GSLS Announces Education Committee Leadership Transition

Dr. Jason Nichols steps down as chair after 2 decades of service, Dr. Jennifer Fogt to take over role.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 12:00am

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After nearly 2 decades of involvement with the Global Specialty Lens Symposium (GSLS) Education Committee, Dr. Jason J. Nichols, OD, MPH, PhD, will be stepping down as Education Committee chair to focus on other areas of his work. Dr. Jennifer S. Fogt, OD, MS, who joined the Education Committee in 2025 as vice chair, will assume the role of chair.

Why it matters

Dr. Nichols' leadership has helped shape the GSLS meeting into what it is today, expanding it significantly over the years. The transition to Dr. Fogt's leadership will ensure the continued success and growth of the premier educational event for eye care professionals focused on specialty contact lenses.

The details

Dr. Nichols joined the GSLS Education Committee in 2008 as a member and was later appointed chair in 2019. Under his leadership, the GSLS meeting expanded to include 41 hours of continuing education, hands-on workshops, 2 poster sessions, and over 900 attendees. Although he will no longer serve in an official GSLS role, Dr. Nichols will remain actively engaged with the broader community, continuing as editor-in-chief of Contact Lens Spectrum and the Contact Lenses Today newsletter, while also directing various CLS-related editorial initiatives.

  • Dr. Nichols joined the GSLS Education Committee in 2008.
  • Dr. Nichols was appointed chair of the GSLS Education Committee in 2019.
  • Dr. Fogt joined the GSLS Education Committee as vice chair in 2025.
  • Dr. Nichols will be stepping down as GSLS Education Committee chair in 2026.

The players

Jason J. Nichols, OD, MPH, PhD

Outgoing chair of the GSLS Education Committee, who has been involved with the committee for nearly 2 decades. He will continue as editor-in-chief of Contact Lens Spectrum and the Contact Lenses Today newsletter, while also directing various CLS-related editorial initiatives.

Jennifer S. Fogt, OD, MS

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 and will be the new chair of the GSLS Education Committee.

Charlie Lee

CEO of Conexiant, the parent company of CLS and GSLS.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Charlie Lee, CEO of Conexiant

“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.”

— Jennifer S. Fogt, OD, MS, Incoming chair of the GSLS Education Committee

The takeaway

The transition in leadership of the GSLS Education Committee from Dr. Nichols to Dr. Fogt will ensure the continued growth and success of this premier educational event for eye care professionals focused on specialty contact lenses. Dr. Nichols' long-standing commitment to the committee has left a lasting impact, and Dr. Fogt's expertise will build upon that foundation.