More Than 1,400 Optometrists Gather In-Person and Live Online for Education, Recognition and Camaraderie

National Vision Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: EYE), one of the nation’s largest optical retailers providing quality, affordable eye care and eyewear, hosted more than 1,400 optometrists for its Annual Continuing Education (CE) Symposium June 4-7. Members of the National Vision Doctor of Optometry network gathered in a hybrid format for the annual conference, allowing doctors to join in-person in Dallas or live online.

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CEO Reade Fahs addresses members of National Vision’s Doctor of Optometry network in Dallas, Texas during the 2022 Annual Continuing Education Symposium. (Photo: Business Wire)

“We are lucky to be surrounded by so many talented optometrists who continue to excel as leaders in their field, even amidst the uncertainty of the past couple of years in which their day-to-day has been impacted like no other time in history,” said National Vision CEO Reade Fahs. “These doctors make such a difference in the lives of their patients, and that was amplified during the pandemic as the need for quality, affordable care grew significantly.”

The four-day event focused on education, enabling doctors to attain up to 22 hours of continuing education through engaging COPE-approved lectures. National Vision also shined a light on doctors who had reached impressive milestones this year while practicing at an office in the National Vision network. Distinguished tenure milestones were acknowledged among 190 honorees, who together have amassed more than 1,500 years practicing in network offices.

The following optometrists received special honors for their momentous years of service to patients:

• John Clark, O.D. (30 years)
• John Lis, O.D. (30 years)
• Neil Crofoot, O.D. (30 years)
• Pat Nguyen, O.D. (30 years)
• Darren Tucci, O.D. (25 years)
• George Croft, O.D. (25 years)
• Karl Schwandt, O.D. (25 years)
• Christopher Porter, O.D. (20 years)
• David Cohen, O.D. (20 years)
• David Spurlock, O.D. (20 years)
• Elizabeth Arello, O.D. (20 years)
• Steven Zadel, O.D. (20 years)

Additionally, 12 doctors were recognized with the Optometrist of the Year Award for providing quality patient care and outstanding contributions to their practices. These included:

• Tyler Cook, O.D.
• Teni Keshishian, O.D.
• Patrick Schrepel, O.D.
• Ma-Le Trieu, O.D.
• Mason Authement, O.D.
• Robert Underberg, O.D.
• Abrar Syed, O.D.
• John Weathers Jr., O.D.
• Gerald Geist, O.D.
• Shawn Lawrence, O.D.
• Phillip Owsley, O.D.
• Daniel Olanrewaju, O.D.

“Every year we celebrate the impactful contributions of the doctors practicing within the network, as they excel in delivery of critical health and vision care to patients nationwide. There is no question we are partnering with doctors who have immense clinical skills, but also who outshine when it comes to compassion and professionalism. Providing these important CE credits to them is just one small way we can say thank you,” said Chief Medical Officer Alex Louw.

“It is extremely rewarding to know that we have created an environment where optometrists want to spend their entire careers, and somewhere they can learn, grow and advance both personally and professionally,” said Fahs. “Being among so many like-minded professionals who believe so strongly in what we do truly reinforces the incredible community doctors experience as part of the National Vision Doctor of Optometry network.”

About National Vision’s Annual Continuing Education (CE) Symposium

National Vision’s Annual CE Symposium provides eligible optometrists who practice at offices in the National Vision Doctor of Optometry network the opportunity to earn all required CE at once at no cost to them, while networking with peers and company leadership, and reconnecting with friends and classmates.

About National Vision Holdings, Inc.

National Vision Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: EYE) is the second largest optical retail company (by sales) in the United States with over 1,300 stores in 44 states and Puerto Rico. With a mission of helping people by making quality eye care and eyewear more affordable and accessible, the company operates five retail brands: America’s Best Contacts & Eyeglasses, Eyeglass World, Vision Centers inside select Walmart stores, and Vista Opticals inside select Fred Meyer stores and on select military bases, and several e-commerce websites, offering a variety of products and services for customers’ eye care needs. For more information, please visit www.nationalvision.com.

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