‘Hiding in Plain Sight: California Program Focuses on Diversifying Optometry Industry’ - Invision

One woman’s quest to help break down the barriers individuals with disabilities face when striving for gainful employment.

Derrick Phoun and Daniel Nuygen are studying to be dispensing opticians. They are part of a program that helps individuals with disabilities find employment within the optical industry. (Courtesy)

Ruby Garcia is a longtime dispensing optician and the executive officer for the California State Society for Opticians (CSSO). She is spearheading a program intended to help individuals with disabilities find employment within the optical industry.
(Courtesy)

By Deborah Williamson

Ruby Garcia knows the optical business. She’s been a part of it since the mid-90s. As a dispensing optician, she loves helping customers find just the right eyewear fit.

Garcia also understands learning disabilities on a personal level. Her older brother was born with a disability and has limited speech, yet he functions as an adult and is a respected worker.

Now, in her role as executive officer for the California State Society for Opticians (CSSO), Garcia is using her professional insight and family experience to open doors for others.

Earlier this year, CSSO joined an initiative to help more individuals with learning disabilities enter the optical industry. In April, they enrolled their first cohort in a pre-apprenticeship optician program, delivered in partnership with Orange County and Chabot College.

Garcia’s drive to support people with disabilities stems from her own upbringing. She’s the youngest of twelve siblings—six boys and six girls. The next youngest is her brother David, who was born with a disability.

“Intellectually, he’s a 14-year-old, but he can function as an adult—driving semi-trailers, telling me about road directions, and always on top of the news,” says Garcia. “He’s a faithful worker and respected.

“He taught me how to be patient with people and kind-hearted.”

Although she hasn’t pushed David into opticianry, Garcia firmly believes people with disabilities can succeed in the field.

“Most opticians sit about 80% of their time at work, and the majority of functions are repetitive,” she explains. “So many people with disabilities could easily learn the career practices of optician work.”

She also notes that high turnover among untrained, non-licensed opticians contributes to industry shortages.

“Without training, non-licensed opticians are leaving their jobs within four-to-five months. Turnover creates barriers, and the lack of training is causing a shortage.”

From Colour to Framing Vision

Ruby’s journey began in wardrobe colour consulting before pivoting to optics in 1996. At the time, she was pitching services to Linden Optometry in Pasadena, California.

“They liked my presentation and offered me a job selling luxury eyewear by Cartier,” Garcia recalls. “I was intrigued by the idea of recommending frame shapes and colours that suit the customer.”

Within three months, she was surprised at how popular high-end eyewear could be, with average sales around $2,500.

“The magic for me was the positive responses from each customer—they felt great about their eyewear purchase,” says Garcia. “It was fascinating to meet people from all over the world and learn about their careers and stories.”

At Linden Optometry, she found her stride—eventually selling up to 60 Cartier pieces a month.

“As dispensing opticians, we get the best part of the customers’ experience,” she says. “We help them see the world that they were missing. It’s a delightful daily experience to contribute to the happiness they feel when they can see better.”

“The beauty of our jobs is that we meet all kinds of people. From famous people to those struggling, politicians, priests, monks, nuns, athletes, executive mums—everyone enriches you with their life stories.”

Spotlighting Diversity

But among her colleagues, Garcia hasn’t seen the same kind of diversity. That lack, combined with looming workforce shortages, concerns her.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that optician job openings will grow by 6% annually through to 2030, equating to around 5,900 vacancies each year.

One barrier, Garcia says, is the American Board of Opticianry exam. While optional, it can be daunting—especially without proper training. A few years ago, California’s pass rate was just 40%. Today, that figure has more than doubled.

“Employers aren’t hiring with diversity in mind,” she adds. “As a result, whites and females predominate the industry.”

Now working for JCP Optical, Garcia is using her leadership role at CSSO to advocate for greater inclusion—and to help people like her brother enter a well-paid, respected career.

Ready, Willing, and ABLE

CSSO is participating in the Ready, Willing, and ABLE program, which provides accessible online training for learners with disabilities. Each module is offered in multiple formats—visual, audio, and specially structured—and learners can review materials as often as needed.

Garcia expects the first cohort to graduate in March or April next year. The year-long training is designed to give people with disabilities a meaningful start in the optician profession. So far, 80% of the participants are women. Of the group, 75% are Hispanic, 15% are Black, and 10% are white.

Zoom meetings support discussion on topics like ethics and time management, with guest speakers from ophthalmology practices. Garcia also leads five “travelling labs” where students meet mentors who will help them through their practical experience and into their first job.

“For these new students, finding the right job to explore a positive career may be tricky,” says Garcia. “A mentor is essential for them during this period.”

Upon hiring, participants become registered apprentices earning $18 per hour. They learn about eye anatomy, astigmatisms, refractions, measuring and adjusting frames, and more.

As Garcia watches her dream of supporting people with disabilities into optical careers come to life, she’s already looking ahead.

“My long-term dream is to open the World of Optics Museum. I would love to hire people with disabilities to work in the museum.”

It’s one way she hopes to address the lack of diversity in the sector—and ensure her legacy reaches far beyond the exam room.