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Edward S. Bennett, OD, MSEd, FAAO, FSLS

Dr. Edward Bennett is currently Professor Emeritus at the University of Missouri-St. Louis College of Optometry.  Dr. Bennett is currently President and Executive Director of the Gas Permeable (GP) Lens Institute, the educational division of the Contact Lens Manufacturers Association (CLMA) and is the Clinical Features Editor for Contact Lens Spectrum. He is a past Chair of the Contact Lens and Cornea Section Council of the American Optometric Association (AOA) and is a Diplomate and a past Chair of the Cornea, Contact Lenses and Refractive Technologies Section of the American Academy of Optometry.  Dr. Bennett is also a past Chair of the Association of Optometric Contact Lens Educators and past President of the MD-OD Contact Lens Foundation of St. Louis. He is a Fellow in the Scleral Lens Education Society and a Distinguished Fellow in the National Academies of Practice.  He has authored over 200 publications including 14 texts and lectured at over 340 scientific and continuing education symposia.  He is a recipient of both the Dr. Josef Dallos Award and Leonardo da Vinci Award (CLMA), both the Achievement Award and the Legends Award (AOA Contact Lens and Cornea Section), the Dr. Leonard Bronstein Memorial Award, the Global Specialty Lens Symposium Award of Excellence, the Annual Kevin Tuohy Memorial Award (CLSA), the University of Houston College of Optometry Award for Distinguished Research on the Cornea and Contact Lenses, the University of Missouri-St. Louis Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching, the American Optometric Foundation Michael G. Harris Award for Excellence in Optometric Education, the National Keratoconus Foundation Ambassador Award, and The Dr. R.A. Koetting Memorial Award from the St. Louis Optometric Society.  He was named one of the 50 most influential optometrists in America by Optometric Management and was honored as one of the 30 most influential in contact lenses in the last 30 years by Contact Lens Spectrum. Dr. Bennett is on the Education Committee of the Global Specialty Lens Symposium, an Editorial Review Board member for Review of Optometry, an Expert Contributor to AllAboutVision.com, and an Editorial Board Member for Review of Cornea and Contact Lenses.

Elise Brisco, OD, FAAO, FCOVD, CCH

Dr. Elise Brisco is an Integrative Optometrist and Clinical Homeopath at Hollywood Vision Center Optometry, now part of Total Vision, LLC and Founder and CEO of NearSight vision wellness technology start-up company. She is an influencer and content creator and creates content for companies in the areas beauty, health, wellness, fitness, nutrition, vision, holistic health, boxing, healthy aging, fashion, travel, entrepreneur and working mothers. She is the Key Opinion Leader for Optometry and Integrative Health and Chief Medical Advisor of Natural Ophthalmics. Dr. Brisco is Co-Founder of the Rehabilitative Vision Clinic at the Cedars Sinai Medical Center in the department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and Team Optometrist for the NHL Anaheim Ducks and the IHL Long Beach Ice Dogs.

Eric Singman, MD, PhD

Dr. Eric Singman is professor at the University of Maryland School of Medicine’s Departments of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences and also Neurology. A board-certified ophthalmologist, he has subspecialty fellowship training in neuro-ophthalmology. After his fellowship, Dr. Singman practiced neuro-ophthalmology for 14 years in Lancaster, Pennsylvania and was an attending neuro-ophthalmologist at the Lancaster Rehabilitation Hospital, as well as at Sinai Hospital of Baltimore’s Comprehensive Concussion Clinic. Previously, he was associate professor of ophthalmology at the Wilmer Eye Institute at The Johns Hopkins Hospital and division chief at the Patient Access Center for the Eye. He founded and directed the Wilmer Clinic for Vision Concerns after Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) at Johns Hopkins. He also co-founded the Wilmer Genetic Eye Disease Center. Dr. Singman has served as a subject matter expert on brain injury at the Department of Defense (DoD) Vision Center of Excellence on multiple occasions and has chaired grant review committees for the DoD Vision Research Program for those studies related to TBI. His clinical expertise includes diagnosis of visual dysfunction after brain injury, as well as the impact of Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS) on vision. His research interests have focused on automation of the eye examination, using big data to explore the impact of brain injury on vision and the visual sequelae of hypermobile EDS. Dr. Singman also serves as a district medical adviser for Federal Occupational Health as well as the U.S. Marshall Service, particularly in the area of evaluating visual system disability claim reports for federal employees with work-related injuries.

Erin C. Jenewein, OD, MS, FAAO, Diplomate (BVPPO)

Dr. Erin C. Jenewein earned her BSc degree in Biology, Chemistry and Philosophy from St. Norbert College. She completed a Master of Science degree in Biology at the University of Wisconsin. Dr. Jenewein graduated with highest honors and professional distinction from Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry. Following graduation, she completed a residency at Nova Southeastern University in Pediatrics and Binocular Vision. Dr. Jenewein joined the faculty at Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry and from 2010-2015 served as an Assistant Professor, Chief of Service of The Eye Care Institute at KID, and as part of the faculty of the Master of Science in Clinical Vision Research program. In 2015, Dr. Jenewein joined the Salus University Pennsylvania College of Optometry faculty where she serves as an Assistant Professor and Coordinator for the Binocular Vision Curriculum and Coordinator for the Pediatrics and Vision Therapy Residency. Dr. Jenewein currently serves as Salus University's Principal Site Investigator for the multi-centered NEl-funded Pediatric Eye Disease Investigator Group and served as an investigator for the Convergence Insufficiency Treatment Trial Attention and Reading Trial.

Fariba Nazemi, MD, FRCSC

Dr. Fariba Nazemi was born and raised in Iran where she completed seven years of medical school at the Medical Sciences University of Iran in Tehran. She went on to complete a four-year Ophthalmology residency at the Medical Sciences University of Iran and later worked as a general Ophthalmologist and Assistant Professor at the Medical University of Avesina, Hamedan-Iran for one year. Upon moving back to Tehran, Dr. Nazemi worked as a general Ophthalmologist and lectured at Shahid Beheshti Medical School for two years. She then immigrated to Canada and accepted into the International Medical Graduate Program (IMG) at the University of Toronto, where she completed a year of clerkship, a year of internship and redid her four-year Ophthalmology residency. In 2008 she completed a one-year fellowship in Pediatric Ophthalmology at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, Ontario. Dr. Nazemi currently serves as Staff Ophthalmologist at Mount Sinai Hospital and Lecturer at the University of Toronto, Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences. She is also Associate Staff at the Hospital for Sick Children, North York General and Humber River Hospitals and Staff Ophthalmologist at William Osler Hospital in Brampton, Ontario.

