential in helping ODs complete quicker exams without compromising patient care.

SHE SAYS…“There is true power in the women leaders who work in such a male-dominated profession. Go break barriers!”


Diane Jessen, OD

Optometrist
EyeCare Partners
Wentzville, Mo.

CHOSEN BECAUSE… “Her efforts have been integral in creating the inaugural mentorship program for EyeCare Partners’ optometry division, which helps shape the next generation of optometrists in reaching their full potential.”






Diane Jessen, OD, has been in the optical business since she was 18, first working at her grandfather’s practice after graduating high school. What started as a front desk job inspired a passion for eyecare—and resulted in a lifelong career in the optical industry.

She began her professional career in a private practice that specialized in binocular vision and low vision. She then joined Clarkson Eyecare in 2007, and in addition to seeing patients, Dr. Jessen began serving as a mentor to other doctors in 2009.

As a mentor with Clarkson Eyecare, Dr. Jessen learned precise coding, evaluated treatment options for a variety of medical conditions, and built lasting relationships with doctors in her group. When Clarkson Eyecare became part of EyeCare Partners, Dr. Jessen launched a mentorship program across the United States that helps onboard new doctors and connect them to a mentor-advocate in their state, ultimately growing and enriching the EyeCare Partners network.

“I hope I have only begun to scratch the surface in helping other doctors perfect their practice,” she said.

Dr. Jessen is also chair of the mentorship committee of the medical executive board at EyeCare Partners. She is dedicated to developing leaders within the optometry division.

She is inspired by the ability to network and solve problems across a large company. Specifically, Dr. Jessen enjoys studying and evaluating best practices within the industry to enhance Clarkson Eyecare’s level of service throughout the country.

SHE SAYS… “There’s value in sharing wisdom with others. It builds relationships and eases the anxiety of the next generation of doctors joining our group.”


Christina Jones

Director of Retail Chains and Key Accounts ECP
Hoya Vision Care
Lewisville, Texas

CHOSEN BECAUSE… “She consistently demonstrates resilience in her leadership; she’s unafraid to challenge the status quo and implement processes that strengthen her teams and benefit her customers.”





Christina Jones fell into the optical industry by accident at the age of 19, in response to a “help wanted” ad in the newspaper. She had no idea she’d stick with the industry for the rest of her life— “I know many would agree: once you’re in optical you never want to leave!” she said.

Jones has worked in every corner of the industry, from her first job as an optician in a strip mall in 1990, to working with inventory, to customer service management, team training and special projects. In 2014, she made a move to optical sales. In 2017, Jones joined Hoya Vision Care as an individual contributor in the wholesale division, and most recently, in 2023, she was promoted to director of retail chains and key accounts.

Currently, she leads the U.S. retail division for Hoya, as well as large key accounts in the ECP channel. During her year as director, she launched new strategic portfolios for retail customers and has developed new processes to grow Hoya’s business. Specifically, she successfully developed and launched new turnkey Rx solutions for her commercial team. During this same time, Jones has doubled her team—and continues to develop professional relationships across the nation.

“My team is my extended family, and we inspire each other,” she said. “I couldn’t be more proud of what we’ve built together.”

Her true passion in the industry is mentoring her team and enriching their careers. She attributes her success in the optical industry to her mentors—and sometimes, if necessary, turning failures into learning experiences.

SHE SAYS… “With all the industry knowledge I’ve gained in my 30-year career, now I get to pay that forward into the new talent on my team as a mentor to each of them.”


Donna “Dede” Reyes, FCLSA

Manager, Consultation & Education
ABB Optical Group
Kansas City, Mo.

CHOSEN BECAUSE… “Dede is a knowledge-base in the industry and she shares her passion with clarity, but it is her enthusiastic presence, infectious smile, and ever-changing hair color that make her a joy to work with every day.”





With an impressive list of titles, accomplishments, publications and presentations, and almost 40 years in the industry, Donna “Dede” Reyes is inspired by perpetual learning and sharing her knowledge with others.

As manager of consultation and education for specialty vision products at ABB Optical Group, Reyes leads a team of 11 specialty contact lens consultants in day-to-day activities and education improvement. She plays a critical role in supporting both her team and customers when they are looking for specialty lens consultation, educational opportunities and resources.

Reyes also serves as president of the Contact Lens Society of America, hosts her own podcast (“Dede Talks – The Art of Specialty Lenses”), is a content creator for educational pieces for ABB staff, authors articles for the ABB Optical Quarterly Newsletter, and continues to fit specialty contact lenses with patients.

“My love for both science and vision continues to push me forward,” she said. Additionally, she is a member of the Contact Lens Association of Ophthalmologists, Inc. and the Pacific Coast Contact Lens Society.

Through all her avenues of educating and networking in the optical field, Reyes helps practitioners learn the science behind specialty contact lenses, but also the art form connected to successfully fitting specialty and scleral lenses.

“I hope that the knowledge I have in the industry causes the next generation of optometrists to be just as passionate about their careers,” she said.

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.”