The American Society of Ophthalmic Administrators (ASOA) has appointed Abigail Markward, MBA, as its next executive director.
Remind me of this organization.
A strategic partner to the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS), the ASOA was established in 1986 with the purpose of managing the business of ophthalmology.
- How it’s doing this: Via education, innovation, support, and collaboration.
- Its community: 1,700+ members encompassing CEOs, chief financial officers (CFOs), administrators, managers, physicians, and clinical directors
Now hold up … isn’t Markward already leading the ASCRS Foundation?
Indeed she is. Markward has served as executive director of the ASCRS Foundation since her appointment in November 2023.
- To note: As she takes on her new role, Markward will continue to serve as head of the foundation, the ASOA stated.
And don’t confuse that position with that of the ASCRS CEO and Executive Director (held by Stephen Speares since 2018) or ASCRS President (Vance Thompson, MD, appointed in May 2024).
So who is she replacing?
Megan Odell, who held the position since November 2023 following the departure of Laureen Rowland, CAE. Rowland had served in the role for 12 years.
Gotcha. Now refresh me on Markward’s background.
Her ophthalmic experience extends to corporate leadership, nonprofit contributions, strategic communications, and marketing within the industry.
Also on the ophthalmic front: She previously participated in a 2018 trip with SightLife International, a nonprofit global eye bank for corneal blindness, on a women’s advocacy mission.
- Plus: She held leadership roles in the nonprofit Ophthalmic World Leaders (OWL), where she is currently the immediate past president.
And before her role at the ASCRS Foundation?
She served as vice president of Business Development and associate publisher at PentaVision through the company’s acquisition by BroadcastMed in 2022.
- Her work: Collaborating on and organizing large-scale marketing and content campaigns targeting industry and medical professionals.
Gotcha. Anything to keep an eye out for in the near future?
While the 2024 annual ASCRS/ASOA meeting has already passed, it’s never too early to get ready for next year’s!
Check out all the details on the 2025 annual meeting, preparing to kick off April 25-28 in Los Angeles, California.