2026 Most Influential Women In Optical OWA Members

This year marks Vision Monday’s 24th annual Most Influential Women in Optical report. The Vision Monday editors selected 35 women who are honored in five distinct categories: Executive Suite, Rising Stars, Mentors, Innovators and Above & Beyond.

These are women who are continuing to shape the face of our industry from every angle; they are ECPs, executives, sales and marketing professionals, teachers and so much more. But above all, they are women who have had and continue to have profound impacts on the lives and careers of those around them. And they change our industry for the better while doing it... Read Vision Monday’s #MIWO2026 Report

Take a look at these OWA members who are included in the 2026 Most Influential Women in Optical report:

Executive Suite

Women who hold positions such as President, VP, CEO, CFO, CIO, or COO.

Kathleen Crowley Director of Sales, Europa Eyewear “I have mentored and supported salespeople in our industry and have been able to help the opticians be successful with their career by sharing my years of sales and marketing experience. At the same time, I have shown the same career dedication to Europa that they have reciprocated with for me and we have grown together.”

Melody Healy Senior Vice President, VSP Vision Care Operations, VSP Vision Care “I want to be remembered for making the way for other women. I want to help other women push the boundaries and find their voices and be fully at the table. Things are much more welcoming today, but we can still be more inclusive.”

Stephanie Lucas Chief Marketing Officer, Professional Eye Care Associates of America (PECAA) “Let curiosity nudge you forward and let kindness and generosity guide the way you move through the world. Pay attention to the people and moments around you—there is so much to be learned just by listening. Go the extra mile to try to make things a little better than they were before.”

Rising Stars

Women who are ‘up-and-comers’ in their career and companies.

Tori Hyndman Director, Communications, The Vision Council “I’m incredibly lucky to work alongside many inspiring women who challenge and support me every day. I’m proud to be part of an all-woman team and to collaborate closely with leaders across the organization.”

Karen Michaelson, ABOC Elder Vision and Dementia Awareness Specialist, Owner, Kare Consulting and Coaching, LLC “The honor of being nominated as a ‘Rising Star’ after 46 years proves that if you keep reaching and maintain a desire to create change, inspiration never runs out. It’s a testament that it’s never too late to reinvent your impact and chase new purpose.”

Catherine White Senior Director, General Manager, Independent Distribution Division, EssilorLuxottica “Be endlessly curious and be a good listener. Although this started as a way to conceal my naivety, it turned into the first step in my journey to establishing trust and credibility.”

Mentors

Women who are team builders and developers of talent.

Kristin Calimlim Director of Marketing and Communication, Lafont "No challenge, no change. Growth begins when we’re willing to step outside what’s comfortable, face uncertainty and trust ourselves to rise. Every challenge is an opportunity to evolve, lead and become more than we were before.”

Alana Clarke Regional Sales Manager, WestGroupe USA "I’ve also been fortunate to learn from several mentors throughout my career in the optical industry. Each offered different perspectives and guidance—some challenged me to push beyond my comfort zone, others emphasized the importance of integrity, consistency, and showing up every day. Together, their advice and support have shaped my leadership style and helped guide my professional growth.”

Alyssa Spence Practice Director, Bella Vision "Pay attention to the environments you’re moving through and the ones you’re helping create. You don’t have to accept burnout or chaos as the cost of success. Influence doesn’t always come from a title; it comes from consistency, clarity and how people feel working alongside you.”

Innovators

Women who have initiated new products, programs, or ideas marking success.

Laura Brown Senior Marketing Director, Vision Source & Essilor Doctor Alliances “My advice to women exploring a career in the optical industry is simply this: be open to it—because it’s an incredibly fulfilling field. Once you step into this industry, you quickly realize how meaningful the work truly is. Knowing that what you do helps support doctors who transform lives every day brings a deep sense of purpose.”

Natasha Vora Founder and CEO, Optical X | twelve84

“Stay open-minded and embrace any and all people that speak to your heart and passion, whatever path that is within this industry. And then follow that path and create a purpose that you can follow through on, day after day, year after year. That’s how we make recognizable change when we stick to it and follow that dream through steadfast execution until its realized… lead and inspire with fearless ambition if transformation is your purpose.”

Above and Beyond

Women who have led the way in giving back to the industry, their patients, and their communities.

Kathryn Chambers Director, Corporate Marketing & Brands (Fashion & Philanthropy), L'Amy America “Find something that inspires you, that brings you joy. At the end of the day that’s what keeps you coming back.”

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Debby Corriveau Senior Operations Manager, Jobson Optical Group “Find your passion, embrace it, love what you are doing (and do it well) and enjoy—the rewards are endless."

Krista Lane Sales Director, National/Key Accounts, EssilorLuxottica

“First and foremost, I remember that everything we do is tied to a patient who needs our products and services to see and live their best lives. Internally, I love to manage people and help them succeed. There is nothing better than seeing a team come together and work like a well-oiled machine.”

Quotes and images from Vision Monday #MIWO2026