Rami Aboumourad, OD, FAAO

Dr. Rami Aboumourad is a practicing optometrist who specializes in comprehensive and emergency eye care. He attended optometry school at the University of Houston College of Optometry and then post-graduate residency training at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute. Following residency training, he served as clinical assistant professor at Baylor College of Medicine and St. Luke’s Episcopal Hospital in Houston, Texas before returning to Bascom Palmer. He has a passion for detection and early identification of ocular disease and has a particular interest in management of systemic diseases and syndromes that have ophthalmic manifestations such as hypertension, diabetes and autoimmune disease. He is a member of the American Academy of Optometry, Florida Optometric Association, Miami-Dade Optometric Physician Association, Texas Optometric Association and American Optometric Association.

Rana Taji, OD, MSc, FAAO

Dr. Rana Taji is the owner and Medical Director of Toronto Medical Eye Associates in North York, Ontario. She is a lecturer, offering subject matter expertise on dry eye disease. In addition, she partakes in multiple pharmaceutical projects and serves as an adjunct faculty clinical supervisor for student doctors from US and Canadian optometry schools. With multiple conference presentations, participations in publications and extensive lecturing, Dr. Taji has a keen focus and passion for dry eye disease diagnosis and management. She has been in clinical practice since 2010, obtaining her Doctor of Optometry Degree from the Michigan College of Optometry and her fellowship in Ocular Disease from the American Academy of Optometry, of which she is an active member. She practices full-scope comprehensive care, with a particular emphasis on ocular disease management and treatment. Prior to practicing in Canada, she worked at a large ophthalmology clinic in Northern Virginia, enjoying full scope of practice, being on call for ocular emergencies and serving as a clinical sub-investigator on several FDA clinical trials. Following her practice in Virginia, she joined a glaucoma sub-specialty ophthalmology clinic in Kingston, Ontario where she continued her passion for ocular disease treatment. She actively manages glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy and manages and treats a whole range of chronic conditions like dry eye disease, blepharitis and emergency eye care. Dr. Taji has extensive knowledge in pre- and post-operative care for refractive and cataract surgery patients. She has taken a special interest in the treatment and management of glaucoma and dry rye disease and has a significant amount of experience managing these often difficult conditions for many.

Randy Marks, CEO

For over 30 years, Randy Marks has developed successful marketing strategies for Fortune 500 companies all over North America. As an entrepreneur, Randy has been fortunate to learn that leading successful businesses and launching  new ideas takes more than hard work – it also requires earning the trust of key stakeholders, having a vision, providing confident leadership and the drive to succeed, all while demonstrating compassion and understanding for his colleagues and partners. His zeal for new and exciting challenges and knowledge has propelled Randy to pioneer and build many successful ventures including North America’s first Environmental Print and Packaging company, an award winning Strategic Marketing firm, a Digital Signage platform and an innovative App for University Students. Randy was approached with an early concept of LMCW® and a direct challenge - build a solution in healthcare to be able to connect medical consumers with private practices around the globe and help those practices grow and prosper, while providing a more meaningful patient experience. In late 2014, Randy launched LMCW® and began talking  with  doctors and patients from around the world, gaining knowledge of what each side needed. He landed upon a platform that would use the power of digital sharing and cultivate the connection between the patient and doctor in established digital communities such as Facebook, Google and LMCW® website. LMCW® is leading the way into a new era of healthcare communications with a vision of having a trustworthy network of doctors who healthcare consumers can benefit from anywhere in the world.

Raymond Stein, MD, FRSCS

Dr. Raymond Stein is a board-certified Ophthalmologist, Medical Director at the Bochner Eye Institute in Toronto, Ontario, and Full Professor of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences at University of Toronto. As an esteemed global leader in refractive surgery, he has been honoured with numerous awards from a variety of prestigious international medical organizations including the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the International Intraocular Implant Club and the Contact Lens Association of Ophthalmologists. Because of his commitment to advanced technologies and surgical excellence, Dr. Stein also served as President of the Canadian Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery. Dr. Stein has been invited to lecture at numerous medical conferences and has written various scientific articles, magazine articles, book chapters and books. With more than 100,000 successful eye surgeries performed, Dr. Stein has established himself as an expert and pioneer in refractive and implant surgery. As a testament to his exceptional surgical talents, he was chosen to serve as the chief eye surgeon for the W Network's Style by Jury. He also served as the editor of the prominent scientific journal, Clinical and Surgical Ophthalmology. Dr. Stein began his career by completing a medical degree at the University of Toronto Medical School. Continuing his education, Dr. Raymond Stein performed an ophthalmology residency at the world-renowned Mayo Clinic and a cornea and external diseases fellowship at the Wills Eye Hospital in Philadelphia. In addition to serving as Medical Director at the Bochner Eye Institute, Dr. Stein is the Cornea Consultant at Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto, Ontario. Dr. Stein is committed to providing high quality care to patients with a variety of ophthalmologic needs including LASIK, PRK, CXL, Topography-guided PRK, ICL, RLE, and cataract surgery.

Rebecca L. Johnson, CPOT, COT, COE

Rebecca Johnson has been working in eye care and forging new pathways in smart business management since 1983. She is nationally known as an exciting speaker who brings a highly professional, forward-thinking view to the ophthalmic industry. Rebecca has consulted independently, is a prolific and often-published author, and is currently serving as Education Director for Eyefinity. She has been honoured by Vision Monday as one of the “Most Influential Women in Optical.”

Rebecca Stein, MD, FRCSC

Dr. Rebecca Stein is a board-certified Ophthalmologist with advanced training in Canada, United States and the United Kingdom. She completed her Ophthalmology residency at the University of Toronto. After graduation, she was chosen for a prestigious fellowship in Cornea and External disease, Cataract and Refractive Surgery in New York with world renowned Dr Eric Donnenfeld. Dr. Stein is the great granddaughter of Dr Maxwell Bochner, the granddaughter of Dr. Harold Stein, and the daughter of Dr. Raymond Stein. She is the fourth-generation ophthalmologist at the Bochner Eye Institute, a first in North America. Dr. Stein has a strong interest in ophthalmic education and enjoys teaching medical students, residents, and eyecare professionals, alongside her clinical duties. She has been an invited speaker to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Society of Cataract Refractive Surgery, and Family Day in Eye Care. She is actively involved in clinical research and has had multiple peer-reviewed papers published in the areas of cornea and refractive surgery, corneal cross-linking, and blepharoconjunctivitis. She is also a co-author of the 11th edition of The Ophthalmic Assistant text book. Dr. Rebecca Stein is committed to providing high-quality care, including cataract surgery, refractive lens exchange, LASIK, PRK, keratoconus treatment, implantable contact lenses, pterygium, and corneal transplantation. She offers numerous advanced refractive surgery procedures at Bochner Eye Institute utilizing the latest technologies and techniques.

Renato Cappuccitti

Renato Cappuccitti is Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing for BluTech and Vice Chair of the Sunglass and Readers Division for the Vision Council. He has served on the National Association of Opticians and Colleges of Accreditation for Optician programs. He has 25 years of optical industry experience having held various positions in marketing, sales, training and product development in retail and wholesale. He began his career as a licensed Optician and certified contact lens fitter from Georgian College. He is an accredited ABO speaker and recognized for his expertise in lens and material design, practice management, retail customer experience and manufacturing technology.

Richard Maharaj, OD, FAAO

Dr. Richard Maharaj is the director of interventional dry eye services at the Prism Eye Institute a leading medical and surgical eye care and research institute with multiple locations in Southern Ontario. He obtained his Doctor of Optometry from the University of Waterloo School of Optometry and is an active Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry. He is a clinical adjunct faculty for the University of Waterloo School of Optometry, the Canadian Association of Optometrists Section Chair for Ocular Surface Disease, Editorial Board Member for The Journal of Dry Eye and Ocular Surface Disease, and Chief Education Officer at MyDryEye.ca and co-founder for the Canadian Dry Eye Summit - a national conference dedicated to educating eye doctors in dry eye disease management. He also serves as the chief scientific officer for AI4Eyes, developing artificial intelligence diagnostics for eye care. In 2018, he was honoured as one of the Top 40 Canadian Optometrists under 40 by Johnson and Johnson Vision Care. As a published international speaker and clinical scientist on diseases of the ocular surface and the psychology of health care, he remains an active member of both national and international professional associations.

