Industry Leadership Award

Nomination period is currently closed.

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.

 

Award Recipients

2023

Dr. Charissa Lee

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

2022

Vernon Dela Cruz

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. 

2019

Dr. Richard E. Weisbarth

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.

2018

Dr. Rodney L. Tahran

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.

2017

Mr. Mike Elton

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.

2016

R. Mike Daley

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.”

2015

Mr. Dave Sattler

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!”