Together, we are a powerful force that knows no limits.
Meet our Organizing Group
Our team is made up of committed and passionate women who excel in their field. Each of us brings unique strengths and invaluable experience. We work in harmony, inspiring each other to achieve excellence and overcome any challenge.
Rute J. Macedo de Araújo, PhD
Clinical and Experimental Optometry Research Lab (CEORLab), University of Minho, Portugal
PhD in Optometry and Vision Sciences (University of Minho – Braga, Portugal). Invited lecturer in Department of Physics of University of Minho and research assistant at Clinical and Experimental Optometry Research Lab (CEORLab) since 2013. Her investigation is focused on contact lenses, mainly scleral lens fitting for visual rehabilitation, but also optical quality of the human eye, electrophysiological response of the human retina and light disturbance analysis. She has several publications in peer-review ISI journals, is author of several communications in national and international conferences and is co-author of a book chapter.
Melissa Barnett, OD, FAAO, FSLS, FBCLA
Melissa Barnett, OD, FAAO, FSLS, FBCLA, is a world-renowned key opinion leader recognized for her expertise in dry eye disease, specialty and scleral lenses, keratoconus and presbyopia. She has authored more than 300 articles and books, delivered over 500 lectures, is a board member and founding member of Intrepid Eye Society and serves on several industry boards.
Dr. Barnett is the author and editor of Specialty Contact Lenses and Contemporary Scleral Lenses: Theory and Application, which features insights and contributions from leading international experts. Her work has been featured in medical journals, professional magazines, as well as consumer publications such as The Washington Post, Bloomberg, Prevention Magazine, and Good Housekeeping.
Dr. Barnett is an Associate Certified Coach (ACC), credentialed by the International Coaching Federation (ICF). She specializes in mindful leadership, wellness, and public speaking, empowering individuals to become their best selves in both their personal and professional lives.
She is energized by her passion for helping people improve their lives by optimizing their vision, health and wellness with a customized approach. Dr. Barnett is most proud of being awarded the Legends Award from AOA CLCS, the Scleral Lens Practitioner of the Year from the Scleral Lens Education Society, the inaugural Theia Award for Excellence for Mentoring by Women In Optometry and was granted the Most Influential Women in Optical from Vision Monday.
Dr. Barnett is the host of the Clearly KC podcast. She advocates for elevating eye care through technology and her influence on the profession.
Karen G. Carrasquillo, OD, PhD, FAAO, FSLS, FBCLA
Dr. Carrasquillo is the Chief Innovation and Education Officer at BostonSight. In addition, she is an adjunct clinical professor at the New England College of Optometry, an adjunct clinical professor at the school of optometry, MCPHS University, Advisory Board member for the Gas Permeable Lens Institute (GPLI), Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry (FAAO), Fellow of the Educational Society of Scleral Lenses (FSLS), Fellow of the British Contact Lens Association (FBCLA), Global Ambassador of the BCLA, and Board Member for the non-profit Latinos En Optometry (LEO). Dr. Carrasquillo is an international key opinion leader and speaker, having delivered more than 120 presentations locally and internationally, also the author of numerous publications on the therapeutic use of scleral lenses and prosthetic replacement of the eye surface system (PROSE) and is also the author of several patents. She is the founder and Program Chair of FitAcademy, an educational retreat for Cornea and Contact Lens practitioners, past Chair of the 2024 Global Ophthalmic Women (GLOW) congress, 2021 Vision Monday’s Most Influential Women in Optical Award, 2024’s New England College of Optometry Distinguished Alumni Award, member of the International Society of Contact Lens Specialists (ISCLS), and past planning committee member for the International Congress of Scleral Contacts (ICSC) congress.
Prior to completing her doctorate degree in Optometry and her residency in Cornea and Contact Lenses, she completed a PhD in Chemistry at the University of Puerto Rico and a postdoctoral fellowship in ophthalmological research from the Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, in Boston, MA.
Avani Davé, OD
Dr. Avani Davé was awarded the Presidential Scholarship to attend the New England College of Optometry where she earned her Doctorate of Optometry and thereafter, completed a residency in Cornea and Contact Lens.