Richard Trevino, OD, FAAO

Dr. Richard Trevino joined the faculty of the Rosenberg School of Optometry in August 2010, less than 2 years after the school opened. Dr Trevino teaches in the Optometry and Pathology of the Posterior Segment courses. He serves as Director of Residency Programs and Chief of the Ocular Health Service. In 2014 RSO launched a Glaucoma Center of Excellence under the direction of Dr Trevino, funded, in part, by a grant from Capital One, to provide glaucoma care, research and education. The grant enables the clinic to care for indigent patients who otherwise would be unable to afford treatment of their glaucoma. The Glaucoma Center of Excellence is conducting groundbreaking glaucoma research, with scientific presentations being delivered at the 2014 American Academy of Ophthalmology and American Academy of Optometry meetings. Dr. Trevino has published papers in scholarly journals, delivered podium presentations, and displayed posters at professional meetings. He has involved RSO students in all of his research activities. Two external research grant applications were filed in 2014, and one was awarded. To help foster interest in scholarship among the students, residents, and faculty of RSO, Dr Trevino initiated a monthly journal club in 2012 where current research papers in optometry, ophthalmology and vision science are discussed. His students have recognized Dr Trevino for excellence in teaching by awarding him a Distinguished Teacher Award in 2014. They have also honored him with a Best Lecturer Award in 2013 and a Favorite Teacher award in 2012. Dr Trevino is extremely gratified that his passion for teaching has been rewarded with these honors. But his greatest reward is to see his students develop into clinicians and colleagues.

Robert Devenyi, MD, MBA, FRCSC, FACS

Dr. Robert Devenyi is a Professor of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences at The University of Toronto, Canada. Dr. Devenyi is the Director of the Donald K. Johnson Eye Center, Director of Retinal Services at University Health Network and Ophthalmologist-in-Chief at the University Health Network, The University of Toronto. He is also the Team Ophthalmologist for The Toronto Maple Leafs. Dr. Devenyi has experience in all aspects of adult and pediatric vitreoretinal surgery, anti-VEGF agents, and rheopheresis, and has been a consultant in these fields. He is also a member of the Clinical Studies Resource Centre of Toronto Western Research Institute. Dr. Devenyi's research focuses on the development of a novel treatment for neovascular age-related macular degeneration, involving ultra high-speed indocyanine angiography and a coupled diode laser, the surgical repair of complex retinal detachments, diabetic retinopathy and all aspects of macular degeneration.

Robert W. Dunphy, OD, FAAO

Dr. Dunphy received his OD Degree from the New England College of Optometry. He completed his residency training in Hospital-Based Optometry at The VA Medical Center Brockton/West Roxbury Massachusetts. Dr. Dunphy has served as a staff Optometrist at Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary and as eye clinic director and optometry program educational director at several inner city Health Centers in Boston. He is currently a Staff Optometrist and a staff member of the VA Ocular Telehealth Center at VA Boston Healthcare System Jamaica Plain Campus. He is a Clinical Professor at The New England College of Optometry and a member of the adjunct faculty of Illinois College of Optometry and Pennsylvania College of Optometry. He has published articles on glaucoma, ocular trauma and retinal disease. He has lectured at the Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Optometry, The American Optometric Association, The International Society for Imaging in the Eye, the Annual CDC Diabetes conference and numerous regional optometric meetings. He serves as principal investigator and co-investigator for several ongoing clinical research projects involving clinical applications of imaging technology in disease diagnosis and management. Dr. Dunphy is a member of the Speakers Bureau for Optos North America and Heidelberg Engineering, Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry, Member the International Society for Imaging in the Eye, Member of the Optometric Retina Society and a Member of NAVAO.

Robert Kloepfer, OD

Dr. Kloepfer (klep-fur) grew up in a small town in southwestern Ontario and completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Western Ontario. He then went on to complete his Doctor of Optometry degree from the Illinois College of Optometry in 2013.  He has worked as an optometric assistant prior to optometry school and has practiced in various eyecare settings, including an ophthalmology clinic. Additionally, he has volunteered across the world delivering eyecare to underprivileged communities and has had the pleasure of lecturing across Canada.  Dr. Kloepfer served on the Alberta College of Optometrists Council for seven years including a one-year term as President from 2021-2022. Currently, Dr. Kloepfer is pursuing a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the Haskayne School of Business at the University of Calgary. Dr. Kloepfer values spending time with his family and welcomed his first child in August 2022. His passion for teaching has inspired the creation of a growing social media presence (@EyeDrKloepfer) which promotes optometry-related content and education. His teaching style aligns with his motto of “See the Fun in Learning” which he hopes inspires and engages his audience.

Randall Thomas, OD, MPH, FAAO

Dr. Thomas is a 1981 graduate of the Pennsylvania College of Optometry and a 1976 graduate of the School of Public Health at the University of North Carolina. He is in full-time clinical practice in Concord, North Carolina. He was presented the “Glaucoma Educator of the Year” award by the American Academy of Optometry in 1997. He and Dr. Ron Melton co-author Review of Optometry’s “Annual Drug Guide to Ophthalmic Drugs,” now in its sixteenth year.  He is on the Professional Staff at Carolinas Medical Center-Northeast where he also serves on the teaching faculty of the Cabarrus  Family Medicine Residency Program. Dr. Thomas has served as a consultant to the American Optometric Association on its Council on Clinical Optometric Care and Hospital Privileges Committees. He has served as an ophthalmic drug principal investigator for the FDA. Dr. Thomas has lectured world-wide with Dr. Melton on the diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases.  He and his wife Cheryl have two daughters.

Ron Melton, OD, FAAO

Dr. Ron Melton has lectured nationally and internationally at over 800 continuing medical education meetings with a goal of educating optometrists around the world in ocular disease.  Was honored as a co-recipient of the “Pioneer in Optometry” recognition by the Editorial Board of Primary Care Optometry News in April 2015 for contributions in optometry education.  Dr. Melton was named co-recipient of the American Academy of Optometry 2014 Vincent Ellerbrock Clinician Educator Award for outstanding and sustained contributions to the Academy’s Lectures and Workshops program. He sits on the editorial boards of Optometric Physician and Primary Care Optometry News and is a contributing editor to Clinical and Refractive Optometry. Dr. Melton has authored or co-authored over 100 papers on optometry and is the co-author of the popular annual “Clinical Guide to Ophthalmic Drugs” for Review of Optometry. Dr. Melton has acted as an investigator in more than 50 clinical research trials.  Currently he is a member of the adjunct faculty at Salus University (Pennsylvania College of Optometry) and Indiana University (School of Optometry). He is certified as a Diplomate with the American Board of Optometry. He is in a group practice in Charlotte, North Carolina, where he has staff privileges at Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center. 

“I have had the privilege to present at numerous AOE educational programs.  I can attest that they are always well-attended, offer numerous educational courses on a broad range of clinically relevant topics, and are delivered by a highly diverse assortment of Canadian and international optometric educators.  I would recommend attending any of the AOE educational programs as they never disappoint.”

Dr. Randall Thomas, OD, MPH, FAAO

“Educators In Primary Eye Care, LLC, with Dr. Randall Thomas and myself, have been providing continuing medical education to optometrists internationally for over 30 years. Among our most memorable programs we have participated in has been with the “Academy of Ophthalmic Education” (AOE). The AOE has been at the forefront of excellence in ophthalmic education for over 25 years. It is imperative that the professions of optometry, opticianry, and ophthalmology work together to provide quality eye care to everyone in the community. The Khan family, through the AOE, have worked hard to connect the three professions and find ways how they can work together. For example, at one AOE program we were able to participate in an exciting roundtable forum with a renowned glaucoma specialist on the latest advances in glaucoma care. From an optometric prospective, the AOE programs are designed to keep the OD’s up to date with relevant topics. The programs attract the top international speakers and the topics covered are chosen to keep those attending abreast of the current and future issues within our profession. The AOE listens to the educational needs of the professions and delivers the highest quality of education possible. These are reasons why Educators In Primary Eye Care highly endorse the AOE and are honored to continue to participate in their continuing education programs.”

Dr. Ron Melton, OD, FAAO

“Let us offer to you our personal thanks for inviting us to present lectures at the International Eye Symposium held in the Bahamas May 18-20, 2023. Having lectured at over 1,000 continuing education conferences over the past 30 years, let us share with you that your conference was the most organized and managed as any we have ever participated. You and your family truly have a well-tuned organization for sponsoring optometric education. Thanks to your dedication and proactive anticipation of needs, the entire program went beautifully. The physical location, hotel, meeting rooms were excellent and we think all your attendees had a most enjoyable time. We hope it will be possible for us to return to one of your many conferences before long. Your attendees were remarkably attentive, and asked many insightful questions. It is so rewarding to us to see our profession prosper, and your conferences seem to amplify this growth.”

Dr. Ron Melton and Dr. Randall Thomas are both North Carolina natives. They completed their training at the Pennsylvania College of Optometry in 1981. They have attended the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology Course in "Ophthalmic Pathology for Ophthalmologists." Both were members of the Student Optometric Service to Haiti team in 1981. They have successfully completed the National Board Examination in Optometry and the International Association of Boards of Examiners in Optometry Examination on "Treatment and Management of Ocular Disease."

