In my previous article, One Optician's Journey from State to State, I disclosed my intent to pursue the American Board of Opticianry's Advanced Certification (ABO-AC). I have a career bucket list and earning my ABO-AC was one of the top items. After speaking with respected fellow opticians about my personal goals and hopes for the evolution of the field, I casually mentioned that I wanted to earn my ABO-AC and then ABO Master designation someday. Repeatedly, I heard these five words, "What are you waiting for?"

There’s always an opportunity to improve someone’s daily life. I know many of my patients can relate when I mention my career and hobbies consume the bulk of my time. This usually leads to my curiosity about whether they are wearing the appropriate eyewear for both. I discovered how many ‘almost lost my vision’ stories came up. People suffer eye injuries from using improper eyewear or not using anything altogether. Scrapes and scratches on the cornea are extremely common (and painful by the way) but the good news is it is all preventable! Safety glasses over prescription glasses, protective goggles or face shields are protection for those precious eyes. There are a variety of safety glasses that can be worn over prescription glasses as well.