Caitlin Zulla.

DULUTH, Ga.—National Vision Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: EYE), one of the largest optical retail companies in the U.S., has announced the appointment of Caitlin Zulla to its board of directors, effective immediately. Zulla will serve on the board’s compensation committee, the company said. Zulla brings an extensive health care background, with expertise in primary care and specialty care services. She currently serves as chief executive officer of Optum Health East, part of UnitedHealth Group, where she is responsible for health care delivery for over 5.4 million patients across 10 states, leading more than 15,000 team members.

Previously, Zulla held several executive positions at SCA Health, a specialist alignment organization and leader in the ambulatory surgery center industry, including chief executive officer, chief financial officer and chief administrative officer. Zulla holds a bachelor of arts from Princeton University, a master of public health and health management from Columbia University and a Master of Healthcare Delivery Science from Dartmouth College.

“Caitlin has tremendous expertise across the health care value chain as well as a strong finance background that will be immediately additive to the National Vision board,” said Randy Peeler, chairman of National Vision’s board of directors. “Continuous refreshment is a core responsibility for our board to support the company’s long-term goals and sustainable value creation.”

 
Zulla said, “High quality and affordable health care, including vision care, is essential to our communities. National Vision plays a critical role in enabling millions of people to receive their much-needed eyecare and eyewear. I am excited to leverage my background and join the board to help oversee National Vision’s continued growth.”

Reade Fahs, chief executive officer of National Vision, added, “Caitlin brings a unique perspective at the intersection of patient care, physician partnerships and executive leadership. She has a keen understanding of our business and the customers and patients we serve, and she brings direct experience in advancing and promoting value-based care. I am looking forward to benefiting from her skillset as we continue to execute on our strategic initiatives.”

National Vision Holdings, Inc. is one of the largest optical retail companies in the United States with more than 1,200 stores in 38 states and Puerto Rico. The company operates four retail brands: America’s Best, Eyeglass World,Vista Opticals inside select Fred Meyer stores and on select military bases, and an e-commerce website DiscountContacts.com, offering a variety of products and services for customers’ eyecare needs.