 |
The OAA introduces you to two very active opticians on social media who bring lots of focus on opticianry. Who are they and what makes them tick?
Carrie Wilson, MBA, MA, ABOM, NCLE-AC, CPHQ , Owner - Optigal Consulting
 |
CW- Optigal Consulting came about as a way to address some of the gaps that I saw in the industry that I felt I could fill. My mind thinks a little differently, which I think is common in an industry that combines science and art, and I wanted to create education and business materials that would help opticians and companies of all levels reach their goals.
OAA- Tell us a little bit about your background. Who Is Carrie Wilson and how did you discover opticianry?
CW- I fell into opticianry by accident. It was the 90s, I was going to school full-time and was working in a carpet mill. Summer was about to hit, and I could not take another summer working in a mill, so I answered an ad for Pearle Vision Center, and I fell in love. Since then I have worked in ophthalmology, private, corporate, and manufacturing. Now, I am also a rep. I’m proud to say that there is not one aspect of the field that I have not worked in.
OAA- One of the great things about opticianry is that there are so many different facets to the profession. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
CW-I hope to grow my company and those I represent into well-known entities in the optical industry in the United States. I have just left a company that I was with for 17 years, and truly loved, but I think that I can do more to strengthen the industry independently and with these organizations.
OAA- You are emerging as a strong voice of opticianry. Do you have any interests in leadership? If so, any thoughts where?
CW- Thank you for your kind words! This is a hard question, not because I shy away from leadership but because I don’t consciously plan where I seek my leadership opportunities. I don’t believe that I am an accidental leader but what usually occurs is that I see a need or an area that I feel my strengths can help, and I jump in. Well, usually I jump but sometimes I’ve been pushed, LOL!
OAA- What do you think our profession is lacking and what can we do about it?
CW-The ultimate goal, and what we ultimately need, is a formal education requirement. Until then we have to promote certification as a minimum independent work requirement in non-licensed states. This is done by working across all opticianry organizations, with optometrists, and with state organizations. Since state organizations are not in every non-licensed state, this is a crucial step that can involve every optician in the country. If your state does not have an organization, reach out to the OAA for their assistance.
Thank you!
Carissa Dunphy, ABOC, NAO Fellow, Marketer, Writer, Founder-Optician Now
 |
CD - Everywhere I was online I kept seeing people asking questions about where to find this or that. Knowing content circulates so quickly on many platforms, I decided to create my website with all of the things people were asking for, all in one place. I built the site with content stemming from what people were asking for, slowly added other things, and have done my best to continue to add new things that are relative and keep it current. While my social media following has had tremendous growth, my followers there are vastly different from the readers of my website. Having multiple vessels allows me to reach the greatest number of people.
OAA - Tell us a little bit about your background. Who Is Carissa Dunphy, and how did you discover opticianry?
CD- My formal education focused on business and web design, where I became a certified computer applications specialist. I worked in advertising for an internet startup, then for a livestreaming and webhosting company where I hosted a regular live video podcast. After I had a child, my career changed courses and I ended up taking the first job I could get - the front desk at an OD’s office, worked my way to becoming a technician, then optician. When I started working with others in the industry and had the idea for the website, I sort of combined all of the things I loved about my past education and job experiences and formed it into Optician Now.
OAA - One of the great things about opticianry is that there are so many different facets to the profession. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
CD - I network with and work on committees with a vast variety of people within the industry and am amazed at the range of positions held. Because of this I started project #BecomingAnOptician where I interview credentialed opticians and explore the potential and opportunity in our industry. I don't think I can predict exactly where I will be in 5 years, but I hope to become more of a helpful resource within the eyecare industry.
OAA - You are getting recognition as a voice of opticianry. Do you have any interests in leadership?
CD-I currently serve on several committees and panels and have served on boards in the past; I’m sure I will in the future as well. Not only do I enjoy collaborating with others in the industry to chip away at making improvements, but I take immense pride in understanding tasks as a whole so that everyone can benefit, even those who do not wish to participate or be heard. As an optician, I am a minority on committees, and I put a lot of care into representing opticians of all capacities.
OAA - What do you think our profession is lacking and what can we do about it?
CD - We lack consistent advocacy. There are many advocates for opticianry, but we need more; a rising tide lifts all boats. We are in such a unique trade, and we’re all in it because we recognize it and love it. Our trade is unfortunately not growing, and it needs us to help keep it afloat. Be an advocate for the trade you love, for high standards, knowledge, helping others. If you’re not in a place where you can grow or get help, then research resources so you can. Learn. Grow. Take pride in what you do. Pass it on. The more of us opticians who raise awareness for bettering and growing the trade, the more we can raise the bar.
Thank you!