Fatimah Gilani, MD, FRSCS

Dr. Fatimah Gilani is a board-certified Ophthalmologist both in Canada and the United States. Educated on three different continents, she has a diverse background that provides an international perspective. Dr. Gilani began her career at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland and subsequently completed her medical internship at the Baystate Medical Center, a hospital affiliated with Tufts University in Spring-field, Massachusetts. She completed her ophthalmology residency at the University of Arizona, followed by a medical retina fellowship at Northwell Long Island Jewish Hospital and the Vitreous Retina Consultants of New York under the tutelage of world-renowned retina specialists Dr. Lawrence Yannuzzi, Dr. K. Bailey Freund, Dr. William Schiff and Dr. Gaetano Barile. Dr. Gilani is actively involved with clinical research and has written a number of published journal and magazine articles. She grew up in Kenya and throughout her medical career, she has maintained an interest in alleviating blindness in developing countries and has participated in charitable work in Kenya, Pakistan, Vietnam, Mexico and Honduras. Dr. Gilani is highly trained in the management of cataracts and anterior segment refractive surgery procedures. She also specializes in the management of age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and other vitreoretinal disorders.

Fazal Khan, RO

Fazal Khan holds a Bachelor of Arts in Management from the University of Toronto and is an alumni of the Seneca College Opticianry Program. He has been a Registered Optician in the Province of Ontario since 1995 and has practiced as an independent Optician. Fazal has been involved in many aspects of the field of Opticianry including teaching, private tutoring, regulatory work and conducting continuing education seminars. As an instructor at Seneca College, he has taught in areas of Applied Optics and Contact Lens Theory in the full and part time programs. He is currently the Registrar and CEO of the College of Opticians of Ontario. Outside of Opticianry, Fazal has served on the Board of Directors at  York Central Hospital and Executive Director on the Board of Directors of the Richmond Hill Chamber of Commerce.

Francis Roy, MD, FRCSC

Dr. Francis Roy is the founder and medical director of Clinique ChirurgiVision® (Clinic) in Trois-Rivières, Quebec, since January 1991, which specializes in refractive options for patients. Since then, Dr. Roy has performed most of the evolving surgical procedures. He has done co-management with optometrists for refractive patients for the past 25 years. He currently performs a wide range of surgical techniques for corneal and intra-ocular refractive procedures. The clinic owns a full operating room and is fully independent of the provincial government (opt-out medicare). Dr. Roy obtained his Doctor of Medicine Degree from the Université de Sherbrooke in Quebec and diplomas specialized in ophthalmology from the Collège des médecins du Québec and the Collège royal des médecins et chirurgiens du Canada.

François Piuze, OD

In private practice since his graduation from Université de Montréal School of Optometry in 1994, Dr. Piuze spends most of his time dedicated to his patients, his approach focused on highly individualized care and built on mutual trust. He has mainly practiced in multidisciplinary settings and refractive surgery clinics in collaboration with ophthalmologists. Since 2016, he co-owns Eye AM EyeCare, four practices located in Quebec City and in the Montreal area where he practices with a special interest in specialty contact lens fitting and ocular surface disease management. In regards to these subspecialties, Dr. Piuze frequently gives lectures, workshops, webinars and acts as a consultant for many companies in the eye care industry, more specifically his expertise lies in the integration of innovative approaches in general eye care and the development of business models in optometry. He was behind the creation of Quebec’s Dry Eye Symposium, which was held from 2016 to 2019, where he acted as medical director and moderator of this event.

Freddie Chow, OD

Dr. Freddie Chow is in private practice in Halifax, Nova Scotia where he is the President and founder of the Eyes On Optometry Group - a 4 clinic, 5 OD full-scope group practice. He is a graduate of the University of Waterloo School of Optometry and is an active member of the Canadian Association of Optometrists, the Nova Scotia Association of Optometrists and is a part-time clinical associate with the University of Waterloo School of Optometry. He has served on the Public Visual Welfare Committee and has chaired the Annual General Meeting Planning Committee as part of the NSAO. Dr. Chow is also actively involved with the Canadian Examiners in Optometry having developed and written Clinical Judgment questions for Canadian Standard Assessment in Optometry examination. He is also currently a Clinical Skills examiner as part of the CSAO. Dr. Chow has served on advisory panels for several industry partners and is currently a speaker for Alcon Canada and Bausch & Lomb Canada, delivering lectures to pharmacists, family physicians, optometrists and opticians.

Gale Orlansky, OD, MEd

Dr. Gale Orlansky received her optometric degree from the SUNY-State College of Optometry in New York, and a Master in Education Degree in Reading from Arcadia University in 2006. She is a certified reading specialist. She is a clinical optometrist with more than thirty-five years of experience working with the pediatric population at The Eye Institute, and teaches core courses and laboratories in the Pediatric and Binocular Vision curriculum at Salus University. Dr. Orlansky has been the administrator and lead optometrist for the Pre-kindergarten Head Start Vision Screening Program in the Philadelphia School District since 1983. She has been involved as an optometric examiner in several research projects, including the Vision in Preschoolers (VIP) Pilot Study, as well as the VIP-HIP (Hyperopia in Preschoolers) Study. She served as the principal investigator for the Reliability of the Developmental Eye Movement Test Study and the UREAD (Uncorrected Refractive Errors and Academic Development) Study. Dr. Orlansky has lectured nationally and internationally on binocular vision and learning-related vision problems.

Graham Belovay, MD, FRCSC

Dr. Graham Belovay is a fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. He completed an undergraduate degree in computing at Queen’s University before starting medical training. He graduated from McMaster University Medical School and carried out his Ophthalmology residency at the University of Toronto. He then completed his glaucoma fellowship at the Sydney Eye Hospital in Sydney, Australia. In addition, Dr. Belovay completed a research fellowship in Glaucoma and Advanced Anterior Segment Surgery through the University of Toronto. His research interests include glaucoma surgical techniques, new clinical technology and surgical devices and resident education. Dr. Belovay has published several papers, a book chapter and lectures on glaucoma and anterior segment surgery.

Gregory Naes, MBA

Over the past 19 years Gregory Naes has developed numerous organizations within the field of eye care. These organizations have been involved in practice management and valuation, retail optical and optical lab services. Most recently, Gregory has been appointed President of BluTech, a research company with a passion for the lifelong preservation of vision. They specialize in bringing revolutionary science based technologies to those demanding the ultimate in visual performance, protection, comfort and safety. In this most recent role, Gregory has spent the last five years analyzing peer reviewed research on the subjects of Blue light and harmful light in general with some of the top Retina Specialists and researchers in the world. Gregory obtained his Masters of Business Administration from Vanderbilt University - Owen Graduate School of Management and an Undergraduate Degree of Finance and Multi-National Business from Florida State University and North Carolina State University.

Gregory Schultz, OD, FAAO

Dr. Gregory Schultz received his undergraduate degree from Ursinus College in Pennsylvania majoring in biology. He then attended the Pennsylvania College of Optometry, graduating Cum Lade in 1991. He subsequently completed his residency in ocular disease and surgical co- management at OMNI eye services in Iselin NJ, where his training involved extensive experience in the management of most complex ocular diseases and visual system disorders. Dr. Schultz has received advanced training in all subspecialty areas of Ophthalmology including pre and post operative care of cataract, glaucoma, cornea and refractive surgery, neuro-ophthalmology, medical and surgical retina and oculoplastics. He has 18 years of experience in the secondary and tertiary eye care arena. He has lectured extensively nationwide and his special interests lie in the fields of pharmacology, glaucoma, cornea, external disease, neuro-ophthalmology and medical retina. He is also a fellow in the Academy of Optometry, Ocular Disease section.

