Founder & President
About ACET
The focus of the American College of Eye Technicians (ACET), pronounced like the word “asset”, is to recruit adults and to provide them with an introduction into careers in eye care. As medical eye assistants, you will embark on a new profession that has endless opportunities for growth and success.
Our Story
The American College of Eye Technicians (ACET) is a 501(3)(c) nonprofit organization dedicated to the recruitment and development of aspiring eye assistants. As the field of eye care continues to grow, the focus of ACET is two fold:
- To encourage men and women, 18 years and older from varied socioeconomic backgrounds, to enroll in the ACET program.
- To offer industry-proven education led by certified eye care experts, all within a flexible 8-week online course set in a virtual classroom.
Our Mission
Our Mission is to recruit adult learners and provide them with foundational training to meet the staffing challenges being experienced by ophthalmology and optometry.
Our Vision
Our vision is to increase awareness of the field of medical eye assisting as a career option. Technicians play a key role in healthcare delivery, from supporting eye care providers to assisting patients with visual problems. The eye care industry is an amazingly rewarding field with limitless opportunities for growth within ophthalmology and optometry as well as related pharmaceutical or medical device arenas. Our vision includes a calculated outreach to demographics where a career in eye care would not be commonly considered. Our online educational programs will enable students to develop knowledge and skills necessary to achieve their professional goals, improve the performance of eye care centers and the eye health of the communities they serve.
Our Team
Our team of dedicated eye care professional wants to increase awareness of career opportunities within the field of ophthalmology and optometry by brining new talent into the eye care assisting field.
ACET Team
Cynthia Matossian, M.D., F.A.C.S.Founder & PresidentFounder and past Medical Director of Matossian Eye Associates (MEA), Dr. Matossian is the Chief Medical Officer for Visiox, a privately funded biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of ophthalmic therapeutics. She is also the Chief Medical Officer of Glint Pharmaceuticals, a start-up with a novel drug delivery platform through readily available soft contact lenses. She is the CEO of GPOphtho, a group purchasing organization for ophthalmology.
Dr. Matossian is the Chief Medical Advisor for Bruder Healthcare- Hilco. She is on the Medical Advisory Board of LacriSciences and is the President of the American College of Eye Technicians, a non-profit organization which she co-founded. As an emeritus refractive cataract surgeon and a dry eye specialist, Dr. Matossian is a consultant and advisor to many pharma and medical device companies. She lectures nationally and internationally, often holding leadership roles. She is on the Board of Directors of Physician Recommended Nutraceuticals, the leading Omega 3 supplements distributor within eye care. Dr. Matossian is the immediate past President of the American College of Eye Surgeons and the current President of the NY IOL Implant Society. She is an active advisor to StepWise Medical, an incubator company that funds and manages key steps in the commercialization of medical devices from innovation to acquisition in ophthalmology.
Dr. Matossian started her practice in 1987 with one office and two employees. The practice continued to grow to 14 doctors and over 90 employees. Matossian Eye was acquired in 2019 by Prism Vision Group, a PE backed business entity. Together with a group of eye surgeons, Dr. Matossian developed and built a successful freestanding ambulatory surgery center at a time when ASC ownership was not commonplace.
- Director of Program Growth and MarketingView BioSharon BurkartDirector of Program Growth and Marketing
With over 20 years of experience in health and eye care, Sharon Burkart brings a strong commitment to community outreach to her role at the American College of Eye Technicians (ACET), a nonprofit that prepares adult learners for entry-level careers as eye care technicians.
As Director of Program Growth and Marketing, Sharon leads initiatives to raise awareness of ACET’s programs and address the national shortage of skilled eye care professionals. She highlights the vital role technicians play in delivering quality patient care and draws attention to workforce gaps that affect access, efficiency, and sustainability in the industry.
Through targeted marketing and outreach, Sharon works to elevate the profession, positioning eye care technicians as respected and rewarding contributors with growth opportunities in ophthalmology and optometry. Her efforts support ACET’s mission to expand the eye care workforce, improve health outcomes, and enable communities nationwide to access essential care.
Sharon is dedicated to empowering future eye care professionals and strengthening the practices that rely on them — helping ACET create accessible, high-caliber pathways into the field that transform lives and improve outcomes.
- Dean of EducationView BioMarilyn Ponder, DBA, MM, SHRM-CP, COE, COADean of Education
Dr. Marilyn Ponder has over 20 years of experience in Ophthalmology. She began her career as an Eye Specialist while serving in the US Army. Later, she moved to private practice, where she worked in various roles, including technician, optician, clinic manager, and practice administrator. Along with her clinical and operations experience, she currently works as an adjunct professor and consultant. She provides consultancy (MP Consulting) and teaches courses in ophthalmic assisting, career development, strategic staffing, and human resource development.
