We are delighted to share that our Contributing Editor Linda Hardy was chosen for a 2016 Women of Influence in the Optical Industry.

Linda Hardy, LDO-GA, NCLC, ABOC, CPOT, COA

OFFICE MANAGER
Eyexam of Peachtree City
Peachtree City, Georgia

CHOSEN BECAUSE… “Linda helps train all optometric techs. She pushes them to become educated in the tasks they perform. She loves all parts of this field.”

Over the past two decades, Linda Hardy has never stopped learning. Since getting her start as an ophthalmic technician at a private practice in 1996, she began a career at Newnan Family Eye Care, where, in addition to her role as clinical coordinator, she pursued many certifications, earning her ABO, NCLE, Licensed Dispensing Optician in the state of Georgia, ParaOptometric Technician and Certified Ophthalmic Assistant. Currently, she is studying for her Advanced ABO, and hopes to become a master optician, she said.

After 16 years at Newnan, Hardy has recently accepted a new position as office manager of Eyexam of Peachtree City, in May 2016. In her new role, she is adjusting to being less “hands-on” and allowing her staff to take the reins.

“I am the first to jump in and try to help a patient, run a test, or do repairs—but I know I should allow others with less experience to do more. I want to not only train new employees, but train them effectively,” Hardy said.

Outside the office, Hardy is a contributing editor for the Optician’s Handbook and Review of Optometric Business. She also enjoys teaching continuing education, and recently accepted the SECO ParaOptometric of the Year for 2016.

SHE SAYS… “Start taking certification and licensing tests early. There are so many women in this field that have worked for several years but have never taken the steps to become certified. It is worth investing in your education and career.”


Mindi Lewis, MA, ABOC, FNAO, is an industry professional with experience from exam room and dispensing table to marketing and national account management. She has an AS in Optometric Technology, a BS in Allied Health Education, and was an Optometric Technology Instructor at St. Petersburg College, Fla. She has worked for SOLA Optical, Carl Zeiss Vision and Essilor, and is currently a consultant and speaker, and Managing Editor for Jobson Medical Information's Optician’s Handbook.