In honor of its 10-year anniversary, Optometry Divas is hosting two new on-site initiatives later this month—a fundraiser and retreat—to celebrate global empowerment of women optometrists (ODs) and advancing gender equity across the optometric field.
First, tell me about Optometry Divas.
Launched in 2015, the organization was founded by Lauretta Justin, OD, owner of the Orlando, Florida-based Millennium Eye Center.
Its mission: Serving as a community for women ODs practicing across the United States—as well as students and residents—to “empower, connect, and promote” their success as optometric professionals.
The impact (thus far):
- 1,500+ members
- 14 local chapters across 8 states
- +500 on-site-hosted networking events
So what does membership come with?
When joining the Divas’ expanding network, members receive access to:
- An industry leader-focused Ambassador Program
- Speaker Bureau program featuring specialized training, mentorship, and support
- Dr. Justin’s CEO of YOU Business Coaching Program
- Monthly eBooks and worksheets with “actionable insights” for personal and professional growth
- Exclusive in-person and virtual events (including wet labs, workshops, and bootcamps to hone skills)
- Free downloadable resources for boosting their career and well-being
Click here to learn more about membership benefits—and see here for the latest from the Divas' blog, which covers topics such as how to avoid burnout with simple mindset shifts and adopting an integrative approach to managing ocular allergies.
Are there any opportunities to earn continuing education?
There are! Members can earn up to 30 CE credits at various in-person and virtual events held throughout the year.
As a bonus: The Divas host an annual retreat one weekend a year—described as a can’t-miss event that’s “not your typical CE conference.”
Nice! Now talk about these upcoming initiatives.
The Divas’ 2025 Educational Retreat kicks off the weekend of July 26 for a two-day celebration and opportunity to earn 16 CE credits.
The timing: Saturday, July 26 (7 am - 10 pm EST) and Sunday, July 27 (7 am - 3:20 pm EST)
Expert speakers will present on a range of topics:
- Advancements in gene therapy and ocular drug delivery systems
- Pharmacological treatments for presbyopia
- Selective-laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) in glaucoma management
- Smart and therapeutic contact lenses
- Artificial intelligence (AI) in optometric diagnostics
- Integrating red light therapy in myopia control
- Retinal imaging technology advancements
See here for the full session list and agenda (which includes the aforementioned All White Dinner Fundraiser Banquet)
And who are these expert speakers?
In addition to Dr. Justin, they include:
- Alice Sterling, OD
- Natalia Yakovleva, OD
- Farhana Yunus, OD
- Ayana Robateau, OD
- Joah Aliancy MD
Nice! And the second event?
That would be the All White Dinner Banquet Fundraiser, which kicks off in the evening of July 26 as part of the educational retreat.
- The purpose: To raise funds in support of optometry students at L’Université de Montréal in Montreal, Canada (as part of the Haiti Optometry School initiative with Optometry Giving Sight [OGS]).
What to expect: Held in partnership with OGS, the fundraiser will feature a three-course dinner, live music, a silent auction, and a special guest appearance from Raquel Pelissiér, a Haitian-born optometrist, model, and the 1st runner-up for Miss Universe 2016 (as Miss Haiti).
- The time and location: 7 pm to 10 pm EST at the Hilton Orlando.
- Ticket prices: Start at $119.
So where are these events being held?
At the Hilton Orlando (and the Orange County Convention Center, for those educational sessions).
Now to registration details.
For the 2025 Educational Retreat:
- See here for hotel pricing (members get a discount!)
- Register here
And for the All White Dinner Banquet Fundraiser: Click here to get tickets and donate.