Kristy Stone, Director of Member Education at PECAA and OWA Membership Committee representative, provides insight into the importance of education within the industry, what she is most proud of, and what the Membership Committee is all about. About the guest: Kristy started her optical career as an optometric technician and worked her way up to are…

In this episode, we learn how to “PIVOT!” Colleen Arbus teaches us the value of being able to pivot both personally and professionally. She also shares tips and tricks for how to apply sales techniques in your everyday life. About the guest: Colleen Arbus, National Sales Director, INNOVA Medical Ophthalmics, at Advancing Eyecare. Results-driven mul…

Tiara Claxton, former OWA President and Regional Sales Manager at Thélios, gives us the behind-the-scenes tea on Silmo, the early days at OWA, the Past-President's Retreat and more! About the guest: Tiara Claxton is a dynamic leader in the luxury eyewear industry with over 30 years of expertise in brand and sales management. Recognized internationa…

Sophia is contagiously happy, oh so colorful and calling her an eyewear enthusiast would be an understatement. In this episode, we discuss the importance of continued learning and being your authentic self, "It is important to invest in yourself and push yourself to greatness." About the guest: Sophia Pray is the Office Manager and head Optician at…

The True Value of a Healthy Workplace Culture: In this episode, OWA Talks is joined by Cheryl Moore, HR Director at GPN Technologies. Listen as we discuss the importance of a strong workplace culture with a seasoned HR expert. We’ll hear tips on how to positively impact the culture around you and what to do if you’re not happy about the current cul…

Pushing Boundaries & Being Your Own Champion: Often times, women who are driven and successful tend to avoid highlighting their own accomplishments. In this episode, OWA Talks is joined Mary Jones, Senior Manager of Professional Business Development at Zyloware. Follow along as we discuss with Mary why it is so important to be your own champion and…

The secret to marketing your business is YOU! Hear from our guest in this episode on how to style your way to success. About the guest: An award-winning licensed optician, Wendy is also an image consultant and optical sales trainer. After a 10-year opticianry career, Wendy retired from the traditional brick and mortar optical shop and created a new…

This month's visitors are three chairpersons from the Digital Marketing Committee, who provide us with insider knowledge on their committee's inner workings. Chair Kerri Ann Raimo, Vice-Chair Reagan Colpitts, and Associate Chair Kayla Ashlee detail how their committee serves the OWA by connecting authentically through digital channels, what members…

In this episode, OWA Talks is joined by Barbara De Rigo of De Rigo Vision SPA. Listen as we discuss YALEA, an exciting De Rigo house brand, created and launched in collaboration with our guest, that promotes contemporary women and seeks to help enhance their personal growth and empowerment. About the guest: Barbara De Rigo was born in Cortina d' Am…

Dr. Brianna Rhue talks with our co-hosts about scaling a business and everything along the journey. Going from an Optometrist to a woman in tech, building the 41st fastest growing company, to purchasing a practice and the hurdles to overcome. Hear how the patient / doctor relationship is so important in healthcare and when not understanding the bus…

ClearVision Optical is a second-generation family-owned independent leader in the eyewear industry. Join us in this episode where we chat with not one, but three members of the Clear Vision family and discuss the values that have allowed the company to endure for 75 years. About our guests: David Friedfeld is President of ClearVision Optical, one o…

With a mother who worked as a nurse, Dr. Sukaromya, knew from a young age she wanted to help people. Listen to this episode of ‘OWA Talks’ to her about incredible passion to help people, patients, and the industry at large. She also shares her insights on owning her own practice, staffing shortages, navigating times of change and participating in o…

It’s a new year and OWA Talks is kicking 2024 off with a bang by featuring a very special guest, newly inducted OWA President, Dr. Lorie Lippiatt! In this episode, Dr. Lippiatt shares her unique journey within the OWA, her inspiring vision for the OWA’s future during her term as President, and exciting musings she has on different career ‘stages.’ …

Tracy Neal, Director of Customer Support, GPN Technologies talks to our co-hosts about motivating and cheerleading teams to not only produce output, but on how to thrive personally and professionally. Creating goals and challenging yourself to work outside of your comfort zone is a skill Tracy has honed in her more than 33 year career in optical. L…

In this episode of OWA Talks, we hear from Michelle Skinner, Chief Growth Officer at VSP Vision. Michelle outlines her ‘Three C’s’ approach to leadership and explains how to use this approach to navigate change, foster growth and plan for the future in uncertain times. About our guest: Michelle Skinner leads a centralized, doctor-facing sales organ…

A life of Service: Dr. Jill Saxon talks with new OWA Talks co-hosts, Tatiana and Carissa, about her journey in the industry. Through a career in optometry and her service in the US Navy, Dr. Saxon has made a meaningful impact on the world. Listen to this inspirational episode to hear Dr. Saxon’s story, drawing from family members in Optometry and p…

Join us for a special episode of OWA Talks as we ‘turn the mic’ and get the story behind the story from our hosts. Outgoing co-hosts Sandra and Stephanie pass the baton to new co-hosts, Tatiana Stewart and Carissa Dunphy, but not before they share all the tantalizing behind the scenes details of their experience and interview Carissa and Tatiana as…

Robin Brush, Training and Education Manager Safilo North America chats with OWA Talks about her journey from Optician to requesting the ten minute meeting with an executive that changed her career. Tune in for a passionate personal story that Robin shares with listeners on translating her critical communication skills and honing your craft to educa…

Janna shares her career journey from a receptionist working part time while in college to an executive with the same company, (Zyloware) In the current environment with more people moving companies to move ahead, learn how we can create opportunities and advance our careers. Janna also discusses some exciting initiatives happening with OWA. About t…

Are you looking to enhance your eyewear business and connect with customers in a meaningful way? This month we delve into the world of content strategy and its critical role in the optical industry. Keri Sculland of Marketing4ECPs will provide valuable insights and practical tips on how effective content can shape your brand image, foster community…

Are you looking to develop a sustainable career while also achieving balance in your life? Join us for this month's podcast, where we'll discuss the challenges a lot of busy women face in today’s fast-paced world. Discover powerful strategies to shape a more satisfying career and to stay on top of your craft. We'll explore how intentional leadershi…

Throughout her career, Sherianne James has worked with household brands, including some of the most recognized brands in the world. As chief marketing officer and senior vice president of Wholesale Marketing at EssilorLuxottica North America, Sherianne works with the most recognized brands in our industry. Join us to learn more about the importance…

Alysse Henkel of The Vision Council shares differentiation points on Market inSights from other industry tools. Launched in December, our co-hosts chat the report learnings with Alysse and hear about Vision Council prep ahead of Vision Expo East. About the guest: Alysse is responsible for establishing data management systems and policies to enable …

As we launch 2023 Daniel Wakefield, renowned photographer chats reflecting your personal brand in a business profile. Hear the importance of capturing genuine expression to best present the face you show the business world. Daniel also chats thoughts on capturing video content to use in ever-changing marketing needs. About the guest: Daniel Wakefie…

Sara Osculati, embodies the entrepreneurial spirit that has helped Thélios become a major luxury player in the eyewear market. Thélios is the eyewear expert within LVMH Group (Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton), World leader in Luxury with a portfolio of over 75 luxury brands. Hear Sara talk through her vision of a bright future as Thélios successfully b…

As one of 2021’s Most Influential Women in Optical, Dr. Valerie Sheety-Pilon has a rich heritage and background with Optometry and Ophthalmology. Dr. Val joins OWA Talks to chat elevating eye exams and strategic initiatives she is working on with VSP and the industry. Like this episode? Please subscribe and share! iTunes | Spotify | Overcast | iHea…

Amy Hendrick is the Business Development Manager for GPN Technologies and EDGEPro. Her 15 years experience in the optical industry began at a LASIK surgery center, where she found passion in educating patients on the surgery process, easing their fears and facilitating their life changing surgery. She went on to work in a private practice for 8 yea…

Like this episode? Please subscribe and share! iTunes | Spotify | Overcast | iHeartRadio | Amazon Connect with the OWA: Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | FacebookBy Stephanie and Sandra

Ashley Mills is CEO of The Vision Council, the industry association serving as a global voice for eyewear and eyecare that represents companies in diverse segments of the optical industry. Mills will discuss The Vision Council’s efforts to foster a sense of strong community within the industry, curate opportunities for members to connect and forge …

Undoubtedly, the COVID-19 pandemic forced us all to rethink how we work together, and how our behaviors and actions have an impact on others. Bidisha will share her personal story on how developing and leveraging soft skills are crucial for a positive and collaborative work environment. Like this episode? Please subscribe and share! iTunes | Spotif…

Dr. Anne-Marie Lahr shares stories of career diversity for women in Optometry. Whether delivering patient care as a practicing OD, teaching, lecturing internationally or research and corporate options, there are many opportunities. Also hear about new technology of “liquid lens” or vectorial refraction. Better 1 or two?! Like this episode? Please s…

Beginning with a simple post on the company portal, an invitation to join a meeting, and soon after, an interview followed. Now Susan Larsen is off to the races alongside some amazing women to form National Vision’s first Employee Resource Group dedicated to enhancing the lives of women. Like this episode? Please subscribe and share! iTunes | Spoti…

In the current environment for our industry, people that work with and for us are our biggest asset and resource. Jamie and the Shyer family built a culture of getting the best team members, in the right “seat on the bus.“ Having a talented, diverse group of people working in the business is the secret to success. Like this episode? Please subscrib…

