NEWARK, N.J.—As part of its summer publication, 20/20 Europe has announced the honorees in the first European Edition of its Most Influential Women in Optical (MIWO) feature. Inspired and endorsed by Vision Monday and Jobson Optical Group, this new program presented by 20/20 Europe shines a light on women who are shaping the future of the optical industry across Europe, in all walks of the business. In this feature, you can learn more about this year’s 26 honorees—each profile details their achievements, career paths and inspirations. This extraordinary community of women is being honored in the following five categories that showcase their work and many accomplishments: Business Leaders, Rising Stars, Founders, Innovators, and Mentors.
Business Leaders
Karin Schena, Eyepol Europe SA
Gabriela Tarkanyi Maldonado, Valtoria
Fiona Reynard, Cutler and Gross
Raffaela Da Riz, Go Eyewear Group
Sofia Opazo Johansson, StureOptikern
Barbara Salimbeni, Marchon Eyewear
Sandra Timon, Minima
Rising Stars
Moa Oppedal Paulson, HOUSE of MODO
Danielle Martin, Ocuco
Giulia Ponti, Swiss Eyewear Group
Matilde Ronzoni, HOYA Vision Care
Caterina Ghezzi, HOUSE of MODO International
Founders
Loes Brussen, Frank and Lucie
Anaïs Murith, LENETA
Alexandra Macsimov, Optisuite
Laure Pichereau, SiVIEW
Innovators
Xenia Glutz von Blotzheim, Frame the Future, Mykita and GVB Purpose Consulting
Sahra Lysell, Ørgreen Optics
Sandra Kaufmann, read on GMBH
Ophélie Vanbremeersch, ZAC
Carolina Gonzálvez Lober, Carolina Lober
Mentors
Lorraine Berton, ANFAO
Sabrina Lotto, Menicon Soleko
Marie Wilkinson, Cutler and Gross
Olga Prenat, EssilorLuxottica
Amélie Morel, Morel
Category descriptions and criteria are below:
Business Leaders: Candidates are women who hold high level leadership roles (positions such as president, CEO/managing director, CFO/finance director, CMO/marketing director, CIO or COO) that guide their companies forward, inspire leadership among their teams and peers, and achieve high performance. They are industry influencers who set the tone for their companies and the industry.
Rising Stars: Candidates are women who are “up-and-comers” in their careers and within their companies or arenas within the industry, sharp talents who are on their way toward higher levels of responsibility and influence.
Founders: Candidates are women who have started their own business in the optical industry and who are having success in their specialist field in building and developing their business initiative or creative project. This category will also include women who are co-founders.
Innovators: Candidates are women who have initiated new product developments or special programs in the arenas of marketing, technology, retail or patient service/philanthropy, and sustainability, who have spearheaded innovative business ideas or enterprises that are achieving marked success and reinventing old ideas.
Mentors: Candidates are women who are team builders, developers of talent, who via example or education and training successfully influence others to learn and to grow in their business or professional acumen, within their organizations or among others in the industry.
“Recognizing and celebrating remarkable women is not bound by continent or country, and we are proud to see VM’s Most Influential Women in Optical tradition extend beyond the U.S.,” said Anne Cooper, editorial director of Vision Monday and 20/20. “We celebrate the first edition of 20/20 Europe’s publication honoring these accomplished women. Congratulations to the honorees, whose innovation and leadership drive and shape the optical industry, propelling it toward continued success in the years to come.”
20/20 Europe and Vision Monday invite you to celebrate the 2026 class of Most Influential Women in Optical European Edition on Friday, September 25, 2026, from 12:00 – 2:00 p.m., CET at SILMO, Paris-Nord Villepinte in Room Les Portiques. Click here to register for the luncheon event.
