Contact Lens Institute rings in 2026 Visionaries

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The Contact Lens Institute (CLI) has named 17 established and emerging eye care professionals from the United States and Canada as its 2026 Visionaries, a group recognized for contributions to soft contact lens innovation and peer-to-peer engagement across the profession. The honorees represent a range of practice settings, specialties, and research interests, according to a news release.¹

“Visionaries are chosen not only for their contact lens clinical expertise, but for their passion for sharing what works—with patients, colleagues, staff, and partners,” said Stan Rogaski, executive director of CLI, in the release. “We congratulate our newest appointees and welcome back our returning group. Multiple 2026 initiatives are underway in which they’re already taking part, with much more to come.”

Launched in 2021, the Visionaries program was designed to promote collaboration and knowledge-sharing within the eye care community, with the goal of improving patient outcomes and supporting practice success through the adoption of soft contact lenses. According to the organization, each selected participant has demonstrated a commitment to raising awareness of advancements in soft contact lens technology and contemporary prescribing practices.¹

As part of the 2026 program, Visionaries will take part in initiatives intended to provide eye care professionals with practical tools, data-driven insights, and clinical and practice management guidance. Participants will contribute to Contact Lens Institute’s “The EASY Way” and “See Tomorrow” initiatives, which focus on translating innovation into everyday clinical practice.

Seven professionals are returning to the program from previous years, joined by 10 newly appointed members. The 2026 Visionaries include Roxanne Achong-Coan, OD; Kelsea Brown, OD; Elaine Chen, OD; Jennifer Chinn, OD; Ryan Corte, OD; Susan J. Gromacki, OD; Michael Gzik, ABO, NCLE; Jennifer Liao, OD; Heidi Miller, OD; Sheila Morrison, OD; Julian Prosia, OD; Renée E. Reeder, OD; Maria Sampalis, OD; Scott Samples, FCLSA; Harbir Sian, OD; Jennifer Stewart, OD; and Shauna Thornhill, OD. Returning Visionaries are noted by the organization.

Contact Lens Institute stated that it supports innovation in safe and effective contact lens and lens care products and services while promoting responsible use and industry growth. Its members include Alcon, Bausch + Lomb, CooperVision, and Johnson & Johnson Vision.

Reference:

1. CLI names 2026 Visionaries. News release. Contact Lens Institute. January 28, 2026. Accessed February 5, 2026. https://www.contactlensinstitute.org/news/2026visionaries/