In this episode, longtime OWA supporter Ed Buffington, Executive Advisor and former CEO of GPN Technologies, joins OWA Talks to share about the women who have impacted his personal life and 46-year career in optical.

About the guest:
C. Edward (“Ed”) Buffington has been deeply engaged with the eye care industry for more than 46 years. His experience includes senior management in the contact lens and eye care technology. Ed is a highly regarded and well-recognized industry executive with a broad base of key industry relationships.
In 1983, Ed founded OfficeMate, still one of the leading PMS / EHR software provider in the eye care industry, and an integral product in the Eyefinity product suite. When Marchon purchased OfficeMate in 1994, Ed remained on board as a senior executive until 2008, when Marchon was sold to VSP. Ed retired from VSP after 6 years as Vice President, Strategic Eye Care Partnerships.
At GPN Technologies, Ed serves as CEO and President. His vision is to serve our client base with the best possible analytics, and highest standards of customer service.

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In this episode, we are joined by Yang Yang, President, Vision Care at Bausch + Lomb, who shares her experiences throughout her 11+ years in the eye care industry, wisdom she learned throughout her career, and advice for others to grow their careers and leadership opportunities. Yang Yang also provides insights on mentorship, how travel can enrich your role, and her hopes for the future of eye care.

About the guest:
Yang Yang was appointed President, Vision Care, in June 2023, after previously serving as Senior Vice President, Global Vision Care, since November 2021. Ms. Yang joined Bausch + Lomb in February 2014, serving in positions of increasing responsibility. Previously, she served as Vice President, International Vision Care, from 2017 to 2021, and as Business Unit Director, Vision Care, China and Japan.

Before joining Bausch + Lomb, Ms. Yang led marketing and sales teams for Johnson & Johnson, L'Oréal and Proctor & Gamble. She holds an MBA from the Stephen M. Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan and a bachelor’s degree in English Literature from Peking University.

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Tax season is upon us! Listen to this timely episode as we’re joined by Benitha Mintz, the CFO of Zyloware, as she offers unique insights on her approach to personal finances.

About the guest:
Benitha Mintz is an experienced Chief Financial Officer with a demonstrated history of working in the apparel and optical industry. Skilled in Cash Flow, Budgeting, Microsoft Excel, Cash Management, Human Resources, Logistics and IT Management. Strong finance professional with a Bachelor's degree focused in Accounting from City University of New York-Hunter College.

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This episode features three women from the newly formed International Expansion Committee — we hear how their careers were shaped, major differences in corporate culture abroad, and learn about all the exciting ways the OWA is going international!

About the guests:

Nancy Gries grew up in a small farming community in Wisconsin, and by the age of 17, was dreaming of exploring the world. With the encouragement of my supportive parents, she completed high school and joined a foreign exchange program in Brazil, inspiring her to continue studies in the UK, where she eventually began her career in optics in 1993—a career she's been passionate about ever since.
In 2015, she took a leap of faith and founded her first brand, which eventually led to COTI Vision, a joint initiative with her business partner, Julie. Their breakthrough moment came in 2019 when they appeared on Dragon’s Den (UK version of Shark Tank), introducing COTI Vision to the world, which was a whirlwind experience that gave them the visibility and momentum to transform their vision into a thriving lifestyle brand. Today, COTI Vision operates in both the UK and Italy, sourcing globally. Being a member of the Optical Women’s Association since 2015 has given Nancy even more purpose to advocate for and celebrate women in every aspect of life and has fueled my passion for uplifting women and celebrating their stories.

Erminia Monzo is a passionate professional with more than 12 years-experience in the optical industry, who has covered multiple roles across business planning, trade marketing, marketing and is now responsible for defining the global marketing strategy as well as the Markets Educational Strategy for Leonardo, EssilorLuxottica learning ecosystem. Erminia holds a MSc in International Management, from both Bocconi University, Italy, and the Indian Institute of Management of Ahmedabad, India. She officially joined the OWA in 2024 and is part of the International Expansion Committee.

Agathe Zakarian is a French-German communications executive based in Paris.
As Head of Corporate Communications at Thélios, she leads global communication strategies and corporate brand initiatives for the eyewear entity of LVMH. Before joining the eyewear industry, she built her expertise in the sporting goods and fashion sectors, shaping corporate narratives and brand positioning.
Agathe holds a Master’s degree from Sciences Po Paris. She has been a member of the Optical Women’s Association since 2022 and actively contributes to its International Expansion Committee.

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Kristy Stone, Director of Member Education at PECAA and OWA Membership Committee representative, provides insight into the importance of education within the industry, what she is most proud of, and what the Membership Committee is all about.

About the guest:
Kristy started her optical career as an optometric technician and worked her way up to area manager, working in all facets of a multiple location eye care practice. While maintaining true to her optometry roots, she is now the Director of Member Education at Professional Eye Care Associates of America (PECAA), where she has been assisting members with their educational needs for four years.

She is an avid OWA member who proudly serves on our Membership Committee where she works to spread awareness of the OWA and help prospective members with any questions. Additionally, Kristy was a 2024 Most Influential Women in Optical honoree.

While not busy planning webinars, CE events, and the PECAA Annual Meeting, Kristy can be found playing board games with her husband Chip, spoiling her French Bulldog Andre, traveling or attending concerts.

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In this episode, we learn how to “PIVOT!” Colleen Arbus teaches us the value of being able to pivot both personally and professionally. She also shares tips and tricks for how to apply sales techniques in your everyday life.

About the guest:
Colleen Arbus, National Sales Director, INNOVA Medical Ophthalmics, at Advancing Eyecare.
Results-driven multiple award-winning leader with a strong background in
ophthalmology surgical and capital sales, sales management, marketing, training, and recruitment. Proven track record of driving revenue growth and expanding market presence. Skilled in strategic planning, team leadership, and cultivating strong client relationships. Known for adaptability and a collaborative approach in achieving organizational goals. Proficient in sales forecasting, market analysis, and effective negotiation techniques.

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Tiara Claxton, former OWA President and Regional Sales Manager at Thélios, gives us the behind-the-scenes tea on Silmo, the early days at OWA, the Past-President's Retreat and more!

About the guest:
Tiara Claxton is a dynamic leader in the luxury eyewear industry with over 30 years of expertise in brand and sales management. Recognized internationally, she is deeply committed to advancing the industry, fueled by an entrepreneurial mindset. Tiara leads with empathy, empowering high-performing sales teams to achieve lasting commercial impact and build sustainable relationships across the North American market. As a strategic thinker, she consistently surpasses both personal and company goals, delivering exceptional results.

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Sophia is contagiously happy, oh so colorful and calling her an eyewear enthusiast would be an understatement. In this episode, we discuss the importance of continued learning and being your authentic self, "It is important to invest in yourself and push yourself to greatness."

About the guest:
Sophia Pray is the Office Manager and head Optician at Huntley Eye Care, Transitions Change Agent, INVISION Brain Squad panelist and OWA Member. Connect with Sophia on LinkedIn or Instagram @FoxySofa.

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