CooperVision has strengthened its US Professional Affairs team with 3 new team members and 2 leadership promotions, expanding the company’s expertise across professional education, academic affairs, scientific affairs, core portfolio and cornea care, and operational support.

• Eric Harris, OD, joins CooperVision as senior advisor, professional education & development. A residency-trained optometrist and Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry, Harris brings more than 15 years of experience across clinical care, academia, leadership, and professional service. He will help advance CooperVision’s professional education strategy and development of educational programs. 

• Tyler Kitzman, OD, joins as senior advisor, academic affairs, leading strategy and engagement with optometry students and US schools and colleges of optometry. He previously served as an associate professor at Southern College of Optometry, where his work included clinical skills, contact lens education, student development, and academic initiatives. 

• Heather Plank, MBA, joins as business project manager, professional affairs, leading the development and support of systems, processes, and operational frameworks for professional affairs. She brings more than 12 years of project management and operational leadership experience.

CooperVision has also expanded the responsibilities of 2 current Professional Affairs leaders:

• Tara Vaz, OD, has been promoted to senior advisor, core portfolio & cornea care, leading professional affairs programs and initiatives supporting CooperVision’s one-day, frequent replacement program, and specialty contact lens portfolios. 

• Leah Johnson, OD, has been promoted to senior advisor, scientific affairs, leading United States thought leadership efforts, including in-market assessments, studies, surveys, advisory boards, and claims development activities.