Celebrating International Women’s Day 2025
This International Women’s Day, we wanted to look beyond our products and technology to celebrate something equally important – the people who make Keeler what it is today.
We reached out to women across our company, asking them about their journeys to Keeler and the female role models who have inspired them along the way.
Read on to meet some of the wonderful women who contribute to Keeler’s success every day, and discover the remarkable female role models who helped guide their paths…
Faye Bartlett
Chief Commercial Officer, 2023 – 2025
What drew you to working at Keeler and in the ophthalmic industry?
Our purpose: helping our customers bring an end to preventable vision loss. And our culture: everyone works together to find the best solutions for our customers.
Who is a female role model that has inspired you, and why?
Helen Glover has been a significant inspiration to me. I admire her ability to balance family life while simultaneously pursuing and achieving her ambitious sports goals.
Bobbi Hobson
Internal Sales Manager for the USA office, 2014 – 2025
What drew you to working at Keeler and in the ophthalmic industry?
At the time, I didn’t realize how much I would fall in love with the ophthalmic industry. It’s constantly evolving, and I enjoy being a part of the change to help people with their eyesight. I immediately clicked with the people and the culture of Keeler and it felt like home. It felt like a place I could build a career and I have done just that!
Who is a female role model that has inspired you, and why?
Maybe it’s cliche – but my grandmother. She didn’t come from much, and worked so hard her entire life to give herself and her family all the opportunities she never had when she was young. She also takes such good care of her body and her mind. She is physically active and involved within her community. She travels often, and continues to keep her mind sharp with books, music and puzzles. She’s in better shape that people half her age, and it’s inspiring to see her living her best life!
Kate Williams
Business Development Manager for UK & Ireland, 2023 – 2025
What drew you to working at Keeler and in the ophthalmic industry?
I always wanted to have a career in medtech, working in some way to provide caregivers with the necessary tools to help their patients. My sales role at Keeler means I am in front of doctors and eyecare professionals nearly every day, seeing first-hand how our amazing products are helping to end preventable vision loss. The ophthalmic industry is interesting, fast-paced, and filled with wonderful, passionate people.
Who is a female role model that has inspired you, and why?
Marie Curie has always been an inspiration to me, as her research led to the development of x-ray technology and radiation treatment for cancer. She was not allowed to attend university yet went on to be the first woman to win a Nobel Prize.
Karen Kent
Executive Team Assistant, 2020 – 2025
What drew you to working at Keeler and in the ophthalmic industry?
Slightly quirky company, that has heart and real people. My role was a new role so down to me to make it my own. Loved the challenge. Eye Health and technologies constantly being discovered. We only have one pair of eyes, whatever we can collectively do to prevent sight loss appeals to me!
Who is a female role model that has inspired you, and why?
Not sure about role model, but Dawn French is the person I choose. Ability to laugh at oneself is vital, humour and happiness is key to enjoying life. She has had a challenging professional career – female comedian setting out in a then, male dominated environment – takes guts, stamina and determination. Not bad qualities to have.
Caroline Atkins
Head of Global Marketing, 2023 – 2025
What drew you to working at Keeler and in the ophthalmic industry?
I was drawn to the warm atmosphere from the team and the company’s great culture. I was blown away when I realised they hand-crafted ophthalmic products, showing a huge amount of dedication and care. Keeler’s mission of helping improve eyesight across the world resonated deeply with me, making me feel that my work would contribute to something truly impactful.
Who is a female role model that has inspired you, and why?
My Grandma. She left her home in Austria and traveled to the UK aged 19 with nothing but a plan. She became a bit of a local entrepreneur, cleaning, making things and building her skillset. She was a hard working woman who’s ethics and resilience were something I drew on when I was battling Cancer. I hope I make her proud!
Cristina Zappa
International Shipping & Customer Service Administrator, 2021 – 2025
What drew you to working at Keeler and in the ophthalmic industry?
I liked Keeler’s mission and how charitable the business is.
Who is a female role model that has inspired you, and why?
My mum – my mum is a force of nature and now that I am also a mother with 2 kids and who works full time, I have come to understand her better. I wonder how she has always managed to do it all without a single complaint and I am truly in awe of her. If I could just become half as good as what she is and inspire my daughters in the same way, I would feel happy and accomplished.
Nardeth Farhall
International Sales & Shipping Administrator, 2021 – 2025
What drew you to working at Keeler and in the ophthalmic industry?
I joined Keeler as a Temp after a career break and had always worked in services. This has been a great experience in manufacturing, especially in this sector.
Who is a female role model that has inspired you, and why?
I love Female leaders; I was lucky enough to do my internship and then worked at a Bank where the CEO was a lady and since then I really admire that. Here in Keeler UK – Windsor, we are lucky enough to have ladies in power and it’s great. I really love Nicola Bennet’s story, the fact that she started working at the opticians and now she represents the company all over the world, her kindness, hardworking ethic and passion for teaching and educating customers about Keeler’s products, it’s what a great inspirational leader should look like. I’ve seen other female leaders in this company, and while I’m familiar with their titles, it’s really their personal stories and ability to connect with employees at all levels that makes them true role models.