They have been honoured as the "Glaucoma Educators of the Year" by the American Academy of Optometry. The William C. Ezell Award "For the Best Article Based upon a Lecture Given at the Southern Congress of Optometry" was presented to them by the Southern Council of Optometrists. They are Fellows in the American Academy of Optometry. Both served as consultants to the Council on Clinical Optometric Care and the Council on Optometric Education of the American Optometric Association. They have been consultants in the areas of pathology and ocular pharmacology to the International Board of Examiners in Optometry. Both Drs. Melton and Thomas are members of the adjunct faculty at the Pennsylvania College of Optometry, Pacific University College of Optometry and State University of New York College of Optometry.

They have lectured throughout Canada, the United States and internationally on the topics of ocular differential diagnosis and medical management of the eye diseases. Together they have authored many articles in the optometric literature, including the annual "Clinical Guide to Ophthalmic Drugs" in Review of Optometry. Drs. Melton and Thomas are full-time clinicians delivering primary and secondary eye care.

Ritesh Patel, OD

Dr. Patel, a native of Toronto, had always aspired to be an optometrist since his childhood. After completing his Bachelor of Science at the University of Waterloo, he pursued his studies at the renowned New England College of Optometry in Boston. With a Doctorate in hand, he embarked on a journey that took him to various locations worldwide, but his heart remained in Toronto. Dr. Patel first practiced in Cincinnati, Ohio, for three years, gaining experience in different settings, including surgical and private practice. He even had the opportunity to work with the medical team that conducted examinations for the Cincinnati Bengals NFL team. However, his desire to return to his hometown persisted. In 2010, he made his way back to Toronto and assumed the role of lead optometrist at the Herzig Eye Institute. There, he served as the director of the dry eye clinic and introduced innovative techniques like the LipiFlow Thermal Pulsation device, making him the first practitioner in North America to do so. He was also the first in Canada to integrate the E-Eye IRPL system. Driven by his entrepreneurial spirit, he founded his own practice, See & Be Seen Eyecare, in 2013 with a focus on primary care and Dry Eye Therapy. To stay at the forefront of eye health advancements, Dr. Patel. frequently shares his knowledge as a lecturer for organizations like the Ontario Pharmacy Association and the Ontario Medical Association. His expertise has earned him recognition as one of the Top 3 Optometrists in Toronto for several consecutive years. Beyond his professional achievements, Dr. Patel is deeply committed to giving back. He has participated in volunteer missions with organizations like Optometry Giving Sight in India and Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity (VOSH) in Nicaragua. Furthermore, he has contributed to the optometric community by serving on the board of directors for the Ontario Association for Optometrists (OAO) and fulfilling the role of communication chair.

Rookaya Mather, MD, FRCSC

Dr. Mather completed training in refractive surgery at LASIK MD with some of  the most experienced surgeons in North America. She has performed over 5,000 ocular procedures, and uses the most advanced excimer lasers in the field. Dr. Mather has extensive experience performing cataract surgery, PKP and DSEK surgery as well as pterygium surgery and surface reconstruction. In addition to performing refractive surgery at LASIK MD, Dr. Mather is an associate professor of ophthalmology at the University of Western Ontario. She spends time at the university teaching residents and medical students and is involved in research in the Department of Ophthalmology. Dr. Mather also sees patients at the Ivey Eye Institute at St. Josephs's Hospital in London, Ontario.

Dr. Mather is currently conducting research at the University of Western Ontario in the field of cornea and external disease. Dr. Mather has given presentations and lectures at professional conferences held by the Canadian Ophthalmological Society, Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO), North American Neuro-Ophthalmology Society and Ocular Microbiology and Immunology Group. She has also published several articles for peer-reviewed journals such as the Canadian Journal of Ophthalmology and the American Journal of Ophthalmology. Dr. Mather’s associations and professional memberships include Royal College of Surgeons of Canada, Canadian Ophthalmology Association, Canadian Association of University Professors of Refractive Surgery, Canadian Cornea and External Disease Society, American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario and Ocular Microbiology and Immunology Group

Rosa M. Braga-Mele, MD, FRCSC

Dr. Rosa Braga-Mele is a Professor of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine at the University of Toronto, Canada. She is involved in the resident surgical teaching curriculum development and implementation at the University of Toronto and has won multiple teaching awards. She is a cataract specialist and educator who speaks frequently at both the national and international level. She is Director of Cataract Surgery at the Kensington Eye Institute, Toronto, Canada. Dr. Braga-Mele graduated Magna Cum Laude from University of Ottawa Medical School. She then completed her residency at the University of Toronto. She went on to complete her Masters Degree in Higher Education.

She was given the AAO Achievement Award in 2007 and the AAO Secretariat Award in 2012 for special contributions to Ophthalmology. In 2013, she was awarded the AAO Senior Achievement Award for distinguished volunteer service. She has been an actively involved member of ASCRS for the last 14 years and currently serves as the Chair of the Cataract Clinical Committee for the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) and is a member of the Governing Board and Program Committee for the ASCRS.

Roshni Echharam, OD

Dr. Echharam, originally from Durban, South Africa, completed her Undergraduate Degree in Optometry at the University of Durban-Westville in 1996. After graduation, she had the opportunity to work in rural Africa, where her interest in ocular disease was peaked. Due to economic instability in South Africa, Dr. Echharam immigrated to the United States in 1999. She was accepted in the international graduates’ program at the New England College of Optometry in June 2000 and graduated with a Doctor of Optometry degree with honors in 2002. Upon graduating from NECO, Dr. Echharam has worked in various retail and medical optometry settings in the US and Toronto. She still maintains a strong interest in the prevention and management of ocular disease and in August 2017 she opened her medical optometry practice, that has a dedicated Dry Eye Clinic and Specialty contact lens Centre. Dr. Echharam loves adventure, travel and cooking. Since leaving South Africa in 1997, she has lived in 3 continents and 5 cities. So, when she’s not working, she often visiting a new country learning about their culture and cuisine.

Roya Attar, OD, MBA, FAAO

Dr. Roya Attar is an Assistant Professor and Director of Optometric Services at the University of Mississippi Medical Center located in Jackson, MS. She is the first Optometrist to be hired by the Department of Ophthalmology in the state’s only medical school. Dr. Attar graduated from the Rosenberg School of Optometry in 2013 and later obtained her MBA in 2017. Currently she is working towards a doctorate in healthcare administration.  

Ryan Heeney, BA

Ryan Heeney joined Eschenbach in 2004 as their Central Canada Territory Manager covering Ontario and Saskatchewan. In 2010, he was promoted to National Sales Manager for Canada covering Quebec and Ontario, while also managing two other Territory Managers who covered the rest of the country and parts of the U.S. In Ryan’s experience with Eschenbach, he has helped dozens of Canadian eye care practices start low vision care and provided training to hundreds of eye care and rehab professionals. Ryan is bilingual (English and French). He received a BA Degree in Political Science from the University of Western Ontario and earned a Certificate in Business Management and Marketing from Humber College in Toronto, Ontario.

Saleel Jivraj, OD, MBA, FAAO, FEAOO, FCOptom, FBCLA

Dr. Sal Jivraj is clinical director of Market Mall Eye Clinic, Southcentre Eye Clinic, Marlborough Mall Eye Clinic inside LensCrafters, Calgary. He focused his MBA thesis on the Development of Specialist Dry Eye Services in Optometric Practice. He is the creator of the DryiRelief app. A free iPhone, Android and web app (DryiRelief) to help dry eye suffers. The app was designed to help patients with their dry eye management and increase compliance with their dry eye treatment. The DryiRelief app gives patients reminders, feedback for compliance and questionnaires to assess improvement. The also provides reports for the patients to give to their local OD, detailing their compliance with the dry eye regimen. Dr. Jivraj was appointed to the TFOS 2021 Workshop: Digital Environment Subcommittee and to the World Council of Optometry – Membership Board Committee 2021-2023. He is currently conducting research on IPL treatments and machine learning/artificial intelligence (AI), VR/AR in the management of dry eye disease.

Salma Kiani, OD, FAAO

Dr. Kiani completed her Doctorate of Optometry at the University of the Incarnate Word, Rosenberg School of Optometry in Texas. She was honored to be a part of the inaugural class of 2013, graduating on the Dean’s Honor Roll.  She also completed an Ocular Disease and Surgical Co-Management Residency at Omni Eye Specialists affiliated with Salus University. She was faculty at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science in Baltimore Maryland and taught optometry interns and ophthalmology residents, medical students as well as caring for patients. She has also taught ophthalmic technician courses. She was recognized as a ‘Top Doctor’ in the November 2018 and November 2021 issue of Baltimore Magazine. Dr. Kiani is currently the Alberta representative for the Canadian College of Specialties in Optometry Fellowship Working Group Panel. She is also a fellow of the American Academy of Optometry, member of the Alberta Association of Optometry, Canadian Association of Optometrists and a member of the Beta Sigma Kappa and Gold Key Society. She is the owner of Greater Edmonton Eyecare and coming soon Oculobox.