Dr. Ponder has extensive management experience, holding a Master’s degree in Management (MM) and a Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA) with a concentration in Management. Her dissertation focused on the relationship between emotional intelligence and leadership style among Ophthalmic Practice Administrators. She has also authored a series of “Leadership Lessons” articles in the industry-specific magazine Ophthalmology Business Minute. These articles provide tips to help leaders improve their application of emotionally intelligent competencies in the workplace.
Dr. Ponder’s primary focus is on transforming teams through emotionally intelligent leadership. - Director of Student Recruitment and Career DevelopmentView BioMartin Orozco Jr., COMTDirector of Student Recruitment and Career Development
My name is Martin Orozco Jr., and I am a Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technologist with 12 years of dedicated experience in the field of Ophthalmology. Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of working in a variety of clinical settings, including academic institutions, private practices, educational centers, and most recently, government clinics. I am deeply passionate about the field of Ophthalmology and am committed to supporting others in their educational and career journeys. My goal is to empower colleagues and professionals to advance their knowledge and achieve success in their careers.
- Community Outreach Coordinator / Teaching AssistantView Bio
Courtney Whiteside, COMTCommunity Outreach Coordinator / Teaching AssistantCourtney Whiteside, COMT, is a Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technologist with more than a decade of hands-on clinical experience across a variety of ophthalmic care settings. She holds JCAHPO certification at the highest technician level and brings strong expertise in diagnostic imaging, surgical assisting, and comprehensive patient care.
In her current role, Courtney focuses on corneal subspecialty care and patient education, contributing to clinical excellence and improved patient experiences. Throughout her career, she has held leadership and clinical roles with increasing responsibility, supporting both patient care delivery and operational effectiveness.
A lifelong learner, Courtney earned her Bachelor of Science in Community Health Education, graduating Summa Cum Laude, and is currently pursuing a Master of Public Health. She is also a licensed phlebotomist and an active member of a national leadership honor society.
At ACET, Courtney serves as Community Outreach Coordinator and Instructor, where she builds partnerships with organizations, workforce development agencies, and community groups to raise awareness of the ophthalmic technician career pathway. She also teaches within ACET’s virtual program, drawing on her experience training clinical staff and students to deliver engaging, learner-centered instruction.
Courtney is passionate about expanding access to eye care careers and empowering the next generation of ophthalmic professionals. - TreasurerView BioGeorge Saunders, MBATreasurer
After more than 20 years serving as CFO for Matossian Eye Associates, a large multispecialty eyecare practice with offices in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, I retired from the management of medical practice and have been supporting Dr. Matossian’s consulting work as Treasurer of CM Associates LLC and helping to get ACET established as its Treasurer and as a Director. Prior to working for Matossian Eye Associates, I worked for many years as a finance specialist in small business and economic development for the State of New Jersey and the US federal government, as well as several trade associations and non profit community service organizations in Washington DC.
Advisory Board Members
- Board MemberView Bio
Hayley G. Boling, MBA, COE, DCPBoard MemberHayley is a nationally respected leader in ophthalmology and an extraordinary advocate for service-driven, people-first leadership. She currently serves as CEO of Boling Vision Center, INSIGHT Surgery Center, INFOCUS Optical Lab, andHGB Consulting, overseeing more than 110 team members across five locations, including a Joint Commission–accredited surgery center, in-house optical lab, and a mobile eye care unit. As a third-generation medical entrepreneur, Hayley has built a reputation for blending operational excellence with compassion, culture, and purpose.A Certified Ophthalmic Executive (COE)—the highest credential in ophthalmic leadership—and a Denison Certified Practitioner (DCP) specializing in culture transformation, Hayley is widely recognized for her work advancing leadership development, organizational culture, and patient experience throughout our industry.Her commitment to advancing ophthalmology extends well beyond her own organizations. Hayley is the Immediate Past President of the American Society of Ophthalmic Administrators (ASOA), serves on the Board of Ophthalmic World Leaders (OWL), is faculty for ASOA’s LEAD Program, and contributes to the ASCRS Government Relations Committee, where she advocates for independent medicine and patient-centered care.Equally inspiring is Hayley’s philanthropic leadership. She is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of Kindness to Prevent Blindness, a mobile eye care initiative that provides vision screenings to more than 20,000 children each year, along with free glasses for those in need. Her lifelong belief that “a rising tide lifts all ships” aligns beautifully with ACET’s mission and values. - Board MemberView Bio
Jason D. MenzoBoard MemberJason Menzo was appointed CEO for the Foundation Fighting Blindness on July 1, 2022. Prior to this appointment, he spent the previous four years serving as the Foundation’s COO and President, leading the organizations fundraising, finance, operations, marketing and community engagement efforts. The Foundation is the world’s leading organization searching for treatments and cures of blinding retinal degenerative diseases. The Foundation has raised over $891 million since its inception and is currently funding more than 90 research projects globally.
