Black EyeCare Perspective appoints new executive director

Essence Johnson, OD, FAAO, Dipl ABO, is the first Executive Director of Black EyeCare Perspective. (Photo credit: Pharris Photos)

Black EyeCare Perspective has named Essence Johnson, OD, FAAO, Dipl ABO, as the first Executive Director of the non-profit.

Johnson has served as the organization's Chief Visionary Officer and co-advises the Black EyeCare Perspective Pre-Optometry Club. Johnson assumed her new role at the start of the new year and will manage the day-to-day operations for Black EyeCare Perspective. She has impacted the eyecare profession by creating new avenues to recruit, engage and influence the next generation of eyecare professionals.

As executive director, Johnson will be responsible for further developing the organization’s strategic plan, staff and operational management, in addition to leading the marketing and fundraising programs and the organization’s projects and initiatives.

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 chief program officer Jacobi Cleaver, OD, FAAO, business transformation manager Tiffany Humes, OD, executive assistant and Samantha Wallen, Black EyeCare Perspective is redefining the color of the eyecare industry 1% at a time by creating a pipeline for Black students into optometry.

“Over the last few years, Black EyeCare Perspective has made a tremendous impact and grown exponentially. We thank and owe our growth to a solid and dedicated team, impactful strategic initiatives, and partnering with key industry partners," Glover said.

"As a result of growth, It’s a pleasure and blessing to have Dr. Essence Johnson accept the executive director role at Black EyeCare Perspective. Dr. Johnson’s leadership skills, non-profit knowledge, and passion for increasing Black representation in eye care are the perfect solution to grow and scale our initiatives at Black EyeCare Perspective."