Sam Fanous, MD, FRCSC

Dr. Sam Fanous earned his degree in Medicine in 1978 (University of Montreal) and ophthalmology in 1982. He is a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and a Fellow of the American Board of Ophthalmology. His achievements include founder and medical director of The Montreal Eye Clinic (1982), founder and head of the Department of Ophthalmology, Valleyfield Hospital (1984), founder and head of the Department of Ophthalmology, Lachine Hospital (1990) and founder and medical director of the Montreal Eye Institute (2011). Dr. Fanous was the first ophthalmologist in Canada and Quebec to implant a foldable intraocular lens in cataract surgery (1989), perform cataract surgery without anesthetic injection or suture (1992), implant a multifocal intraocular lens in cataract surgery (1993), implant an intraocular contact lens (ICL) for myopic eyes (1998) and perform laser vision correction (LASIK) without the use of a surgical blade (2006). He has earned many honours including the American College of Eye Surgery for high level of excellence in cataract surgery (1999), the American College of Eye Surgery for high level of excellence in vision correction laser (LASIK) (2000), the Canadian Government for his outstanding medical achievements (2001), the city of St-Laurent for the creation of the Institute of Montreal Eye, best project of the year (2012), Medal Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II for his outstanding achievements in Canada by the Governor of Canada (2012) and recepient of the Canadian Ambassador’s Award to recognize his outstanding achievements in Science (2016).

Sam Markowitz, MD, FRCSC

Dr. Sam Markowitz is currently Director, Low Vision Rehabilitation Program, Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, University of Toronto; Staff, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario; Courtesy Staff, Trillium Health Center, Mississauga, Ontario; Low Vision Section Editor, Canadian Journal of Ophthalmology and a member of the Vision Rehabilitation Committee, American Academy of Ophthalmology.

His current research interests are aimed at elucidating various aspects of visual function and functional vision parameters. Under study are aspects related to preferred retinal loci and their relationship to scotomata and to the oculomotor functions associated with refixation precision and fixation stability. Also colour contrast sensitivity in age related macular degeneration patients is under scrutiny with special emphasis on residual color detection ability.

Dr. Markowitz has presented his work at numerous and various professional meetings and in many peer reviewed scientific papers nationally and internationally. In 2006 he was awarded the Distinguished Service Award from the Low Vision Rehabilitation Section of the American Optometric Association for professional accomplishments in Low Vision Rehabilitation and presented to him at the annual meeting in Boston, MA, USA. In 2006 he was awarded the Secretariat Award from the American Academy of Ophthalmology for service and leadership in development of scientific and continuous education  programs in Low Vision Rehabilitation at their Annual Meetings.

Sandy Johal, OD

Dr. Sandy Johal is a Board Certified Developmental Optometrist. She has built her practice upon her  passion for providing high quality vision care that goes far beyond 20/20. Her broad clinical expertise combined with her commitment to helping patients overcome vision challenges in school, work and everyday life ensures that each and every patient can perform up to their potential. Dr. Johal graduated on the Dean’s List from the University of British Columbia in Cell Biology and Genetics. She went on to pursue a Doctor of Optometry from Pacific University College of Optometry. She has also obtained fellowship in the American Academy of Optometry and the College of Optometrists in Vision Development. Dr. Johal has served seven years as the International College of Optometrists in Vision Development Committee Chair and is currently president  of the Canadian Chapter of the College of Optometrists in Vision Development.

Scott D. Barnes, MD

Dr. Scott Barnes retired from the US Army in September 2017 at the rank of Colonel. For the last 20 years of his distinguished 30-year career, Dr. Barnes served as an ophthalmic surgeon and was selected as the Ophthalmology Consultant to the Surgeon General in 2016. He completed a Cornea Fellowship at the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary/Harvard Medical School. From 2004-2017, Dr. Barnes served as the Chief of Ophthalmologist and Refractive Surgery at the Womack Army Medical Center, Fort Bragg, North Carolina. During his tenure, Dr. Barnes implanted 3,000 ICLs and performed thousands of other ophthalmic procedures. He has authored and given more than 350 presentations, lectures and book chapters and led over 30 ophthalmology or refractive surgery research projects. Dr. Barnes became the first Chief Medical Officer for STAAR Surgical in October 2017.

Scot Morris, OD

International speaker, educator, author and management consultant, Dr. Scot Morris is well known for his experience in ocular surface disease, technology and practice management. He is recognized for both his expertise and his enthusiasm for helping professionals optimize their practices. Dr. Morris is widely published in professional journals, books, clinical references and web-based resources. He also serves as the Chief Optometric Editor for Optometric Management and as a consultant to many eye care companies.

Dr. Morris is the operating partner of the eye care consulting service, Morris Education & Consulting Associates. He is the founder and senior technology consultant of Ocular Technology Solutions, Inc. He also serves as owner and medical director of Eye Consultants of Colorado. Scot is also one of the founding members of the National Student Practice Management Symposium Series. He is a member of the American Optometric Association and the Colorado Optometric Association.

Dr. Morris earned his Doctorate of Optometry at Indiana University in 1996 and completed his residency in ocular disease and refractive surgery at Triad Eye Medical Center in Tulsa, OK. He served as the cornea and refractive clinical director of Discover Vision Centers in Kansas City for five years before moving to Colorado in 2002. Dr. Morris practiced at a refractive surgery center in Denver  for two years before acquiring Eye Consultants of Colorado.

Scott Schachter, OD

Dr. Scott Schachter founded Advanced Eyecare and the Eyewear Gallery Optometry in 1994 in Pismo Beach, California. He believes in the importance of providing full scope eye care for his patients and was one of the first optometrists in California to become glaucoma certified.

Like many practitioners, the ocular surface disease was a neglected part of his practice for almost 2 decades. Then, in 2011, while undergoing his own LASIK preop visit, Dr. Schachter realized his own dry eye disease was causing the majority of his higher order aberrations. Dry eye disease was no longer limited to just the surface — Dr. Schachter started thinking of it as a vision disease. As a “vision doctor,” he quickly realized he needed to incorporate ocular surface evaluations into every patient’s exam, and needed to do it without increasing chair time spent with the patients. His plan resulted in higher patient satisfaction, and it became real practice-builder as well.

Since that auspicious LASIK preop visit, Dr, Schachter has worked to become a leader in the dry eye world. He has been published in Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science and is a regular columnist for Optometry Times and Ocular Surface News. In addition, he has presented papers at the American Academy of Optometry (AAO) and presented posters at AAO, American Optometric Association, and the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology. Dr. Schachter was most recently named one of just 8 US Global Ambassadors for the Tear Film and Ocular Surface Society. Dr. Schachter offers a private practice perspective, fully understanding the challenges of patient flow, vision care plans, and staffing. The Ocular Surface Academy workshop has been designed to provide 6 hours of COPE-approved CE in a small group format.

Serash Akhtar

Serash Akhtar is a business leader in the optical industry. Her holistic approach to leadership has landed her roles such as Store Market Manager, at a regional capacity in the fields of Training, Team Engagement, Recruiting and currently an ambassador for a non-profit organization at a national level. She is passionate about self-management and leading oneself through change, as it is common to the human experience. Serash’s goal is to integrate social skills in the optical training, which will improve customer service skills and directly impact your reputation and increase profit.

Shaheer Aboobaker, MBChB, DIP OPHTH, MMed, FC OPHTH, FRCSC

Dr. Shaheer Aboobaker is a fellowship trained retina specialist, having completed a 2-year Vitreoretinal fellowship at the University of Toronto. He obtained his medical degree at the University of KwaZulu Natal in South Africa and completed his residency at the prestigious University of Cape Town. While at the University of Cape Town, Dr. Aboobaker was awarded the Ophthalmological Society Medal for academic achievement by the Fellowship of Ophthalmologists of South Africa. Dr. Aboobaker joined the world renowned team at the Toronto Retina Institute in 2018 and has been working there since. Dr. Aboobaker's academic and research interests include advancements in technology and innovative treatment options. He is the principal investigator in the CSR 2RT trial, assessing the time to recovery of nanosecond laser in the setting of acute CSR. He is also a sub-investigator in numerous ongoing industry trials. He has published several peer reviewed journal articles and has presented at both local and national meetings. He also established and spearheads the TRI Journal Club. Dr. Aboobaker's passion for education and philanthropy led him to co-find the Young Professionals Bursary, a scholarship aimed at assisting disadvantaged students in South Africa. Outside the office, he is passionate about sports, soccer in particular, and is a fervent supporter of Manchester United Football Club and Toronto FC. He is a self-proclaimed foodie and enjoys travel and exploring new cultures and cuisines.

Shalu Pal, OD, FAAO

Dr. Shalu Pal graduated from Southern California College of Optometry. She completed her Contact Lens, Cornea and Disease Residency at Northeastern State University Oklahoma College of Optometry followed by her Fellowship in the American Academy of Optometry. Dr. Pal is a Fellow in the Scleral Lens Society and the current Chair of the American Optometric Association, Contact Lens and Cornea Section.

