PEOPLE

Marc Tersigni has joined ABB Optical Group as country manager for its Canadian operations. He most recently served as country manager for Essilor’s Canadian operations.

The Illinois College of Optometry appointed Christa Ojeda as its VP for business and finance/chief financial officer. Ojeda succeeds John Budzynski, who retired after serving for 15 years.

The Optical Women’s Association (OWA) announced new leadership. Robyn Crimmins of VSP Optics and previous VP of the OWA has assumed the president position. Megan Molony of National Vision and Jan Cory of IDOC will join the OWA Board of Directors.

◄ Joe Freitag has returned to SPY in the newly created role of VP of brand. Freitag has held multiple senior-level roles, including general manager and director of product at Kaenon, and global brand director at Arnette Eyewear.

Transitions Optical named Brian O’Neill, Ph.D., as global VP, innovation, technology, & operations. Previously, Dr. O’Neill worked at Abbott Laboratories as the global head of innovation and external collaboration in the company’s pharmaceuticals division.

BUSINESS UPDATES

Envision announced its collaboration with the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) to establish Envision Dallas Lighthouse for the Blind as the new home of the AFB Center on Vision Loss and Esther’s Place. A grand opening is expected in the spring in Dallas.

The Essilor Vision Foundation raised $1 million at its 11th annual Golf Classic, held at the Trophy Club Country Club in Trophy Club, TX. Funds raised will help underserved children across the U.S. receive critical vision care.

The VSP Global Premier Program launched a national consumer advertising campaign and program enhancements in support of private practice. Practices can choose their level of participation from new distinct tiers: Silver, Gold, and Platinum. Additionally, the Premier Academy360 new educational platform is available to practices participating in the Premier Program.

The fourth World Congress of Optometry (WCO4) will be held Sept. 2-4, 2021, in Melbourne, Australia.

AWARDS

ClearVision Optical was named to Newsday’s 2019 list of best companies to work for, competing among 117 other Long Island-based businesses for the honor.

◄ VSP Global and president and CEO Michael Guyette have been named recipients of the 2020 Prevent Blindness Person of Vision Award, which will be presented in New York City on the eve of Vision Expo East.

TRADE SHOWS

EYE ON SUSTAINABILITY

The MIDO eyewear show, scheduled for Feb. 29 to March 2 in Milan, will celebrate its 50th anniversary this year. MIDO 2020 will mark the international trade fair’s first milestone on its road to sustainability, introducing the “Stand up for green” competition, which will honor the most sustainably innovative stand. To learn more about MIDO’s mission, including its goal to obtain the ISO 20121 certification—an international standard for sustainable event management—by 2022, head to mido.com/en/sustainability.

 

 

 

 

THE FUTURE, CLEARLY

International Vision Expo East returns to New York City from March 26-29. This year’s monumental show reveals a rebranding and total reimagination for 2020 and beyond, unveiling new curated “neighborhoods” designed to optimize the connection between sellers and buyers.

“Advancements in continuing education programs are also central to Vision Expo’s reimagined presence,” says Mark Dunbar, O.D., FAAO, Education Advisory Board co-chairman. “Custom designed for Vision Expo by the Education Advisory Board, the 2020 Education program includes exclusive, never-before-seen clinical presentations staged for the first time ever at Vision Expo East.”

To register: east.visionexpo.com.