NEW YORK—Women’s influence in optical is undeniable. What’s remarkable, though, is just how pervasive their influence has become. Today, more women than ever before are playing vital roles at every level of our industry. In retailing, wholesaling, product design, manufacturing, distribution and vision care and managed care, talented women are shaping the direction of the companies and organizations they work for, and, in many cases, lead.

This is why Vision Monday will once again be highlighting The Most Influential Women in Optical in our Dec. 15 issue, marking the 12th anniversary of our signature Special Report saluting women in the eyewear/eyecare industry. We are currently seeking nominations via an electronic survey form.

The deadline for submitting nominations is Oct. 24. For this year’s Annual Report, please consider women who are making a difference in the following four categories:

Executive Suite: Candidates are women who hold the positions of president, CEO, CFO, CMO, CIO or COO that guide their companies forward, inspire leadership among their teams and peers and achieve high performance.

Mentors: Candidates are women who are team builders, developers of talent, who via example or education and training successfully influence others to learn and to grow in their business, professions, or within their organizations.

Rising Stars: Candidates are women who are “up-and-comers” in their careers and within their companies or arenas within the industry.

Innovators: Candidates are women who have initiated new product developments or special programs in the arena of marketing, technology or retail, who have spearheaded innovative business enterprises.

To nominate your choices go to the survey where you may select up to a total of two nominees for each category on the electronic nomination form.

Be sure to look for the results as we profile these influential women in the Dec. 15 issue: Vision Monday’s 2014 “Women of Influence.”

Please visit VisionMonday.com to review an alphabetical listing of past years’ honorees and to read prior years’ Special Reports.