Guillermo Rocha, MD, FRCSC, FACS

Dr. Guillermo Rocha is originally from Mexico City, Mexico. He obtained his Medical Degree at the Universidad Anahuac in Mexico City, followed by a research fellowship in Microvascular Surgery (Mexico City and Houston, Texas). He trained in Ophthalmology at McGill University in Montreal and has completed subspecialty training in Ocular Immunology and Inflammation (McGill University) and Cornea and External Diseases (University of South Florida, Tampa). He completed the Physician CEO Executive Program at the Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University in Chicago, Illinois in 2016. He is Professor of Ophthalmology at the University of Manitoba, President of the COS Foundation, Past President of the Canadian Ophthalmological Society (2016-2018), past President of the Canadian Cornea, External Diseases and Refractive Surgery Society, and former Head of the Department of Surgery at the Brandon Regional Health Centre (2004-2009). He is past Associate Editor and Cornea Section Editor for the international journal Techniques in Ophthalmology and co-Editor of four books, “Advanced Technology IOLs in Cataract Surgery: Pearls for Success,” “Bringing you the Future in Ophthalmology,” “Advances in Refractive and Corneal Surgery” and “Surgical Correction of Astigmatism.” In the Canadian Ophthalmological Society, he is a past Board Member and past Chair of the Council on Continuing Professional Development. In 1995, he was awarded the Canadian Society for Clinical Investigation & Medical Research Council of Canada Resident Research Award for his work on the causative factors of ocular inflammation. Dr. Rocha received two Best Paper of Session awards at the 2001 American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) meeting in San Diego, CA, and was the recipient of the Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba iCare Award for 2014. In 2015, he was recognized as one of the 10 Most Successful Mexicans in Canada, followed by an award as one of the 10 Most Influential Hispanic Canadians in 2016. Dr. Rocha currently resides in Brandon, Manitoba. He is Medical Director of TLC Laser Eye Centre/LMD Winnipeg, Medical Director of the Ocular Microsurgery & Laser Centre, active Medical Staff in the Brandon Regional Health Centre, Minnedosa Health Centre and Misericordia Health Centre. He performs Anterior Segment and Corneal Surgeries, including femtosecond laser, LASIK, PRK, PTK, astigmatism correction, Cross-linking and Intacs for Keratoconus, advanced cataract surgery with premium lens implants and femtosecond laser, EVO ICL, corneal transplantation and glaucoma surgery.

Hamza Khan, MD, FRCSC

Dr. Hamza Khan completed his BSc with Honours at the University of Toronto and then attended the University of Western Ontario and received an MD with Honours. Following an internship at the University of Toronto, he attended Harvard University, where he earned a Masters degree in Public Health. Upon completion of his MPH, Dr. Khan specialized in Ophthalmology, completing a Residency at the University of Toronto. Specialization in Cornea and Refractive surgery followed when Dr. Khan filled a Fellowship at Tulane University in New Orleans. He holds prestigious fellowships, both Canadian and from the American College of Surgeons as well as awards in educational achievement from the American Academy of Ophthalmology. His teaching and research at the UBC Faculty of Medicine has been an ongoing commitment, for which he holds the position of Clinical Associate Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences. He is past chair of the Division of Ophthalmology in Victoria and current chair of the South Island Surgical Quality Improvement Committee.

Harbir Sian, BSc, OD

Dr. Sian graduated from the New England College of Optometry in 2010 and is the co-owner for two optometric practices in the Vancouver area. Throughout his career, he has been passionate about education and giving back to those in need. Over the years, he has started many educational initiatives, lectured internationally and launched his own podcast. He has also volunteered in local and global eye clinics and is now the Executive Director of the Lensbox Foundation. In the clinic, Dr. Sian enjoys practicing full scope optometry with a focus on dry eye disease and myopia control.

Hardeep K. Kataria, OD, FAAO

Dr. Hardeep Kataria is originally from the United Kingdom. She completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Florida and is an honors graduate from the New England College of Optometry. After completing her clinical rotations at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute and her residency in Primary Care and Ocular Disease at the Baltimore VAMC, she relocated to the sunny west coast of Los Angeles, California. She practices in a medical office primarily managing advanced dry eye disease and medical glaucoma. She is passionate about using advanced diagnostic techniques to treat dry eye disease and glaucoma and enjoys the challenge of complex cases. Outside of optometry, Dr. Kataria enjoys weightlifting and enjoying the coastal weather of Southern California. 

Harleen Bedi, MD, FRCSC

Dr. Harleen Bedi is a Royal College and Board-certified Ophthalmologist and Oculofacial Plastic Surgeon who specializes in cataract surgery as well as cosmetic and reconstructive procedures of the eyelids, brow and face. She trained at the University of Toronto for medical education followed by an Ophthalmology residency. She further sub-specialized in adult and pediatric Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the McMaster University. Dr. Bedi is a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Canada (FRCSC) and a member of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (CPSO). Dr. Bedi performs cataract and oculoplastic surgery at Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital (OTMH) and provides regional emergency after hours coverage through Halton Healthcare. She is an Assistant Professor at the McMaster University and the University of Toronto. Her clinical interests include cataract surgery, eyelid malposition disorders, eyelid trauma, thyroid orbitopathy, and tear duct pathologies.

Ike Ahmed, MD, FRCSC

Dr. Ike Ahmed has become world renowned for his skills and groundbreaking work in the diagnosis and surgical treatment of highly complex eye diseases including cataract, glaucoma and surgical complications. He is recognized as being one of the most experienced complex eye surgeons in the world and has trained numerous surgeons in advanced surgical techniques. Furthermore, he has been at the leading edge of innovative treatments for cataract surgery and the latest designs in intraocular lens implants. Dr. Ike Ahmed received his Doctor of Medicine from the University of Toronto, Faculty of Medicine and completed his Ophthalmology Residency at the University of Toronto Hospitals. Dr. Ahmed also completed a Glaucoma and Anterior Segment Fellowship at the John Moran Eye Center at the University of Utah. He sits on the editorial boards of Ophthalmology, Journal of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, Clinical and Surgical Ophthalmology, Ocular Surgery News, Cataract and Refractive Surgery Today, Glaucoma Today and is a reviewer for numerous journals. He has given over 550 scientific presentations thus far in his career, including 19 visiting professor’s lectures around the world. In 2010, Dr. Ahmed was selected as one of Canada’s “Top 40 Under 40” – a prestigious national award recognizing significant achievements at a young age. He is currently an Assistant Professor at the University of Toronto, Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Utah. He is the Research Fellowship Director, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Toronto and Director of the Glaucoma and Advanced Anterior Surgical fellowship at the University of Toronto. Dr. Ahmed is board certified in ophthalmology in Canada and the US and is an active member of the Canadian Ophthalmological Society, American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, Association for Vision and Research in Ophthalmology, International Society of Glaucoma Surgery, Canadian Glaucoma Society and the American Glaucoma Society.

