Ashmeet Singh, NECO, Boston, MA
Love the clear frames on you!
Thanks! I got them from LensCrafters. I usually wear basic black frames, so I chose something a little out of my comfort zone this time.

What are the benefits of coming to Academy as a student?
I get to networking with friends and classmates, meet people from other schools including faculty members, and of course I like visiting all the sponsors here. As a third year I’m looking to make as many connections as possible.

Mandy Eiynck, Optos, Boston, MA
What frames and lenses are you wearing?
These are Michael Kors frames with blue light, progressive lenses. I’ve had progressives for a few years now and have loved them.

Anything special to note about Academy this year?
Our home office in the U.S. is located just outside of Boston, so it’s nice to do a show that’s right in our backyard.

Karilyn Piwoni-Lippa, OD, Flaum Eye Institute, Webster, NY
Love the subtle highlight on top of your frames, what are they?
Michael Kors frames with Essilor’s Varilux Physio W3 lenses.

What do you look forward to each year at Academy?
I’ve been to at least 7 or 8 Academies, and there’s always great education, fun stuff going on in the exhibit hall, and it’s nice seeing old classmates I haven’t seen in a while.

Tori Loch, Marketing Communications Manager, LKC Technologies, Harrisburg, PA
Gorgeous frames on you, where are they from?
I got these online at zeelool.com.

How many times have you been to Academy?
Twice, actually. The last Academy I attended was also in Boston in 2021. It’s nice to be back! I’ve missed being out here on the road with the team. I love talking to the doctors and getting to learn more about how our device is helping them and their patients.

Komal Thakore, OD, General Optical, Cambridge, MA
Beautiful statement necklace, it goes so well with your glasses! What are you wearing?
Thank you! My frames are Preciosa frames with Shamir progressive lenses.

What are you looking forward to this week?
I’ve been to about 14 Academies. I love the learning and the inspiration that comes with attending the educational sessions and getting ahead of the latest hot topics. And then, obviously, socializing and getting to meet colleagues and friends, it’s a great sense of community.

Jazmin Logendra, OD, Bala Eye Care, Bala Cynwyd, PA
Can you share what frames you’re wearing?
I’m wearing Reeds by Face à Face; it’s a pretty popular brand right now.

When did you first start coming to AAO?
My first Academy was in 2007, and I’ve been almost every year since then. I always look forward to the continuing education and catching up with friends and colleagues.

Bruce Lidkea, OD, Lidkea Optometry, Fort Frances, Canada
Love that your glasses match your jacket!
Thanks, they’re Gucci with Hoya Phoenix lenses with PPG Trivex material lenses. It wasn’t intentional!

What brings you to the show floor tonight?
I’m here supporting the Ocular Wellness and Nutrition Society (OWNS), both at their booth and walking around telling people about OWNS is all about. I love being surrounded by like-minded optometrists.

Chukwuemeka Obinwanne, OD, De-Lens Ophthalmics, Abuja, Nigeria
The round frames look great on you, are they new?
No, the opposite really, I’ve had them since 2022! My frames aren’t branded, but the lenses are by Essilor.

What are you involved with this week?
I’m excited to be lecturing this year, I have a poster, and I’m also the head of one of the international admissions committees for fellows. I’ve been to Academy four times; I became a Fellow in 2019 and a Diplomat last year.

Arthur Pazornik, OD, LA Eye Center, Laguna Niguel, CA
The round frames suit you, what made you select them?
They’re inspired by Eugene Levy’s classic look. They were made in the Netherlands, and they have Essilor’s Varilux progressive lenses.

What’s with the camera?
I’ve been to around 20 – 22 Academies and the best part is always the education. But right now I’m with the Cornea and Contact Lens section of the Academy … I’m not a part of it, but I’m their photographer for the evening!

Javier Rojas Vinuela, OD, Natural Optics Balaguer, Balaguer, Spain
Because you own your practice you must have a lot of glasses.
No, actually. I only own a couple pairs. These are Etnia Barcelona with Hoya transition lenses, from my own practice. I’ve had my practice for almost 20 years.

Spain is a long way to come – is this your first Academy?
I started coming in 2005 and have attended almost every year. I love being able to keep in touch with people. I’m thankful that the flight was an easy 8-hours this year!