The Optical Women’s Association (OWA) recently announced its 2026 STAR Award honorees, recognizing leaders whose work is advancing eyecare, innovation, mentorship, and global impact. The awards will be presented during the OWA Champagne Breakfast on Wednesday, March 11, held at the Hyatt Regency Orlando during Vision Expo. Each honoree receives $1,000 to donate to a charity of their choice as part of this annual celebration of achievement.
Pleiades Award: Susy Yu, OD
The Pleiades Award honors individuals who demonstrate exceptional support in advancing the leadership role of women in the optical industry. This award draws its name from the bright Pleiades star cluster.
Susy Yu, OD, MBA, FAAO, FACHE, is the vision services administrator for Vision Essentials by Kaiser Permanente in Southern California. In her role, she leads more than 400 optometrists and multidisciplinary teams to expand access to eye care and enhance the patient experience. Dr. Yu has developed value-based care models for diverse communities and led digital care initiatives, reinforcing optometry’s integration into broader health systems.
Pyxis Award: Liz Friedfeld
The Pyxis Award, named after “The Compass” constellation, celebrates an OWA member who actively participates and promotes the organization.
Liz Friedfeld, head of business development for ClearVision Optical, has played a key role in the OWA for more than decade. In particular, she has served on the Board of Directors and as co-chair of the Membership Committee. With her support, OWA membership continually reaches record levels.
Polaris Award: Alessandra Senici
New in 2026, the Polaris Award honors individuals who promote the OWA’s mission globally, reflecting the guiding nature of the North Star.
Alessandra Senici has held leadership roles at EssilorLuxottica and Luxottica, shaping education and awareness in vision care, practice management, and people development. Her work includes leading a digital learning ecosystem within vision care.
Emerging Leader Award: Cathy Firman
The Emerging Leader Award recognizes a rising star whose leadership qualities distinguish her in the industry.
Cathy Firman, senior director of customer success at GPN Technologies, leads the Practice Performance Team, which guides practices in leveraging business analytics to drive smarter decisions and growth. As an educator, she has developed training workshops that help paraoptometrics strengthen their skills and grow their careers.