It was 20 years ago that I started my opticianry journey. On Monday, April 19, 1993, I first set foot in the Army's optical laboratory specialist school. What a long strange trip it's been... If you think lab techs are weird, you should meet Army lab techs.
What's your story?
Wesley S. Scott, MBA, MIS, ABOM, NCLE-AC, LDO - SC & GA
“As our circle of knowledge expands, so does the circumference of darkness surrounding it.” -Albert Einstein
you're still a mere babe in the woods.Originally Posted by Wes
Feb 17, 1994; began post surface clean-up of lenses prior to arriving into the bench department, alloy re-claim from blocks and cleaning and re-stocking lap tools in a local wholesale lab. Just 17 at the time. On your heels Wes on celebrating (did I say celebrating!) my 20th in the industry.
Clinton Tower
The intellect to live free is in short supply
ALT248=°
I started at AO in Sioux City in 1969 right after I got out of the USMC and healed up. It has at times been a totally frightful experience.
Comparing Wes and scriptfiller to some of us on here, they not only wet, they still even green behind the ears.
And here I thought I'd fiiiinnnnaaaallllyyyyy reached the point where I was considered experienced. Sheesh! What's an optician to do?
Wesley S. Scott, MBA, MIS, ABOM, NCLE-AC, LDO - SC & GA
“As our circle of knowledge expands, so does the circumference of darkness surrounding it.” -Albert Einstein
If, Ribbon and square executive Trifocal PGX ever make it back, You may want to consider a few more CE classes. Otherwise I think you're safe.
I love your good naturedness. (is that a word)? twenty years is nothing to sneeze at, congrats!!!
Now I seriously doubt braheem has ever did much of anything with a ribbon seg or trifocal PGX. (by the way you forgot the ultex seg) That stuff way on the way out when I started. ( think he was still in diapers at that time) Along with post op aphakic glasses and a patient sitting in front of you with sutures running from the 2 to 10 position in their blood red eye.
Shoot now days they don't use needles or stitches or blades for cat Sx. Don't need much more then a Valium and a aspirin.
Yep 20 years and still at it deserves you a atta boy award. Now keep on keeping on. We all have to do something to bring home the bacon.
I was an Army lab tech and, although weird, I'm minor-league weird. I never went to optical AIT school, I had lab experience prior to being drafted (that happened in those days). I got out about the time you were born, I think.
Closing in on 18 years. Just shy of Wes, but I make this job look gooooood!
A few thoughts..
Congrats on the longevity of your career. My hubby works for the VA system in one of their labs, and some of the stories he hears from his peers who are vets to both the military and to optical are crazy. You have done a huge service for us on both fronts.
Looking at responses, I am impressed with the number of folks we have with over 15 years in the industry, and the diversity of the types of experience. Lots of information resides in these threads..
My last thought is great.. now this conversation has made me realize my 20 year anniversary for this industry will be July of next year (2014). That seems impossible. I am not that old yet!!!
"Some believe in destiny, and some believe in fate. But I believe that happiness is something we create."-Something More by Sugarland
24 years in May. Started at Vision World in the mall. They said I had to be 18, I was only 17, but I told them "Hire me anyway. You won't be sorry." The rest is history.
Now I like that line right there
I'm only on year 10; thankfully it doesn't feel that long. Sometimes I worry about the future of our profession because I'm a lifer with many more years to go, but I look at everyone I respect here on Optiboard and I think, if they can adapt the way they did in the last 20, 30, 40 years, so can I. Congrats Wes, thank you for all your help in advancing my education- I look forward to picking your brain in the future!
"Strictly speaking, there are no enlightened beings; only enlightened activity." -Shunryu Suzuki
35 years ago I accepted an apprentice dispensing job in a small start-up near my home. After a few years I realized they weren't going to teach me much so I ventured out to seek knowledge. I found it and have worked for and with some really great optical professionals who didn't mind teaching me everything they knew. The irony is I now work for the same company I did when I started though it's no longer a start-up but a 50+ store corporation. I've completed the circle.
Apprentice ophthalmic dispenser, Union Eye Care, South Bend/Mishawaka summer 1973. Owner of Roberts Optical, established on 12-13-1995.
The second twenty years goes about one order of magnitude faster than the first twenty.
I still enjoy my work thanks to a wonderful clientele, with enough optical challenges to keep me on my toes.
Science is a way of trying not to fool yourself. - Richard P. Feynman
Experience is the hardest teacher. She gives the test before the lesson.
Congrats to all!
I started in 1978 right out of college with Midwest Vision Center, I guess that puts me at 35 years, oh my I am OLD!!!
I came, I saw, I left
The last 20 years has seen optical innovations at a speed that is unprecedented. From my experience meeting opticians of all walks I am finding that a lot of the older opticians gave up on keeping up with the latest technologies, but they do talk a great game so in that respect you need a bit more time to mature or immature.
Here is the piece of my story that includes you:
When I meet you it was a few years back and I remember you talking to me like I somehow deserved your respect. I remember thinking this guy fresh outta the gate was going to school, towards your masters at the time maybe bachelors, had both advanced certifications, and was finishing the paper for the masters which was phenomenal BTW. All this while working for the military. I had just meet the pinnacle of opticians.
Dedicated
Knowledgeable
Motivated
Hard working
Tempered
You are not the next generation leader, your one of our leaders NOW. I have always deplored the time in concept as a measure of an optician. How about the most accomplishments. For ****s sake you win by a long shot. Proud to know you and always humbled by you. Your friend. -Phi
I don't care for the time-in=knowledge/skills/abilities concept either. Often, doing something for 20 years means you've been doing it wrong for 20 years!
Regarding respect: you had it then, and have it now.
Wesley S. Scott, MBA, MIS, ABOM, NCLE-AC, LDO - SC & GA
“As our circle of knowledge expands, so does the circumference of darkness surrounding it.” -Albert Einstein
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