The inaugural meeting for GLOW – Global Optometric Women – promises to go beyond a typical scientific program, says Melissa Barnett, FAAO, FSLS, FBCLA, one of the organizers. First is the audience and presenters – women well-recognized in the profession globally. Second, she says, is the setting – in beautiful Tenerife, Spain.
“There will be excellent education, such as a myopia management program and a session on aesthetics, dry eye and contact lenses, both led by thought leaders in these fields. It’s going to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” she says.
But the program dives deeply into sessions that are of particular interest to women eye care professionals: nutrition, women’s health, hormonal influences, mental health and a leadership program. The program is packed from nearly sunup to late nights with programs focused on education, relaxation and self-care.
The Scientific Program
| Myopia Awareness
Moderator Karen Carrasquello, OD, PhD, FAAO, FSLS, FBCLA
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| Panel Speakers:
Kate Gifford, PhD |
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| Shalu Pal, OD, FAAO, FSLS, FBCLA |  |
| Joserine Samson-Brogan
Global Ambassador of British Contact Lens Association (BCLA) in the Middle East and Africa. |
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| Melanie Frogozo, OD |  |
| Aesthetics-Dry Eye Syndrome-Contact Lens
Moderator Christine Sindt,OD, FAAO, FSLS
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| Panel Speakers:
Melissa Barnett, FAAO, FSLS, FBCLA |
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| Selina McGee, OD, FAAO |  |
| Posterior Segment and Nutrition
Moderator Louise Sclafani,OD, FAAO, FSLS
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| Panel Speakers:
Dorothy Hitchmoth, OD, FAAO, ABO, ABCMO Dipl. |
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| Pamela Lowe, OD, FAAO, Dipl. ABO |  |
The Leadership Program
| Opening Session
Moderators Daddi Fadel, DOptom, FSLS, FBCLA, FAAO; and Christine Sindt,OD, FAAO, FSLS
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| Panel Speakers:
Sherrie Frank, program director for The Learning Well, a teaching division of LaClinica Healthcare Services. She is a certified master practitioner of neuro-linguistic programming and coach, with an in-depth and innovative communication approach. and Michela Murgia |
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| Gender Equity
Moderator Daddi Fadel, DOptom, FSLS, FBCLA, FAAO
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| Panel Speakers:
Sandra Block, OD, MEd |
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| Louisa Syrett, senior non-profit management positions and is currently engaged as The Fred Hollows Foundation’s Global Advocacy Advisor
and Patricia Flores Rodríguez, OD, MSc, PhD, IACLE, FSLS |
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| Leadership Program Part #2
Industry Leadership Part #3 Sherrie Frank |
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| Panel Speakers:
Millicent Knight, OD, FAAO, FAARM, FNAP, and Marie Christine Blanchard |
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The Wellness Program
| Hormonal Influencers
Moderator Louise Sclafani, OD, FAAO, FSLS
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| Speaker:
Sandra Valaitis, MD, Professor of OB/GYN at the University of Chicago where she also serves as Vice Chair for Faculty Affairs |
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| Mental Health Issues
Moderator Karen DeLoss, OD, FAAO, FSLS
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| Panel Speakers:
Muriel Schornack, OD, FAAO, FSLS |
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| Emma Walshe, LPC, mental health counselor specializing in coaching, counseling and the integration of life balance with demanding professions and work cultures |  |
In addition, Sherrie Frank will be leading a meditation session on Saturday and will be joined on Sunday by Elizabeth Range Kiely, E-RYT 500, who brings decades of experience as a yoga and mindfulness teacher to Tenerife and will serve as GLOW’s guide in morning yoga sessions. She co-directs Om on the Range Yoga in her hometown of Chicago.
