Anne Cooper



Grateful and inspired. As the new year gets underway, these are the feelings I keep coming back to.

In January I joined Vision Monday and 20/20 as editorial director, and soon after headed to The Vision Council Executive Summit as a first-time attendee. While there, I was quickly inspired by the camaraderie and professionalism among attendees representing so many corners of the vision care industry, and by presenters who, as veterans of their trade, generously shared their expertise.

Heading back to our offices in Newark, N.J., I continued to be inspired by the talented teams within Vision Monday and 20/20. I have felt grateful to start my journey in the vision industry here, with these teams and within an industry that is unique in its noble mission of improving sight, but also reflective of our world today as it continues to self-examine and evolve.

While I am a newcomer to the optical industry, the knowledge I bring with me is informed by 25 years of writing and editorial experience. I started my career as a print journalist after earning a bachelor’s degree from Georgetown University and while completing a master’s in journalism from New York University. I soon moved into health care publishing, finding a way to indulge my interest in health care while staying immersed in the beauty of the written word. I quickly realized I had found my home.

Within this space, I have had the honor of collaborating with some of the most talented editors in the field, who have worked meticulously to ensure words clearly and beautifully convey their intended meaning. I have sat with thought leaders in health care and practice management, seeing the passion they have not just for delivering excellent patient care, but for educating and showing others the way.

Which brings me back to the Summit. I emerged from the experience humbled, not just by the breadth of expertise within the industry, but by the accessibility of its leaders and the willingness of those who have found success to help others along the way. I am grateful to all who have taken time to discuss the many facets of their work–most notably among them being Marge Axelrad, whose industry knowledge is unmatched.

As I take my first steps, I am grateful to her, and to each of you, our readers. I look forward to continuing this lifelong journey of learning, together.

acooper@jobson.com