Join us
Thursday, November 6, 2025!

This year's theme is
"Vision Through the Years".

Time: 6 pm
Location: Legends Hall at The Marq Southlake 285 Shady Oaks Dr, Southlake, TX 76092

Become a Sponsor: 2025 Women’s Health & Vision Symposium Sponsorships

To discuss sponsorship opportunities and select the level that best fits your goals and needs, contact Angela Healy at ahealy@pbtexas.org.

Don't miss this evening of inspiration, real conversations about the challenges women face, and how together we can thrive.
It will be a night of connection and meaningful dialogue!

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Get to know our speaker Dr. Jennifer Deakins, OD

Dr. Jennifer Deakins is a co-director of the Community Eye Clinic in Fort Worth – which is an indigent care clinic that trains fourth year optometry students and ocular disease residents. She is a Clinical Associate Professor with the University of Houston College of Optometry. Jennifer is a graduate of UHCO and completed an Ocular Disease Residency at Cedar Springs Eye Clinic. She currently serves on the board of directors for the Alcon Children's Vision Center. She is the Legislative Chair of the Texas Optometric Association (TOA), Past President of the TOA, and serves on several committees for the American Optometric Association.

Get to know our panelists

Rebecca Chen, M.D., is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Ophthalmology at UT Southwestern Medical Center. She specializes in medical and surgical care for glaucoma as well as cataract surgery.

Dr. Chen earned her medical degree at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine. She completed a residency in ophthalmology at the Cleveland Clinic Cole Eye Institute, where she was voted Chief Resident. She received advanced training through a glaucoma fellowship at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, where she was a Heed Fellow. Dr. Chen is certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and has previously served on faculty at the University of California, Davis.

Jessica Thayer, M.D., is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Ophthalmology at UT Southwestern Medical Center. She specializes in retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), pediatric and adult strabismus (eye misalignment), and pediatric cataract surgery.

Dr. Thayer earned her medical degree at the University of Texas Medical School at Houston. She completed a residency in ophthalmology at University of Texas Health San Antonio (UTHSA) and received advanced training in pediatric ophthalmology through a fellowship at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. She joined the UT Southwestern faculty in 2021.

Dr. Thayer is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology, and the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus. She has delivered numerous presentations and published academic articles. She was recognized by UTHSA as the 2019–2020 Ophthalmology Resident of the Year.

Dr. Fariba Eshraghi Parmer, OD is an expert in managing Dry Eye Disease and fitting specialty contact lenses for patients with corneal irregularities and ocular surface conditions. Her extensive knowledge in Dry Eye has led to the introduction of several advanced treatment options at Eye Consultants of Texas. She completed a prestigious fellowship at the Wilmer Eye Institute at Johns Hopkins Hospital, where she gained deep expertise in caring for post-operative cataract patients and those who have undergone laser vision correction (LASIK/PRK). Dr. Parmer also has a strong interest in the role of nutrition in retinal health and integrates this approach into her treatment of various eye diseases. Her compassionate and personalized care reflects our commitment to one-on-one doctor-patient relationships.

Get to know our moderator Viviana Gonzalez, O.D.

Dr. Viviana Gonzalez graduated from the University of Houston College of Optometry in 2019 and completed her residency in ocular disease at Cedar Springs Eye Clinic the following year. Thriving in collaborative multidisciplinary care, she gained valuable experience at a federally qualified health center before joining UHCO as a Clinical Assistant Professor in 2023. Currently, Dr. Gonzalez practices at UHCO-affiliated community clinics in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, which serve as clinical externship sites for fourth-year optometry students. She remains actively involved in various professional associations, including the Texas Optometric Association, the American Optometric Association, and the Texas Public Health Association's Vision Care Section.

Agenda:

6PM - Networking

7PM - Program Begins

Moderator- Dr. Viviana Gonzalez           

Speaker - Dr. Jennifer Deakins

Panelists - Dr. Jessica Thayer, Dr. Rebecca Chen, and Dr. Fariba Eshraghi Parmer

Thank you to our sponsors!

Champion Sponsor

Guardian Sponsor

Advocate Sponsor 

Alcon
Apex Dental
Forvis Mazars