Irfan N. Kherani, AB, MD, FRCSC

Dr. Irfan Kherani was born and raised in Edmonton finishing high school at Lester B. Pearson United World College in Victoria, BC. Following his undergraduate degree at Princeton University in Molecular Biology with Certificates in Global Health & Health Policy and Theatre Arts, Dr. Kherani moved back to Edmonton graduating from medical school at the University of Alberta in June 2015. Thereafter, he completed residency training in Ophthalmology at the University of Ottawa with fellowships afterwards in Glaucoma & Advanced Anterior Segment Surgery at the University of Toronto and Vision Rehabilitation at the University of British Columbia. He is currently working through the one-year Harvard University Global Clinical Scholars Research Training Program. Dr. Kherani practices at the University of Toronto offering the full gamut of glaucoma and anterior segment medical, laser and incisional surgery including complex cataract/intraocular lens, angle-based Schlemm’s Canal and sub-conjunctival, needling, trabeculectomy and tube-shunt surgery. Academically, he has previously evaluated the role of tele-ophthalmology, both tele-glaucoma and tele-retina, in resource limited settings, as well as the role the uniform-field electroretinogram photopic-negative response in reflecting ganglion cell function in patients with early glaucoma. Dr. Kherani’s current research interests lie the role of vision rehabilitation patients with glaucoma aimed at optimizing their function, as well as a newfound interest in the quantitative effect of glaucoma laser and surgery, comparing both traditional and micro-invasive, on intraocular pressure diurnal fluctuation. Dr. Kherani has a strong interest in Medical Education, and is currently working with the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC) to help develop the ophthalmology competencies for use in Competency Based Medical Education (CBME). He has background in competency development, trainee assessment and program evaluation. Dr. Kherani has previously served on the Board of the Canadian Federation of Medical Students as (CFMS) as Executive Vice-President Medical Education, Board of the Canadian Residency Matching Service (CaRMS), Council of the Medical Council of Canada (MCC), the Resident Doctors of Canada (RDoC) as Chair of the Board and most recently as President of the Council of Canadian Ophthalmology Residents (CCOR).

Jacqueline Theis, OD, FAAO

Dr. Jacqueline Theis completed her optometric and residency-training in neuro-optometry and binocular vision at the UC Berkeley School of Optometry (UCBSO). After residency she became an Assistant Clinical Professor at UCBSO and was the founder and chief of the UC Berkeley Sports Vision and Concussion Clinic, which provides research and clinical care in post-concussion vision problems and sports vision performance. Dr. Theis also worked at Kaiser Permanente in Northern California for five years, treating patients with double vision and vision problems from systemic and neurological disease including diabetes, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, stroke and traumatic brain injury. With a sense for adventure and love for the outdoors, Dr. Theis relocated to Richmond, Virginia in March 2020 to cold-start Virginia Neuro-Optometry, a tertiary care neuro-optometry private practice, which is located within the Concussion Care Centre of   Virginia, a multidisciplinary brain injury practice.

James Thimons, OD

Dr. James Thimons is a 1978 graduate of Ohio State University College of Optometry. He completed his hospital residency at the Chillicothe, VA Medical Center in 1979 and then served as Chief, Optometry Service until 1985. He then accepted the position of Center Director at Omni Eye Services, Fairfax, Virginia and served in that role until 1989 when he became Chairman, Department of Clinical Sciences. While at SUNY he developed The Glaucoma Institute at the State University of New York, a glaucoma clinical research center in Optometry, and served as its first Director. In 1998, he accepted the position of Executive Director of TLC and served in that role until 2002 when he founded Ophthalmic Consultants of Connecticut, a multidisciplinary referral practice providing secondary and tertiary level care. Dr. Thimons has received numerous awards for his service to the profession and has published extensively in the area of ocular disease. He is a nationally and internationally acclaimed speaker. In 1999, he was awarded Optometry’s Top Educator and was selected as one of the Top Ten ODs of the decade by Optometric Management. In 2002 he founded the National Glaucoma Society, a NFP with Executive offices in Andover, Massachusetts, that provides educational and clinical development services to primary care clinicians worldwide in the area of glaucoma. In 2005 he was inducted into the Optometry Hall of Fame and has recently served as President, Connecticut Association of Optometrists.

‘Hard to believe that 25 years have passed since you started the Academy of Ophthalmic Education. 

It has been both an honour and a pleasure to be a part of your remarkable organization and to have shared 25 years of friendship with a colleague who has dedicated his life to the betterment of the profession. All the best in your continued efforts in providing outstanding education to the ophthalmic community.’

Dr. James Thimons
Medical Director/Founding Partner
Ophthalmic Consultants of CT

Jay M. Haynie, OD, FAAO

Dr. Jay M. Haynie graduated from Pacific University College of Optometry in 1992 and completed a residency at American Lake Veterans Hospital in 1993 where the focus was on the diagnosis and management of ocular disease. He served as the Executive Clinical Director of Retina and Macula Specialists until 2018 after which time he joined Sound Retina in Tacoma Washington. He is an adjunct clinical professor at Pacific University College of Optometry, a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry and a member of the Optometric Retina Society. He is a clinical investigator and continues to be involved in clinical studies regarding retinal disease management, both as a principle and sub-investigator. He is a published author and has become a nationally recognized speaker on advances in technology and the management of retinal disease.

Jason Carruthers, RO

Jason Carruthers is an Optician with 25+ years of practice and involved in many facets of eye care. Jason is a specialty contact lens practitioner, orthokeratologist, practice consultant, trainer and territory manager.

Jeff Goodhew, OD

Dr. Jeff Goodhew is a partner in Abbey Eye Care, a full scope independent practice located in Oakville, Ontario. Along with his spouse & partner, Dr. Tina Goodhew, they have opened practices in 3 different provinces. These practices varied in modality from private practice to corporate settings. He enjoys seeing all patients in a primary eye care setting but has developed several niche offerings including myopia control, glaucoma management and dry eye therapy. Jeff is also very involved in the Optometry profession. He served on the board of directors of the Ontario Association of Optometrists for 9 years and served as president from 2014–2016. 

Jeffrey Sher, MD, FRCSC

Dr. Sher has practiced ophthalmology in Hamilton since 1985, specializing in surgical treatment of diseases of the cornea and anterior segment of the eye.   He operates out of St Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton, and holds an academic appointment as Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Surgery at McMaster University. He teaches ophthalmology residents & medical students, and serves on the Resident Education Committee for the ophthalmology residency training program. He is director of the cornea & external disease teaching program at McMaster, and was awarded the “Clinical Teacher of the Year” award in 2008-2009. A graduate of the University of Toronto’s medical school and ophthalmology program, Dr. Sher completed additional training in glaucoma at Tufts University in Boston. He also studied cornea and external disease at the University of California in San Diego. He is an active member of numerous medical associations & societies. He is the past Chief of the Department of Eye Medicine & Surgery at Hamilton Health Sciences. He has served as Chair of the Ontario Medical Association Section on Ophthalmology, President of the Association of Ontario Ophthalmologists and Chair of the Hamilton Academy of Medicine Section of Ophthalmology. He is a past Medical Director of the Hamilton Laser Eye Institute, and a past board member of the CNIB- Ontario Division. Dr. Sher is an enthusiastic supporter of the CNIB Eye Van program. Dr. Bill Hunter, the founder of the project, recruited him in 1984 to help serve patients  in Northern Ontario, & he has volunteered yearly on the CNIB Eye Van since that time.  He continues to serve on the CNIB  Eye Van Medical Advisory Committee.

