Optician Highlight: Meet Aubrey

As we continue to celebrate COA’s 20th Optical Shoppe anniversary, we’re highlighting Aubrey! Aubrey is an experienced optician at COA who enjoys helping patients find their perfect frames. Read on to learn more about her in this interview.

1. Tell us a bit about yourself and your family.

I was born in Millersburg and moved to Pickerington when I was 8 years old. I started dancing when I was 4 years old and started competitive dancing when I was 7 years old. I danced for a total of 14 years and competed for 11 years. I did tap, jazz, lyrical, ballet, hip hop, and gymnastics. I also cheered for football and basketball in junior high and high school. I graduated high school from Pickerington Central. I graduated with my associate degree in Applied Science from COTC and graduated with my bachelor’s degree in Applied Management from OU Lancaster. Before I was an optician, I worked as a barista at Starbucks and taught dance. My boyfriend, Andrew, is a Columbus police officer and has been in the department for almost 2 years. We currently live in Pataskala with our chocolate lab, Moose.

2. What attracted you to be part of the COA team?

Everyone seemed so warming and welcoming.

3. How do you ensure a “perfect fit” for each patient?

I check to see what size and style of glasses a patient is currently wearing. I ask them if they want to keep the same style or if they want a change. I also ask if they prefer nose pads over plastic frames. When a patient is trying on glasses and they are unsure of the fit, I check to see how they are sitting on their bridge and if they are too big or too small for their face. I ask the patient if the frame feels comfortable or if it feels too big or too tight. I also check to see if the frame shape fits their face shape and whether the color looks nice for their skin tone.

4. Why did you choose to become an optician?

I chose to become an optician because I enjoy helping patients with frame selection.

5. What is it you most enjoy about being an optician?

I love being able to help someone choose a new stylish frame that fits them well. I also love when a patient tries on their new glasses and is very pleased with their frame and vision.

6. What do you do to help children choose the best frame?

If they are already wearing glasses, I check to see what size they are wearing currently. I ask them if they are comfortable with their current glasses or if they feel that they need to go up in size. I also see what colors they like and what style fits their face shape best. If they are a new wearer, I have them try a couple of different sizes to see what fits best.

7. What skills are essential to being a great optician?

It is essential to be personable, patient, and creative!