Adam Cherry

Keynote Speaker

Adam Cherry is President of Cherry Optical Lab, where he leads with a people-first “Seeking Better” mindset. His focus on quality, education, and continuous improvement supports independent eye care professionals while strengthening teams, culture, and long-term success.

Ron Witt

Ron Witt is a seasoned optician with over 45 years of experience and 43 years as a certified professional. For the past decade, he has managed the optical dispensary at Ferris State University College of Optometry, supporting clinical education while ensuring high-quality optical care.

Course:
• Frame Adjustment (Hands-On, No ABO Credit)

Prof. Robert Russo

Former Chair of Vision Care Technology at City Tech, Professor Russo is recognized for his expertise in anatomy and physiology, contact lenses, refractometry, and specialized fitting for keratoconus, pediatric, and prosthetic cases.

Course:
• ABO Review (No Credit)

Chris McGehee, MBA, ABOC

Speaker bio coming soon.

Courses:
• Rx Problem Solving Simplified (1 hr ABO)
• Maximizing Frame Inventory for a Profitable and Efficient Dispensary in a Competitive World (1 hr ABO)

Jenell Spino, ABOC

Her goal with education is to create content relatable to what we do every day, and discuss those topics with colleagues—gaining different perspectives and experiences.

In her free time, Jenell enjoys spending time with her spouse and kids, gardening, playing tennis, and crafting.

Courses:
• Low Vision Toolbox (2 hr ABO)
• Let There Be Light (1 hr ABO)
• You Down with OTC? (1 hr ABO)

Crystal Anthony, ABOC

Crystal Anthony is a seasoned optical professional with over 20 years of experience in dispensing, buying, and compliance. An ABO Certified Optician and Project and Training Manager at Hilco Vision, she is also President of the Illinois Opticians Association and a recognized leader in optical education.

Courses:
• Protecting Vision: Essential Ocular Hygiene for Patients (1 hr ABO)

Bob Alexander

Bob Alexander is a dual-licensed optician in Ohio and a graduate of Hocking College, where he was recognized as an Outstanding Graduate. With experience spanning retail, wholesale, and independent optical markets, Bob has held leadership roles with Vision Ease, HOYA Vision Care, and Maui Jim Eyewear. He currently serves as Director of Member Education for the United Opticians Association, focusing on advancing opticianry education and professional development.

Course:
• Creating Patient Touchpoints (2 hr ABO)

Jennifer Block, LDO

Jennifer is a Licensed Optician with 32 years of experience, beginning her career through a three-year optician apprenticeship in Tennessee. Now Training Department Manager at Henry Ford OptimEyes, she designs programs and tools for service excellence, leadership, lens and frame education, and professional development.

Her true passion is growing and retaining opticians, inspiring others to thrive, and strengthening the optical industry.

Courses:
• From Craft to Career: Defining Opticianry Through the Looking Glass
• Opticianry with Heart: Personalizing the Patient Experience
• Where Anatomy Meets Optics
• Crafting Connections Through Lens and Frame Selections
(No ABO Credit)

Leader Dogs for the Blind

This interactive session explores the mission and impact of Leader Dogs for the Blind, highlighting how guide dogs are trained and matched with individuals who are blind or visually impaired. Attendees will gain insight into the role opticians play in supporting patients with low vision and the importance of community partnerships in vision care.

Course:
• Beyond the Lens: Immersive Learning to Understand Blindness and Low Vision
(ABO Pending – 2 Hours)

John Bruening, ABOC, NCLEC

John Bruening is a licensed spectacle and contact lens optician in Ohio and a graduate of the Ophthalmic Dispensing program at Hillsborough Community College. He currently serves as President of the Opticians Association of Ohio and is a past Vice President of the Opticians Association of America. John consults with optical, optometry, and ophthalmology practices nationwide and is CEO of Geauga Vision Group.

Courses:
• Panel Moderator (ABO Pending – 2 Hours)
• Establishing an Eyelid and Lash Hygiene Protocol (1 hr ABO & NCLE)