Dr. Davé is the Director of the Optometry and Contact Lens Service at the Ross Eye Institute in Buffalo, New York. Her clinical practice focuses on the management of complex ocular surface and corneal disease with the aid of advanced technology and treatment including specialty contact lenses. As a Clinical Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology at the University at Buffalo, she is involved with lecturing residents, supervising medical students and serves as a clinical investigator for several research studies. Additionally, Dr. Davé is honored to serve as a speaker and consultant for both pharmaceutical and contact lens companies.
Dr. Davé is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry and recipient of the Johnson and Johnson Vision Care Award of Excellence in Contact Lens Patient Care.
Daddi Fadel, DOptom, FSLS, FBCLA, FAAO, FIACLE
Daddi Fadel is a clinical scientist at the Center for Ocular Research and Education (CORE) and adjunct assistant professor at the University of Waterloo. A pioneer in modern lens design, she specializes in irregular corneas, scleral lenses, myopia control, and orthokeratology.
With 27+ years of experience, Fadel is an internationally recognized key opinion leader with more than 180 publications and is a sought-after speaker, lecturing in five languages worldwide.
She is co-author of The Clinical Guide for Scleral Lens Success (1st & 2nd editions) and Specialty Contact Lenses, and author of Scleral Lens Complications. She also serves as Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Contact Lens Research & Science.
Fadel is a certified NCLE advanced speaker and the first Certified EyePrint Practitioner outside the U.S. and Canada. She founded the European School of Scleral Lenses (EUROSCOLE), Global Ophthalmic Women (GLOW), and the Summit of Specialty Contacts (SSC). She also holds leadership roles with the BCLA, GPLI, International Keratoconus Academy, and Myopia Care.
Patricia Flores , OD, MSc, PhD, IACLE, FSLS
Dr. Patricia Flores is from Santiago, Chile and currently works in Global Professional Services for the Specialty Lens Division at Menicon. She has an extensive background in vision science having earned a Diploma, a Masters degree and a PhD all in Optics, Optometry & Vision at the University of Madrid (Spain).
Dr. Flores currently also runs her own specialty lens clinic in Valparaíso, Chile specializing in complex contact lens fits for diseases of the ocular surface. She is a Fellow of the Scleral Lens Education Society, member of IACLE, Board member for GLOW (Global Ophthalmic Women) and a Board member for the Latin American Academy of Orthokeratology and Myopia Control (ALOCM). She is an accomplished researcher and educator having lectured extensively in Latin America and around the world.
Maureen Trusky, CMP
Maureen Trusky is a Certified Meeting Professional with more than two decades of leadership experience in vision-care education and event strategy. Over the past four years, she has served as an independent consultant, Mo.Events, to numerous influential industry programs, contributing her expertise to initiatives such as Woo University Webinars, the Scleral Lens Education Society, Optometric Education Consultants, and Women in Eyecare, where she served as Executive Director.
Maureen has been integral to the growth and continued success of the Global Specialty Lens Symposium, widely regarded as the world’s premier contact lens meeting. Her work in developing high-impact educational experiences, building collaborative industry partnerships, and elevating clinical content has positioned her as a respected figure within the optometric community. Her depth of experience, strategic vision, and commitment to advancing professional education make her a trusted partner to organizations across the field.
Jenna Platt
Jenna Platt has been an integral member of Mo.Events for more than four years, overseeing a broad portfolio of in-person and virtual programs across the vision-care industry. Known for her exceptional organizational skills, precision, and adaptability, Jenna ensures the seamless execution and success of every event she manages.
Jenna holds a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice and Corrections from Penn State University, a foundation that sharpened her ability to navigate complex, high-pressure environments with clarity and confidence. Before transitioning into event management, she spent eight years in law enforcement in Philadelphia, PA. This background instilled a strong sense of discipline, problem-solving, and effective communication—qualities that continue to inform her thoughtful, steady approach to project leadership.
At Mo.Events, Jenna collaborates closely with Optometric Education Consultants, Woo University, and Women in Eyecare, contributing to the delivery of high-quality educational experiences across the optometric community. Her dedication, reliability, and calm command under pressure make her a trusted partner to the organizations she serves.