09/30/2024

New Perspectives with Valerie Lambert

Valerie, we would love to hear more about your journey as an optician. Could you share some details about your background, including any mentors who have influenced you? 

I started working at Optical Arts in Toledo 14 years ago as the receptionist and that’s were my love for eyewear began! I worked as the receptionist while going to college to get my degree in business/marketing and after college I got my what I thought was my dream job at a marketing agency. I was working that job and still working at Optical Arts part time and as I grew in my career, I realized that my heart wasn’t in it as much as it was at Optical Arts. I quit my job and started working full time at Optical Arts and will never look back! I love being able to help style the customers, help explain what is happening with their new prescriptions and so much more. Mary Nyitray has been a huge influence in my life for the past 14 years and I see her passion in what she does, and I hope that others see that passion in me too. 

What inspired you to take on the role of Trustee for the Opticians Association of Ohio? 

I was inspired to take on the role of Trustee with the OAO because I want to play an integral part in the lives of opticians. I’m very inspired to help grow awareness of a career as an optician and educate the growing population of opticians/apprentices. 

As a Trustee, what are your main goals for the Ohio opticians? 

My main goal is educating current opticians that aren’t part of the OAO of the benefits of becoming a member and why it’s important to join this organization. I also I’m very excited to help grow the number of apprentices with education of this career and help our current apprentices grow their optical knowledge. 

What do you want to contribute to the association through your volunteer work in this role? 

I’m very excited to bring a different perspective as a newer optician to the board and bring some fun, exciting ideas to the table.