 She is the owner of a group practice in Toronto, Ontario where she specializes in advanced specialty contact  lens

fitting, dry eye management and treatment, concussion rehabilitation and vision therapy. Dr. Pal is a member of the Dry Eye faculty for Allergan and Alcon’s Dry Eye Speakers Group and a guest lecturer at all Optometry Schools across North American as a founder of the Staple Program. She volunteers her time with the Ontario Association of Optometrists, local community groups and VOSH. Dr. Pal’s work in the area of communication and practice management continues to be published. She also lectures and consults with many industry partners for the betterment of the profession through education.

Sharon Carter, Practice Management Consultant

Sharon Carter has over 25 years of optometric experience including working in  an office as an office manager, sales and training for an optometric software company to consulting for private practices. Sharon started her own consulting company, Eye Care Optometric Consulting, in 2001 and personally consults in offices all over the country spreading her team building philosophy. Sharon is very energetic and enthusiastic and for more than 15 years, has been speaking and motivating staff at state associational meetings and national and international conferences sharing her company’s philosophy of ‘provide the best patient care possible and the money will follow.’

Shaun MacInnis, BSc, OD

Dr. Shaun MacInnis completed a three year Bachelor of Science Degree at the University College of Cape Breton before finishing Optometry, with honours, at the University of Waterloo in 2007. He was a partner in one of the biggest clinics in Halifax/Dartmouth before returning home and taking over Island EyeCare in 2015. In 2006, Dr. MacInnis completed a four month externship at an eye clinic in Salt Lake City, Utah where he dealt with multiple ocular diseases, with a concentration on glaucoma, cataracts and macular degeneration. He was also part of a group chosen to attend a continuing education course at Alcon laboratories in Fort Worth, Texas dealing with therapeutic pharmaceuticals and has attended a specialty contact lens course at the Johnson and Johnson facilities in Jacksonville, Florida.

He continues to pursue an interest in contact lenses, dry eye disease, children's vision and macular degeneration in his current practice. He is certified in fitting Paragon Vision Sciences lenses for Corneal Refractive Therapy (CRT) and MiSight contact lenses. Both of these lenses can be used in myopia control in children. He attended the Alcon Experience Center in 2018 to receive advanced training in multifocal contact lenses. In 2013, he was involved in the Macular Assessment Program, a national study identifying patients at risk of macular degeneration. In regards to dry eye disease, Dr MacInnis is one of the first Optometrists east of Ottawa to be part of MyDryEye, "Canada’s premiere network that connects patients suffering from dry eye disease with practitioners who are able to help." He also participated as one of Atlantic Canada's representatives at Allergan's Optomize round table group, a national collection of optometrists discussing new treatment options and protocols for dry eye disease. In 2019, he was part of the Alcon national advisory board for the iLux dry eye system and was one of nine Optometrists chosen nationally to become an Alcon Professional Dry Eye Consultant. In 2020, he became one of two Optometrists in the country to be named a consultant for E-Eye IRPL technology with I-MED Pharma.

Dr. MacInnis served as President of the Nova Scotia Association of Optometrists (NSAO) from 2012-2014. He has previously been a chair or committee member for the NSAO's Children's Vision, Practice Innovation, Occupational Vision and Canadian Optometric Education Trust Fund committees. He was a part of the Clinical Advisory Group for the province's Drug Information System and he continues to train future optometrists by hosting 4th year optometry students for their clinical rotations. He has participated in Sydney and Halifax Connects multiple times, providing free eye exams and glasses to those who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. Optometry Giving Sight is also a charity Dr. MacInnis has supported on numerous occasions during World Sight Day and he continues to give locally to many charities.

Sheldon Herzig, MD, FRCSC

Dr. Sheldon Herzig is one of the worlds most respected and experienced laser eye surgeons, having pioneered the development and application of leading-edge technologies in advanced cataract and refractive surgery, the use of ultrasound and foldable lenses in advanced cataract surgery and the development of outpatient cataract surgery. Dr. Herzig’s work with thousands of patients has led to technique modifications and innovations on which he has lectured extensively around the world. He is respected by the medical community worldwide for his publications, scientific papers and formal presentations. Dr. Herzig completed his Ophthalmology residency at the University of Toronto, after which he completed a fellowship in corneal and cataract surgery at the Mary Shields Eye Hospital in Dallas, Texas, where he was trained in the most advanced micro-surgical techniques for cataract and refractive surgery. In 1996, Dr. Herzig co-founded the Herzig Eye Institute. A centre of excellence that is recognized worldwide, the Herzig Eye Institute and Dr. Herzig have treated more than 150,000 patients from all over Canada, 42 states and 23 countries worldwide, from Bermuda to Singapore to South Africa and has trained – and treated – several hundred of the world’s leading advanced cataract and refractive surgeons. Since the initiation of laser vision correction technology, Dr. Herzig has been recognized as a leader in the use of laser technologies in refractive surgery. Eye surgeons and Optometrists from all over the world attend his courses on the LASIK techniques. Dr. Herzig prepared the Recommended Guidelines for Laser Refractive Centres in Canada, which is distributed through the Canadian Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery and has assisted the College of Physicians and Surgeons in provinces across Canada in evaluating standards of surgical practice. He is the past president of the Canadian Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (1998- 2000) and continues, through his practice and teachings, to be on the cutting edge of his specialty using the most advanced state-of-the-art technology to provide each patient with a custom vision correction to meet their unique needs.

Simon Holland, MD, FRCSC, FRCOPH

Dr. Simon Holland is a Clinical Professor in the Cornea Division at the University of British Columbia (UBC) in Vancouver. He is also the Research Director at the Pacific Laser Eye Clinic in Vancouver and the Chair of Orbis Canada. Dr. Holland was born and raised in Zimbabwe, where he completed his initial medical training. He graduated with Honors in Medicine and went on to complete an internal medicine residency in the UK in 1978, and an ophthalmology residency at UBC in 1982. He obtained specialty certification in Canada (FRCSC) and in the UK (FRCS) in 1982 and obtained American Board of Certification in 1984. From 1982 to 1986, Dr. Holland served as the first-ever Medical Director of Orbis’s original DC-8 Flying Eye Hospital, after which he completed a fellowship and joined the Faculty in the Corneal and External Disease division at the University of Miami’s Bascom Palmer Eye Institute 1986-9. This was followed by a Refractive Surgery fellowship at the Institute of Ophthalmology in London, UK. Dr. Holland has been a member of the faculty at UBC for corneal, cataract and refractive disorders since 1990. Dr. Holland’s contributions include being Chair of the Canadian TASS Task Force, Co-Chair of the Canadian International and Public Health Committee and volunteering as a lecturer and external examiner for East African Ophthalmology College, in Moshi, Tanzania from 2006 to 2010. Research interests include therapeutic laser corneal surgery. During his career, Dr. Holland has received many awards and accolades, including Senior Honor and Achievement Award from the American Academy of Ophthalmology, Dr. Garth Taylor Humanitarian Award from the Canadian Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, Mentor of the Year Award from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, Jan G.F. Worst Medal from the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, Honorary Membership Award from the Canadian Medical Association and Lifetime Achievement Award from the Canadian Ophthalmological Society 2000. A veteran of more than 100 training and sight-saving programs, Dr. Holland has been actively involved with Orbis for nearly 40 years as a staff member, Volunteer Faculty member and board member. 

Siva Meiyeppen, OD, FAAO

Dr. Siva Meiyeppen is a graduate of Illinois College of Optometry. Dr. Meiyeppen completed her residency at The Eye Institute at Salus University. She earned her Fellowship in the American Academy of Optometry. She currently works in the Pediatric and Binocular Vision Department, where she oversees clinical care for pediatric and infant patient care, including binocular vision dysfunction, visual perceptual examinations, amblyopia and strabismus evaluations, and vision therapy. Dr. Meiyeppen also sees patients of all ages with traumatic brain injury and concussion. She works at Magee Rehabilitation Hospital where she performs eye examinations on acute and severe brain injured patients.

Solomon Gould, OD, MBA

Dr. Solomon Gould is a devoted Optometrist and private practice owner of two thriving practices in Minnesota. In addition to serving his patients and supporting his practices, he also has an extensive background and experience in practice management and consulting for both private practice owners and large-scale, market majority status private equity-based firms of the ophthalmic sector. He has helped elevate over 30 organizations and private practices to date and devotes his attention to educating eye care professionals and organizations by means of educational presentations. Dr. Gould is beyond delighted for the  honour and opportunity to present to and educate the Canadian market on his experience-based content to help every audience member to their fullest potential.

“Working with Ali Khan his exceptional Team at the Academy of Ophthalmic Education (AOE) is nothing short of a sincere pleasure. The AOE offers a refreshingly robust platform, continuously recruiting and offering innovative content and dynamic speakers. Additionally, the AOE platform stays abreast of modern trends in Continuing Education, offering a highly engaging, user-friendly online CE web portal that is accessible 24/7. As a speaker and faculty member of numerous platforms, I cannot speak enough volumes to the level of support, quality and timeliness of communication, hospitality, and the many other perks you experience as a speaker for the AOE platform. I look forward to the many years to come as a committed and loyal partner to the Khan family and the AOE.”

