The Executive Committee - Connecticut Opticians Association

The Executive Committee
President • Dorothy Reynolds, LO
I have over 25 years’ experience in the eyecare world. I have worked for
ophthalmologists and optometrists. I currently work for an independent
optical store. I graduated from the Ophthalmic Design and Dispensing
program at Middlesex. I am currently President of the Connecticut Opticians
Association and look forward to serving another term.
I believe that all Licensed Opticians and apprentices owe it to themselves to
give back to the profession by joining the only organization in Connecticut that
protects consumer rights to quality eyecare by promoting the highest quality
of standards for all opticians. No matter who you are...or where you practice
1 st Vice President • Marietta A. Capobianco, LO
A Hartford native, I Was an Administrative Assistant, Catering Coordinator, and Retail
Manager in my past. I went to Middlesex Community College and completed the OD&D
program in 1994 to becom e a Licensed Optician. I have been in the Optical field since
1991, and became licensed in 1995. I lived in Georgia for 5 years and upon coming back to
CT in 2004, I became employed with The Eye Center. I have been with them now for 8
years. Throughout my optical career, I have always been associated with The Connecticut
Opticians Association, including when I was a student.
In my personal life, I’ve been married for almost 3 years, and have 2 dogs and 2 cats. I like going to the gym,
listening to music and especially love eating out and going to concerts.
2 nd Vice President • Am y S. Beckwith, LO
I started in the eyecare field as a receptionist for an optometrist and quickly
realized that I wanted to learn more about eyecare so I decided to go to
school for opticianry. In 2012, I graduated phi theta kappa with an associates
degree from the Ophthalmic Design and Dispensing program at Middlesex
Community College. I have been in the field of opticianry for over three
years. I was certified as a paraoptometric in 2010. I have worked as a Clinical
Fellow with Skip Rivard from September 2011 to present. Currently employed
as an optician for Dr. Brian Mann, I’m working to pursue a career as a contact
lens specialist. I am extremely dedicated to the field of opticianry and plan to
continue to fight for our profession and the right of consumer for quality
eyecare .
Secretary • Sharon Lessor, LO
Having worked in an administrative position for years, I fell in love with the eyecare business
after working part time for an optometrist. Wanting to learn more and advance my career, I
attended the optician program at MxCC. I earned my license in 2006 and currently work for an
OD. In my spare time, I enjoy painting and spending time with family. I am married to Marty
and have two sons, Thomas and Michael.
Treasurer • James Susco, LO
After graduating from the OD&D Program at Middlesex, I was hired to work as a lab
assistant, a position I’ve held for 12 years. In all those years, I’m humbled and proud
to say that I’ve had the opportunity to contribute to the educational careers of many
opticians. I’ve been married for 13 years and have two beautiful daughters that keep
me very busy. It's great working at the college and educating future opticians.
The Directors
Joseph Baranowskas, LO
Seeking a career change, I attended the Ophthalmic Design & Dispensing
Program at Middlesex Community College as a non-traditional student who
had been out of school for quite awhile. Since my time in school, I’ve been an
active member of the Connecticut Opticians Association and have served with
pride on the Board. I’m currently working as a licensed optician at OptiCare in
Torrington.
Monique Begin, LO
I graduated in 2011 from the Ophthalmic Design and Dispensing program at Middlesex
Community College, and soon thereafter became a licensed optician. I have been working
in the field all along from retail chains to a private OD office.
Representing the optical field is a real passion of mine. The opportunity to provide patients
with the best eyewear is truly rewarding. I have found that possessing such a solid
foundation from my education is invaluable, and will help me build towards becoming a
well rounded Optician. I would find it quite a privilege to serve on the COA board and fully
support their mission in sustaining the importance of patient care and licensing laws in
Connecticut.
Lisa Forbes, LO
After almost thirty years of working for large chain optical stores and small privately
owned practices, I returned to school and completed the Ophthalmic Design &
Dispensing Program at Middlesex Community College. That education gave me the
knowledge and confidence to finally become licensed. Having worked as a lab
manager as well as a store manager, I’ve been responsible for all tasks related to
patient care, staff management, as well as the quality of the eyewear produced and
dispensed. I believe that continuing education and supporting our association is the
way to secure our future in this industry.
