Juanita Leary – President

In 1988, and still in her final year of university at UPEI, Juanita began working at the Charlottetown location of Vogue Optical. After graduating with a newly minted Bachelor of Arts degree, a budding love of retail and a desire to grow, Juanita moved to the administrative team at Vogue. Over the years, Juanita has used her strong work ethic to move through many departments from accounting to buyer to marketing and finally to President.

In her current position as President, Juanita’s primary responsibility is the day to day operations of all retail locations and spends lot of time on the road ensuring that the company’s high standards are always being met. Juanita’s motto has been “Love what you do and love who you do it for.” She contributes her success in the company, and the company’s success, to hard work and commitment to great relationships. During her 25 year career Juanita has also organized and attended optical road clinics in NFLD, NS, PEI and NB. She has participated in several Vision Expos in New York City and attended Johnson & Johnson’s Training Academy in Jacksonville, Florida.

Jamie Hearn – Vice President

Born and raised in Petty Harbour, NF, Jamie graduated from St. Kevin’s High School in 1995 and then West Viking College in 1997 where he graduated with his Dispensing Optician’s License. From 1997 to 2006, Jamie worked as Optician/Managing Optician, in various Vogue Optical locations throughout Nfld, NB and NS.

In 2006, Jamie was promoted to the position of NB Regional Manager and now has 21 stores under his jurisdiction. During his 16 year career Jamie has organized and attended numerous Optical Road Clinics in NF and has attended several Vision Expos in New York City. Jamie has also attended the Transitions Academy in Orlando and Johnson & Johnson Training Academy in Jacksonville Florida.

Amanda Strongman – Financial Analyst

Kathy Bryanton

Product Development & Technical Support Director

In 2005 she was appointed Director of Purchasing where her duties included the merchandising and procurement of all frames, lenses, contact lenses and accessories for all the Vogue Optical locations. In 2013 she was appointed Director of Manufacturing to oversee the performance of the Vogue Optical lens and coating manufacturing facility. Most recently in 2020, she was appointed Director of Product Development & Technical Support. Her duties include identifying room for improvements in the portfolio as well as the technical knowledge support for store level.

During her 30+ year career, she has served as President of the Opticians Association of PEI. She has also participated in multiple Vision Expos in New York City and travelled within Canada and the US exploring all aspects of the optical industry.

Penny Simpson

Regional Supervisor for Ontario

Upon graduation, Penny worked for Standard Optical in various Banners before joining The Ivision Team in 1994. Penny began her career as a licensed optician accepting new responsibilities as Managing Optician and Manager of operations during her 22-year tenure with the iVision.

Penny joined Vogue Optical in 2016 when Vogue Optical acquired the Ontario based, iVision optical chain, encompassing 15 locations. Penny draws upon her 30+ years of optical experience and enthusiasm to motivate and educate her teams.

Penny is a member of the Ontario and Canadian Opticians association. Penny has attended Visions Expo in New York City and the Transitions Academy in Orlando Florida.

Ernie Yarn

Regional Manager for Nova Scotia

During his 37 year career, Ernie has served on the Education Committee of the Nova Scotia Society of Dispensing Opticians and participated in several Vision Expos in New York City. Ernie has also attended the Transitions Academy in Orlando and Johnson & Johnson Training Academy in Jacksonville Florida.

Gladys Dalton

Regional Supervisor for Newfoundland and Labrador

Gladys graduated from Holy Heart Of Mary Regional High School and then attended Memorial University for two years, while working at Cabot Optical. She entered into the Dispensing Optician’s Program in 1983 and received her license in 1985. Gladys joined Vogue Optical as a Licensed Optician in 1986 and became Store Manager of the Vogue Optical on Duckworth St in St. John’s one year later. She received her Contact Lens Fitters License in 1991.

Gladys has held the role as a Regional Manager for St. John’s for 15 years and has 14 stores in her jurisdiction. During her 30 year career, Gladys has also served on the Education Committee and Newfoundland Guild of Dispensing Opticians in various capacities and participated in several Vision Expo’s in New York City.

Sharon Garnett

Regional Manager for New Brunswick

In 1989 she obtained her Dispensing Optician license and in 1994 was promoted to Manager of the Vogue Optical location in Westmorland Place mall in Saint John and remained there for the next 23 years. In January of 2017, Sharon was promoted to NB Regional Manager with 27 locations throughout New Brunswick under her jurisdiction.

During her 34+ years with Vogue Optical, she has sponsored several optical students and served as an Examiner for Nacor for the Optician Association of New Brunswick.

Barb MacDonald – Payroll Administrator

In 1994 she joined the team at Head Office in the Accounting Department. She was promoted to her present position in 1997 and has been managing these two key areas ever since.

Dawn Brown – Marketing Coordinator

She is currently responsible for all advertising and sponsorship for all stores in the chain. Prior to joining Vogue Optical she worked for Transcontinental Atlantic Media Group.

Tracy Smith – Director of Administration

Tracy Smith is currently Executive Assistant to the President of Vogue Optical Group Inc. Ms. Smith joined Vogue Optical in 2009 following eight years’ experience in the insurance industry and seven years with non-profit organizations. Tracy earned her BBA from the University of Prince Edward Island in 2005 and Chartered Insurance Professional designation in 2011.

Kristen Jones – Administrative Assistant

Kristen joined the Vogue Optical team in 2019 as an Administrative Assistant. She has worked in various roles in the optical industry since 1999 before joining the team.