On the podcast, Dr. Angelica Cifuentes delves into her transformative journey: from her roots as an immigrant to co-founding ByeDryEyes, and her evolving role in the world of optometry. She illuminates the unique path she’s forged and her aspirations to further innovate in her field.

In this illuminating episode, journey with us as we explore the transformative power of the Transitions Certified Program with our distinguished guests, Brandi Kay and Roxana Dreger. Uncover a learning culture’s remarkable impact on organizations, enhancing innovation, productivity, and profitability. Discover the Harvey and Lewis Opticians initiatives that have catalyzed significant growth and learning. Immerse yourself in the detailed explanation of the Transitions Certified Program, a comprehensive educational strategy by Roxana Dreger.

The Profound Impact of Educational Culture in Organizations

Dr. Darryl Glover:

The Harvard Business Review discusses education’s critical role and personal and professional development. They emphasized how these aspects can profoundly transform your work setting, right? I want to share a quote from this article. It reveals that organizations with a robust learning culture are 92 percent more likely to develop innovative products and processes.

They are 52 percent more productive and 56 percent more likely to be the first to market their products and services. Additionally, they are 17 percent more profitable than their peers. This last statistic genuinely astounds me, but it logically follows. Their engagement and retention rates are also 30 to 50 percent higher.

I want to emphasize that again: 30 to 50 percent higher. Let’s be candid; we can significantly elevate our patients’ lives when we have the appropriate education, tools, and resources. Moreover, we can ensure the contentment and loyalty of our office team members, making them eager to stay with us and contribute to transformative change.

Today, I am delighted to host two guests who have indeed been game-changers in emphasizing education, coaching, and professional development. Friends and family, it is both a pleasure and an honor to welcome my colleagues, Roxanna Drager and Brandi Kaye.

Ladies, would you be so kind as to share a bit about your background with us?

Introducing the Game Changers: Brandi Kay and Roxana Dreger

Brandi Kay :

I am from a quaint little town called Plainville in Connecticut. I’m employed with Harvey and Lewis Opticians, an extraordinary company with a rich history spanning 133 years, still managed by the Lewis family into the fourth generation, which is indeed quite remarkable, I must say. My passion for learning is ever-growing.

Currently, I am embracing the opportunity to further my education. Despite having my four children early in life, I’ve embarked on the college journey, immersing myself in the study of business operations, economics, and other exciting subjects. In my role at Harvey and Lewis, I proudly serve as the Vice President of Operations.

Roxana Dreger:

On this podcast episode, we are joined by Tarrence Lackran, the founder of EYECONS Agency. Embark on a quick journey as Tarrence unveils his transition from pharma to eye care, his love for asking questions, and his passion for diversity. Discover his exquisite eyewear collection and get a glimpse into the world of creating exceptional brand experiences in the eye care industry.

Table of ContentsFrom Pharma to Eye Care – A Bold Leap by Tarrence LackranThe Alluring World of Eye Care and Vision ExposExploring the Impact of Inclusive and Supportive TeamsDiscover Tarrence’s Favorite Eyewear Pieces

From Pharma to Eye Care – A Bold Leap by Tarrence Lackran

Dr. Darryl Glover:Just give us a background, you know. Where are you from, how did you get into eye care, and what you’re doing now?

Tarrence Lackran:I am Tarrence Lackran, CEO of the EYECONS Agency. Right now, I’m living in Connecticut. My agency is in New York, Brooklyn, New York. You know, I’m right on the border for both states. I launched it earlier this year. I’ve been in eye care since 2015. So, I think I’m still new-ish, right?

Dr. Darryl Glover:

You almost got ten years in the game, man. So you got to be a vet. You gotta take that away now.

Tarrence Lackarn:

Listen, you know, I love a party. Don’t let me start a 10-year anniversary party. But interestingly, you know, I came into this industry, and I did not know much about it coming in. So this might be shocking to everybody, but I came from pharma.

So, I was in pharma for ten years before entering this industry. And usually when I tell people that, they’re like, wait, what? You were in pharma? Because I’m, I’m, I love pharma, but this is a better fit for me. So, I was in pharma, working for Purdue Pharma at the time and then after a while, I just realized it wasn’t the path I wanted to take anymore.

Okay. So, a good friend of mine was a statistician for Reed Exhibitions. Now, for those of you who don’t know, Reed Exhibitions is a 50-50 partner with the Vision Council on Vision Expo East and West, and he comes to me and says, I know you want to get out of pharma. There’s an opportunity at my job, and I think you should apply for it.

Tarrence Lackran, Founder & CEO EYECONS

The Alluring World of Eye Care and Vision Expos

Tarrence Lackran:

I don’t know. I don’t really know the industry. You know, I don’t want to, I don’t know.

