How 30 Minutes in the Optical Can Forge a Stronger Connection

Erica Ellis, an optician at Lakefront Eyecare in New Orleans, Louisiana, has built her career on two core principles: dedication to the craft and connection with patients. Starting her journey with a corporate-affiliated practice as a manager, Ellis gained invaluable experience that would shape her future role at Lakefront Eyecare, where she wears multiple hats and has developed a reputation for solving challenges others might avoid. One key aspect that sets Ellis apart is her ability to build rapport with patients while handling every aspect of their optical care.

For Ellis, the six years she spent with the corporate optical taught her to adapt quickly and confidently. She managed sales associates, worked with doctors and even handled repairs—all of which are skills she continues to apply in her current role. But beyond technical skills, what really resonates in her work is the connection she forges with patients, which has proven to be a cornerstone of her success at Lakefront Eyecare.
 

SEEING PROBLEMS, FINDING SOLUTIONS

Ellis’ years of hands-on experience repairing frames became a defining feature of her career. At her first location, she honed her repair skills under the guidance of mentors and lab managers, which prepared her for the unpredictable challenges she would later face at Lakefront Eyecare.

“People walk in needing repairs all the time,” Ellis explains. “Sometimes it’s just a screw that needs tightening, but other times it’s a bigger challenge.”

One memorable case involved a patient who came in with a vintage frame—a Tura design from the 1960s—that had been declared unrepairable by another practice. The challenge was figuring out if these frames could even accommodate new lenses. After careful evaluation and a few delicate maneuvers, she successfully replaced the lenses and preserved the integrity of the vintage design.

One memorable case involved a patient who came in with a vintage frame—a Tura design from the 1960s—that had been declared unrepairable by another practice. The challenge was figuring out if these frames could even accommodate new lenses. After careful evaluation and a few delicate maneuvers, she successfully replaced the lenses and preserved the integrity of the vintage design.

Originally posted in womeninoptometry.com