NEW YORK--Changing technology and new attitudes and awareness among patients about vision care issues is being reflected in the earliest stages of training--the nation’s professional schools of optometry and a diverse range of opticianry and technical schools.

One of the most dramatic changes in the vision care field has been the increased presence of women in the optometric profession and the dispensing community.

The challenges for today’s optometric school graduates are formidable, but every year, hundreds more across the country are venturing out, inspired by the desire and commitment to provide the highest standards of eyecare to their patients.

Women, in particular, are an increasingly important component, of optometry’s mix, via their roles in private practice, in the education arena and other new ventures in the field.

As well, the need for educated dispensing opticians has never been more keen. Ever-sophisticated product technologies and a more informed patient base underscore the need for well-trained people to serve their needs along with the needs of competitive business practices and retail operations.

In fact, women are changing the fabric of today’s eyecare profession through all the parts of the eyecare delivery system.

As a way to highlight that, and to add a new dimension to its fourth annual special report honoring the “50 Most Influential Women in Optical,” Vision Monday decided to look at the new generation of leaders being groomed at schools across the country.

We asked the heads of today’s 17 professional optometry schools, as well as those in charge of running the U.S.’ opticianry and optical technology programs to recommend a female candidate to represent their school and the Class of 2006. We asked them to consider someone who they suggest reflects the highest standards of achievement and attitude and commitment.

We present their individual stories here. It is a spirit that, collectively, will influence the vision care field for many years to come.   --The Editors