Zanna Kruoch, OD, FAAO, FSLS, Dipl AAO

Dr. Zanna Kruoch is a fighter—literally and figuratively. In terms of a pastime, she enjoys boxing. And, in terms of her optometric career, she has a passion for empowering the students she teaches.

Named the 2025 Utah Educator of the Year by the Utah Optometric Association (UOA), she is currently an associate professor at Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions at the College of Optometric Medicine in Provo, UT. Dr. Kruoch’s extensive background includes both clinical and academic experience.

Her teaching topics of choice? Ocular disease and specialty contact lenses. As an Anterior Segment Diplomate of the American Academy of Optometry, she has been recognized for those teaching talents and their influence on students.

In addition to this year’s UOA honor, she was named Educator of the Year by the Texas Optometric Association in 2018 and then by the American Optometric Association as Optometric Educator of the Year in 2019.  —Stephanie K. De Long

Where are you currently channeling your energy and passion in your career? 

My energy and passion lie in education with my students. Empowering young optometric students who will soon be optometrists means a greater impact on the public.

 What is your advice for success in the eyecare industry? 

As in any other health care profession, optometry will evolve, so my best advice is to remember that optometric education does not end at graduation; we must continue to learn and develop.

What are you looking to focus on in 2026 to adapt to the current climate in the industry? 

My focus is creating more access to care, particularly in the underserved population, and equipping the next generation of optometrists with the skill set to adapt to a quickly moving landscape of eye care that includes artificial intelligence, telemedicine, and rapidly evolving research.

Being named an #EBGameChanger makes me feel...

Héctor C. Santiago, OD, PhD, FVI, Dipl AAO

Dr. Héctor C. Santiago believes that active involvement with the community one serves promotes the highest level of professionalism and lifetime learning. That helps explain why he has so many letters after his name. 

He is a professor and director of research at the Inter American University of Puerto Rico School of Optometry and has dedicated 40 years to optometric education. 

The author of more than 100 publications, posters, and presentations, Dr. Santiago was president of VOSH/International (2023-2025), is a board member of both VOSH/International and Latinos En Optometry, and has led more than 25 humanitarian clinics in Latin America. He received the Ambassador of Goodwill Award from Lions Clubs International in 2014 and the Brien Holden Humanitarian of the Year Award from the American Academy of Optometry in 2022.  —S.K.D.

Where are you currently channeling your energy and passion in your career?

My energy is focused on global eye health. I am passionate about joining colleagues in leading humanitarian efforts to eliminate preventable vision impairment and blindness worldwide, particularly in underserved communities. As a professor, my focus is to promote optometric education and research in the Latin American region. Lastly, I am strongly committed to developing the next generation of culturally competent optometrists.  

What is your advice for success in the eyecare industry?

Success in eye care comes from relentlessly focusing on serving the underserved, which means being committed to lifelong learning, embracing cultural competency, and actively engaging in humanitarian work to expand access to care globally. 

What are you looking to focus on in 2026 to adapt to the current climate in the industry?

I plan to focus on research and public health initiatives to address the specific visual needs and cultural competency required to serve the diverse populations of the U.S. and the world. 

Being named an #EBGameChanger makes me feel...

Gwen Cooper, MPA, CFRE

Gwen Cooper is listening. 

“When we align messaging and shared goals, we will create a unified path forward,” says Cooper, who took on the role of executive director/CEO of the United Opticians Association (UOA) in March. “True progress happens when everyone feels heard, valued, and part of the process.”

And she’s doubling down on her vision. Optical pro Cira Collins, a 2024 #EBGameChanger, shares how Cooper won over industry experts at the UOA Leadership Conference in May. 

“Even though [Cooper] had been in her role only a few months, she knew the majority of the 200 people in the room by first name,” Collins says. “Gwen is no parter of the waves, but rather she is a builder of ships and holds the opticianry sextant, ready to help us navigate rough waters.” 

Opticianry will benefit, no doubt, from Cooper’s wealth of knowledge, as she brings more than 25 years of experience leading multi-state and national organizations (plus millions in secured funding dollars toward impact-focused initiatives) to her pivotal role with the UOA.  —Kerri Ann DeCindis 

Where are you currently channeling your energy and passion in your career?

