Stop Giving Away Your Power and Understand Your Value, with Dr. Brianna RhueDr. 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 business side, giving away our leverage. Understanding delegation, what your team wants and is looking for in a leader and how to bounce between it all as a wife, mom, business owner and entrepreneur. Learn how to go into exhibit halls and understand the value beyond the CE lectures. About the guest: Brianna Rhue, OD, FAAO, FSLS,  earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Arizona before earning her Doctorate of Optometry at Nova Southeastern University. She completed her residency at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute in Miami and is the owner of West Broward Eyecare in South Florida. Dr. Rhue is passionate about healthcare technology, myopia management, specialty contact lens fits and practice management. She enjoys sharing her love for technology and myopia management through speaking engagements to help optometrists understand business, technology and new areas of care to help all parties involved. Dr. Rhue is the co-founder of Dr. Contact Lens which made the INC 5000 list as the 41st fastest growing company in the US and TechifEYE. Outside the office, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two sons, playing tennis, standing on her head in yoga and traveling.Like this episode? Please subscribe and share!iTunes | Spotify | Overcast | iHeartRadio | Google | AmazonConnect with the OWA:Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook

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 of the largest family-owned eyewear distributors in North America. David provides vision and leadership to all areas within the ClearVision organization. Under his guidance, ClearVision has received countless honors and accolades from both the eyewear industry and the business community. David has appeared on several internet radio shows including The Growth Strategist, The CEO Show, and Power Hour and is a featured speaker at many industry-related events and functions. David has been a tremendous advocate for the implementation of 3D printing into the product development cycle at ClearVision. An avid new media follower, David strongly embraces new and innovative technology while remaining committed to meeting the needs of customers in today's ever-changing technological landscape. David loves reading and running and spending time with his wife Vicki and children Luke, Faith, Jake and Sam.Mimi Friedfeld began her career with ClearVision Optical in 1968. Over the years, she managed the accounting and personnel departments and contributed to design of the company's fashionable eyewear products. She helped her beloved husband Fred Friedfeld, the company founder, grow the family-run business from a small regional wholesaler to one of today's most respected leading optical distribution companies. She is an icon in the industry and recognized for her leadership and mentorship with the OWA Pleiades Award in 2005. She's been an active member of the OWA since its inception. Mimi loves reading, art, theater, and spending time with all her children and grandchildren.Liz Friedfeld leads ClearVision's business development department and responsible for growing strategic partnerships and optimizing lead generation. As a subject matter expert and CVO ambassador, Liz travels as a speaker on market trends, customer service excellence, and building a winning culture. Liz sits on the Board of the Optical Women Association co-chairing the Membership Committee. Under her stewardship, the OWA has seen a surge in membership with a record-breaking year in '23. Liz was recognized as One of the Most Influential Women in Optical and awarded an OWA Leadership Scholarship Award. Liz recently completed her 200-hour Yoga Teacher training certification in January 2024 and loves traveling with her husband Eric and children Sophie, Daniel and Izzy.Like this episode? Please subscribe and share!iTunes | Spotify | Overcast | iHeartRadio | Google | AmazonConnect with the OWA:Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook

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 optometric missions to Granada, El Salvador, and Mexico.About our guest: Dr. Sarvitree Sukaromya has been practicing optometry in Kansas City, MO since 2006. After earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Rockhurst University, she completed her Doctorate of Optometry degree from the University of Missouri St. Louis College of Optometry. She has experience in owning her own practice and has participated in optometric missions to Granada, El Salvador, and Mexico. For the past 14 years, she has been an Associate Optometrist for America's Best Contacts & Eyeglasses in Lee's Summit, Missouri. Three of those years she was an Area Doctor of the Kansas City Market with assigned Doctors to her. During that time, she maintained clinical care standards, provided supplemental training support when new equipment and electronic health records were implemented, and fostered effective communication amongst the Doctors and the staff for efficiency. Her areas of interest are primary eye care and contact lenses.When not seeing patients, Dr. Sukaromya serves as the Communications Coordinator on the Missouri Optometric Association staff in Jefferson City, Missouri. She has been in this role since August 2023 encouraging Doctors of Optometry in private and corporate practice to advocate for the profession. She keeps association member Doctors informed of the latest on scope of practice discussions, upcoming continuing education events and highlighting member Doctors in their practices.She was a recent graduate of the American Optometric Association Leadership Institute 2.0, November 2023. She was also a Featured Leader in Women of Optometry in an article Moving the Profession Forward, November 2023.Dr. Sukaromya and her husband, Clifton, have two sons, Julian and Braxton, and the loving memory of their daughter, Olive. In her spare time, she likes getting her hands dirty in the garden and corralling her growing number of pets.She is a member of the Optometric Society of Greater Kansas City, Missouri Optometric Association, American Optometric Association and as of this year 2024, the Optical Women's Association!Like this episode? Please subscribe and share!iTunes | Spotify | Overcast | iHeartRadio | Google | AmazonConnect with the OWA:Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook

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.’About our guest: Lorie Lippiatt, OD is a 1988 graduate of The Ohio State University, College of Optometry. She founded The Salem Eyecare Center, Inc. in 1989, and remained owner and President for 33 years before partnering with MyEyeDr. in 2021. Dr. Lippiatt was instrumental in the development of electronic medical records for optometrists and technology integration, lecturing nationally on these topics while consulting for numerous companies in the industry. Dr. Lippiatt joined the Optical Women's Association in 2004, and has been a board member since 2013, prior to her presidency in 2023. Dr. Lippiatt currently resides in Ohio and Florida, and enjoys optometry, greenhouse gardening, pickleball, and spending time with her dog, Betty Boop.Like this episode? Please subscribe and share!iTunes | Spotify | Overcast | iHeartRadio | Google | AmazonConnect with the OWA:Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook

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. Listen to this episode to hear Tracy’s enthusiastic perspective on leading teams to greatness vs simply managing to goals.About our guest: Tracy Neal has been in the optical industry for more than 33 years. She has worked in all areas of optometric practice, from working the front desk to being an optometric technician to being Practice Manager with her COPT. Now, with GPN Technologies since 2020, Tracy is the Director of Customer Support. She has been an active member of the OWA since 2021 and enjoys being on their Communications & Website Committee.Like this episode? Please subscribe and share!iTunes | Spotify | Overcast | iHeartRadio | Google | AmazonConnect with the OWA:Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook

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 organization for VSP Vision, an eye health company with 85 million members and more than 41,000 network doctors. In her role as Chief Growth Officer, Michelle oversees supply chain revenue, provider relations, strategic partnerships, PECAA (a doctor alliance group), and Premier Edge, the company's flagship program for providers.Michelle holds a bachelor's degree from California State University, Sacramento, and was named one of Vision Monday's "Most Influential Women in Optical" in 2009 and 2016. She has been married for almost 30 years and has two kids. She lives in Sacramento, California, and in her free time, enjoys long-distance running.Like this episode? Please subscribe and share!iTunes | Spotify | Overcast | iHeartRadio | Google | AmazonConnect with the OWA:Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook

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 private practice to her role as Executive Director, Professional Strategy at Bausch + Lomb.About our guest: Dr. Jill Saxon, an optometrist and fellow of the American Academy of Optometry, is the Executive Director of Professional Strategy at Bausch + Lomb. Dr. Saxon first joined Bausch + Lomb in 2014 and has almost two decades of experience in optometry. She is a distinguished lecturer, exceptional provider of patient care, and an established industry leader.In her current role at Bausch + Lomb, Dr. Saxon is responsible for helping to develop and launch new vision care innovations for eye care professionals. As the company's internal voice, she works with doctors to bring solutions to the marketplace that help address their patients' needs. She also shares industry insights and education with colleagues and fellow optometrists nationwide.Dr. Saxon first began her career as a Lieutenant at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, MD, where she cared for many of the nation's leaders. Throughout this time, she also mentored, educated, and trained optometry students. Directly following her time in the Navy, she was an independent optometrist. It was during this time that she learned of an opportunity to join Bausch + Lomb, where she helps thousands of providers around the world provide better care for their patients.She is a member of the Armed Forces Optometric Society, the New Jersey Society of Optometric Physicians, and the American Optometric Association.Like this episode? Please subscribe and share!iTunes | Spotify | Overcast | iHeartRadio | Google | AmazonConnect with the OWA:Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook

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 they start their new journey with OWA Talks.About the new hosts:Carissa Dunphy, ABOC, is a Marketing Specialist at Professional Eye Care Associates of America (PECAA) where she promotes the business needs for more than 12,000 independent eye care professionals nationwide. Carissa has passionately worked in the independent ECP space since 2008, and founded Optician Now, which provides educational resources and optical expertise. As the Vice-Chair of the OWA's Communications and Website Committee, and now the OWA Talks co-host, she is thrilled to further contribute to the future growth and collaboration within the industry.Tatiana Stewart is the Public Relations Supervisor at VSP Vision, where she leads the organization's Public Relations Team and sets media strategies that will enhance VSP Vision's brand presence and strengthen its position as a national leader in health-focused eye care. With 15 years' experience coaching and training executives and C-suite leaders on how to work with and communicate with the press corps, Tatiana makes a great addition to the OWA Talks Podcast. She has a passion for storytelling and a reporter's curiosity. As co-host, she looks forward to asking the right questions to learn the things OWA members want to know from some of the optical industry's top leaders.Like this episode? Please subscribe and share!iTunes | Spotify | Overcast | iHeartRadio | Google | AmazonConnect with the OWA:Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook

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 educate others. Visualize your goals and realize your dreams!About the guest: Robin Brush is the Training and Education Manager for Safilo North America, and her role supports both  the company's internal sales organization and its external customers.  As an ABO speaker, Robin provides educational seminars on a variety of topics directly to Safilo accounts and at trade shows, including Vision Expos East and West.  Many of her webinars and training sessions are featured on mysafilo.com and on mysafilo.com/CA, Safilo's b2b websites for North America.An ABO-certified optician, Robin has worked in optical for the last 28 years, with a focus and purpose of educating and leading others to see their true potential.  In 2018, Robin decided to "switch sides", and joined Safilo as a Key Account Manager.  From there, her keen ability to educate and inspire others helped her transition to the newly created role of Training and Education Manager.During the early stages of the COVID shutdown, while optical practices were either closed or operating on a limited schedule, Robin created and led a very successful and extensive educational webinar series on a variety of topics ranging from successful frame buying and visual merchandising to managing frame return rates and inventory analysis. Robin's webinar series was translated into three languages and made available to Safilo's customers globally, largely due to customer demand for her expertise in these areas.  In recognition of her leadership, Robin was honored as one of Vision Monday's Most Influential Women in Optical in 2021.Like this episode? Please subscribe and share!iTunes | Spotify | Overcast | iHeartRadio | Google | AmazonConnect with the OWA:Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook

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 the guest: Janna Neal is the Senior Vice President of Operations for Zyloware Eyewear, where her duties change drastically from day to day. Known as being cool, calm, and collected, Janna works with leadership teams to formulate policies, manage operations, and plan for the company's overall success.Janna is a current member of the Optical Women's Association Board of Directors and was one of Vision Mondays 'Most Influential Woman' in the Mentor Category in 2018.Janna graduated with her Bachelor of Science in Business; after majoring for two years in graphic design at New York Institute of Technology, she realized that she gravitated more to the behind-the-scenes operations of a business. She spends her spare time reading (hard cover books), watching crime shows, and has recently discovered a love for yoga (the quietness is so soothing!). She is learning to be a plant mama but admits she hasn't quite mastered that yet . . . .Like this episode? Please subscribe and share!iTunes | Spotify | Overcast | iHeartRadio | Google | AmazonConnect with the OWA:Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook

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, and create patient buy-in and customer loyalty.About the guest: Keri Sculland is the manager of editing and content strategy at Marketing4ECPs. As a content and communications specialist, Keri has published countless educational and academic articles in the past decade—which is how she discovered her special interest in the eye care industry.Her passion for educating and connecting audiences has developed into creating cohesive content strategies to reflect personalized content branding that yields authentic, effective results.Like this episode? Please subscribe and share!iTunes | Spotify | Overcast | iHeartRadio | Google | AmazonConnect with the OWA:Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook

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 leadership, networking, and professional development can help you achieve your goals. Make the most of your time and develop a plan that will help you thrive both professionally and personally.About the guest: Kristen Tischler is an accomplished leader with over 15 years of professional experience. She is currently the Vice President of Global Marketing for Advancing Eyecare, managing many of the most trusted brands in ophthalmic instrumentation.Kristen began her career working for a prominent ad agency in New York City, building digital marketing programs for companies such as SC Johnson and Zipcar. She went on to hold a series of marketing roles in the financial services sector, including investment banking, financial technology, and wealth management.Kristen joined the optical industry in 2017 with Lombart Instrument and Innova Medical. Since then, she has successfully integrated several additional leading equipment brands including Marco Ophthalmic, Ophthalmic Instruments, Santinelli International, and others—collectively known as Advancing Eyecare. With a passion for digital marketing, she launched e-commerce, email marketing, paid search, search engine optimization, digital consumer engagement, and lead generation activities across the organization.As the Vice President of Global Marketing, she now manages an international team supporting ophthalmic equipment brands across the Americas. She is passionate about building performance-based teams and fostering an adaptive culture through collaboration, innovation, and continuous growth. Kristen was named as one of Vision Monday's "Most Influential Women in Optical" in 2022.She currently lives in Virginia Beach with her husband, Chris, young son, and rescue pup. Kristen spends her free time staying active through Crossfit, running, and sand volleyball competitions. She is a former collegiate and professional athlete, and volunteers year-round for her favorite non-profit supporting the health and wellness of first responders.Like this episode? Please subscribe and share!iTunes | Spotify | Overcast | iHeartRadio | Google | AmazonConnect with the OWA:Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook

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 of growing recognized, trusted brands – including your own. About the guest: Sherianne James is an accomplished leader with over 25 years of marketing experience. She leads EssilorLuxottica's combined commercial marketing efforts across North America, including both its eyewear and lens brands.Sherianne started her career at Kraft Foods, where she managed several iconic consumer brands such as Kraft Singles. After Kraft, she led the marketing organization of Black & Decker Small Appliances. She came into the optical industry by way of Transitions, leading the marketing organization through the integration with Essilor and eventually becoming CMO of Essilor of America in 2017. Sherianne has been a board member of The Vision Council since 2018 and has been named twice to Vision Monday's "Most Influential Women in Optical" list.Like this episode? Please subscribe and share!iTunes | Spotify | Overcast | iHeartRadio | Google | AmazonConnect with the OWA:Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook

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 complex analysis of large data sets, developing robust market modeling sources and systems, and communicating relevant insights that can contribute to actionable and strategic business recommendations.An experienced researcher and evaluator who works with leaders to help them make data-driven decisions, Henkel launched her career at Goodwill Industries International, where she spent 10 years leading efforts to overhaul the organization’s national data collection and reporting systems and creating new opportunities to analyze the impact of the organization’s programs and services. More recently, she was selected as a Data Fellow with the Strategic Data Project at the Center for Education Policy and Research at Harvard University. During the two-year fellowship, she worked with an urban school district to help build their data analysis capacity and improve their data visualization and reporting. Henkel holds an undergraduate degree in anthropology, sociology, and German from Lafayette College and a master’s degree in public policy from George Washington University.Like this episode? Please subscribe and share!iTunes | Spotify | Overcast | iHeartRadio | Google | AmazonConnect with the OWA:Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook

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 Wakefield, Owner/Photographer of Top-Tier Headshots, started life in Canada but lived in several areas in the U.S. growing up. Daniel and his wife Bethany moved to south Florida in 2015, and it was there that his passion for wildlife photography was born. Daniel's wildlife work has been published in several books and magazines, and he has won awards in several prestigious wildlife photography competitions, including Top 100 in Audubon Bird Photography, 2018, and Top 15 in Africa Geographic Photographer of the Year, 2020. Daniel is renowned for his skill in photographing people and capturing genuine expression. Early in his photographic journey, Daniel recognized that people often have very forced expressions when you tell them to "smile." However, when the photographer can get people to relax in front of the camera, not only do they enjoy the experience more, they also come away with images that showcase their genuine expressions.This interest in capturing genuine expression was heightened when Daniel began training with Peter Hurley and his Headshot crew. Peter is widely considered to be the best headshot photographer in the world, and learning from him took Daniel's headshot photography to the next level. Daniel is an Associate Photographer of Peter Hurley and a two-time Headshot of the Week winner. In July 2022, Daniel Wakefield opened his brand-new commercial studio in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Daniel lives in Deerfield Beach, Florida with Bethany and their four beautiful children.Like this episode? Please subscribe and share!iTunes | Spotify | Overcast | iHeartRadio | Google | AmazonConnect with the OWA:Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook

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 builds on their story in the U.S. market. Sara also shares her best advice for the ladies of the OWA.Sara Osculati a graduate of Bocconi University in Milan has been working in the Eyewear industry for almost 20 years. Ms. Osculati has held various leadership positions managing large teams, including Eyewear Department Director for Dior from 2012 – 2017. As head of the Dior Eyewear department, Sara’s achievements placed eyewear among the central categories in the Maison’s strategy, federating all stakeholders from Creative Direction to Retail, on the importance of this category as a powerful tool in Business Development. As Chief Brand & Product Officer for Thélios since 2017, Ms. Osculati is counted among the founding members of Thélios. Along with the co-founders, she built up the company from scratch, bringing in her unique expertise in the luxury eyewear industry. Sara has responsibility for a large team composed of brand management, design, communication, retail management and product development. Additionally, Sara oversees the partnerships with all the Maisons in ThéliosLike this episode? Please subscribe and share!iTunes | Spotify | Overcast | iHeartRadio | Google | AmazonConnect with the OWA:Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook

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 | iHeartRadio | Google | AmazonConnect with the OWA:Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook

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 years, learning the business and filling almost every role at some point during her tenure. She found joy in educating patients about their eye health, giving personalized care, and making them feel seen and heard. This experience led to her current position with GPN Technologies, where she helps doctors and practice managers clearly understand their business trends and areas of opportunity to increase revenue. In her downtime, Amy enjoys the Virginia Beach coastline with her family and two beloved doggies. Like this episode? Please subscribe and share!iTunes | Spotify | Overcast | iHeartRadio | Google | AmazonConnect with the OWA:Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook

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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 new relationships and ultimately, promote industry growth.Additionally, as co-owner of Vision Expo, The Vision Council is busy preparing for Vision Expo West, taking place September 14-17.  Mills will share what to look forward to in Like this episode? Please subscribe and share!iTunes | Spotify | Overcast | iHeartRadio | Google | AmazonConnect with the OWA:Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook