After nearly 2 decades of involvement with the Global Specialty Lens Symposium (GSLS) Education Committee, Jason J. Nichols, OD, MPH, PhD, will be stepping down as Education Committee chair to focus on other areas of his work. Dr. Nichols joined the committee in 2008 as a member and was later appointed chair in 2019. Under his leadership, the GSLS meeting expanded significantly, growing to include 41 hours of continuing education, hands-on workshops, 2 poster sessions, and 900+ attendees.
Although he will no longer serve in an official GSLS role, Dr. Nichols will remain actively engaged with the broader community. He will continue as editor-in-chief of Contact Lens Spectrum (CLS) and the Contact Lenses Today newsletter, while also directing various CLS-related editorial initiatives. He also plans to remain a presence at GSLS, supporting the team and the continued success of the meeting he helped shape.
“Jason’s impact on GSLS is immeasurable. His leadership has helped shape the meeting into what it is today, and we are deeply grateful for his years of service, vision, and commitment to advancing education in our field,” says Charlie Lee, CEO of Conexiant, the parent company of CLS and GSLS. “We are fortunate that his influence will continue through his work with Contact Lens Spectrum and beyond.”
Jennifer S. Fogt, OD, MS, who joined the Education Committee in 2025 as vice chair, will assume the role of chair. Dr. Fogt is an assistant professor at The Ohio State University College of Optometry, where she conducts research and serves as an attending in the Contact Lens Clinic. She also serves as an associate editor of Contact Lens Spectrum.
“The future of GSLS is bright with the strong foundation established under Dr. Nichols' leadership! GSLS 2027 will continue the tradition of world-class education and hours of access to the latest products and technology available in specialty contact lenses,” notes Dr. Fogt. “We will also continue to bring the latest hot topics and invite new speakers to the podium throughout the symposium."