I have relied on opticians since I was 6 months old, so leading the UOA is truly the capstone of a career devoted to health care, advocacy, and improving the quality of life for people from diverse populations. I am focused on elevating the profession, uniting stakeholders, shaping policy, and am committed to the passage of minimum certification requirements for all opticians in every state!

What is your advice for success in the eyecare industry? 

Use your voice! Success in our industry begins with intentional communication. My goal is to engage a wide range of stakeholders, like our members, industry partners, and advocates, and in meaningful dialogue to discuss ideas, identify barriers, and build consensus. 

What are you looking to focus on in 2026 to adapt to the current climate in the industry?

Education, advocacy, and membership, advancing the case for minimum competencies for all opticians in every state. To drive this forward, we’ll combine compelling storytelling with data from our recent Consumer Attitudes Survey, which shows that most patients assume their opticians are licensed or certified. By showcasing the skill and impact of highly trained opticians and aligning public expectations with professional standards, we have a strong case for certification or licensure in every state. It’s about improving outcomes for patients and strengthening the profession for those who serve them.

Being named an #EBGameChanger makes me feel...

Jacobi Cleaver, OD, FAAO, Dipl AAO

If there’s one thing Dr. Jacobi Cleaver brings to optometry, it’s passion—with a side of personality. 

Dr. Cleaver serves as staff optometrist of the Baylor College of Medicine Department of Ophthalmology and practices at the Martin Luther King Jr. Health Clinic. While he specializes in anterior segment and ocular disease, his interests reach far beyond the slit lamp—check out “OD’ing on Movies,” a podcast he co-hosts that blends optometry and cinema.

Dr. Cleaver’s impact has been recognized with the Salus University Presidential Medal of Honor and the Dr. Edwin C. Marshall Emerging Leadership Award, but it goes far beyond accolades: As chief program officer of Black EyeCare Perspective (BEP) and cofounder of the BEP Pre-Optometry Club, he’s helped grow a movement that now includes over 300 aspiring optometrists.

—Veronica Daub

Where are you currently channeling your energy and passion in your career?

Of course, providing the best patient care possible and continuing the work with BEP. I recently launched the “OD’ing on Movies” podcast with Jacob Wilson, OD, FAAO, which has been incredibly fun. 

What is your advice for success in the eyecare industry?

Success does not look the same for everyone, but no one achieves success on their own. Find a mentor, ask questions, get involved, network, and, most importantly, evacuate your comfort zone! 

What are you looking to focus on in 2026 to adapt to the current climate in the industry?

I want to continue to pour into the profession that welcomed me in with open arms. Every year, I am presented with an opportunity that I did not even think was possible because of optometry. I like the mystery of it all! As long as it aligns both personally and professionally, I am game! 

Being named an #EBGameChanger makes me feel...

Melissa Barnett, OD, FAAO, FSLS, FBCLA

Vision. Health. Wellness. Those are the platforms upon which Dr. Melissa Barnett has built her ongoing contributions to both eye care and coaching. Recognized for her expertise in dry eye disease, specialty contacts, scleral lenses, keratoconus, and presbyopia, she says she is energized by her “passion for helping people improve their lives by optimizing their vision, health, and wellness with a customized approach.”

This year, she received the Legends Award from the American Optometric Association’s Contact Lens & Cornea Section for contributions to contact lens and cornea knowledge. In 2024, she was named Top Doc by the National Keratoconus Foundation and Scleral Lens Practitioner of the Year by the Scleral Lens Education Society.

She’s authored more than 300 articles and books, delivered more than 500 lectures, and, in addition to serving on several industry boards, is a founding member of Intrepid Eye Society. Her work has been featured in medical and professional publications as well as The Washington Post, Good Housekeeping, and more. As an associate certified professional life coach, she specializes in mindful leadership, wellness, and public speaking and is a host on two podcasts: “Clearly KC” and “Starting Strong | A Podcast for New Coaches.”  —S.K.D.

Where are you currently channeling your energy and passion in your career?

I’m channeling my energy and passion to uplift others in eye care as a professional life coach, helping them see what’s possible, reconnect with purpose, and flourish through the power of authentic connection.

What is your advice for success in the eyecare industry?

I believe success in eye care begins with empathy, compassion, and genuine connection. We can all look for opportunities to embrace this incredible community, collaborate, and support each other. This way, we elevate one another, serve with purpose, and continue to move our profession forward.

What are you looking to focus on in 2026 to adapt to the current climate in the industry? 

I’m excited to combine coaching with eye care to elevate others through connection. It’s rewarding to help prevent burnout while empowering people to see new possibilities. I’m inspired to continue uplifting others through coaching or by educating on my favorite clinical topics in eye care to enhance patient care.

Being named an #EBGameChanger makes me feel...

Charlie Saccarelli, ABOM

Charlie Saccarelli will never be accused of taking himself too seriously. When asked for information on his professional background, he offered this: “Charlie’s the president of Chadwick Optical and a two-time loser of the prestigious International Optician of the Year Award. He’s done other stuff too.”

As owner and president of Chadwick Optical, based in Schwenksville, PA, he has, in fact, done a lot of “stuff.” He took the helm at Chadwick in 2013 but recalls playing with lenses at age 8. 

Open since 1980, the company and its team, known for specialty work, is described by Saccarelli as “a group of optical nerds on a mission to change the apathy we often see in the current care system by offering solutions when no one else will.” 

A sought-after speaker, he shares those solutions in the workshops and classes he conducts in the U.S. and abroad. —S.K.D.

Where are you currently channeling your energy and passion in your career?

Creating content and education that is human-focused versus product-focused and transitioning our company to employee ownership.

What is your advice for success in the eyecare industry?

Be fascinated. We are creating the window between a human’s primary sense and the rest of their world. It can be life-changing for better or worse. Take the responsibility seriously.

What are you looking to focus on in 2026 to adapt to the current climate in the industry?

I can’t keep up with the pace of tech, but I can continue to care about helping people. That seems to have worked out so far.

Being named an #EBGameChanger makes me feel...

Elise Kramer, OD, FAAO, FSLS, FBCLA

Dr. Elise Kramer is shaping the future of eye care one contact lens at a time. Owner and founder of the Miami Contact Lens Institute, this residency-trained optometrist is on a mission to elevate the standard of care for patients with ocular surface disease, dry eye, and complex visual needs. Trained at the renowned Bascom Palmer Eye Institute and Miami VA Medical Center, Dr. Kramer now serves as president of both the Scleral Lens Education Society (SLS) and Women in Eyecare (WiE)—two platforms she uses to amplify education, mentorship, and collaboration across the field.

A global voice in ocular surface disease and specialty contact lens innovation, Dr. Kramer has authored several articles, participated in clinical research trials, and lectured in several different languages—all to move the profession forward and improve patient outcomes. —V.D.

Where are you currently channeling your energy and passion in your career?

I’m focused on elevating specialty contact lens care (scleral lenses and EyePrintPRO, prosthetic lenses/therapeutic tints, and orthokeratology), scaling education and mentorship through SLS and WiE, and strengthening protocols for dry eye and myopia management.

What is your advice for success in the eyecare industry? 

Lead with patient outcomes and empathy, keep learning relentlessly, and collaborate across OD/MD/industry networks. Measure your results, continuously improve your clinical approach, and invest in your team.

What are you looking to focus on in 2026 to adapt to the current climate in the industry? 

Developing next-generation dry eye treatment protocols and education, expanding access to advanced scleral designs, refining evidence-based myopia management standards, and developing training programs that empower clinicians to deliver advanced, patient-centered care.

Being named an #EBGameChanger makes me feel...

Janelle L. Davison, OD

 Dr. Janelle L. Davison is bringing fresh eyes and a whole lot of heart to modern optometry. A born innovator, Dr. Davison has co-founded multiple ventures—from tech startups and consulting firms to eyewear lines and online academies—empowering optometrists to thrive in private practice.

A nationally recognized, board-certified therapeutic optometrist and dry eye expert, she’s the founder and owner of Brilliant Eyes Vision Center, a full-scope optometry practice, and the Visionary Dry Eye Institute of Georgia, a referral center for ocular surface treatment where science meets self-care. 

When she’s not running her bustling practice, this powerhouse entrepreneur is busy writing for leading industry journals, advising top eyecare brands, and mentoring future optometrists through her nonprofit, S.C.O.R.E. Inc.

