Mike Daley.
ALEXANDRIA, Va.—R. Michael (Mike) Daley has been named as the chief executive officer of The Vision Council, effective Oct. 1, 2014, following the previously announced retirement of Ed Greene, who has led the organization for the past eight years.

Longtime optical industry veteran, Mike Daley began his optical career as an instructor with Ferris State University in 1975. After 34 years with Essilor, he retired in 2008 as the president and COO of the organization’s Lens Division. To advance the optical community, Daley serves as a board member or in a leadership position for a number of optical organizations including Optometry Cares – the American Optometric Association Foundation, Prevent Blindness America, The Illinois College of Optometry Board of Trustees, and past chairman of The Vision Council. In his current position, Daley serves as The Vision Council’s Optical Laboratory Division Liaison, formerly the Optical Laboratories Association (OLA) - the organization's largest division.

“I am incredibly honored to have the opportunity to work with The Vision Council in this capacity, and hope to continue the great work that has been done at the organization under Ed’s leadership,” Mike Daley stated. “I think that the industry is heading in a very exciting direction, and I’m looking forward to bringing a fresh perspective to the organization’s overall programs and services.”

”After an expansive candidate search, The Vision Council’s Board and a dedicated selection committee are very pleased to welcome Mike Daley on board as CEO,” said Raanan Naftalovich, chairman of The Vision Council Board of Directors. “Mike is one of the most respected professionals in our industry today, and his contributions have consistently been recognized by his colleagues, the eyecare provider community and the industry at large.

“Having served in several corporate and volunteer leadership positions throughout his career, we are confident he is uniquely positioned to understand the challenges and opportunities facing the industry today. On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Ed for his years of dedicated service to not only the organization, but to the industry as a whole.”

Under Greene’s leadership The Vision Council has seen an unprecedented increase in membership, growing from almost 250 member companies to more than 750. He has overseen a complete rebranding of the organization, formerly known as the Vision Council of America (VCA). Greene extended consumer outreach for the industry beyond a simple vision exam reminder into what is now an expansive multi-channel marketing and advertising program promoting the entire spectrum of vision care products and services and creating over 1 billion consumer impressions each year.

After over 30 years in the optical industry, Greene plans to retire with his wife, Susan, at their home in Midlothian, Va. and spend more time with their four children and five grandchildren.