KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Sandra S. Block, OD, DOS, (h.c), M. Ed., MPH, FAAO, Dipl AAO, FOVDRA, DAAO, FNAP, FARVO
Professor emeritus, Illinois College of Optometry
Dr. Sandra Block is an accomplished optometrist and educator who earned her OD in 1981 and completed a pediatric residency at ICO, where she taught until her retirement in 2020. She holds a master of education degree from National Louis University and a master of public health degree from the University of Illinois School of Public Health. In 2024, she received an honorary doctor of ocular science from ICO.
In November 2023, she served as the World Council of Optometry’s (WCO) president and is now the immediate past president. She has been involved with WCO’s work with the World Health Organization and the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness.
Dr. Block is a diplomate in Public Health and environmental vision at the American Academy of Optometry; a distinguished fellow of the National Academy of Practice; a Silver Fellow of ARVO; and a fellow of the European Academy of Optometry and Optics. She previously served on the Prevent Blindness board of trustees and was recently appointed an emeritus board member. She co chaired the National Center for Children’s Vision and Eye Health and recently retired as treasurer of the VISION 2020 USA board of directors.
She also served as a consultant to the Special Olympics Lions Clubs International Opening Eyes program from 1995 to 2022 where she was instrumental in developing the vision program that is still used globally today. Dr. Block’s interests lie in primary care for children and persons with disabilities, including the diagnosis and treatment of visually related learning problems, as well as public health issues facing the equity and quality of eyecare delivery—including the awareness of myopia and changing how we think about integrating myopia care into practice.
Cira Collins, Patient Care and Experience Coordinator - Optical, Kaiser Permanente
Cira Collins has spent more than 20 years working in almost every facet of the optical dispensary, including in both corporate and private practices, as a technician and an optician, in dispensing and production, as a buyer and as a vendor, and as a team member, manager and trainer. She is currently optical trainer for Kaiser Permanente and serves on the board of directors of the American Board of Opticianry and National Contact Lens Examiners (ABO-NCLE), and GoodVision USA. In 2022, Collins earned her ABOM, the master in ophthalmic optics designation from the American Board of Opticianry. In addition, she is an ABO-certified continuing education speaker, where she speaks on state, national and international stages.
In 2024, Collins was recognized as one of VM’s MIWO in the Rising Star category. She said she “believes the draw of the optical industry is found in its perfect mix of science, art and people” and that she has a personal mission “especially around lifting women.”
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Victoria Hallberg, Senior Vice President of Sales, Kenmark Eyewear/Zyloware
Victoria Hallberg is a senior eyecare industry executive and sales leader with more than 30 years of experience driving growth, building brands and leading high performing teams. She currently serves in a leadership role with Zyloware/Kenmark Eyewear, where she is helping guide the integration of these two iconic American companies while strengthening their shared commitment to the broader global community of eyecare professionals. Hallberg notes that she is deeply passionate about building meaningful partnerships and helping teams and customers succeed together.
Erika Jurrens, Executive, Senior Vice President Eyecare Growth Channels, Head of Strategy & Integrations, EssilorLuxottica
Erika Jurrens brings more than 20 years of leadership experience spanning general management, strategy, commercialization, and product innovation for global, publicly traded, and private equity–backed companies. In her role as senior vice president of ECP growth channels at EssilorLuxottica, she leads a diverse team and oversees a portfolio of businesses nearing $1.5 billion in revenue across distribution, manufacturing, services and technology.
Throughout her career, Jurrens has held roles at ABB Optical Group, Cardinal Health, GSK, and Johnson & Johnson, consistently driving growth through strategic vision, disciplined execution and customer-centric innovation. Known for her ability to transform strategy into results, she has led large-scale restructuring initiatives, product launches, M&A integration, and the development of high-performing teams in complex, fast-paced markets. Jurrens was honored by VM in the 2020 "class" of MIWO.
Michelle Skinner, Chief Provider and Industry Solutions Officer at VSP Vision
Michelle Skinner is the chief provider solutions officer at VSP Vision, where she leads strategic initiatives to support the company’s network of eyecare professionals and industry partners. With extensive experience in the vision care industry, Skinner focuses on fostering innovation, enhancing provider support, and driving collaborative solutions that improve access to quality eyecare.
Her leadership reflects a deep commitment to advancing the success of independent practices while addressing the evolving needs of VSP members and the profession at large. Skinner has also been recognized by VM as a MIWO honoree three times. She resides in California and in her free time, she enjoys long-distance running.
Kristen Tischler, Chief Marketing Officer, Advancing Eyecare
Kristen Tischler leads brand, digital and demand generation strategy for a portfolio of leading ophthalmic equipment companies across North America and the U.K. in her role as chief marketing officer at Advancing Eyecare. With over 18 years of experience in health care, medtech, financial services and B2B marketing, she is known for building high-performing teams and integrated programs that simplify complex solutions, drive measurable impact, and create long-term customer value. She brings deep expertise in brand positioning, customer experience, content strategy, and building scalable marketing systems that drive performance and efficiency.
Throughout her career, she has led organizations through brand transformations, M&A integrations, and scalable go-to-market initiatives. With expertise in brand positioning, customer experience, content strategy, and building scalable marketing systems that drive performance and efficiency, she has a track record of aligning commercial initiatives with enterprise-wide growth goals in fast-paced, highly regulated industries.
Named one of Vision Monday’s Most Influential Women in Optical in 2022, Tischler is a values-driven leader active both within and beyond the eyecare community. She currently serves as associate vice chair of the Optical Women’s Association’s Connection & Enrichment Committee, helps run the OWA Full Circle Mentorship Program, and volunteers with Prevent Blindness and The Vision Council. Outside the industry, she is also active with United Athletics USA, a nonprofit that promotes the health and wellness of first responders through sport by providing resources, advocacy, and organizational support for athletes who represent the United States at international competitions.
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