Key leadership appointments aim to accelerate member brand expansion
March 3, 2026
Eyecare Republic (ECR), a nationwide network of independent optometrists, announced two major leadership appointments as the organization prepares to launch its first member exclusive brand in April 2026.
ECR welcomes Jennifer Hogan as senior director of operations and membership and appoints Graham Purdy as chairman of its Advisory Board. These key strategic additions reinforce the organization’s commitment to empowering independent optometrists nationwide.
Jennifer Hogan. Photos courtesy of Eyecare Republic.
Jennifer Hogan Named Senior Director of Operations and Membership
Aligned with ECR’s mission to strengthen independent optometry, Hogan will guide the organization’s strategic and operational priorities while overseeing the growth and development of all ECR Member Brands. This includes the April 2026 launch of ONLY™, ECR’s member exclusive brand of daily spherical contact lenses, available exclusively to its membership.
“Justin and I could not be more thrilled to have Jen Hogan on Eyecare Republic’s team,” said Neal Troyer, OD, founding doctor of Eyecare Republic, LLC. “Her experience in and out of the eyecare world will help guide us on our mission: to build the next generation Doctor Alliance group.”
Hogan brings deep industry expertise and a proven history of excellence in relationship building, execution and strategic planning. Her previous roles include leadership positions at Bausch & Lomb, Opthonix and CareCredit. She also spent 12 years with Citigroup Inc. in its retail finance division.
“I’m honored to join the Eyecare Republic team and help Dr. Troyer and Dr. Weigel continue their mission to reinforce and champion the strength of independent optometry practices through this alliance,” said Hogan.
Graham Purdy Appointed Chairman of the Advisory Board
ECR also announced the appointment of Graham Purdy as Chairman of its Advisory Board. Purdy brings nearly 30 years of experience in organizational growth and new product success. He currently serves as CEO of Turning Point Brands (NYSE: TPB), a publicly traded company with a market valuation exceeding $2.5 billion.
Graham Purdy.
Turning Point Brands manages a portfolio of brand families that each generate more than $100 million in annual revenue. Throughout his career, he has been instrumental in scaling operations, leading innovation, driving growth and transforming product development into mature, high-performing brands.
“We are honored to welcome Graham as Chairman of our Advisory Board,” said Justin Weigel, OD, founding doctor of Eyecare Republic, LLC. “His expertise in product development and leadership will provide invaluable strategic guidance as we continue to expand and serve our members.”
In his role, Purdy will provide strategic counsel on Member Only Brand development and launch, helping accelerate Eyecare Republic’s mission of serving independent optometrists first.
“Eyecare Republic is uniquely positioned to serve its independent optometry membership by providing exclusive member brands that create significant patient retention while increasing profitability for practices,” said Purdy. “I’m excited to support the team as they build a platform that delivers meaningful value to optometrists who want to remain independent.”
