KENT, WA

Dr. Heitmeyer received his Doctor of Optometry at The Ohio State University College of Optometry, where he was recognized with an award for patient care excellence.

His practice, Clearvue Vision Center, was recognized as a Best Practices℠ Honoree in 2021. Their constant pursuit of improvement led them to implement a text messaging system that allowed patients to communicate directly with staff during business hours, and during the COVID-19 pandemic they offered curbside pickup and telehealth visits.

Bend, OR

Gabby Marshall, OD, FCOVD, is the clinical director of Elemental Eyecare. In addition to providing comprehensive eye exams for children, she assesses, develops and directs the individualized vision therapy program for each patient. She is a graduate of Pacific University College of Optometry and a Fellow in the College of Optometrists in Vision Development (COVD). She is a member of the Oregon Optometric Physician's Association and the American Optometric Association. Dr. Gabby was the recipient of the 2001 Oregon Young Optometrist of the Year.

Amarillo, TX

Shauna Thornhill, OD, of Amarillo Vision Specialists believes that one of the most impactful ways to advance optometry is by interacting in a meaningful way with the community. That’s why she and her staff have taken that passion beyond the walls of their practice by creating an annual free exam/toy drive day, The Sight Before Christmas. This program provides free eye exams to those who may not be able to afford one, in exchange for a small toy donation. The toys are then given to children in the community who are in need.

In 2016, 2,975 toys were donated and 240 free eye exams administered by Dr. Thornhill and her associate.

College Station, TX

Dr. Greene opened Urban Optics in 2012 to provide individually unique exams for every customer. His entire team implements a “concierge” approach to eye care to customize each patient’s experience. Patients are greeted by a host who checks them in before visiting the office’s concierge, who helps to facilitate the rest of the patient’s flow throughout the office from pretest to checkout. These “super technicians” are trained to refract, diagnose and prescribe eliminating the need to “hand off” patients.

This unique approach to customized care earned Urban Optics its Best Practices℠ recognition for excellence in patient experience.

Sun Prairie, WI

Jeffery Clements, OD, of Clements Vision Care believes that in order for the optometry profession to continue to advance and remain relevant, advocacy is essential. When businesses shut down due to the pandemic in early 2020, Dr. Clements worked alongside his local legislature to ensure optometrists were recognized as essential workers so they could continue providing eye care to patients.

Clements Vision Care’s unwavering commitment to enhance its practice and the profession resulted in its Best Practices℠ recognition across several categories, including industry advancement, community impact, specialty services, and team building.

Ludington, MI

Dr. Jennifer Branning opened West Shore Eye Care in 1991, and has been in practice for over 35 years. She sees caring for patients as the specialty of her office, and believes her all female staff has shaped her practice and helped her team empathize with patients.

West Shore Eye Care specializes in medical eyecare, and for the last 6 years, Dr. Branning has been particularly focused on dry eyes. As the only dry eye center for 140-miles, she has succeeded in making the latest dry eye treatments and technologies accessible for her patients.

Charleston, SC

Dr. Jennifer Smith Zolman grew up in Eastern Ohio and obtained her Doctorate of Optometry at Nova Southeastern College of Optometry in 2006. She is the owner and CEO of the Draisin Vision Group in Charleston, SC.

According to Dr. Zolman, Draisin Vision Group is a customer service business that just so happens to specialize in eye care. Her team is dedicated to delivering an experience patients cannot receive anywhere else, and this approach has stood the test of time as Draisin Vision Group celebrated their 50th anniversary in 2022.

Birmingham, AL

Dr. Brooke Kaplan completed her undergraduate education with a B.S. in Genetics from the University of Georgia. She earned her doctor of optometry degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Optometry

Dr. Kaplan is a MyEyeDr Clinical Field Director of Alabama, member of AOA, a member of ALOA, president of the executive board of NE Miles Jewish Day School, past member of UABSO Alumni Board and current board member of the Birmingham Jewish Foundation. Her passion is to help people live full lives without being concerned about their sight because when a patient does not have to think about seeing clearly, they can focus on achieving their goals.

New York, NY

Margery Weinstein is the editor-in-chief of Review of Optometric Business, a publication focused on helping the owners of optometry practices better serve patients while becoming more profitable. Margery started with ROB in 2010 as managing editor, becoming editor-in-chief in 2020. Prior to her work with ROB, Margery was a senior writer with Training magazine, a workforce management publication, which she still writes for on a freelance basis. In addition, Margery is a worldwide correspondent for JAX FAX Travel Marketing and Destinations Magazine, a freelance position that has taken her across the world, from Central and South America, to the Caribbean, Europe, Asia and Africa. She lives in New York City, where she writes short stories in her leisure time.