DALLAS—The Optical Women’s Association (OWA) has appointed Jean Sabre to its board of directors. Sabre is the owner and practice administrator of Uptown Vision in Minneapolis, Minn. Before entering the optical profession, Sabre held management and sales positions throughout the U.S. with major retailers including Dayton’s, Marshall Field, Nordstrom and Barneys New York.

Her husband, Dr. Mark Sabre, established a private optometric practice in Minneapolis in 1991. Sabre has been the practice manager, lead optician and eyewear buyer from the beginning. She is a member of the Transitions Optical ProForum and currently serves on the board of Interlachen Country Club. She was also the recent chairwoman of Interlachen’s Golf for the Cure, which raises money for breast cancer research. The club was awarded the 2013 Bronze trophy by the National Breast Cancer Foundation as a result of this effort.

Sabre noted "One of the areas I am most excited about is growing our membership. We have so many dynamic women in our industry that we can reach out to and encourage them to participate and share their story."

Sabre said she is very motivated to start regional meetings and informal get-togethers.Since some members cannot regularly attend International Vision Expo, she feels more regional and local meetings can help keep members connected on a more regular basis. “Online education and regular information updates to our members also have the potential to keep all members in touch with one another more frequently.”