Jeffrey Walline, OD, FAAO

Dr. Jeffrey Walline is the Associate Dean for Research at The Ohio State University College of Optometry. Dr. Walline received his Doctor of Optometry Degree from the University of California, Berkeley School of  Optometry and received his Masters and PhD Degrees also from The Ohio State University College of Optometry. Dr. Walline has led several pediatric contact lens studies. He is currently the Study Chair of the Bifocal Lenses in Nearsighted Kids (BLINK) Study, a National Eye Institute sponsored randomized clinical trial to investigate the myopia control effects of soft multifocal contact lenses.

Jennifer Loh, MD

Dr. Jennifer Loh a board-certified ophthalmologist practicing in Miami, Florida with a focus on cataract-refractive surgery and dry eye disease. She is founder and medical director of her practice, Loh Ophthalmology Associates, which she started in 2016. Dr. Loh also spends her time as a clinical and surgical attending for the Larkin Hospital Ophthalmology Residency program. Currently, she has been active in speaking at national ophthalmology meetings and in publishing articles in ophthalmology trade journals. She also served as the 2019 president of  Cedars-Aspens, an anterior segment group consisting of  some of the country’s top key opinion leaders and is a member of both AECOS and the Refractive Surgery Alliance. Dr. Loh has recently been honored with the 2018 Rising Star Award from OWL (Ophthalmic World Leaders), The Ophthalmologist Power List Rising Star Award in 2017, and the Alcon Outstanding Female Leader Award in 2016. On a local level, Dr. Loh was recently named as a Top Doctor In (and near) Coral Gables by Castle-Connelly. Dr. Loh graduated summa cum laude from Butler University and completed both her medical school training and residency at Indiana University School of Medicine. As a medical student, she was inducted into the IU chapter of the Gold Humanism Honor Society, which focuses on identifying students and physicians who exemplify compassionate care.  Dr. Loh was also fortunate to serve as chief resident for both her intern year program and ophthalmology residency. In her spare time, Dr. Loh enjoys skiing and traveling the world with her husband and 3 year old son.

Jennifer Stewart, OD

Dr. Jennifer Stewart is an optometrist, internationally recognized speaker, writer, consultant and entrepreneur. She has a passion for helping optometrists and organizations with operations, sales success, practice management and sales team training through her advisory and consulting firm, OD Perspectives. She is the Professional Editor of Independent Strong, is an Adjunct Assistant Professor at the New England College of Optometry and a consultant for Coopervision, MacuHealth, GPN and Zyloware.  She is the recipient of the 2022 Emerging Leader Award from the Optical Women's Association, the GameChanger Award from Eyecare Business, and the Theia Award for Innovation from Women in Optometry. With a deep interest in sports vision, Dr. Stewart is the Co-Founder and Chief Vision Officer for Performance 20/20, which provides services for sports and performance vision training. She serves on the Executive Board for the International Sports Vision Association and provides consulting for sports vision practitioners around the world.  

Jennifer van der Zalm

Jennifer is president of J. van der Zalm Consulting Inc. specializing in optical store management and consulting services. She is also a business development specialist with OSI. She has 10+ years of optical experience, managing clinics and mentoring 3rd and 4th year optometry students at the University of External HSOC Clinic. She holds an advanced diploma in business administration management from Conestoga College.

Jessica Haynes, OD, FAAO, FORS, Dipl ABO

Dr. Jessica Haynes is a graduate of Southern College of Optometry. After earning her doctorate of optometry, she completed a primary care residency at the Memphis VA Medical Center followed by a two-year optometric retina fellowship at Charles Retina Institute in Germantown, TN. She currently practices as consulting faculty in the Southern College of Optometry Advanced Care Ocular Disease clinic and a full-time associate optometrist at Charles Retina Institute. She is a Fellow in the American Academy of Optometry and the Optometric Retina Society and is a Diplomate of the American Board of Optometry. She is President of the West Tennessee Optometric Physicians Society, Treasurer of the Retina Special Interest Group of the AAO, and a member of the admittance committee of the AAO. She is on the editorial review board for Review of Optometry. She has authored numerous publications and spoken at various continuing education events, primarily on the topic of posterior segment disease. She is also a sub-investigator for various pharmaceutical clinical trials focusing on treatment of posterior segment disease.

Jessica Steen, OD, FAAO, Dipl-ABO

Dr. Jessica Steen is an Assistant Professor at Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry where she serves as Director of the Glaucoma Service as an attending optometric physician at the college’s Eye Care Institute. Dr. Steen teaches the course in glaucoma and ocular pharmacology at NSU where she has a special interest in pharmaceutical and health policy. Dr. Steen also serves as the Primary Care with Emphasis in Ocular Disease Residency Coordinator. She graduated from the University of Waterloo School of Optometry and Vision Science and completed her residency in Primary Care with Emphasis in Ocular Disease at Nova Southeastern University. Dr. Steen’s main clinical interests include glaucoma, retinal disease, neuro-ophthalmic disease with an emphasis in medical and surgical management. She is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry, a Diplomate of the American Board of Optometry, member of the Optometric Society and serves as President of the Palm Beach County Optometric Association.

Jessilin Quint, OD, MBA, FAAO

Dr. Jessilin Quint is a Texas native and graduated from Baylor University with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in Biology. She completed Master in Business Administration (MBA) and Master of Science (MS) in Biology degrees at West Texas A&M University. Dr. Quint received a Doctorate of Optometry degree (OD) from Indiana University. After graduation, she completed a post-doctoral Residency in Ocular Disease with an emphasis on ocular emergency and trauma at the Illinois Eye Institute in Chicago, Illinois. Dr. Quint has been an active volunteer, presenter, and author in industry publications. She is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry and a Board Certified Diplomate of the American Board of Optometry. Dr. Quint enjoys providing comprehensive family eye care with a distinct interest in specialty contact lenses and ocular pathology.

Jill Woods, MSc, MCOptom, FAAO, FBCLA

Dr. Jill Woods is the Head of Clinical Research at CORE, Centre for Ocular Research and Education, University of Waterloo in Canada, which she joined in 2005. Her role involves overseeing clinical research trials from concept to final report, managing the workload of the clinical research team and oversight of administrative and regulatory processes. She is involved in contact lens and dry eye research, with particular interest in presbyopia, contact lens comfort and controlling myopia progression. Dr. Woods completed her Optometry Degree in London, UK and her Master’s in Waterloo, Canada. Previous experience includes her own private practice, low-vision hospital work, clinical teaching. 

