Last month, we featured an informative Q&A with our office manager, Amber. This month we’re focusing on another Ridgefield Vision Center team member: Mike, our Optician and Optical Manager. Mike shared enough information for two blog posts. The first is below. Part two will post later this month. Because of this, we now refer to October as Mike-tober around the office. And of course, that makes September “SeptAmber!”

How long have you been with Ridgefield Vision Center?
My four-year anniversary was in August; I started here in 2012.

What’s your previous optical experience?
Before joining our team, I had ten years of experience in the optical industry. I started as a part-time Optical Lab Technician in 2006, then acquired my American Board of Opticianry Certification in 2008 and became Lab Manager. In 2010, I obtained my Virginia Optician’s License. I was promoted to General Manager, managing two separate, fast-paced optical businesses, each with a full-service lab. In 2012, I met Dr. Droter and signed on with Ridgefield Vision Center.

What is your role at Ridgefield Vision Center?
Licensed Optician and Optical Manager. I assist patients with the selection of frames, lenses and eyeglass options. I order and manufacture eyeglasses, monitor the quality of our products, and manage our on-site optical lab. I also hand-pick each and every frame we have in our dispensary.

Before RVC, what was your most interesting job?
As a Radio Programmer, I operated the boards and software that plays the songs and airs commercials. I also produced, recorded and mixed audio samples for on-air commercials and broadcasted live remote feeds.

What do you like best about working here?
I enjoy getting to know our patients: what they do for work, their hobbies, their kids and families. I strive to build a relationship with every patient and maintain a welcoming, patient-oriented environment.

What’s the biggest challenge?
One of the major challenges in our industry is offering the very best products and services to our patients, while keeping the associated costs manageable and competitive. Some retail chains address this problem through a combination of high-volume business and lower-quality products. At Ridgefield Vision Center, we uphold strict quality standards and stand behind our frames and glasses. We offer only premium, proven products to our patients, because industry-leading quality is what they deserve.

What’s your work philosophy?
I take pride and pleasure in my work. I believe this enables me to provide the highest-quality product and deliver the very best experience to our patients.

How has Ridgefield Vision Center changed since you’ve been here?
We have grown and changed considerably; from the number of patients we see on a daily basis, to our office staff, to installing new, state-of-the-art equipment – even down to the individual skills and abilities of each team member. We are always improving to serve you better.

What have you learned from working here?
I have learned the true meaning of “Quality.” Our entire experience here at RVC revolves around quality. Not only do we manufacture the highest-quality eyewear, but we also provide the highest-level of service and overall experience. From the moment someone opens our door, during their entire visit, and even throughout the year as we follow-up with them, we deliver the absolute highest quality.

What’s your favorite thing to do after work or on weekends?
I spend most of my time with my beautiful wife, Rebecca, and two energetic kids, Sloan and Ava. I have many hobbies, and love being outdoors. I go camping, kayaking, fishing, hiking and scuba diving every chance I get. I’m a history buff and consider myself a volunteer archaeologist. I spend free time searching for lost relics and artifacts of the past, in order to preserve them for future generations to enjoy. Some of my best finds and recoveries have been showcased in archaeological publications, and I plan to donate a few key items to our local museums.

You can read Part Two of Mike’s interview here.

For 19 years, our optometry team at Ridgefield Vision Center has provided conscientious, personable vision care for adults and children in Richmond’s far West End, near Godwin High School and Short Pump Mall. We make going to the eye doctor a positive experience. Whether you need eyeglasses, sunglasses or contact lenses, we offer the highest quality products to ensure the health of your eyes so that you enjoy good vision in every season of life. We’ll continue to provide you with valuable information about the human eye and to provide the highest level of professional eye care for our patients’ vision health. Call us at 804-741-1204 and schedule your next appointment today!