People

Essence Johnson, O.D., FAAO, has been named the first executive director of Black EyeCare Perspective (BECP). Having served as the nonprofit’s chief visionary officer and co-advisor of BECP’s Pre-Optometry Club, Dr. Johnson—a 2022 #EBGameChanger—will be responsible for managing day-to-day operations, further developing the organization’s strategic plan, and leading BECP’s projects and initiatives.

Charmant USA has announced Mick Kunish as the new director of business development. Having held executive positions at Tommy Hilfiger, Viva International Group, Mondottica USA, and Europa Eyewear, Kunish brings 22 years of optical industry experience to his new role.

Michelle Clark has been named CEO of Kenmark Eyewear to replace Mike Cundiff, who retired in January. Clark was serving as Kenmark’s chief financial officer and has been with the company for 16 years. After 40 years with the company, serving as CEO for the last 11, Cundiff will remain in a consulting capacity for a few months.

Alessio Puleo has been appointed as group marketing director at Marcolin. Puleo, with more than 20 years of experience in the eyewear industry, has been with the company since 2021.

Percept Corporation announced that Jim McGrann has been named as president and chief operating officer. Having most recently served as CEO of Professional Eye Care Associates of America, McGrann brings decades of executive experience in the eyecare industry to his new position.

With more than 25 years of commercial experience in optical luxury eyewear, Cedric Moreau has been named vice president of sales for the U.S. optical channel at Thélios.

VSP Vision has named Kathleen Steele as president of VSP Ventures. Steele has more than a decade of executive experience in the industry, most recently serving as senior VP and general manager of Pearle Vision.

Business Updates

Through a partnership with Fort Worth Independent School District (FWISD), Alcon opened the Alcon Children’s Vision Center to serve as a place to provide eye exams and primary eye care for low-income families with children enrolled in FWISD. This marks the expansion of a 2021-2022 pilot that provided 35,000 free vision screenings to FWISD students.