I had the pleasure of interviewing Luke Cassidy, Trustee on the OAO Board, to share his insights, experiences, and dedication to the optical profession. In this feature, Luke offers a closer look at his role, his perspective on the industry, and his passion for serving our members.

-Melissa Sutherland

 

 

"I didn’t originally plan on becoming an optician. I was studying psychology when, at 18, my life changed dramatically after a car accident that resulted in a vehicular assault charge. Even though I had the right of way and the other driver turned in front of me, I was found to be slightly over the speed limit, and the situation had long‑lasting consequences.  

 

When I came home, I knew I needed to rebuild my life with purpose. Two weeks later, I got a job at a deli — just trying to get back on my feet. One day, the Vice President of Fisher’s Optical came in and struck up a conversation with me. Something about the way I carried myself must have stood out, because by the end of that conversation he shook my hand and offered me an apprenticeship.  

 

That moment changed the entire direction of my life. Someone in the industry saw potential in me before I even fully saw it in myself. Once I stepped into the optical world, I realized how much I loved it — the blend of technical skill, patient care, and the ability to make an immediate difference in someone’s daily life. Opticianry didn’t just become a career; it became the foundation of the life I was rebuilding."