the future in optometry and opticianry? All signs point to female.

Nearly 70% of students enrolled this year at North American schools and colleges of optometry are women. And, women continue to swell the ranks of opticianry today.

Women O.D.s + opticians already out there in the field are breaking down barriers and ushering in positive change in eye care. Which is exactly why we are incredibly proud + excited to debut the Eyecare Business #GameChangers awards in this groundbreaking issue!

An entire year in the making, we worked with our editorial team, the EB Editorial Advisory Board, and key frame and lens vendors to pinpoint 10 amazing women—independent optometrists + opticians—who are shaking things up in eye care, eyewear, and the optical industry for good.

We were fortunate enough to be able to bring all 10 women together at Vision Expo West in Las Vegas in September for a photo shoot (and networking celebration) that appears on our cover, the special gatefold cover, and our inside 12-page editorial feature on these incredible women—and the unique things each one is doing to change the game in vision care. A special thank you to Essilor, which has supported the #GameChangers journey + celebration all along the way.

Starting on page 32, you’ll meet innovative educators and mentors, eye health advocates, earth-moving entrepreneurs with a focus on diversity, social media gurus, and optical retailers who’ve realized smashing success in throwing out the norms. Get ready to be inspired. We certainly are.

We hope you enjoy this very special issue!

Erinn Morgan
Editor-in-Chief + Editorial Director
Eyecare Business