ROYA ATTAR, OD, MBA, DHA, FAAO

Roya Attar is an Associate Professor and Director of Optometric Services at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, MS. As the first optometrist hired by the Department of Ophthalmology at the state's only medical school, she has made significant contributions to patient care, education, and leadership.

In her current role, Dr. Attar provides comprehensive clinical care, lectures ophthalmology residents, and manages the department's optical services. With a master's in business administration and a second Doctorate in Health Administration, her expertise extends beyond optometry.

As a fellow of the American Academy of Optometry (AAO), Dr. Attar chairs the AAO Retina Special Interest Group and serves on the AOA Leadership Development Committee. She is also the president of her local optometric society. Her achievements have been recognized through numerous awards, including Mississippi Young OD of the Year in 2019, SECO Young OD of the Year and AOA Young OD of the Year in 2020, and Women in Optometry Young OD of the Year in 2022.

BARRY OUSLEY, ABOC

Raised in Mississippi, Barry spent 20 years in retail management and Sales and Service policy review and training. Then he accidentally ended up in the optical industry and found his passion. For the next 20 years he practiced as an optician throughout the South -- ABO Certified and licensed in two states. He has worked in labs, office and optical supervision, patient care, accounting, and has managed or worked in every aspect of an optometric practice. For the past three and a half years he has worked as an Account Executive for Essilor Labs of America -- but if anyone asks him what he does, he usually answers "I'm an optician."

JACKIE O'KEEFE LINCOLN, ABOC

Jackie O'Keefe, ABOC is licensed in Virginia and has been in the Optical industry since 1981. She is on Transitions Optical Speakers Bureau, a course preparer for Quantum Optical and consults in the Virginia Beach, VA area. Jackie has written, published and presented numerous CPC/ABO courses and lectures on a variety of optical topics. She is Past President of the Opticians Association of Virginia, a founding member and Past President of the Opticians Association of Maine, active in the International Association of Lions Clubs and a volunteer for Maine's Prevention of Blindness Programs.

ALLAN ROUSE, ABOC, NCLEC

Allan Rouse, based in Cincinnati, OH, US, is currently a Division Technical Training Manager at Hoya Vision Care, bringing experience from previous roles at Signet Armorlite, Inc., NASSAU OOGP Vision Group a division of Essilor, Walman Instruments and Diversified Opthalmics. Allan Rouse holds a University of Cincinnati. With a robust skill set that includes Leadership, Product Marketing, Lead By Example, Tri, Team Building and more, Allan Rouse contributes valuable insights to the industry.