Wes
Working on the MBA
OptiBoard Gold Supporter

About Wes

Learned about OptiBoard From:

fellow optician

Biography:

I joined the Army in the early 90's and chose the optical field. I went to the optical lab specialist course, graduated, and spent the next twelve years working in labs in Texas, Hawaii, and South Carolina. At each duty station, I honed my skills without benefit of a mentor. I only knew what I could discover on my own. I knew nothing of the ABO/NCLE or any other opticianry organizations for most of that time. I worked in supervisory positions in 2 labs and assumed I knew enough to "make it" when I left the military. I did not know what I did not know, and no one was telling me anything. I was soon to find out.



Upon leaving the military, I found a position as a lab manager for a well-known retail chain on the strength of my resume. I began discovering that I didn't really know much. I also discovered that I didn't know where to look either. Using what materials I could find through my employer and co-workers, I passed my state's licensing exams and the NOCE.



Eventually, an old Army buddy introduced me to optiboard. What a wealth of information! This was the best and brightest group of optical professionals I could have hoped to meet. I discovered the books and other resources that I had never known about. I discovered that my certification was only the most basic. I was bitten by the optical learning bug. I decided I would one day BE one of these Masters that I was learning from.



I also decided that I would help others along. I didn't want anyone going down the long path of ignorance that I dealt with. I decided I can make a difference. I am a regular contributer to optiboard. I am an advocate of both general and opticianry education. I am a founding member of the SAO. I am currently apprenticing another, giving the training and guidance needed, while making the path to excellence clear and concise.



The SAO stands ready to do the same for you. We recognize excellence in opticianry and help others achieve it.

Location:

Columbia, SC

Interests:

chess, books, racquetball, watersports, hiking, computers...

Occupation or Field:

Dispensing Optician

Eyecare Professional?:

Yes