Jason also serves on the management team for the Retinal Degeneration Fund (RD Fund), the venture arm of the Foundation. The RD Fund has nearly $100 million under management and has made investments in 10 portfolio companies to date, all aimed at fueling startup companies in the retinal degeneration space.
Prior to joining the Foundation, Jason was a co-founder and Business Unit Head of Sun Ophthalmics. In this role, he built and led the commercial team, launching the business into the well-known entity it is today.
Prior to his role with Sun Ophthalmics, he was a co-founder of the US business for Nicox SA, where he led the commercial launches of several ophthalmic brands and helped the business successfully exit by acquisition (Valeant Pharmaceuticals, 2014). He has previously held positions of increasing responsibility with Bausch + Lomb, Inspire Pharmaceuticals, and Bayer Healthcare.
Jason also serves on the Board of Directors for Retina International, the leading global umbrella organization for patient-led charities and foundations. He has also served as a member for the Global Council of Advisors and Advocates for Sightlife, a global non-profit seeking to end corneal blindness.
- Board memberView Bio
Heather Bush-Reyes, COTBoard memberHeather Reyes is a highly accomplished professional with a diverse background in the healthcare industry, particularly in Ophthalmology. With over 28 years of experience in the field, Heather’s journey has been marked by a deep passion for patient care and a commitment to improving clinical workflows through innovative solutions.
Currently serving as the Director of Product Management at Compulink Healthcare Solutions, Heather leads a team of talented Product Managers in the development of efficient Electronic Health Records for practices across 18 verticals. Her expertise in overseeing the creation of streamlined clinical workflows has been instrumental in enhancing the delivery of healthcare services.
Having dedicated 20 years to Compulink, Heather has made significant contributions to the company’s growth and success. She initially joined as part of the training and implementation team, helping healthcare professionals’ transition smoothly to new technologies. Recognizing her exceptional skills and aptitude, she transitioned into Product Development, where she played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s product offerings.
Heather’s remarkable career began at the age of 19 when she joined an Ophthalmology practice right after college. Despite not having pursued Ophthalmology in her formal education, she quickly developed a profound passion for the industry. Starting at the front desk, Heather progressively moved into the back office, immersing herself in patient care, ocular anatomy, and the intricacies of helping patients. Her roles as a technician, scribe, and surgical assistant to the Ophthalmologist allowed her to gain invaluable insights and experience, ultimately leading her to assume the position of office administrator. Within a year of working at the practice, she obtained her COA (Certified Ophthalmic Assistant) certification and a year later her COT (Certified Ophthalmic Technician) certification. Heather’s dedication extended to training the technical staff and scribes, fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional growth.
Beyond her professional achievements, Heather cherishes her time spent with her husband and six grown children. When she’s not shaping the future of healthcare, you’ll find her training for Spartan races or enjoying the beauty of Southern Florida through boating adventures.
Heather Reyes is a dynamic leader, industry expert, and compassionate advocate for patient-centric care. Her extensive experience, combined with her relentless pursuit of innovation, make her an asset in revolutionizing the healthcare landscape.
- Board MemberView BioJay Kenneth Mattheis, MD, MSPH, FACSBoard Member
Dr. Jay Kenneth Mattheis is an esteemed ophthalmologist with a career spanning over three decades. He currently serves as an Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology at Loma Linda University School of Medicine and a Staff Physician at the Loma Linda University Eye Institute. Dr. Mattheis is board certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and holds additional certifications and memberships, including being a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and the American Academy of Ophthalmology.
Throughout his career, Dr. Mattheis has held leadership roles in several prestigious institutions, including the Wellish Vision Institute and the Florida Eye Clinic. His clinical expertise is complemented by his active involvement in research, with numerous publications and participation in various clinical trials focusing on dry eye disease and ocular inflammation.
Dr. Mattheis has also been a sought-after speaker and Key Opinion Leader (KOL) for multiple pharmaceutical companies, including Novartis, Bausch & Lomb, and Sun Pharmaceuticals. His contributions to the field have been recognized with numerous honors, including being named one of America’s Top Ophthalmologists by the Consumers’ Research Council of America and a Castle Connolly Top Doctor.
