Products & ideas for the laboratory professional.
Issue link: https://opticallabproducts.epubxp.com/i/472711
BY CAROL GILHAWLEY OPINIONS IN THE LAB A READER called me one day to suggest I cover young optical professionals under the age of 40. He said he had read a similar feature in a non-optical publication that he found very interesting and he thought OLP should do the same. I decided to contact as many of the lens manufacturers, lab management software companies, equipment suppliers, and labs I could think of to see if they could suggest anyone under the age of 40 whom they would consider to be an optical trendsetter. While some said that they couldn't think of anyone, others were so enthusiastic that they submitted multiple names! The 35 nominations I received are featured in "Today's Young Optical Professionals," p. 14-19. The participants range in age from 25 to 40 and are employed in a cross-section of jobs from sales support, to production, education, marketing, and lab management. We're calling them trendsetters because they've already accom- plished so much in their careers. Interestingly, many of them found their frst job in the optical industry and never left. They all share similar characteristics such as a strong work ethic, commitment to their companies and customers, and lots of initiative. Please take a moment to browse through the names and their occupa- tions and let me know if you think I got it right. If not, then feel free to drop me a line to let me know who I missed. Either way, I think you'll agree that these 35 under 40 represent an impressive and inspiring group of optical lab professionals. In January, I once again took a trip to Transitions Academy in Florida. It was nice to get a break from the bleak weather here in the northeast and to reconnect again with old friends (see "Activating Success" p. 24). There's another opportunity this month to see some more familiar faces and fnd out what's new at Vision Expo East. Carol Gilhawley is Editor-in-Chief of Optical Lab Products and can be reached at cg@visioncareproducts.com. SALEM Vision WE ARE 100% EMPLOYEE OWNED www.salemdist.com SALEM stocks a full line of fnishing & surfacing supplies in our east-coast & west-coast locations. We have been serving the optical community nationally & internationally for many years. From screws & nosepads to digital lens polish, SALEM Vision has you covered. CALL OUR KNOWLEDGEABLE STAFF TODAY! Ask for Carol in NORTH CAROLINA800.234.1982 Ask for Marty in CALIFORNIA800.445.6339 Voices of the Future r y