NEW YORK—A renowned vision technology expert, a journalist who covers the intersection of healthcare and tech, a leading Canadian omnichannel retailer and a trio of optometrists who each offer specialized forms of care are rounding out the roster of speakers at the Vision Monday Leadership Summit. The unique, high-impact event will be held live and in person at The Times Center here on Wednesday, March 30, just ahead of Vision Expo East. Themed "Discover & Recalibrate! Trends, Ideas and Tactics for Confronting Radical Change," the exclusive and influential event will examine the dizzying pace of megatrends, shaped by the global pandemic, that are transforming retail and healthcare right now.

In a session titled, “Vision-Tech Covergence,” Fast Company reporter Ruth Reader will talk with VM’s lens and tech editor, Andrew Karp about Big Tech’s latest moves in the healthcare space and what that might mean for vision care. They’ll explore how the pandemic has changed how consumers are accessing healthcare products and services, and how new technologies are increasing access to healthcare by turning the home into a health hub.

Calvin W. Roberts, MD, president and CEO of Lighthouse Guild, will share his insights about new vision technologies for people who are visually impaired. A clinical professor of Ophthalmology at Weill Cornell Medical College, Dr. Roberts has a unique blend of academic, clinical, business and hands-on product development experience.

He was formerly senior vice president and chief medical officer, Eye Care, at Bausch Health Companies where he coordinated global development and research efforts across their vision care, pharmaceutical and surgical business units. As a practicing ophthalmologist from 1982 to 2008, he performed more than 10,000 cataract surgeries as well as 5,000 refractive and other corneal surgeries.

He is credited with developing surgical therapies, over-the-counter products for vision care, prescription ocular therapeutics and innovative treatment regimens. He also holds patents on the wide-field specular microscope and has done extensive research on ophthalmic non-steroidals and post-operative cystoid macular edema.

Dr. Roberts has co-founded a specialty pharmaceutical company and is a frequent industry lecturer and author. He currently serves as an independent director on multiple corporate boards and has served as a consultant to Allergan, Johnson & Johnson and Novartis. He has recently enjoyed the honor of being included on Crain’s New York Business 2021 list of Notable In Health Care. His podcast series, “On Tech & Vision with Dr. Cal Roberts” offers information and insights about technological innovations that are tearing down barriers for people who are blind or visually impaired.

Summit speakers include, top row, l to r, Louis-Felix Boulanger, John Carroll III, Sydney Stinson Ferguson, Solomon Gould, OD, David Kepron, Vik Malhotra and Amanda Nanasy, OD. Bottom row, l to r, Ruth Reader, David Reitnauer, Calvin Roberts, MD, Jennifer Stewart, OD, Lisa Sun, Davitha Tiller and Whitney Fishman Zember.

In addition, three prominent optometrists—Solomon Gould, OD, Jennifer Stewart, OD and Amanda Nanasy, OD—will join together for a three-way discussion about “New Access Points and Routes to Care.” They will share insights about how they are expanding their scope of practice to include new methods of primary care that open new access points for patients, while also differentiating their practice.

Louis-Félix Boulanger, co-founder and COO of Montreal-based eyewear retailer BonLook will participate in a session called “Retail Is the New Media Channel." Boulanger leads various departments that work in cooperation to provide the best customer experience in the eyewear industry. He oversees a range of divisions including Information Technology, Operations, Fulfilment and Retail. The BonLook brand is part of FYidoctors, Canada’s leading diversified healthcare organization.

Read more about the VM Summit program and the other Summit speakers in the Feb. 24  and Feb. 17 VMAILS.

The day's program will feature voices from outside and within the business to offer glimpses of the near future, where disruption remains constant, and consumers are one step ahead. Summit attendees will learn about the new purpose of a store, how brands are being built and how innovators are creating new pathways to patient-centric care. Registration for the exclusive Vision Monday Leadership Summit is open and details are posted here.

For 15 years, the Vision Monday Leadership Summit has attracted senior industry executives, optical retailers, leading eyecare professionals, suppliers and key opinion leaders from the worldwide optical industry. It has become the place for face-to-face networking, a dynamic exchange of ideas and thought-provoking discussion.

For the 2022 VM Leadership Summit, Platinum Sponsors include: EssilorLuxottica, HEA + PECAA, and VSP Global Premier. Gold Sponsors include: CareCredit, Ocuco, Sunbit and The Vision Council. Silver Sponsors include: Alcon and Dr. Contact Lens.