Solomon Gould, O.D., M.B.A.
Superior Optometric Support (S.O.S.) Consulting
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Sohel Somani, MD, FRCSC

Dr. Somani completed his medical degree and Ophthalmology residency at the University of Toronto. He went on to pursue further specialized fellowship training in Medical Retina at the University of Toronto. He entered private practice in 2004 in the North Toronto and Brampton regions, where he has developed a successful cataract surgery and medical retina practice. Dr. Somani is an Attending Surgeon at Humber Finch, North York Branson, and Brampton Civic Hospitals. He is also affiliated with Uptown Eye Specialists.

Dr. Somani has performed over 5,000 cataract and anterior segment procedures using the latest technologies, techniques and lens implants including Aspheric, Toric and Multifocal IOL’s. Dr. Somani also provides advanced treatment for various medical diseases of the retina and is also a consultant for the Ocular Oncology Service at Princess Margaret Hospital.

Dr. Somani is an Assistant Professor at the University of Toronto’s Ophthalmology Department. He is engaged in various research endeavors and is a recipient of the John Gaby Research Award. Dr. Somani has published several articles in the scientific literature and has also given presentations at major ophthalmology conferences and courses. He is affiliated with the CNIB eye van for Northern Ontario ophthalmic services. Associations and professional memberships include Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, Diplomat of the American Board of Ophthalmology, Canadian Ophthalmologic Society, American Academy of Ophthalmology, Toronto Ophthalmologic Society and American Society of Retinal Specialist

Sondra Black, OD, FAAO

Dr. Sondra Black graduated from the University of Waterloo School of Optometry in 1980. She practiced optometry for 20 years in a private practice. She then joined TLC as a clinical director for the TLC Custom LASIK Centre in Toronto. In 2003. Dr. Black became the Clinical Director for TLC Toronto. In 2009, Dr. Black left TLC to become the VP-Clinical Operations for Crystal Clear Vision. She left practice in November 2017 to focus exclusively on consulting both to industry and individual practices. Her expertise lies in cataract, refractive surgery, patient management and counselling and now works full time for Johnson & Johnson Vision as the Head of Professional Strategy Surgical Americas.

Stephen P. Byrnes, OD

Dr. Byrnes obtained his Doctor of Optometry Degree from the New England College of Optometry in Boston, Massachusetts and currently maintains a  primary eye care private practice in Londonderry, New Hampshire. Dr. Byrnes specializes in the treatment of keratoconus and other conditions of  the eye that require specialty contact lenses. Apart from lecturing internationally, Dr. Byrnes is a pioneer in current scleral lens design. He routinely participates in clinical studies and is an Academic Consultant to schools and colleges of Optometry for Bausch & Lomb and Polymer Technology Corporation.

Stephanie Ramdass, OD, MBA, MS, BSc, FAAO

Dr. Stephanie Ramdass is in clinical practice in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. She graduated from the Inter American University of Puerto Rico School of Optometry and completed a cornea and contact lens residency at the Michigan College of Optometry. She is a member of the Ontario Association of Optometrists and a fellow of the American Academy of Optometry and the Scleral Lens Society. She is a contributing author/editor for Contact Lens Spectrum and Clinical & Refractive Optometry and a committee member and contributing author for the International Myopia Institute.

Steven Ferrucci, OD, FAAO

Dr. Steven Ferrucci is currently Chief of Optometry at the Sepulveda VA Ambulatory Care Center and Nursing Home. Dr. Ferrucci is also the Residency Director at his sight and a Professor at the Southern California College of Optometry/Marshall B. Ketchum University. Dr. Ferrucci has lectured and published extensively with a special interest in Diabetes, Diabetic Eye Disease, AMD, OCT and Fluorescein Angiography. He is a fellow in both the American Academy of Optometry and the Optometric Retinal Society, as well as Past President of the ORS.

Steven Vargo, OD, MBA

Dr. Steven Vargo is a 1998 graduate of the Illinois College of Optometry. In 2014 he joined Prima Eye Group (now IDOC) as Vice President of Optometric Consulting. A published author and speaker with 15 years of clinical experience, he now serves as IDOC’s Optometric Practice Management Consultant. Since transitioning to a full-time practice management consultant, Dr. Vargo has performed over 3,000 consultations and coaching sessions with hundreds of independent optometry practices across the country. He speaks regularly at industry conferences, has been published in numerous industry publications, has a regular column in Optometric Management titled “The CEO Challenge”, and is a contributing author to the widely read “Optometric Management Tip of the Week” article. Dr. Vargo has also authored 3 books on the subjects of staff management, leadership, and selling.

Supriya Arora, MS, DNB

Dr. Supriya Arora, MS, DNB, FICO (UK), FAICO (Vitreoretina) is a vitreoretinal surgeon and medical retina specialist working as a retina consultant at Princess Margaret Hospital and Bahamas Vision Center, Harbour Bay. She is also an associate lecturer at UWI. She completed her residency in ophthalmology and super speciality training in vitreoretina and medical retina at Maulana Azad Medical College, Delhi, which is a premier institute of India. Her key areas of interest include diabetic retinopathy, central serous chorioretinopathy and macular hole surgeries. She has published more than 40 papers in reputed international peer reviewed journals, contributed to many book chapters and has presented in numerous prestigious international conferences. Currently, she is leading multiple research projects across the globe and is a reviewer for reputed retina journals. She is an active member of American Society of Retina Specialists and Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology.

Tara Mahvelati, MSc, OD

Dr. Tara Mahvelati completed her undergraduate degree at Concordia University in Biology and her Master’s at Université de Sherbooke in Immunology. She graduated from SUNY College of Optometry in New York and was a recipient of the COVD award for excellence in vision training. She completed her rotations in various disciplines with a focus on ocular disease, pediatrics and vision therapy as well as private MD/OD practices and hospital based settings. Dr. Mahvelati’s deep passion for developmental and behavioural optometry has led her to pursue post graduate courses to further her knowledge and proficiency in the field to better serve her patients and community. Dr. Mahvelati is a member of the Quebec Order of Optometrists, the Quebec and Canadian Associations of Optometrists as well as the College of Optometrists in Vision Development.

Ted Beaton, RO

Ted Beaton is a graduate of Georgian college where he received the honour of Class Valedictorian for Health Sciences in 1991. He has been an optician in Ontario since 1992. He is the past Chairman of the Georgian College Advisory Committee for Opticianry and remains on the committee, presently sitting as Deputy Chair. In his more than 20 year optical career his experience includes: front line dispenser, wholesale lens sales and business development, a retail district manager for chains, and an ophthalmic frame and accessories representative. Recently he returned to Essilor to join the Group Labs Representative team. As a retail district manager he was often called to train and coach sales and dispensing staff on selling and dispensing techniques. As a lab and lens representative, he has developed and delivered several accredited lectures for Opticians in Ontario and Nova Scotia.

Theodore Rabinovitch, MD, FRCSC

Dr. Theodore Rabinovitch is a distinguished leader in the field of laser vision correction. His celebrated career as a Laser Refractive Surgeon began at McGill University, where he earned his medical degree with a specialization in Ophthalmology. Subsequently, he completed a two-year postdoctoral fellowship at the University of California's world-renowned Francis I. Proctor Foundation in corneal surgery and ocular inflammatory diseases.

A pioneer in the industry, Dr. Rabinovitch gained extensive experience with earlier procedures in excimer laser surgery when it was first introduced to Toronto in the late 1980’s. He then continued on to be senior laser surgeon at the Herzig Eye Institute where he performed thousands of laser procedures for over a decade. During that time, Dr. Rabinovitch earned an outstanding reputation for both clinical and surgical excellence.

His wide-ranging medical and surgical accomplishments have earned him a reputation as a preeminent authority in the specialty of cornea and refractive surgery and intraocular inflammation. He was chief investigator for the FDA for a novel anterior chamber intraocular lens for highly myopic patients and also for an investigational intraocular slow-release device for patients with more serious forms of intraocular inflammation. Today, Dr. Rabinovitch performs corneal transplants and is an important authority on Keratoconus. 

Committed to the growth and continual improvement of his field, Dr. Rabinovitch has played an active role in the medical community for years. As Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology at University of Toronto, he has taught residents and performed research and lectured all over North America. He served as President of the York Finch Hospital Medical staff and since co-founding the Toronto Ophthalmological Society in 1991, has continuously served as its Chairman. He is currently the Chief of Ophthalmology at the Humber River Regional Hospital and sits on many advisory panels for Regionalization of Ophthalmic Surgical Services in Central Ontario. Finally, Dr. Rabinovitch is a diplomat of the American Board of Ophthalmology and a fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.

