Bridging the Gap: Communication Techniques for Interacting with Different Generations In Your Practice.

She quickly realized that she was intrigued by ophthalmology and could see a strong career path forward in the industry, and she decided to learn many aspects of the business. As the refractive surgeon started slowing down toward retirement, Sarah looked to fill her time with additional skills and duties and trained to be a technician. As a technician, she focused primarily on diagnostic testing and photography, including retinal angiography, eventually earning the COA credential. Her role as a technician morphed into being a cataract surgery counselor, mainly focusing on the education and growth of the advanced technology IOLs. Through her savvy promotion of ATIOLs, and ability to connect easily with patients, she was recognized as having an aptitude for marketing. She was promoted to marketing coordinator, acting as a liaison to the outside marketing agency the practice had retained. During this time, Concord Eye Care merged with another practice, creating Concord Eye Center, and Ms. Duval played a part in the marketing and direction of the merger. Soon after, she replaced the agency as the Marketing and Business Development Director.

In October 2020, Sarah earned the elite Certified Ophthalmic Executive credential through ASOA and was soon after elected to the National Board for the Certification of Ophthalmic Executives (NBCOE) where she held the position of Vice President. In addition to her role on the NBCOE, she has been an active ASOA volunteer, having served on the annual meeting program committee, the Administrative Eyecare Editorial Advisory Board, and the webinar and podcast taskforce. She has authored articles for Administrative Eyecare magazine, presented at the ASOA annual meeting on more than one occasion and has participated in panel discussions on webinars and virtual roundtables.

She lives in a small New Hampshire town outside of Concord with her teenage son, John.

Guido’s leadership approach has always focused on building those around him. He learned from one of his mentors early in his career that a leader’s job is to surround themselves with the best and the brightest people. Only by creating an environment for the development of those around you can a leader find true success. In 2016, Guido’s advancement in the field and leadership skills helped to propel him into the role of Chief Operations Officer so that he could help others find the same path to success. In his tenure, the practice has more than doubled in size, opened new offices through acquisition and organic growth, been involved in new construction projects, opened Ambulatory Surgery Centers and is currently working on an Office-Based Surgery project in Austin, and successfully navigated the challenges of the COVID pandemic with the practice emerging stronger than before.

Guido has a passion for education and, more importantly, continuing education formally and through networking with peers across the country. In 2001 Guido graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Business Management from the University of Houston. He has recently been involved in the American Society of Ophthalmic Administrators. He successfully completed their Certified Ophthalmic Executive certification in 2020 and actively attends annual meetings and continuing education events. Mann Eye Institute is also a member of a group of top practices from across the country that meets twice per year to network, listen to industry-leading speakers, and learn from each other. In 2020, Guido decided to further his formal education by entering the Master of Business Administration program at the Jack Welch Management Institute. He is close to graduating and has loved the program, truly being able to experience their motto of “Learn it today, apply it tomorrow.”

Outside of his professional career, Guido enjoys spending time with his wife Dianna (Licensed Professional Counselor – Associate) and their two teenage daughters and enjoying the qui

Brittany obtained certification as a Certified Ophthalmic Executive (COE) in July 2021, further solidifying her credentials in practice administration. Prior to this, Brittaney earned the Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) certification in February 2020.

Brittany’s passion for advancing the field extends beyond her daily responsibilities. She has actively contributed to the industry through her involvement in prestigious organizations. Serving as an Editorial Board Member for the American Society of Ophthalmic Administrators (ASOA) from 2020 to 2022, Brittany has played a pivotal role in shaping discussions and disseminating knowledge within the community.

Moreover, Brittany has held esteemed leadership positions within the National Board for the Certification of Ophthalmic Executives (NBCOE). Her tenure as a Board Member in 2022-2023, followed by assuming the roles of Vice President in May 2023 and President from 2023 to 2025, underscores her exemplary leadership qualities and dedication to advancing the profession. Driven by a genuine passion for enhancing patient care and operational efficiency, Brittany continues to inspire and lead within the ophthalmic community. Her commitment to excellence, coupled with her extensive experience and leadership acumen, positions Brittany as a trusted authority in ophthalmic practice administration.

Jane has taught countless seminars on the integral aspects of today’s busy ophthalmic practice, including the annual conferences of both the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Society of Ophthalmic Administrators. Jane is the current Director of the Nursing and Allied Health Program of the Royal Hawaiian Eye Meeting and was recently named Co-Editor in Chief of Ophthalmic Professional. Previously, she served as the Director of the Massachusetts Society of Eye Physicians and Surgeons Ophthalmic Technician Training Program, helping to earn the 2002 and 2008 AAO State Affairs Star Award for Programs for Ophthalmic Administrators and Technicians. She was also a Member-at-Large on the Board of Directors of the American Society of Ophthalmic Administrators.

Jane has published numerous articles that can be found in many publications such as Review of Ophthalmology, Administrative Eyecare, Ophthalmology Management and Eyeworld. JCAHPO approved online courses can be found on the BSM Connection for Ophthalmology website.