Joel Pearlman, MD, PhD

Dr. Joel Pearlman received his MD Degree and PhD in cell biology from Baylor College of Medicine. He completed his Ophthalmology Residency at The Wilmer Eye Institute at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore. He stayed at The Wilmer Institute as a medical and surgical Retinal Fellow for an additional two years. Following his Fellowship, he served as the Assistant Chief of Service at the Wilmer Eye Institute where he taught ophthalmology residents and performed complex eye and trauma surgery. He joined the faculty at UC Davis for a year, where he enjoyed teaching the residents, and joined Retinal Consultants in 2003.

John Berdahl, MD

Widely regarded as one of the leading international eye surgeons, Dr. John Berdahl makes his team, patients and family his top priority. Within our walls, he is known for his clarity of thought, connecting with patients and delivering on the trust people place in him. As a board-certified ophthalmologist, Dr. Berdahl is one of the few surgeons in the United States who is also fellowship-trained in cornea, glaucoma and refractive surgery. His extensive published work has primarily focused on the fundamental causes of glaucoma, minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) and astigmatism management during and after cataract surgery. He has been involved in numerous FDA-monitored clinical trials on some of the most exciting technologies in ophthalmology. In addition to over 45 peer-reviewed articles, Dr. Berdahl has completed over 35 book chapters, hundreds of presentations at national and international meetings and has participated in 37 FDA clinical trials. Dr. Berdahl is exceptionally skilled at diagnosing and creating suitable treatment plans for varying stages of glaucoma, corneal diseases, and cataracts. He is also a meticulous refractive surgeon. He is equipped to employ the most innovative and tested techniques available to effectively treat most diseases of the anterior segment (front part of the eye). Dr. Berdahl lives in Sioux Falls, SD. He is a devoted husband to his wife, Tamme, and a dedicated father to his son, Tommy, and daughter, Anabel. Dr. Berdahl is an avid reader and writer and enjoys doing both during his free time. He continues to enjoy caring for the underserved both locally and on mission trips worldwide.

John Jantzi, OD, MSc

Dr. Jantzi received his OD Degree from the University of Waterloo in 1975. He then completed residency programs at the University of Waterloo in Contact Lenses in 1976 and Low Vision in 1977 before entering graduate studies in 1978. In 1981 he received a Master of Science Degree in Physiological Optics also from the University of Waterloo. In 1981 Dr. Jantzi moved to British Columbia and in 2002 he returned to the University of Waterloo School of Optometry where he served as lecturer and professional liaison officer. Dr. Jantzi returned to BC where he is currently in practice.

John Lloyd, MD, FRCSC, DABO

Dr. Lloyd is a general ophthalmologist providing comprehensive eyecare. He has a focus on cataract and refractive surgery, but assesses and treats most eye conditions. He performs cataract surgery at Sunnybrook as well as at the Kensington Eye Institute. He performs refractive surgery at LasikMD  Toronto, and is the medical director of the Downtown LasikMD surgicentre. Dr. Lloyd received his MD from the University of Western Ontario and completed his residency training in Toronto and New York. Dr. Lloyd’s research focuses on the outcomes and complications of cataract and refractive surgery.

John Randolph, MD

Dr. John Randolph completed his Ophthalmology Residency at the University of Louisville School of Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science. He went on to complete a Research Fellowship at the University of South Florida, Departments of Neurosurgery and Cardiology and a Vitreoretinal Surgical Fellowship at the Charles Retina Institute, UT Memphis Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science. Dr. Randolph is certified from the American Board of Ophthalmology, has conducted research in the field of retinal degeneration and has more than 20 publications in the field of ophthalmology and retina.

John Rumpakis, OD, MBA

Dr. John Rumpakis is currently President and CEO of Practice Resource Management, Inc., a firm that specializes in providing a full array of consulting, appraisal and management services for healthcare professionals and industry.   He has developed some of the leading web-based software applications for the medical/eye care field such as ReimbursementPLUS® (ReimbursementPlus.com), the industry leading internet-based CPT Code Information and Reimbursement software program and WhatsMyPracticeWorth.com™, an online dynamic practice appraisal tool. He is also the founder of Opt-ED™ Professional Continuing Education which creates and delivers top tier continuing education around the country as well as Opt-IN® which provides optometric  marketing  and promotional services. Recently named the Chief Medical Coding Editor for Review of Optometry, he has been extensively published on the topics of third party coding and  billing, practice management, team building, maximizing effectiveness and profitability, including the textbook “Business Aspects of Optometry.” Dr. Rumpakis is a popular lecturer both nationally and internationally. In addition to having had a successful solo practice, Dr. Rumpakis developed the practice management curriculum at Pacific University College of Optometry and taught optometric and medical economics there for over a decade. A 1984 graduate of Pacific University College of Optometry, he currently serves on the AOA’s Congress Committee, was the primary architect of the AOA Advantage program, and has served as chair for the Student Debt Special Project Team, the Gold Disk Project Team, and the Practice Perpetuation Project Team.

Jonathan Shapiro, B.Sc, FCOptom, FAAO,   FEAOO

Dr. Jonathan Shapiro has been in private practice for over 40 years. He is a Fellow of the British College of Optometry, American Academy of Optometry and European Academy of Optometry. He is a regular attendee at international conferences and has lectured and presented lectures and workshops in Israel, UK, USA, New Zealand, South Africa, Canada, Hungary and Spain. Dr. Shapiro specializes in the holistic approach to optometric treatment that includes posture, binocular balance and cortical integration of the sensory systems. He has developed examination methods and treatment regimes, some of which have been published in leading journals. He has presented workshops, in which he has introduced new instrumentation and new approaches to binocular balancing. Dr. Shapiro was instrumental in establishing the Department of Optometry at Hadassah College in Jerusalem, Israel. The department has flourished with a talented team of educators and has a Bachelors and Masters Program. Dr. Shapiro semi-retired from Hadassah College in 2015 and returned to his private practice, along with his son, while continuing to give lectures and workshops.

Jordan W. Cheskes, MD, FRCSC

A graduate from the University of Toronto Medical School, Dr. Jordan Cheskes completed a 5-year fellowship in Ophthalmology at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. Dr. Cheskes serves as the Chief of the Retinal Division for both the Scarborough Eye Associates and the Bochner Eye Institute. He also practices at St. Michaels's Hospital and Rouge Valley Hospital-Centenary. He brings expertise for the medical, surgical and optical divisions. Dr. Cheskes is a lecturer for the Department of Ophthalmology at the University of Toronto and is often requested to speak at professional meetings. In addition to organizing the talent show for the Department of Ophthalmology at the University of Toronto, he is also an accomplished musician playing both the guitar and harmonica. Dr. Cheskes has dedicated his career to providing exemplary vision correction surgery in Toronto. His passion and commitment to his field has lead to many satisfied customers who have received cataracts treatment, PRK, RLE and treatment for keratoconus in Toronto and throughout Ontario. Dr. Cheskes is proud to be part of the renowned Bochner Eye Institute. He offers an extensive array of refractive eye surgery procedures designed to improve patients' vision while reducing their dependence on glasses.

