Essilor appoints Knight VP for customer development

Essilor of America announced the appointment of Millicent “Millie” Knight, OD, FAAO, FAARM, as the company’s new senior vice president for the customer development group.

Beginning later this summer, Knight will work to create professional relations for Essilor of America, maintain communications, and lead eye care professional and sales training efforts. As a member of the company’s leadership team, she will report to the incoming president of Essilor of America, Rick Gadd, according to a press release from the company.

Previously, Knight served as vice president of professional affairs at Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, where she helped develop connections between eye care professionals and industry leaders through the establishment of new industry affiliations, education platforms and advocacy. She has also been a consultant for eye care and health and wellness companies and helped conduct clinical trials for contact lenses.

According to the release, Knight — who received her Doctor of Optometry degree from the Illinois College of Optometry — was named as “Optometrist of the Year” by the Illinois Optometric Association as well as the National Optometric Association.

“Dr. Knight has a diverse and extensive background in the optical industry, including experience in a hospital-based ophthalmology/optometry practice, two optometric practices and a former member of Vision Source,” Gadd said. “Her rich industry knowledge and deep connections to eye care professionals ensures that our customers will continue to have a voice at the highest level of the company.”