Faculty
- Dean of EducationView BioMarilyn Ponder, DBA, MM, SHRM-CP, COE, COADean of Education
Dr. Marilyn Ponder has over 20 years of experience in Ophthalmology. She began her career as an Eye Specialist while serving in the US Army. Later, she moved to private practice, where she worked in various roles, including technician, optician, clinic manager, and practice administrator. Along with her clinical and operations experience, she currently works as an adjunct professor and consultant. She provides consultancy (MP Consulting) and teaches courses in ophthalmic assisting, career development, strategic staffing, and human resource development.
Dr. Ponder has extensive management experience, holding a Master’s degree in Management (MM) and a Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA) with a concentration in Management. Her dissertation focused on the relationship between emotional intelligence and leadership style among Ophthalmic Practice Administrators. She has also authored a series of “Leadership Lessons” articles in the industry-specific magazine Ophthalmology Business Minute. These articles provide tips to help leaders improve their application of emotionally intelligent competencies in the workplace.
Dr. Ponder’s primary focus is on transforming teams through emotionally intelligent leadership. - Adjunct LecturerView BioHeather Reyes, COTAdjunct Lecturer
Heather Reyes is a highly accomplished professional with a diverse background in the healthcare industry, particularly in Ophthalmology. With over 28 years of experience in the field, Heather’s journey has been marked by a deep passion for patient care and a commitment to improving clinical workflows through innovative solutions.
Currently serving as the Director of Product Management at Compulink Healthcare Solutions, Heather leads a team of talented Product Managers in the development of efficient Electronic Health Records for practices across 18 verticals. Her expertise in overseeing the creation of streamlined clinical workflows has been instrumental in enhancing the delivery of healthcare services.
Having dedicated 20 years to Compulink, Heather has made significant contributions to the company’s growth and success. She initially joined as part of the training and implementation team, helping healthcare professionals’ transition smoothly to new technologies. Recognizing her exceptional skills and aptitude, she transitioned into Product Development, where she played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s product offerings.
Heather’s remarkable career began at the age of 19 when she joined an Ophthalmology practice right after college. Despite not having pursued Ophthalmology in her formal education, she quickly developed a profound passion for the industry. Starting at the front desk, Heather progressively moved into the back office, immersing herself in patient care, ocular anatomy, and the intricacies of helping patients. Her roles as a technician, scribe, and surgical assistant to the Ophthalmologist allowed her to gain invaluable insights and experience, ultimately leading her to assume the position of office administrator. Within a year of working at the practice, she obtained her COA (Certified Ophthalmic Assistant) certification and a year later her COT (Certified Ophthalmic Technician) certification. Heather’s dedication extended to training the technical staff and scribes, fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional growth.
Beyond her professional achievements, Heather cherishes her time spent with her husband and six grown children. When she’s not shaping the future of healthcare, you’ll find her training for Spartan races or enjoying the beauty of Southern Florida through boating adventures.
Heather Reyes is a dynamic leader, industry expert, and compassionate advocate for patient-centric care. Her extensive experience, combined with her relentless pursuit of innovation, make her an asset in revolutionizing the healthcare landscape.
- Adjunct LecturerView BioMartin Orozco Jr., COMTAdjunct Lecturer
My name is Martin Orozco Jr., and I am a Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technologist with 12 years of dedicated experience in the field of Ophthalmology. Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of working in a variety of clinical settings, including academic institutions, private practices, educational centers, and most recently, government clinics. I am deeply passionate about the field of Ophthalmology and am committed to supporting others in their educational and career journeys. My goal is to empower colleagues and professionals to advance their knowledge and achieve success in their careers.
Proudly Supported By Our Partners
As a non-profit organization, we, at ACET, keep our tuition to a minimum in order to minimize the financial burden for our students. Our cost per student is significantly higher than the tuition we charge. Consequently, we rely heavily on organizations and pharmaceutical companies for financial support through sponsorships and educational grants.
Partner with ACET:
Supporting Future Eye Care Technicians
The American College of Eye Technicians (ACET) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to training the next generation of eye care professionals. By offering affordable, expert-led education, we aim to address the staffing challenges in ophthalmology and optometry practices across the nation. Your support will help us recruit talented adult learners and expand our educational offerings, ensuring a brighter future for eye care.
Download our Sponsorship Prospectus to learn how you can make an impact and support ACET’s mission.
Download our Sponsorship Prospectus to learn how you can make an impact and support ACET’s mission.
Sponsorship Commitment Form