Jordan Friedman, BSc, OD

Dr. Jordan Friedman received his Honours Bachelor of Science (B.Sc) from the University of Western Ontario in 2011. He then went on to attain his Doctor of Optometry along with a second B.Sc in Vision Science/Physiological Optics at Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in 2016. While living in Florida, he was an active member of the community and was privileged to provide eye exams for athletes competing in the Special Olympics and underserved communities. During his extern training at the Fort Lauderdale Eye Institute, he became well versed in the treatment and management of retinal and anterior segment diseases, training alongside retinal, corneal and oculoplastic surgeons. Dr. Friedman, as well, trained with Cataract and Glaucoma surgeons in Boca Raton, giving him the skills needed to co-manage pre-op and post-op procedures. He is a member of the College of Optometrist of Ontario and the Ontario Association of Optometrists, firmly believing in the advancement of the profession. He is affiliated with Bombardier aviation in conducting eye exams of their Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) personnel and a key opinion leader with Cynosure, conducting training sessions for advanced treatment of dry eye disease. Dr. Friedman is dedicated to lifelong learning and being at the forefront of new advancements in technology and treatment paradigms. It is this same dedication that he also brings into the exam room, making him a truly compassionate doctor.

Joseph J. Pizzimenti, OD, FAAO

Dr. Joseph J. Pizzimenti is a full-time faculty member at the University of the Incarnate Word Rosenberg School of Optometry (UIWRSO). He received his Doctor of Optometry from the Illinois College of Optometry, and completed a residency in Low Vision and Ocular Disease at the University of Houston. Dr. Pizzimenti is a Fellow of both the American Academy of Optometry (AAO) and the Optometric Retina Society (ORS), serving as ORS President from 2012-2014. Dr. Pizzimenti’s areas of research interest include diabetes, age-related macular degeneration, vitreomacular adhesion, and low vision. His scientific articles have appeared in a host of peer-reviewed journals. Dr. Pizzimenti was awarded a Fellowship by the World Council of Optometry in 2006, resulting in an appointment to teach and evaluate optometric education programs in Central Europe. He is involved in the both the didactic and clinical education at UIWRSO and the UIW Eye Institute.

I have attended and lectured at various AOE events and will continue to do so. The collegial atmosphere, friendly and helpful conference staff, and quality of education are all hallmarks of the AOE brand. The new online course portal provides convenient, clinically relevant CE from the comfort of my home office. I encourage all my colleagues to attend an upcoming AOE event, either virtually or in person!

Dr. Joseph Pizzimenti, OD, FAAO

Joseph Sowka, OD, FAAO

Dr. Joseph Sowka is a Professor of Optometry at Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry in Fort Lauderdale, Florida where he teaches the courses in glaucoma and retinal disease. He serves as Chief of The Advanced Care Service and Director of the Glaucoma Service at The Eye Care Institute. Dr. Sowka is a Diplomat of the American Academy of Optometry – Disease Section, Glaucoma Subsection. He is a founding member of both the Optometric Glaucoma Society and Optometric Retina Society and serves as an executive board member for both societies. Dr. Sowka is an Associate Editor and a member of the Editorial Review Board for Optometry-The Journal of the American Optometric  Association; a Contributing Editor for Review of Optometry and the lead author  of The Handbook of Ocular Disease Management. He is a member of the Glaucoma Advisory Board of Alcon Laboratories. Dr. Sowka lectures internationally and has authored numerous publications and book chapters.

Judith Parks, OD

Dr. Judith Parks graduated from the University of Waterloo, School of Optometry in 1980 and completed an Advanced Therapeutics Certification in 2000. She opened her practice in July of 1980 and has spent the past three decades providing comprehensive eye care to all her patients is a comfortable friendly way. Dr. Parks was on the Board of Directors of the Ontario Association of Optometrists for almost ten years and was president from 2002 to 2004.  She  has received several citations for her volunteer work with the organization. Dr. Parks is often a guest speaker, speaking on topics such as contact lenses  best practices and practice management. She sits on the Advisory Boards of Alcon and CIBA and is a Professional Development Consultant to CIBA.

Julie Helmus, OD

Dr. Julie Helmus obtained her Doctor of Optometry Degree from Pacific University College of Optometry. She is a second generation “thoroughbred” optometrist, born and raised in VCP-heavy California by two UC Berkeley School of Optometry alumni. A precocious first-born, she’s been working in the family business since the age of eight. Dr. Julie graduated from Pacific University College of Optometry with distinction in 2015. Since her parents’ retirement, Dr. Helmus is the sole owner of Helmus Optometry, a “super-single” private practice in the college town of Davis, California. Going on 37 years strong in the same downtown location, Helmus Optometry employs 25 full-time staff and 5 associate optometrists, performing approximately 175 comprehensive exams weekly across a five-day work week. Dr. Helmus expanded the clinic to a second floor in 2020 and completed a major remodel in 2021. She no longer has regular clinical hours but enjoys connecting with patients on an as-needed basis. Thanks to a stellar leadership team, she has been able to step away from the practice on “sabbaticals” for up to 3 months at a time. She is seeking to acquire a second location in 2024. “The village” that helps raise her two energetic young boys affords Dr. Helmus the time to “geek out” on all things eye care. She has lectured on Practice Management at various large national conferences, including Vision Expo in New York and Las Vegas, Heart of America Eye Care Congress, PERC, GWCO, IOP and more to come.  She has also published several articles in Review of Optometric Business. She looks forward to developing more practice management content.

Julie Tyler, OD, FAAO

Dr. Julie Tyler, OD, FAAO received her BA from Creighton University and her Doctor of Optometry Degree from Indiana University School of Optometry (IU). Following graduation, Dr. Tyler completed a Residency at Nova Southeastern University (NSU) and served as Chief Resident prior to joining the faculty at NSU full-time. More recently, Dr. Tyler joined the faculty at Southern California College of Optometry (SCCO) at MBKU. Dr. Tyler has served in a variety of clinical and academic roles including chief of service and instructor of record for various clinical and didactic coursework. She has been promoted to Associate Professor and received numerous teaching awards, as well as recognition as a faculty member of Gold Key Honor Society and in 2019 was inducted into Phi Kappa Phi honour society that recognizes individuals in all academic disciplines. Dr. Tyler has authored posters and published journal articles on a variety of topics in the areas of primary care and ocular disease and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry and is also a member of the COA and AOA.

Justin T. Kwan, OD, FAAO

Dr. Justin Kwan is a 2009 graduate of Berkeley Optometry and went on to do a contact lens and dry eye residency at Southern California College of Optometry. He taught and saw patients there for eight years before moving to Chicago in 2018, joining a private practice. In April 2020, he transitioned to CooperVision full time in the role of senior manager, myopia management. In his 13 year career, he has given over 100 hours of continuing education. Dr. Kwan is the current president of the Chicago North Side Optometric Society, immediate past chair of the Fellows Doing Research SIG of the American Academy of Optometry, editor in chief of Clinical & Refractive Optometry, and a member of the Intrepid Eye Society.

