Anne Cooper



At the start of the year, I had the honor once again to attend The Vision Council Executive Summit, kicking off a season of gathering in the optical industry. It served as a fantastic opportunity once again to see industry colleagues and hear from peers and thought leaders about the concerns keeping them up at night. Even before we landed in Santa Barbara in January, it was clear that top on the list of industry concerns as we get into the new year is the threat of potential tariffs on imported goods.

Reliable news outlets continue to report on the possible imposition of tariffs, detailing proposed baseline tariffs of 10 percent across all imported goods as well as more stringent, country-based tariffs specific to Mexico, Canada and China that have been outlined by the Trump administration. While it remains to be seen whether these threats will materialize, concerns understandably remain paramount for members of the optical industry. Vision Monday will continue to stay close to this story, and we encourage readers to reach out to VM as we report on the proposed tariffs and potential impact across our industry’s many layers.

In addition, as expected, artificial intelligence (AI) and its role in our industry continues to stay top of mind as the new year gets underway. Building on our reporting from our June 2024 issue, readers will find in this issue a continued conversation with technology, software and contact lens companies, as well as eyecare professionals, as we take a closer look at how AI is impacting practices, the patient experience, and choices in products and staffing in 2025.

Finally, as we look toward Vision Expo East, I would be remiss if I didn’t share a few updates that have been top of mind about our Vision Monday and 20/20 editorial teams. We are pleased to share that Gwen Plummer and Jillian Urcelay have taken on new roles for our publications, as features editor and senior editor, social media, respectively. In addition, we are happy to introduce Stefani Kim, who joined us late last year as senior editor, lenses and technology. Please join me in congratulating them on their new roles as we look forward to gathering in Orlando.

acooper@jobson.com