Whether she’s on stage as an expert panelist or in the exam chair with a patient, Dr. Davison continues to carve a noteworthy notch in the eyecare space. Just in October of this year, Dr. Davison found herself on national television, appearing on “The Jennifer Hudson Show” to discuss eyelid mites, busting the myth that it is caused by poor hygiene and noting the importance of routine eye exams. —V.D.

Where are you currently channeling your energy and passion in your career? 

I’m focused on elevating peers by partnering with industry to bring practical innovations to optometry and help doctors implement them with confidence. I also challenge ECPs to think beyond the obvious.

What is your advice for success in the eyecare industry? 

Treat eye care like a business: Identify a gap and deliver a solution—consistently. I launched my software, Paradeyem, to boost office efficiency and patient experience, and I partner with industry to bring a diverse, urban-informed perspective to care.

What are you looking to focus on in 2026 to adapt to the current climate in the industry?

In 2026, I’m doubling down on ocular surface disease and practice management—leveraging innovation to enhance my software, Paradeyem, so independents can boost calculation accuracy, revenue per patient, and the patient experience. I’ll also advance my dry eye institute as Georgia’s leading center and a sanctuary for symptom relief and community support.

Being named an #EBGameChanger makes me feel...

Paul Holman, LDO (AK), NCLEC, ABOC, FNAO

There’s a force lighting up the optical scene in the northernmost state, and it’s Paul Holman. As board president of the Opticians Association of Alaska, Holman has helped elevate the profession statewide—uniting opticians, advocating for growth, and championing continuing education.

With nearly two decades of experience across retail, private practice, and industry roles, Holman’s path reflects his deep passion for optics and people alike. He is the education coordinator for the American Board of Opticianry–National Contact Lens Examiners and the policy analysis consultant for the United Opticians Association (UOA), where he channels his passion for advocacy to benefit the profession overall.

Whether he’s coordinating CE programs or connecting with his peers, Holman delivers expertise with heart, humor, and a smile on his face.  —V.D.

Where are you currently channeling your energy and passion in your career?

I have been given the opportunity to aid in education for speakers, state societies, organizations, and my fellow opticians. Additionally, I am on loan to aid the UOA in building a robust advocacy platform for our profession. 

What is your advice for success in the eyecare industry?

Together we are stronger in this industry! Let’s put away our titles and positions, come together with our many talents, and create a real space where we can make the industry better for the reason we are all here—enhanced experience and care for our patients!

What are you looking to focus on in 2026 to adapt to the current climate in the industry?

In one word, unification—to bring more personal connections together in all fields of the eyecare industry. The work of advocacy with the UOA is an ongoing project, and it is opening the doors to all opticians to have a voice on the future of the industry. 

Being named an #EBGameChanger makes me feel...

Tiffany Rosell, LDO, ABOC, NCLEC

It’s been almost a decade since Tiffany Rosell was informed her son needed glasses during his 12-month checkup.

“The challenges we faced were finding an optician willing to answer all our questions and seem confident in fitting Ethan for glasses,” Rosell shares. “The world of opticianry was entirely new for me. I just happened to ask lots of questions and became so fascinated by the answers I received that I wanted to know more.”

Much has changed since then, as the licensed dispensing optician and owner of Sweet View Optical in Sugar Hill, GA, is the second vice president of the Opticians Association of Georgia and a recipient of the sought-after Optical Women’s Association Adira Grant.

Now, she’s able to share a bit about the process that she was so interested in back in 2016, as her optical boutique offers an Interactive Lab Experience—allowing anyone who buys a pair of glasses at Sweet View to witness the intricate process of edging a pair of lenses.

“It positively reinforces everything we covered during the initial fitting and really drives home that a person’s glasses are uniquely made to fit them—and hopefully puts it in their minds to take care of their eyewear.”  —K.A.D.

Where are you currently channeling your energy and passion in your career?

Redefining the optical experience through Sweet View Optical—blending artistry, technology, and community to prove that eyewear isn’t just vision correction, it’s wearable art with a purpose.

What is your advice for success in the eyecare industry?

Lead with authenticity, invest in continuous learning, and never underestimate the power of human connection—because patients remember how you made them see and how you made them feel.

What are you looking to focus on in 2026 to adapt to the current climate in the industry?

I’m focusing on elevating independent optical through innovation—integrating experiential care models, sustainability, and personalized design to future-proof the patient journey.

Being named an #EBGameChanger makes me feel...