Industry Leadership Award

Dr. Michele Andrews is the Chief Medical Officer of VSP Vision, where she guides strategy across all clinical modalities. She oversees the alignment of clinical standards in optometric care and supports the development of programs that expand access to high‑quality, patient‑centered eye care for VSP’s diverse member populations.

With more than three decades of experience, Dr. Andrews has held leadership roles spanning retail and private optometric practice, managed vision care, and medical device manufacturing and distribution. Prior to joining VSP Vision, she served as Vice President of Marketing and Professional Affairs at CooperVision, where she oversaw marketing and professional affairs strategy for the Americas, including academic partnerships, advocacy initiatives, and professional education. She previously served as Executive Vice President of Professional Services at For Eyes Optical and held senior leadership roles with EyeMed Vision Care and LensCrafters.

A proud alumna of the Illinois College of Optometry, Dr. Andrews began her career as a practicing optometrist across a range of clinical environments, including private practice, multi‑unit ophthalmology, and LASIK co‑management. She completed her residency at the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Huntington, West Virginia.

Carl Hubbell “Hub” Spear, OD, MBA, FAAO

Dr. Carl Spear is Senior Vice President for Eye Care, EssilorLuxottica North America. He earned his Doctor of Optometry degree from the University of Alabama School of Optometry at Birmingham, following his undergraduate studies at Western Kentucky University. He continued his professional development with a residency in Primary Care Optometry/Ocular Disease at Northeastern State University College of Optometry and earned his Master of Business Administration from Auburn University.

Throughout his career, Dr. Spear has been a leader in the field of optometry, demonstrating his commitment to excellence and innovation. He founded and successfully operated Sight and Sun Eyeworks and Panhandle Vision Institute, a network of seven integrated private practices, before transitioning to roles within the optometric industry.

With a passion for both patient care and industry advancement, Dr. Spear has held significant positions, including Senior Vice President of Eye Care at Essilor Luxottica North America, Senior Director of Professional Relations at Vision Group Holdings, and various roles at Alcon and Novartis Ophthalmics. His expertise extends beyond clinical practice to encompass areas such as professional development, education, and vendor relations.

In addition to his professional achievements, Dr. Spear is actively involved in optometric organizations such as the American Academy of Optometry and the Florida Optometric Association. He has served in leadership capacities, demonstrating his dedication to advancing the profession and advocating for patient care.

Outside of his professional endeavors, Dr. Spear has also made significant contributions to his country, serving for 39 years in the United States Armed Forces, with both Army and Air Force experience.

Dr. Spear’s career is characterized by his unwavering dedication to improving vision care, his innovative approach to optometry, and his commitment to serving his patients, his community, and his country.

Video presented at ASCO’s Annual Business Meeting

As a 2002 graduate of State University of New York College of Optometry, Dr. Lee brought over 12 years of hospital-based and private practice optometry experience to her Johnson & Johnson Vision (JJV) position. Prior to joining JJV, Dr. Lee opened a private practice in Irvine, California, spoke to doctors across the country as a Professional Affairs Consultant, and served as program director at the Johnson & Johnson Institute. As the leader of the Professional Team, Dr. Lee oversees Johnson & Johnson Vision Care’s support of Professional Advocacy, Education and Relations and is a core member of the Vision Americas Leadership Team. She is a strong supporter of allyship and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion within and external to JJV. Outside her role as a mom and wife, Dr. Lee is also a proud member of the AOA, a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry and recently completed her MBA from USC Marshall School of Business.

Video presented at ASCO’s Annual Business Meeting

The 2022 Opthalmic Industry Leadership Award recipient is Vernon Dela Cruz, Program Manager, Doctor Relations at VSP Global. In this role, Vernon oversees VSP’s Schools of Optometry and State Optometric Association programs. Over the years, Vernon has worked closely with ASCO and all of the schools and colleges of optometry to expand scholarships and grants for students, highlight practice management education, and reinforce the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion within the optometric industry. 

ASCO’s 2019 Industry Leadership Awardee is Richard E. Weisbarth, Vice President, Professional Affairs U.S. Vision Care of Alcon. Dr. Weisbarth received his OD degree from The Ohio State University College of Optometry. He also served in the Contact Lens Practice Residency Program at the University of Alabama in Birmingham School of Optometry.

“Supporting optometric education today is the best investment we can make for the future. By working together – ASCO, academia and industry can create a better tomorrow in vision care,” says Dr. Weisbarth.

ASCO’s 2018 Industry Leadership Awardee is Dr. Rodney L. Tahran. Dr. Tahran recently retired from Essilor after 36 years and is an adjunct professor at Southern California College of Optometry at Marshall B. Ketchum University and the Pacific University, College of Optometry.

“I am honored to receive this award and am happy to contribute to optometric education and to support ASCO. Thank you very much!” says Dr. Tahran.

The 2017 Industry Leadership Award is given to Hoya’s Mike Elton. Mr. Elton has made exceptional and meaningful contributions to the advancement of ASCO and optometric education.

R. Mike Daley, The Vision Council’s Chief Executive Officer, is this year’s Industry Leadership Award winner. Mr. Daley was honored with this award for his long history of support of ASCO and his enthusiasm, professionalism and leadership.

Mr. Daley is recognized for his long history of support of ASCO and his enthusiasm, professionalism and leadership. He has consistently championed programs that have advanced and enhanced optometric education and have benefited students, faculty and residents.

“I am incredibly honored to receive the Industry Leadership Award from ASCO and am proud to support their commitment to promoting and advancing excellence in optometric education,” says Daley. “In return, I pledge to continue as an advocate for optometry related causes in the vision community, particularly those that educate the public about eye health and the importance of annual eye care.”

The ASCO Ophthalmic Industry Leadership Award recognizes an individual from a current or past Corporate Contributor partner company that demonstrates exemplary support of ASCO and its member institutions. The individual serves as an example for his/her colleagues in industry; and has made exceptional and meaningful contributions to the advancement of ASCO and optometric education.

The Inaugural Industry Leadership Awardee is Mr. Dave Sattler, former Director of Professional Relations at Alcon. Mr. Sattler retired from Alcon in 2014 after 28 years of service.

“I am very honored to receive the first Industry Leadership Award from ASCO,” according to Mr. Sattler. “The programs we developed together with all of the schools and colleges of optometry would not have been possible without the ongoing support of Alcon. Thanks so much for the recognition!”