01/09/2025
New Year, New Perspectives!
Q: What is your why?
My daughter, Ashley
Was the eye health industry your second career.
Yes
Q: Would you mind sharing what allured you to take a different career path?
In 1988 I was a police dispatcher for 3 Police Departments and a Licensed EMT. My husband was a police officer. Our daughter was born in October 1988. At age 1 ½ years old her eyes began to cross.
I took her to an Ophthalmology practice and after her eye exam, the doctor informed us that our daughter has never seen our face, a leaf, her face. He referred us to a pediatric specialist. There we were given a prescription for glasses. Neither my husband nor I wore glasses.
Q: How did it feel when you heard the news?
At first, disbelief.
Our daughter went to day care every day. She never tripped over things, never seemed to struggle playing with other children.
Q: Were there things that stuck out in your mind after?
Yes, as an infant and toddler she was intolerant of noise. In a restaurant she would cry/scream until we left. Same in family gatherings.
When we were at events she would hold onto my pants, cling to my side.
Watching TV never watched the programs, but as soon as the commercials came on she would run into the room and dance to the music in the commercial.
Q: Tell us, what was it like the day she picked up her glasses?
I knew the moment the optician put the glasses on her, my daughter was seeing things for the first time. She stood in front of the optical mirror looking at herself, lifting her glasses then putting them on again. Looking at my face, she was in awe.
Q: What was her prescription?
Her prescription was +9.00 -6.50 x 180 both eyes Best corrected vision 20/60
Q: How did you decide to become an Optician?
By the time my daughter reached two, I decided to change careers. I wanted to do more for her. I wanted to give her the best opportunity I could achieve anything she wanted to.
Q: How did you prepare for your new career path?
First, I inquired at the optical we purchased her first pair of glasses. They agreed to hire me as an apprentice optician. After 9 months, I was not learning fast enough.
I began checking information for opticianry schools. I chose to register in the Associate Science Degree in Opticianry at Cuyahoga Community College in Cleveland OH.
After a full year at Cuyahoga Community College practical and hands-on experience and completing the 2 year apprenticeship, I took the ABO exam and passed. A few months later I took the NCLE exam and passed.
Q: Is there anyone who inspired or mentored you along the way?
My mentor was John Apaydin, owner of Ravenna Optical. John was a dual licensed optician with a lifetime of contact lens fitting knowledge. Lucky for me, he was more than willing to share his knowledge in rigid gas permeable fitting.
At age 7, I realized Ashley was falling behind in school. Her vision was best corrected 20/60 with glasses. John Apaydin suggested we try gas permeable bi-toric lenticular contact lens.
Q: Can you describe Ashley’s reaction to the contact lenses?
First let me tell you, this child has not seen herself without glasses since age 1. She was not willing to give up her glasses. She did not want to look up or speak to us. She was mad at the idea of not having her glasses on. As parents, we had to decide what was best for her. We put the contacts in her eyes. She could absolutely see better; we just did not know how much better at that moment.
On our drive home, I stopped at a traffic light, my stubborn daughter looked at me, she said mom, I never knew there were words on those signs. At that moment we knew everything we did was worth it.
At that moment I knew a career change was worth it.
That little girl is now 36 years old, and she is a Physician Assistant (PA) with a master’s degree from Mount Union and mother of two.
Q: How has your experience helped you in your career with other patients?
I have had the pleasure of seeing numerous young patients over the last 34 years. My story gives their parents confidence in approving their children for contact lens wear. With some young patients I teach their parents how to insert contact lenses, others I teach the child. I have the luxury of my experience to pass along the benefits to them. I am grateful.