(PRESS RELEASE) BOCA RATON, FL – On Dec. 2, Healthy Eyes Advantage Inc., an optical purchasing and business solutions marketplace for 10,000 independent eyecare professionals nationwide, announced two leadership appointments.
“I am pleased to welcome Dr. Justin Manning to the HEA leadership team and to announce the promotion of Laura Dorris and her increased scope of responsibility within our organization,” said HEA Chairman and CEO Jim McGrann. “Both are highly talented individuals who are committed to HEA’s mission of empowering independent eye care professionals to succeed in a rapidly-evolving optical industry. I look forward to working with them to deliver best-in-class programs and service to HEA’s members.”
Justin Manning, OD, MPH, FAAO, has joined the HEA team as executive vice president, professional strategies. He is responsible for leading HEA’s professional efforts and ensuring that the company delivers effective programs that address the unique needs of IECPs. In this pivotal role, Dr. Manning oversees HEA’s National Advisory Board and, together with other members of the HEA team, collaborates with state and national professional organizations, as well as HEA strategic vendor partners.
“I was an HEA member long before joining the HEA team, so I have experienced firsthand the strength of the Healthy Eyes Advantage partnership and the company’s active support of independent eye care professionals,” Manning said. “It’s a privilege to step into this role, and I look forward to communicating the value of HEA membership to my colleagues and shaping HEA’s programs to further support the growth of IECP practices.”
From growing up in an optometry family to driving double-digit growth in numerous private practices, Manning is committed to advancing independent eyecare. He has a passion for the medical optometry model, niche specialties, billing and coding, and culture and staff development. He earned his Doctor of Optometry degree from The Ohio State University, completed a residency in Geriatric Optometry at the VA Puget Sound Health Care System in Tacoma, Washington, and subsequently earned a Master of Public Health degree from Salus University. Dr. Manning is the former medical director of Better Vision, where he founded the Keratoconus and Scleral Lens Institute, and he is also the founder of eyeLeader, a leadership development and population health consulting company.
Dr. Manning is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry and is a member of the American Optometric Association, the Colorado Optometric Association, and the American Public Health Association.
Manning succeeds Lorie Lippiatt, OD, president and founder of Salem Eyecare Center, Inc., in Salem, OH, who remains an important voice on HEA’s National Advisory Board. “I have greatly enjoyed my tenure with HEA and look forward to continuing to contribute to the company’s success through my National Advisory Board participation, while also devoting more time and energy to my practice and my position on the Optical Women’s Association Executive Board of Directors,” Lippiatt stated.
Laura Dorris, a long-term HEA team member, has been promoted to the newly created position of vice president, member solutions. In this capacity, she will support HEA’s business development and growth goals by ensuring exceptional levels of service and value optimization for HEA’s members and professional organization partners.
“Laura brings more than 25 years of invaluable experience to this critical member-facing role, including a wide-ranging background in patient care excellence, implementing staff education programs, directing human resources teams, and leading the effective management of multiple successful eye care practices,” said Stephanie Lucas, HEA’s executive vice president and general manager of member solutions. Dorris also serves on the Board of Directors for the Optical Women’s Association and is a past recipient of Vision Monday’s Most Influential Women in the Optical Industry award.
“I am passionate about helping independent eye care professionals realize the greatest value from their HEA membership and enthusiastically embrace this opportunity to work with our internal teams and external partners to ensure maximum impact for each of HEA’s valued members,” Dorris said.