Ever wondered what it takes to build a brand from scratch that speaks volumes about craftsmanship and pays homage to strong, powerful women? Meet Dr. Sophia Visanji, the brain behind Aliana Rose Eyewear, an extraordinary label rewriting the rules of the eyewear industry. Today, she opens up about her journey, the soulful stories that shaped her collections, and the invaluable wisdom she’d impart to her younger self. Prepare to be inspired as we dive deep into a world where fashion is more than just aesthetics—it’s an ode to heritage, power, and the beauty of vision!

Dr. Sophia Visjani, Optometrist and Founder of Aliana Rose Eyewear

Who is Dr. Sophia Visjani?:

Dr. Darryl Glover:If you don’t mind, maybe you could share where you’re from, where you went to school, and your “why.” How did you get into eye care? Let’s get this party started, my friend.

Dr. Sophia Visanji:Okay, so I’m Canadian. Originally, I’m from Calgary, Alberta. I went to school at NECO in Boston and graduated in 2014. It’s hard to believe it’s been almost a decade; it feels like I graduated just yesterday. Right after school, I moved to New York.

I had one year left on my student visa, and I thought, “Let me go somewhere exciting like LA, New York, or Chicago.” I chose New York, fell in love with the city, and I’ve been here ever since. I’m the East Coast Director of Zac Eyes, a startup based in LA that expanded to New York. I also have my sunglass line called Aliana Rose Eyewear, and I’m on social media as the Monocle Muse.

The Rise of Monocle Muse: Melding Optometry with Fashion

Dr. Darryl Glover:So, let me know where you want to go with this brand. You’ve made a name for yourself. You’ve infused your flair for photography and fashion into having the proper eyewear. But where do you want to take this brand?

Dr. Sophia Visanji:The Monocle Muse, has been an incredible platform for me to attract new patients and advertise for my eyewear and sunglasses companies. It’s turned into its own little business as well. I create content for tons of fashion brands. I’ve worked with Bloomingdales, Who What Wear, and even featured in Vogue India. There have been so many opportunities in the fashion space that it’s essentially created a second career for me, which has been amazing. Now, I only see patients two to three days a week, and the rest of the time, I’m working on content and campaigns for fashion and lifestyle brands. That’s where the direction is now: to continue creating cool content, work with these brands, and build out that business.

Behind the Shades: The Soulful Story of Aliana Rose Eyewear

Dr. Darryl Glover:If you don’t mind, share the name and walk us through how you developed that name. What did that process look like? Starting an eyewear line is no easy task.

Dr. Sophia Visanji:It has indeed been a labor of love. The name of the brand is Aliana Rose Eyewear.

Dr. Essence Johnson, Chief Visionary Officer at Black Eye Care Perspective

Through industry partners like America’s Best Contacts and Eyeglasses, MyEyeDr., and Warby Parker, Black Eyecare Perspective is able to raise awareness about optometry and expose students and communities to a variety of minority optometrists that share their unique journeys and diverse practice styles. This year’s event will take place virtually on Tuesday, October 18 at 7:30 pm EST and feature a panel discussion with Drs. Janelle Davison and Devin Sasser as well as the University of Pikeville, Kentucky College of Optometry. The theme will focus on how eyecare professionals make an impact in the lives of students, their communities, and their industry. Black EyeCare Perspective believes that “If you see it, you can be it,” and encourages students, families and communities to register for the impactful and informative event.

Black EyeCare Perspective, founded by optometrists Drs. Adam Ramsey and Darryl Glover, was designed, and created to cultivate and foster lifelong relationships between African Americans and the eyecare industry. Along with Drs. Essence Johnson (Chief Visionary Officer), Jacobi Cleaver (Chief Program Officer) and Tiffany Humes (Business Transformation Manager), Black EyeCare Perspective is redefining the color of the eyecare industry 1% at a time by creating a pipeline for Black students into optometry. According to the 2021-2022 ASCO Annual Student Data Report, “The percentage of full-time Black or African American students increased to 4.0% from 3.4% last year, and from 2.8% five years ago.”

Visit Black EyeCare Perspective to learn more about their initiatives, and ways to support them.  

In Partnership with CooperVision

What are you doing to improve the eye care industry? Do you have a mentor or a strong foundation in your area of expertise? Are you paying it forward?! Dr. Aamena Kazmi shares her optometric journey, how myopia was the foundation of it, and her plans to pay it forward.

What is the Metaverse? Are you a part of the metaverse? How does the Metaverse work? Charlene Nichols breaks down the Optical Metaverse.