Pablo E. Mercado, LDO, B.A., ABOM, NCLEC, FNAO
PROJECT OPTICAL, WOODSTOCK, GA
When asked what he loves about working in eyecare, Pablo Mercado’s Sanity Files feature practically writes itself. “I love being an optician and being involved with the ABO and UOA! I show up at the o ice every day wearing a pair of my eyewear — over 60 at last count — and matching it with something from my optical-themed neckwear collection (over 30). A professional should look the part,” he declares. “I love helping the people that come to us, and I like to think my eyewear and neckwear combinations help open doors to conversations and possibilities.” We suspect that’s absolutely true, but when he’s not opening doors, he spends time with his autistic adult children, reads, and listens to music. And when life gets hectic, he says there is “nothing as therapeutic” as riding in his old Jeep, top and doors o , listening to anything from ABBA to ZZ Top. He also enjoys a glass of whiskey or bourbon — “in strict moderation” — while socializing and a good college football game. “I enjoy rooting for almost every team… except Navy. Being an Army veteran, I can only say ‘Go Army! Beat Navy!’”
