Eyes on New York - Reframed Journal

Special Guest

Danne Ventura F.A.A.O., F.N.A.O., A.B.O., N.C.L.C.

After 9 years as a sound engineer in the music industry, Danne changed careers and became a dispensing optician, contact lens fitter and ophthalmic medical assistant. She joined Varilux Corp., now Essilor, in 1988 as Education Coordinator and worked to develop programs for school support, student and institutional grants, student events (including the Optometry Student Bowl) and student and faculty education. She retired in 2018 and now enjoys skiing, the beach and working with her certified therapy Golden Retriever at assisted living centers, libraries and community events. She keeps in touch with colleagues by serving on the American Academy of Optometry Foundation Board of Directors. Danne has received the National Federation of Opticianry Schools Person of the Year Award; Jobson Publishing Most Influential Women in Optical in 2003, 2007, 2008; Association of Technical Personnel in Ophthalmology President’s Award; Joint Commission of Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology Statesmanship Award; Optical Women’s Association Pleiades Award. She was inducted into the National Academy of Opticianry Hall of Fame in 2013. Danne is past-president of The National Academy of Opticianry 2009-2011. She served on the Board of Directors, Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology Education and Research Foundation, 2001–2016 and Commission on Opticianry Education, 2006– 2011. She sat on advisory boards for New York City Technical College, Brooklyn, New York Ophthalmic Dispensing Program 1994–2000, 2003–2018, Essex County College, Newark, New Jersey Ophthalmic Dispensing Program 1995–2010, International Academy of Sports Vision 1996–1997, and EyeQuest Conference 1996–1997. Danne was Chairman, Associate Member Relations, Opticians Association of America 1996–1997. She is an A.B.O. certified optician, N.C.L.E. registered contact lens fitter and Fellow in the American Academy of Optometry, National Academy of Opticianry and the Opticians Association of America. Danne’s proudest accomplishment is that Jerry, her husband of almost 40 years, still puts up with her shenanigans.