Speakers

		Professor August is certified by The American Board of Opticianry, The National Contact Lens Examiners, the Opticians Association of America and is licensed in the states of New York and New Jersey. He has served as past President of the National Federation of Opticianry Schools, past Commissioner and Chairperson for the Commission on Opticianry Accreditation, past Chairman of International Vision Expo as well as their Opticianry Board. Professor August also served as a member of the Board of Directors of the Opticians Association of America, the American Board of Opticianry, The National Contact Lens Examiners Board and past Director of the educational Foundation of Ophthalmic Optics.
Professor August has written numerous papers and articles and has been published in many industry magazines and journals including Ophthalmology Times and Eyecare Business. In addition, Professor August is an international speaker and consultant on ophthalmic related areas. Professor August received an Associate Degree in Ophthalmic Dispensing from New York City Community College, a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from the City University of New York, and a Masters of Business Administration from St. Johns University.

		Al Lens is a Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technologist (COMT) who began his ophthalmic career in 1986. Al presents/instructs at numerous education events across North America, including conventions for Opticians, Optometric Assistants, Optometrists and Ophthalmic Medical Personnel. Al was also a keynote speaker at King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital in Saudi Arabia. Al Lens is an author/co-author of published optical books (SLACK, Inc.), including LASIK for Technicians, Optics, Retinoscopy and Refractometry (1st and 2nd editions), Ocular Anatomy & Physiology (1st and 2nd editions), and Cataracts and Glaucoma. Al is currently employed at three (3) ophthalmology clinics (general practice and Laser refractive surgery) and has developed training programs for large ophthalmology practices.

		Don is an engaging and enthusiastic speaker who enjoys providing eye care professionals in Canada with the tools to create positive patient experiences. Don has presented keynote speeches, product seminars, and sessions for optometry buying groups, optician associations, national US optician and optometry groups, as well as at industry supplier events. Don has been in the optical industry for 25 years, working as a dispenser for a national optical retailer, a local optical chain, an independent optometrist, and a nationally recognized independent Optical Boutique. Don has an award-winning background as an account executive for two international frame manufacturers, and prior to his current role with Essilor, was the Western Canadian Territory Manager for Transitions Optical.
Don has a degree in communications, specializing in public relations, and has held various marketing communications roles with federal and provincial government agencies, as well as a technology provider to the hotel and car rental industry. Don’s passion is delivering presentations that assist eye care professionals in their work to provide Canadian patients with the best visual solutions. Don is currently a member of the Essilor Academy Canada team, working as a Training & Development Consultant – Western Provinces.