Contact Lens Institute (CLI) announced its 2026 Visionaries. These 17 optometrists and opticians from the United States and Canada were recognized for their leadership and engagement in contact lens education and awareness. Established in 2021, the Visionaries program aims to elevate peer-to-peer collaboration around soft contact lens innovation, healthy wear and care habits, and practical guidance for eye care professionals.
List of Visionaries
Seven Visionaries return after serving in prior years, joined by 10 newly appointed members. The 2026 Visionaries are:
- Roxanne Achong-Coan, OD, FAAO, FIAOMC, FSLS, Coan Eye Care and Optical Boutique, Ocoee, Fla.
- Kelsea Brown, OD, MyEyeDr, Atlanta, Ga.
- Elaine Chen, OD, FAAO, FSLS, Southern California College of Optometry, Marshall B. Ketchum University, Fullerton, Calif.
- Jennifer Chinn, OD, Dr. Chinn’s Vision Care, San Diego, Calif.
- Ryan Corte, OD, Northlake Eye, Charlotte and Asheville, N.C.
- Susan J. Gromacki, OD, MS, FAAO, FSLS, First Sight Vision Care, Fulton, Md.
- Michael Gzik, ABO, NCLE, New York Optometric, Syracuse, N.Y.
- Jennifer Liao, OD, FAAO, FSLS, New England College of Optometry Center for Eye Care, Boston, Mass.
- Heidi Miller, OD, FAAO, FSLS, UC Davis Health, Sacramento, Calif.
- Sheila Morrison, OD, MS, FAAO, FSLS, Mission Eye Care, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Julian Prosia, OD, Mountain Eyecare, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Renée E. Reeder, OD, FAAO, Kentucky College of Optometry, University of Pikeville (Ky.)
- Maria Sampalis, OD, Sampalis Eyecare, Cranston, R.I.
- Scott Samples, FCLSA, NCLE-M, Dean McGee Eye Institute, Oklahoma City, Okla.
- Harbir Sian, OD, Highstreet Eyecare Center and Clarity Eyecare, British Columbia, Canada
- Jennifer Stewart, OD, Look New Canaan (Conn.)
- Shauna Thornhill, OD, Amarillo (Texas) Vision Specialists
Program Perspective
According to CLI, Visionaries are selected for their clinical expertise as well as their ability to connect with peers. Participants contribute their insights and real-world experience to initiatives through practical tools, data, and clinical and practice management insights, including Contact Lens Institute’s The EASY Way and See Tomorrow initiatives.
“Visionaries are chosen not only for their contact lens clinical expertise, but for their passion for sharing what works,” says Stan Rogaski, CLI executive director.