Essence Johnson, OD, FAAO, Dipl ABO.

  
PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla.—Black EyeCare Perspective has named Essence Johnson, OD, FAAO, Dipl ABO, as the first executive director of the non-profit. Dr. Johnson has served as the organizations chief visionary officer and co-advises the Black EyeCare Perspective Pre-Optometry Club. She assumed her new role as executive director at the start of the year, and will manage the day-to-day operations for Black EyeCare Perspective. As executive director, she will be responsible for further developing the organization’s strategic plan, staff and operational management, in addition to leading the marketing and fundraising programs and the organization’s projects and initiatives.

Adam Ramsey, OD and Darryl Glover, OD, founded Black EyeCare Perspective to cultivate and foster lifelong relationships between African Americans and the eyecare industry. They work alongside chief program officer Jacobi Cleaver, OD, business transformation manager Tiffany Humes, OD and executive assistant Samantha Wallen to create a pipeline for Black students into optometry and redefine the color of the eyecare industry 1 percent at a time.

 
 
Dr. Glover said, “Over the last few years, Black EyeCare Perspective has made a tremendous impact and grown exponentially. We thank and owe our growth to a solid and dedicated team, impactful strategic initiatives, and partnering with key industry partners. As a result of growth, it’s a pleasure and blessing to have Dr. Essence Johnson accept the executive director role at Black EyeCare Perspective. Dr. Johnson’s leadership skills, non-profit knowledge, and passion for increasing Black representation in eyecare are the perfect solution to grow and scale our initiatives at Black EyeCare Perspective.”