“ I really enjoy when people pick up a lens that ' s been personalized for them . There ' s such a wide variety of lenses we can choose from for the patient . For some people it ' s a life-changing thing .”
She says the ongoing education that comes with the career gives her a chance to continue growing professionally and share her knowledge with her peers when she ' s learned something new . She can also pick up some new skills from colleagues who will often offer up something she hasn ' t yet learned .
Being that every customer is different , Gagnon enjoys her ability to personalize the customer experience for frames or contacts lenses .
“ Some people have a certain perception of contact lenses , and there ' s so much out there now that ' s available to people . Maybe they have never tried contact lenses ? Or maybe it ' s been years ?
This gives her a chance to educate clients on the newest technology available to them . And picking up the latest information each year at convention education events like Inside Optics , she can bring what she learns back and use it with her clients to build the trust that ' s required to have clients come back time and again .
“ The more information you give a patient , not only does it increase their trust in you , but they ' re also able to know exactly what they ' re wearing .” And maintaining that trust is important in opticianry , as word of mouth for key in businesses of all sizes to keep customers coming back , and bringing their friends and relatives . “ That way we get a lot of different people that trust in us .”
Building and maintaining the trust of clients becomes common place when it becomes a routine . Being an outgoing personality who likes to talk to people , but also has an interest in health adds a level of enjoyment for Gagnon that ' s also complimented by the challenge that comes with the hands-on and technical side of the job .
“ I ' m really proud of myself when I can adjust or fix someone ' s frame or something a patient thought was completely broken . That gives me a lot of satisfaction .”
It ' s a satisfaction that comes naturally from the range of responsibilities expected of opticians , which also helps the career choice thrive .
“ There are so many different things you can do as an optician ... it ' s not just down to one , mundane job .” says Gagnon . “ Whether it ' s edging lenses , taking measurements , fitting contact lenses discussing options for patients , it ' s just a growing field and I ' m constantly learning . It ' s a growing industry for sure .”
16 EYE FOCUS | June Digital 2018