Thomas Kislan, OD

Dr. Thomas Kislan is the founder and Medical Director of Stroudsburg Eye Specialists, Hazleton Eye Specialists and The Dry Eye Clinic of Northeast PA. These practices focus on primary care along with the treatment and  management of all ocular surface diseases. Dr. Kislan participates in ongoing clinical research and has presented studies at various national meetings and his research has been published in peer-reviewed journals. Dr. Kislan lectures extensively on Dry Eye Disease, Glaucoma, Ocular Use of Omega Fatty Acids, Refractive Surgery Co-Management and Practice Management. Dr. Kislan is a clinical consultant for Pfizer, Allergan and AMO. Dr. Kislan is also on the medical advisory boards of Allergan, AMO and Lifeguard Health.

Thomas D. LoBue, MD

Dr. LoBue received his medical degree from the University of Health Sciences, Chicago Medical School and graduated as a member of the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society. He completed both his internship and Ophthalmology residency at Rush Presbyterian Saint Luke’s Medical Center in Chicago. During his final year of taining, Dr. LoBue was chosen as Chief Resident. Dr. LoBue also acquired additional training at Estelle Doheny Eye Institute at USC, which is regarded as one of the leading eye centers in the world. 

Dr. LoBue began private practice in 1987 and has been honored by being named Chief of Surgery at Inland Valley Regional Medical Center. His practice emphasized both cataract and refractive surgery. He performed his first cataract surgery in 1984 and his first refractive procedure in 1986.

Tina Goodhew, OD

Dr. Tina Goodhew is a partner in private practice at Abbey Eye Care in Oakville, Ontario. Clinically, she has a special interest in children’s vision, specialty contact lenses and dry eye therapy. Over her 27 year career, she has opened 3 cold-starts and has a passion for practice management, marketing and office design.  She served on the College of Optometrists of British Columbia in the early 2000s and as an Eye Recommend Director from 2010-2016. Along with her husband Dr. Jeff Goodhew, she co-edited the online eye care practice management magazine - Canadian Eye Care Business Review (eyecarebusiness.ca) until 2019. Currently she serves as a Key Opinion Leader for Alcon and CooperVision.

Tony Cavallerano, OD, FAAO

Dr. Tony Cavallerano is Professor of Optometry at the New England college of Optometry and an attending optometrist at VA Boston Health Care System. For more than a decade he has been involved in telehealth initiatives related to diabetes and retinal disease, he has authored several book chapters and over 65 professional journal articles. He has lectured and presented at numerous local, national and international meetings and he is a fellow of American Academy of Optometry, a member of the American Optometric Association, and a founding member of the Optometric Retina Society.

Trevor Miranda, OD

Dr. Trevor Miranda is a class of 1995 graduate of the University of Waterloo School of Optometry. He practices in a four clinic multi doctor practice, Cowichan Eyecare, on Vancouver Island. Dr. Miranda has a special interest in Dry Eye disease and is a faculty member of the Dry Eye Summit. Dr. Miranda is involved in many areas of practice innovation including Telehealth (Care1), Subscription Contact Lenses (Avocado); E- Commerce (Eye Commerce), Sunglasses (Sunglass Cove) and other areas of Practice Management.

Trisha Beal, BSc, OD

As someone who focuses on helping others in all her endeavours, joining the Eye Recommend Board further propelled Dr. Trisha Beal’s passion for independent optometry. She continues to focus on increasing membership engagement, creating a culture of proactive rather than reactive management and assisting members to work smarter, not harder. Her personal why is aligned with the company’s mission as she believes patients should receive personal and sincere care.  In addition to treating patients at her two Ontario clinics, Brant Family Eye Care and Paris Family Eye Care, Dr. Beal serves as a preceptor for fourth-year optometry externs from Illinois College of Optometry and her alma mater the University of Waterloo, where she earned her Honours Bachelor of Science degree as well as her Doctorate of Optometry. Dr. Beal has been recognized for her efforts in actively promoting eye health within her practice and local community. She was named Eye Care Professional of the Year for Canada in 2012 and received a Canada Citizenship Award for community service and leadership. Her community involvement includes working as a clinical director for the Special Olympics’ Healthy Athletes’ Program. She enjoys mentoring and coaching and plans to continue to foster a positive and inclusive work environment within all her professional roles.

Trudi Charest, RO, ABO

Trudi Charest is the Co-Founder of Marketing4ecps, a digital marketing agency focused on building digital advertising for Optometrists, Opticians & Ophthalmologists. Trudi is well known for designing, developing and facilitating training and marketing programs to Eye Care professionals across North America. Trudi is a Licensed Optician with over 25 years of extensive eyecare experience. She also holds a Human Resource Management certificate from the University of Calgary. Her experience includes corporate training in retail optical, territory management for Bausch & Lomb, Clinical Consulting with Optos and VP of Marketing & Training for Eye Recommend, one of Canada’s leading Optometric buying groups before starting Marketing4ecps in 2015. She is an international speaker, author, industry consultant and business innovator.

Upen Kawale, OD, BSc

Dr. Upen Kawale graduated from the University of Waterloo School of Optometry in 1993 with his Doctor of Optometry. Upon graduation, Dr. Kawale immediately co-founded the Bay-Bloor Clinic with Dr. Nolfi. The practice began with zero patients and currently serves over 40,000 patients. Dr. Kawale has also established two other successful optometric clinics in Pickering and Willowdale, Ontario. He has served on both the Canadian and American Optometric Advisory Boards for LensCrafters Inc. and currently serves on the Advisory Board for TLC Vision Centres. Dr. Kawale is proud to accept the Denis Kennedy O.D. award from TLC Vision Centres for Excellence in Eye Care. He has served as a guest speaker for a variety of company’s including: Johnson and Johnson, LensCrafters and Rheovision AMD centres. Dr. Kawale's practice philosophy is based on personalized vision care, whereby  his recommendations for his patients reflect each of their special needs and wants. He is proud to offer state of the art eye examinations and employs proactive strategies to ensure the ongoing health and vision of his patients. He has been recognized for his contributions to the profession of optometry via different mediums, including magazines, radio and television. He has appeared repeatedly on various media outlets including CITY-TV, South Asian Television, CBC TV and The Bill Carroll Show on CFRB Radio. One of Dr. Kawale’s most liberating moments of his life was when he underwent LASIK eye surgery on August 5th, 1999. Since that day, he enjoys 20/20 vision and is happy to report that his dry eye from contact lenses and “Coke-bottle” glasses are a thing of the past.

Valerie A. L. Manso, ABOC, FNAO

Valerie is the President of Manso Management Resources, Inc., a training and development company specializing in the ophthalmic industry. Additionally, Valerie works with Eyefinity/OfficeMate as Implementation Manager, supervising a team of Implementation Trainers to assist clients as they implement the OfficeMate and Exam Writer Software solutions.

As a 38+ year veteran of the optical industry, Valerie brings a wealth of expertise to her current role. Her experiences include 14 years in retail fulfilling such functions as Store Manager, District Manager, National Operations Coordinator, National Training and Development Manager and Director of Retail Operations for a 60-store retail chain. Valerie's responsibilities at AOCO Ltd/Ltee, the retail chain, included the management of 28 affiliated Optometric practices, three wholesale labs and 270 retail employees, with all of the attendant challenges.

In 1985 Valerie transferred to AOCO Ltd's parent company, American Optical, as National Training and Development Manager with a specific mandate to grow the manufacturer's chain retail business, while increasing American Optical's exposure at national education forums for the Independent Practitioner. Valerie has developed programs for, and lectured at every major eye care industry conference including, Optifair, Vision Expo East and West, EyeQuest, SESDO, NECO, OAA, OLA, SECO and many more.

When Sola Optical USA Inc. decided to aggressively grow their all important premium spectacle lens business, they called on Valerie to join their  management team as Director of Lens Consultants in April 1988. During her 5-year tenure with Sola, Valerie created, developed and managed the most successful detail force in today's ophthalmic spectacle lens industry. Her growth and development continued during her Sola years with promotions to Director of National Accounts, and Director of Account Management, Training and Development.

In 1992, Valerie started Manso Management Resources Inc., a consulting company focused on training, business development and organizational development within the ophthalmic industry. Valerie's skills and experiences were used with a variety of clients such as, OfficeMate Software Solutions, Optical Dynamics, Detroit Optometric Centers, Insight Optical, Cohen’s Fashion Optical, Sterling Optical, New York Eye, Alcon Laboratories, WalMart Stores, Inc., Kaiser Permanente, Younger Optics, Safilo USA, Signet Armorlite, Eyecare Business Magazine, Vision Expo (East and West), Vision Care Product News, Optometric Management Magazine and many more.

Vick Chan, OD

Dr. Vick Chan graduated from the University of Western Ontario where he then attended the Illinois College of Optometry. Graduating in 2010, he had since cold-opened up a successful practice in Markham, Ontario where he specializes in dry eye management and myopia management. He has previously served as a clinical examiner for the Optometry Examining Board of Canada and now is a clinical examiner for the Internationally Graduated Optometrist Evaluation Examination. Dr. Chan is a board-certified member of the OAO and AAOMC. 