Victoria is passionate about giving back and developing others in our industry. In our business and personal lives we are dealing with continual change. Victoria coaches others toward finding their path of happiness to work through circumstances we are faced with. Like this episode? Please subscribe and share! iTunes | Spotify | Overcast | iHeartRa…

Definitions of 'networking' have taken on new meaning and relevance over the past two truly tumultuous years since the pandemic began..The idea of networking doesn't need to be intimidating or 'formalized' but an enlightening, uplifting and reassuring way to learn, gain new perspectives about yourself, and what your work means to you . As we look o…

Deb Bulken is the President of the Optical Women’s Association and also serves as the Vice President of Sales at Luxottica. She has worked in the optical industry since 1986 through a variety of different leadership roles. Deb is passionate about supporting the growth and development of women in the industry through mentorship and professional deve…

Selin Olmsted shares wisdom, tips, and strategies for how she created the first independent optical design studio in 2015 based on her desire to help others look their best and seeing a need for designers. Selin seeks to overdeliver on every project and make her studio indispensable. Located in New York, Selin Olmsted Studio is a B2B eyewear design…

The past few years have placed many of us in tough situations with no easy answers. Some of us have had to rethink our ideas of what matters most in our personal and professional lives. Dr. Maria Sampalis, our featured podcast guest for November, emphasizes the importance of adopting healthy behaviors and strategies to overcome failed moments, allo…

Join two of OWA’s 2020 Leadership Scholars Cathy Firman and Kylie Matya in this month’s podcast to hear impactful moments from their professional development experiences and how they work to support the OWA’s mission of helping to connect, inspire, and lead in the optical field. The OWA Leadership Scholarship Award provides funding for each recipie…

Most people won't be doing the same thing at the beginning of their career as they will be at the end. Join us as we talk about how you can best utilize opportunities with contacts and your influence to professionally evolve throughout your career. Carissa Dunphy is an ABO Certified Optician who has been working in the Optical industry since 2008. …

Use your drive and passion to create your successful career path through hard work and connections. In this podcast, Dr. Stewart shares her success tips and strategies for creating powerful connections that enable career success. Dr. Stewart has successfully become a partner at Norwalk Eye Care and has been recognized as one of the Best Eye Doctors…

We are Nancy Gries and Julie Hawkins. We are 50+ year old ladies who met at work two decades ago. Together we have over 50 years’ experience in the optical industry. Over these years we have been honoured to call our mentors and colleagues some of our closest friends. A few year’s ago we both encountered experiences which left us feeling taken adva…

What's going on at the schools and colleges of Optometry.? All 23 Optometry Schools have gone through rapid adaptation during the pandemic to continue supporting their students' successful learning journey. Committed faculty are to preparing the future of the profession while continuing to grow their skills as the profession continues to evolve. Dr…

It's been said that women have the capability of multi-tasking far better than men; but when you're working full time, raising a child, and a pandemic strikes, is it possible to juggle it all? In this podcast, we hear from Katie Lauver, a busy mom to a high-energy toddler and VP of Business Relations at GPN Technologies. Katie has been working from…

The Vision Council, the trade organization representing more than 700 companies in the vision care industry and co-owner of Vision Expo, has been busy planning for Vision Expo East 2021, scheduled to take place for the first time ever in Orlando, Florida from June 2-5, 2021. Join Ashley Mills, CEO of The Vision Council for an engaging conversation …

Every March, we celebrate Women’s History Month to honor women’s contributions in American history and this episode with Dr. Kate Hamm celebrates women while focusing on supporting women to help create a more equal and inclusive workplace. Dr, Hamm began analyzing various components contributing to the wage gap during optometry school and works to …

Meet Karen Giberson — President and CEO of the Accessories Council, Editor-in-Chief of AC Magazine, and EMMY Award winner! A genuine "retail insider", Karen has years of experience in communications, merchandising, marketing and public relations. As President & CEO of the Accessories Council, a non-profit advocacy group, she represents a $50B+ indu…

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the No. 1 killer of women. It claims more women’s lives than all forms of cancer combined! Learn how Go Red for Women, from the American Heart Association, educates, promotes awareness, and is positively impacting the health of women related to CVD. Caroline Hickam, Director of Go Red for Women with the American Hear…

Ever wonder how optical trade magazines ACTUALLY work? Join Dee Carroll, editor-in-chief of INVISION and longtime optical editor, for a no holds barred, fully transparent conversation on the behind-the-scenes nitty gritty on what gets in, what gets left on the editing floor … and why. She will address misconceptions about how trade magazines work, …

According to the 2020 McKinsey Women in the Workplace study, 865,000 women left the workforce last month, compared to only 216,000 men. Today, more than 1 in 4 women are contemplating downgrading their careers or exiting the workforce entirely. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the choices working women are having to make, America is at a turning po…