What’s on Your Optical Bucket List? Some Seriously Experienced Opticians Share What They Still Want to Accomplish

What is left to accomplish on your optical bucket list? What should be on everyone’s list?

• I always wanted to learn more lab skills. Although I had limited experience with surfacing lenses, I still lacked on the finishing side, including blocking, tracing, and edging. It would give me a much better idea of how Rxs can be affected regarding types of frames and lens materials. It would also further my optician skills to more than just selling and dispensing eyeglasses. Finding the proper team players and time seems to be a constant issue. Another item thing is to go for the advanced certification for my ABO and NCLE. Perhaps one day I will make the attempt. A more general optical bucket list would be to have more people attend optical conferences such as Vision Expo, SECO, and even the Optical Heritage Museum. — Yaacov Wexler, ABOC, NCLEC, LDO, FNAO
• For my bucket list I would like to open my own online optical training and develop a more international presence. I would like to speak more internationally. For everyone’s bucket list I think that they should get involved at the local, state and national level by being an ambassador for opticianry, educate themselves beyond what they do in the day-to-day and get out there and network with other opticians. — Carrie Wilson, MBA, ABOM, NCLEM, CPHQ
• Engaging with the field of ophthalmology over the past seven years has been a captivating journey. It has not only compelled me to enhance my optical proficiency, particularly in intricate refractive cases but has also instilled a genuine enthusiasm for the art of refraction. I am eager to further enrich my skills by delving into retinoscopy, as it promises to elevate the level of care I provide to my patients. In addition to advancing my clinical skills, I am committed to the continuous development of my NCLE Contact Lens Training brand, aiming to provide top-tier contact lens education and support. Furthermore, I aspire to maintain my role as a speaker at diverse conferences and state societies. — Sam Winnegrad, MBA, NCLE-AC
• I have all my certifications ABO-AC and NCLE-AC, plus an Associates in Ophthalmic Dispensing, and I now fit specialty contact lenses. I’m constantly encouraged to get my Masters in ABO and NCLE, which means speaking and writing. I think everyone should take a chance and write or speak on a topic they enjoy. — Jenn Seymour Brusven, LDO, ABO-AC, NCLE-AC
• The top priority on my optical bucket list is to earn my ABO- Master designation. It’s a lot of hard work and an amazing journey in the process. I believe every year, everyone should revisit their ‘optical bucket list’, and revise as necessary. But there should always be growth opportunities there, whatever that may mean for the individual. — Marisol Rodriguez, LDO, ABO-AC, NCLEC

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