Vishakha Thakrar, OD, FAAO, FSLS

Dr. Vishakha Thakrar is residency-trained in cornea, contact lenses and refractive surgery. She is the owner of Vaughan Family Vision Care, a specialty contact lens practice, where she primarily sees patients with corneal and ocular surface disease.  She previously held the role of Director of the Contact Lens Service at the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, Ohio, and has spoken on scleral lenses and myopia control throughout Canada and the US.  She is a fellow of the American Academy of Optometry and the Scleral Lens Society.  She currently sits on the board for the Contact Lens Section of the CAO, on the RCCO Contact Lens Working Group, and is a principal organizer for the CCLA conference. She has been a contributing editor and has written numerous articles for Canadian and American journals. 

Vi Tu Banh, OD

Dr. Vi Tu Banh graduated from McMaster University in 1992 with a BSc. He obtained his Doctor of Optometry degree from the University of Waterloo in 1996. He practiced in Richmond Hill, Ontario for 3 years with a partner and now has a solo practice in Uxbridge, Ontario since May 2001. Dr. Banh is a professional speaker, consultant and facilitator. He was featured on Breakfast Television in May 2007, on CTV evening news in November 2007 and other popular magazines in the optical industry: all on raising the awareness of the danger of UV damage to their eyes & educating the public how to preserve and improve their eyesight. His career mission is to preserve and improve people’s eyesight. His life mission is to encourage and inspire people to live their lives to fullest…one person, one day at a time!!! His hobbies include golfing, running (ran 4 full marathons & 9 half marathons with ChiRunning technique), weight training, cycling & swimming.

Wai-Ching Lam, MD, FRCSC

Dr. Lam is a vitreo-retinal surgeon whose practice consists of mainly adult and pediatric retinal disorders. He and another vitreo-retinal surgeon provide surgical treatment for retinopathy of pre-maturity and other complex surgical retinal disorders in children. He is on staff at Toronto Western Hospital and The Hospital for Sick Children. He is the Residency Program Director and the Director of Continuing Medical Education for the Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, at the University of Toronto. He is very active in both Resident and Undergraduate Education. He has won numerous teaching  awards including the PAIRO teaching award and the Jack Crawford award for Excellency in Resident Teaching.

Walter O. Whitley, OD, MBA, FAAO

Dr. Walter Whitley practices at Eye Care Associates of Nevada where his practice encompasses ocular surface disease, glaucoma, surgical co-management and clinical research. Dr. Whitley is a nationally recognized author and lecturer on topics ranging from ocular disease, surgical co-management, pharmaceuticals and practice management topics. He serves as co-chief medical editor for Modern Optometry, contributing editor for the Review of Optometry and co-medical editor for Dry Eye Coach. Dr. Whitley is the Immediate Past Chair of the American Academy of Optometry Anterior Segment Section and the immediate past president of the Virginia Optometric Association where he has been recognized as the 2012 Young Optometrist of the Year, the 2015 Legislative Keyperson of the Year and most recently the 2020 Optometrist of the Year. 

Wendy Buchanan, RO

A Registered Optician, Image Consultant and Educator.  Wendy combined her passion for people, love of the image world and her experienced optical training to launch a fun, personalized and one-of-a-kind mobile eyewear styling service in Toronto, Canada. Honoured as the Trailblazing Entrepreneur for Women in Canadian Optical, Wendy’s 20+ years of hands-on experience styling thousands of men and women with her unique approach, then laid the foundation for her tried and tested Eyewear Styling program in 2007. Nominated for the 2018 Women of Influence award for her innovative 3 step optical sales process, Wendy shares the Be Spectacular Eyewear Styling System™ with her peers helping them to invest in their people and organically increase revenues. She speaks globally at Image and Optical conferences.

Wes McCann, BSc, MBA, OD

Dr. Wes McCann attended Western University and Nova Southeastern University where he earned three Honours Bachelor of Science Degrees, an accelerated MBA and Doctorate of Optometry. Dr. McCann owns five practices in the London, Ontario and surrounding area and is a professional consultant for Johnson & Johnson. He has lectured on contact lenses, dry eye, pharmaceuticals and medical equipment for companies such as Johnson & Johnson, Bausch + Lomb, Labtician and Zeiss, and at continuing education conferences on practice management and ocular disease. He enjoys teaching clinical externs from the Waterloo School of Optometry and served on the Board of Directors for the Ontario Association of Optometrists in 2016-2018 where he served as both a director and Vice President of the Board in 2018. In 2017, he was a recipient of the Top 20 Under 40 Award that is awarded to 20 individuals under the age of 40 recognized for their business achievements and community involvement in London Ontario.

Whitney Hauser, OD, FAAO

Dr. Whitney Hauser is the Director of Clinical Affairs for Total Eye Care Partners and focuses on implementation of medical services in practices across the United States.  Previously, she served as Clinical Director and Research Coordinator at an ophthalmology referral center in Memphis, Tennessee and as Associate Professor at Southern College of Optometry.  While are SCO, she was also the Clinical Development Coordinator for TearWell: Advanced Dry Eye Treatment Center. Dr. Hauser has authored many articles focusing on the management and treatment of ocular surface disease, the anterior segment and practice management. She has been an invited speaker across the United States and internationally.  

She is, also, founder and senior consultant for Signal Ophthalmic Consulting (SCO).  SOC designs premier care plans for optometry and ophthalmology practices with an emphasis on dry eye care and cataract/refractive surgery.  Dr. Hauser is the founder of DryEyeCoach.com, the leading peer-to-peer education hub for ocular surface disease.

William Trattler, MD

Dr. William Trattler received his bachelor's degree with honors from Dartmouth College and his Doctorate of Medicine degree from University of Miami School of Medicine, where he graduated in 1992 with Distinction in Research. He completed his ophthalmology residency at University of Pennsylvania, Scheie Eye Institute and spent a year in training in Cornea and Refractive Surgery at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. Dr. Trattler performs a wide variety of refractive surgeries, including PRK, LASIK, LASEK, ICL and Refractive Lens Exchange.  He is a high-volume refractive cataract surgeon. He is a leader in the field of corneal collagen crosslinking for keratoconus, Pellucid, and post-LASIK ectasia. He also has a strong focus in Dry Eye, MGD, and treatments for presbyopia. Dr. Trattler has participated in over 70 clinical trials, including both device and pharmaceutical clinical trials. Dr. Trattler serves as President of the American-European Congress of Ophthalmic Surgery (AECOS) through December 2020. He has served on the Executive Board of the International Society of Refractive Surgery (ISRS) from 2011 through 2019 as well as the Refractive Surgery Alliance (RSA) from 2015 to present. Dr. Trattler has served as the Program Director of the Advanced Refractive Congress (ARC) in 2019. He is the Co-Program Director for AECOS Deer Valley 2020, is on the program committee for Hawaiian Eye, OSN NY and AECOS Aspen and is also on the program committee for the BMC Summit 2020. Dr. Trattler has written hundreds of articles (both peer and neon-peer reviewed) focused on crosslinking for keratoconus, cataract surgery, multifocal IOLs, LASIK, laser vision correction, dry eye and MGD and has lectured at more than 400 meetings. Dr. Trattler is board certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and has written many articles and abstracts, including as co-author of Microbiology Made Ridiculously Simple, a textbook used by medical, nursing and veterinary students throughout the world. Dr. Trattler is also co-author of Review of Ophthalmology, an Ophthalmology Boards review book that is used by residents to prepare for their written boards.   

Wynn Nguyen-Le, OD

Dr. Nguyen-Le received her Doctor of Optometry Degree from the University of Waterloo and a BSc with Honours Specialization in Medical Sciences from Western University. Her optometry leadership experience includes past president of the Canadian Association of Optometry Students, student councillor for the Canadian Association of Optometry, ambassador for Optometry Giving Sight and volunteer for Optometric Services for Humanity.

Yasser Khan, MD, FRCSC

Dr. Yasser Khan is fellowship trained in Ophthalmic Plastic, Reconstructive and Orbital Surgery (oculoplastics). He completed his medical school from McMaster University and went on to complete a residency in Ophthalmology at the University of Toronto. Dr. Khan then went on to complete an Oculoplastics Fellowship at the internationally renowned Ophthalmic Oncology and Oculoplastics Centre at the University of Cincinnati. He is currently a Clinical Assistant Professor at McMaster University and is the Director of the McMaster University Undergraduate Ophthalmology Program. His research interests include novel techniques of evaluating and teaching Ophthalmology to medical students and residents and the effect of eyelid surgery on various ocular conditions. He is actively involved in the training of international Ophthalmologists in the field of oculoplastics and has traveled internationally to lecture. He is on active surgical staff and practices at the Credit Valley Hospital in Mississauga and William Osler Health Center in Brampton, Ontario. His tertiary level oculoplastics practice includes a special interest in eyelid/orbital oncology, complex ocular and orbital trauma and aesthetic facial enhancement surgery. Dr. Khan is also Medical Director of the Carrot Eye Surgery Clinic in Mississauga, Ontario.