Jennifer Harthan was appointed as Executive Director of the Gas Permeable Lens Institute (GPLI) in January, following in the footsteps of Ed Bennett who retired after nearly 36 years of serving as both Executive Director and President of the GPLI.
We speak to Jenn about her experience, views on education and future aspirations for the GPLI.
Please can you tell us a bit about your career history?
Right after graduating from the Illinois College of Optometry (ICO), I completed a residency in cornea and contact lenses at ICO. I intended to pursue private practice after completion of the residency, but a faculty position was open at ICO in the contact lens department, and I was approached to consider applying for it. I applied, was offered the position, and have been on faculty ever since. I am currently a Professor of Optometry at ICO and teach the Advanced Contact Lens Course. I am also Chief of the Cornea and Contact Lens Center of Clinical Excellence at the Illinois Eye Institute, where I spend most of my days working with 4th year students and residents providing patient care. I also work part-time in a private practice and have been at this practice since I was a student. On January 1, 2025 I assumed the role of Executive Director of the GPLI along with my other responsibilities and I could not be more thrilled about the opportunity.
What are you most excited about accomplishing in your new position at the GPLI?
As I step into the role of Executive Director of the Gas Permeable Lens Institute (GPLI), I am filled with a sense of excitement and gratitude. It is both an honor and a privilege to serve this incredible community, and I’m thrilled to embark on this journey with students, residents, practitioners, staff, patients, and industry partners.
The GPLI has always been at the forefront of providing unbiased education and valuable practice-building resources to support the adoption and advancement of gas permeable (GP) and custom soft contact lenses. As I take on this new responsibility, I am committed to continuing this vital mission. As we continue to provide high-quality, evidence-based resources, I am excited to explore new ways to enhance the tools, resources and educational materials we offer. Whether through educational programs, research initiatives, or clinical practice advancements, we will strive to make a meaningful impact that empowers everyone in the contact lens community.
What are some of the current GPLI initiatives that practitioners should be engaging with if not already?
For ECP professionals looking to further elevate their practice, becoming a GPLI member offers a wealth of resources designed to keep you at the forefront of specialty contact lens education. As a professional member, you’ll gain exclusive access to:
- Free printed materials to support your practice’s patient education efforts.
- A comprehensive Coding and Billing Module to simplify your practice’s administrative tasks.
- A Staff Training Module to ensure your team stays informed and skilled in the latest lens technologies and techniques.
- The Building Your Practice with GP Multifocals program, offering insights into growing your specialty contact lens practice.
- Over 130 archived webinars on a wide variety of relevant topics.
- Free COPE CE webinars to help you stay current with continuing education requirements.
- The Advisor educational journal, full of expert insights and research to keep you up to date.
- GPLI Radio Podcast, providing ongoing learning opportunities wherever you are.
- Special recognition on the Find a GP Specialist Locator, connecting you with potential patients.
- A Certificate of Membership, recognizing your commitment to advancing the field of specialty contact lenses.
In your opinion, what role does patient education play in increasing the use of GP lenses?
Patient education serves as an invaluable tool for practices aiming to provide comprehensive care for contact lens patients, particularly the use of GP lenses. Providing patients with the proper care regimens for different lenses, application and removal techniques, ensures that patients are well-educated on how to manage their lenses effectively. Some patients have never been told about GP lenses. Educating them on GP lens options demonstrates that you are committed to providing excellent patient care, which then increases both the success of your practice and the satisfaction of your patients. GPLI has created a Patient Education Guide to provide staff and practitioners with access to accurate, easy-to-understand information. Your team can build stronger relationships with patients, leading to improved patient outcomes, better compliance and higher levels of trust.
How do you see emerging technologies (such as speciality lens designs, equipment and new materials) shaping the future of GP lenses?
Emerging technologies in specialty lens designs, materials, equipment, and techniques will continue to evolve at a rapid pace. It’s crucial not only to embrace these innovations but also to be a part of the team that drives them forward. At the same time, we must never lose sight of the rich history of our field, as the foundations laid by past advancements continue to shape the present.
One of the most exciting aspects of working with specialty contact lenses is that there is no “one-size-fits-all” solution. Each patient is unique, and we have the privilege of using a variety of tools in our toolbox to create tailored solutions for each individual’s needs. Whether it’s through GP lenses, scleral lenses, custom soft lenses, or hybrid lenses, we collaborate with our industry partners to push innovation while ensuring our patients receive the most personalized care possible. By blending innovation with expertise, we improve not only the quality of care we provide but the quality of life for our patients.
Tell us your favourite optometry joke:
What did one eye say to the other eye?
Between you and me something smells 😊
