Faculty for Para Optometric Program

Laurie L. Pierce, ABOM, NCLC

Ms. Pierce is an instructor in the Opticianry program at Hillsborough Community College in Tampa, Florida and an educational consultant for Shamir Insight, Inc. Laurie is a graduate of Newbury College’s opticianry program in Boston, and managed Lugene Opticians, an upscale optical boutique in Boston’s Copley Place. Ms. Pierce lectures extensively on optical theory and management topics at local, regional and national optical conferences. Ms. Pierce is an ABO Master Optician and is certified by the National Contact Lens Examiners. She received the National Federation of Opticianry Schools Educator of the Year award in 2003 and was named one of Vision Monday’s top most influential women in optical, 2010.  In addition to teaching Opticianry full time, Laurie is an education consultant to Shamir Insight.



Mary Schmidt, ABO, CPO

Mary E. Schmidt, ABOC, CPO is the founder of EyeSystems a professional training and practice consulting firm, specializing in the eyecare field. She provides full scope paraoptometric education with a focus on dispensing skills and patient care. Her emphasis is on organization and professionalism. The American Optometric Association and the American Board of Opticianry have accredited her programs. Mary has over 30 years experience within the optical field including ten years of hands-on in office experience along with practice administration for multi-doctor practices, outside sales and marketing experience and she was manager of education and training for a large practice management group.
Mary has presented programs to state wide, national and international audiences along with personalized private training since 1995. She is a popular speaker with the ability to motivate and inspires. She was one of Vision Monday’s 50 Most Influential Women in Optical in 2005.



Joy Gibb ABOC

Joy L. Gibb, ABOC began her optical career in 1986. She managed an independent retail opticianry in Bountiful, Utah for over ten years before opening her own business, Eyes of Joy Mobile Optical Service. In addition, she often consults practices about their dispensaries and improving customer service and sales. Patients often seek her help with the difficult to get prescription, progressive lenses, and children's eyewear. Joy is also a contributor to Vision Care Product News and has participated in the writing of several industry guides and publications. She has also served as a member of the Better Vision Institute.

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