Justin Schweitzer, OD, FAAO

Dr. Justin Schweitzer specializes in advanced glaucoma, refractive surgical clinical care and anterior segment pathology at Vance Thompson Vision. He received his professional training and Doctor of Optometry degree from Pacific University College of Optometry in Forest Grove, Oregon. In 2012 he pursued his dream to focus on glaucoma, advanced anterior segment surgery care and pathology, joining Vance Thompson Vision in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. He earned Fellowship in the American Academy of Optometry in 2013, is the Optometric Externship Director at Vance Thompson Vision and Adjunct Clinical Professor of the Illinois College of Optometry and Kentucky College of Optometry. Dr. Schweitzer regularly lectures on glaucoma, anterior segment pathology, refractive surgical clinical care, and surgical management at state, regional, and national meetings. He is currently the Chief Medical Editor for Modern Optometry and has contributed book chapters, journal articles, and case studies in peer reviewed and non-peer reviewed journals including Review of Optometry, Optometry Times, Primary Care Optometry News, Optometric Management, The Journal of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, Clinical Ophthalmology, and The Journal of Glaucoma. He has research interests in minimally invasive glaucoma surgery and biomechanical properties of the cornea as it relates to glaucoma. Dr. Schweitzer is an advocate of an integrated eye care delivery model and is currently serving as a board member for the South Dakota Optometric Society. He also serves as a board member of the Optometric Glaucoma Society, a member of the American Optometric Association, Optometric Cornea, Cataract, and Refractive Society, Scleral Lens Education Society, Intrepid Eye Society and is actively involved in his community’s eye care initiatives.

Kambiz Silani, OD

Dr. Kambiz Silani is the chief clinical director of Beverly Hills Optometry. In 2013, he proudly founded their Advanced Dry Eye Center in Beverly Hills, CA. As a second-generation eye care specialist, Dr Silani’s high-tech practice focuses on utilizing office-based and evidence-based devices to properly identify, diagnose and treat patients for various ocular conditions, most notably ocular surface disease (OSD). In the optometric community, Dr Silani's modern approach toward the treatment of ocular surface disease including Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD), Dry Eye Disease, Ocular Rosacea, Chalazion, and Blepharitis has made him an influencer, thought leader, advisor, consultant, and speaker for several tech & eye care companies including Johnson & Johnson Vision, Lumenis, Sight Sciences, Alcon, Oculus USA, NuLids, PatientPop and more. He has been featured on the network TV show, The Doctors, and has written as a guest author for numerous publications and media outlets, most notably: Fox News, NBC News, Refinery29, Review of Optometry, Modern Optometry, and Optometry Management. Most recently, he was ranked both locally and nationally in LA Magazine and Newsweek as one of the Best Eye Doctors (2022 & 2023). His practice philosophy is patient education and patient empowerment. Many of his advanced dry eye patients have lost hope through their dry eye journey. Despite the challenges these patients face, as a dedicated practitioner and dry eye guru, he is committed to restoring their quality of vision and quality of life. For over a decade, he has honed and evolved his unique dry eye protocol and will continue to offer his expertise and experience to those in need.

Karen A. Michaelson, ABOC

In 2020, Karen said cheers to 40 years in the eye care profession. Her experience is vast and a range that most will never see. The career path she chose has been carefully executed by connecting the DOTS of a plan that she created and committed to 40 years ago. Her blessed success includes team leadership and development, training, and implementation in the areas of customer experience, retail and wholesale sales, process facilitation and project management, known speaker and author. Watch for BIG book drop in fall of 2021! This has brought me to the exciting point of my career and I am proud to launch KARE Consulting, LLC. My goals are your goals that will be full of passion, motivation and real-life coaching and implementation in all facets of eye care. A quote I have followed and has been proven over and over is "Success is preparation meeting opportunity". I promise to uncover endless opportunities and prepare plans for your continued success. One of my clients graciously said “Karen is one of those people who give and objective or goal to and get out of her way. She will get it done and exceed your expectations. She has a code of excellence that she lives by and it is evident in everything she does from managing relationships, meeting expectations and deliverables, creating solutions, keeping her word, and inspiring others to be their best as well.” People ask me how I have stayed in the industry for 35 years, that is easy! I am dedicated to the industry and want to make a difference with those that I work with. Each career move was to experience all the facets of the industry and maybe a bit selfish as well, personal growth. Quite simply…..If you get bored in this business, you don’t have your eyes open”.

Karen is married and lives in Wyoming, MN and has 2 children, 2 grand babies, a grand yorkie and 2 very spoiled felines. Hitting the gym, volunteering with girls and women’s groups as well as traveling are a few of Karen’s passions.

With that I say to you, be.YOU.tiful and EYE-mazing every day - Karen

Karen Monet

Following a 25-year career in marketing and new business development, Karen started Opticalm in 2012 to bring products and services designed to help people with visual stress to her community. In 2015, she opened a dedicated visual stress clinic in Ottawa and in 2020, she received the sole rights to distribute the Intuitive Colorimeter medical instrument to Canadian eye care practices. Karen’s inspiration came from helping her son Nico, who had suspected ADHD and learning difficulties, however, no medication or other suggestions would improve symptoms. Once she found out about visual stress and individually prescribed tinted lenses, her objective became to help other parents like her find solutions for their children. Her company has since helped over 1000 clients with post-concussion vision issues, learning disabilities, migraines and other neurological difficulties relieve their symptoms of light and pattern sensitivity, reading difficulties, vestibular issues, anxiety and perceptual distortions. Using their custom-tinted solutions, clients have reported increased tolerance of their visual environment, increased ability to read and focus, reduced vestibular issues and improved visual perception, leading to improved school, work and lives in general.  

Karen Pollack, Opt. R

From 1984 until 1990, Ms. Karen Pollack was a vision therapist at Salus University. Prior to that, she worked in a private practice as lead therapist. From 1990 until present, she has been the coordinator for numerous studies investigating the treatment and efficacy of convergence insufficiency and therapy. Ms. Pollack has also been the coordinator for two myopia studies. Dr. Mitchell Scheiman and Ms. Pollack have introduced Vision Therapy to many practices throughout the United States.

Kate Hamm, OD

Kate is the Senior Manager of Optician Engagement at EssilorLuxottica Eye Care. Kate grew up in Kansas City, and went to Kansas State University before attending UMSL College of Optometry. During optometry school, Kate filled many leadership roles, performed visual perceptual research, created optometry and advocated for eyecare all over the country. Kate graduated Optometry School in May 2019 and began an internship at Essilor with the professional development team. After working with Essilor, Kate joined a private practice in Wichita, KS before joining EssilorLuxottica. In 2022 Kate won the Industry Influencer Theia award from Women in Optometry. You can find Kate’s work in articles onEyesOnEyecare, her podcast Lunch Date with Rachel and Kate, articles in Women in Optometry, and Transitions lens technology publications.