Optical Women’s Association meets in London
OWA chair, Nancy Gries
The Optical Women’s Association (OWA) marked an exciting milestone at 100% Optical with its OWA global connections series, bringing together women from across the global optical community for an inspiring conversation on leadership, resilience and the many paths a career can take.
Hosted on the 100% Catwalk stage, the session opened with remarks from Nancy Gries, chair of the OWA International Expansion Committee, before a thoughtful discussion led by Dr Pretty Basra with panellists: Dr Caroline Casey (global diversity, equity and inclusion board member at L’Oréal, president of the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness, and diversity advisory council member to Sky); Jayne Abel (co-founder and CEO of Eyespace and vice chair of the Optical Suppliers Association); and Dame Mary Perkins (co-founder of Specsavers).
Nancy Gries shares insights from the panel discussion – which saw participants share “honest reflections on leadership – not as a straight line, but as a journey shaped by instinct, courage and sometimes the willingness to take a different direction”…
Power of saying ‘No’
One theme that resonated strongly throughout the discussion was the challenge of saying ‘No’.
From left: Nancy Gries, Dr Pretty Basra, Dr Caroline Casey and Jayne Abel
Jayne Abel reflected on the reality that choosing a different path can sometimes mean disappointing those around you, saying: “Sometimes wanting to do things differently means saying no to the people closest to you.”
Dr Pretty Basra spoke about the emotional weight that often accompanies saying no, particularly for women who may feel pressure to people-please.
Dr Caroline Casey added that saying no can sometimes be perceived as formidable, yet it is an essential part of leadership: “We need to be able to say no without feeling we have to justify it.”
The panel agreed that leadership often required trusting your instincts and being willing to make decisions that might not please everyone.
Leadership, challenge and growth
Reflecting on her own experience, Jayne spoke about remaining authentic throughout her career, saying: “You should be the only one to put pressure on yourself.”
She described leadership not as relentlessly pushing forward, but as navigating challenges with resilience: “It’s not about pushing through – it’s about absorbing the shocks and navigating.”
Caroline added that some of the most meaningful innovation comes through difficulty: “Often innovation is born from struggle.”
Dame Mary shares her thoughts and experiences
Leadership can also be lonely at times, she noted; which is why communities like the OWA play such an important role. Creating spaces where women can connect, share experiences and support one another helps build stronger leadership across the industry.
Impact of “what we do”
One of the most powerful moments of the conversation came when Caroline reframed the purpose of the profession itself.
“We are in the business of dream-making,” she said. “Without these glasses, people wouldn’t be able to do what they do.”
It was a reminder of the profound impact the optical profession has on people’s lives – enabling independence, confidence and opportunity.
Learning from others
Dame Mary Perkins offered thoughtful reflections drawn from decades of experience building one of the most recognised names in the industry. “You don’t always realise you’re being a leader,” she shared.
Dame Mary encouraged attendees to surround themselves with people who know more than they do, to move a business forward. She also spoke about the collaborative nature of the profession. “Optics is a small world, and the way we move forward is together,” she said.
For Dame Mary, success has always been rooted in people, building teams that feel like a family and creating an environment where work can also be enjoyable.
Advice for the next generation
When asked what advice she would offer those starting their careers, Dame Mary encouraged attendees to find their niche and remain open to unexpected paths.
“Go sideways if you need to before moving up,” she responded. “Figure out your field and the kind of people you want to work for, and don’t be afraid.”
Her closing message was one of optimism: “The future is exciting. Optics is going to be a great business to be in.”
Krupa Mistry receives her award from Dame Mary
Celebrating leadership
The event also marked a special moment for the OWA community with the presentation of the inaugural Dame Mary Perkins & OWA Leadership Recognitions.
Honourees included:
- Krupa Mistry: recipient of the Dame Mary Perkins & OWA Emerging Leadership Recognition
- Fiona Anderson: recipient of the Dame Mary Perkins & OWA Leadership Recognition
ABDO past president, Fiona Anderson, accepts her award
On receiving her award, ABDO past president, Fiona Anderson, told DO Online:“Was an immense honour and privilege to be awarded the inaugural OWA Leadership Recognition Award. I am humbled to receive an award in the name of Dame Mary Perkins who herself embodies what it is to be a leader.”
Conversations that continued
As the session concluded, the energy in the room continued well beyond the stage. Conversations flowed long after the panel ended, with attendees connecting, sharing experiences and building new relationships.
As the OWA expands its international presence, this first global event was a powerful reminder of the value of community, bringing women together to support one another, exchange ideas and help shape the future of the optical industry.