Joyce Furman, LO
With more than 16 years combined experience in the eyecare industry, I finally went to school
to get the education to become a good optician. I graduated with Honors from the Ophthalmic
Design & Dispensing program at Middlesex. Opticianry is in my blood. My grandfather, Russ
Furman, was an independent optician in the South-End of Hartford. My Dad and Uncle worked
for him for many years. I started my career with the COA as a student liaison and have been
dedicated to the Mission and Goals of the Association ever since. Having worked in a large
ophthalmology group, corporate Opticianry and a private optometric practice, I’m currently
employed by Solinsky Eyecare in West Hartford
Bryan Goh, LO
A graduate of the ODD Program at Middlesex, I also hold a B.S. in Biology from CCSU.
I was the GM at multiple locations within Lenscrafters and was a store manager at
Walmart Optical. With experience as the General Manager of HOYA Hartford, and
Customer Service Manager at its Bethel location, I’m presently the RxPert (Technical
Expert) at HOYA-Hartford. I’ve been a dedicated member of the COA since my time
at Middlesex and haved served in several capacities on the Board.
The Directors
Heather Hall, LO
My optical career began in 1997 at Brown's Optical in Simsbury. I joined the C.O.A. that same
year. After working as an apprentice for 13 years, I decided to attend MxCC to supplement my
optical education and finally get licensed. Balancing a full-time job, attending school and being
a Mom to my two boys was tough, but I’m proud to say that I made the the Dean's List. In
December 2009, I started working for Burke McLoughlin Eye Associates in Canton as its
Dispensary Manager. I feel strongly that the Connecticut Opticians Association is a powerful
voice in protecting our rights to practice our profession. In fact, We are the only voice! I work
very hard year round to support the Mission and Goals of COA and will continue to do so!
Shelley Ann Johnson, LO
I began my career in the optical profession in 2006. While attending the ODD program
at Middlesex, I completed a one year contact lens clinical Fellowship with Skip Rivard.
That experience made me realize that I wanted to specialize in that specialized aspect
of opticianry. After college, I was hired by Consulting Optical in Glastonbury and have
been fitting contact lenses for Consulting Ophthalmologists since 2010. I have been a
member and strong supporter of the COA since school, when I served as a student
liaison.
Robyn Lawler. LO
I started my career working within an optometric practice in 1999. I finally made the decision
to attend school and become an optician. While in school, I was the student liaison to the COA
and was very active on the Government Affairs committee. After attend many hearings at the
Capitol in Hartford, I realized the integral part the COA has in protecting eyecare for the public
providing important credibility to the profession of Opticianry. I’m the mother of four daughters
and the proud grandmother of two beautiful grandchildren.
Johana K. Sanchez, LO
I have been in the optical field for 7 years. My hometown is Bristol but
I now reside in Manchester. After earning my Bachelor of Science in Biology, I then
attended MxCC and received my AS degree in Ophthalmic Design and Dispensing.
While at Middlesex, I completed a contact lens clinical Fellowship with Skip Rivard at
CT Eye Center and served as a student liaison to the COA. My involvement with the
COA made me realize that we are the voice for professional optical care in
Connecticut. I hope to continue serving our profession and this association for years
to come.
Robert “Rob” Smith, LO
I'm a graduate of the Ophthalmic Design and Dispensing program at Middlesex Community
College, class of 2001. I was licensed in 2001, and at the time, I was the youngest licensed
optician in CT's history. I've been practicing in Southington since 2000, and I have also
worked in many offices throughout CT. I’ve been a proctor at the State practical exams for
opticians for several years. I believe the COA is the only organization that fights for the
rights of CT opticians, and I look forward to helping in any way possible
The Directors
Roger G. Troie, LO
My career in opticianry began as an optical apprentice at the former Scott & Joyce
Opticians and the G. Fox Optical Department. Licensed in 1973, I began working at
Karol Opticians in 1974 with Charles Sidor, a pioneer in both Connecticut opticianry
and contact lenses. I purchased the practice in 1982 and relocated it to Wethersfield.
Along with optical dispensing, I specialize in fitting contact lenses. I’ve been a member
of the COA since starting my career and have served in various offices, including its
President. My long career in opticianry continues to make me realize that opticianry in
Connecticut needs a strong voice to represent us as a profession. The COA is the only
voice.
Ross Zeldes, LO
I’m a 2012 Graduate of the Ophthalmic Design and Dispensing program at MxCC. My Dad is a
practicing optometrist as was my Grandfather. While at Middlesex, I had the opportunity to
complete a clinical Fellowship in contact lenses and served as a student liaison to the COA. I’m
currently working in an optometric practice in Waterford. I feel it is the responsibility of all
optician professionals to be involved with the COA to ensure the continued support of Opticians
in our state. In my very little spare time, I enjoy the water as a licensed captain and avid boater.