Brian J. Kennedy
Huntsville,AL
Summary
Dedicated and compassionate eye care professional with over 20 years of experience serving veterans through the VA, demonstrating a deep understanding of various lens types and eyewear functions. Known for exceptional listening skills and a patient-centric approach, ensuring the needs and expectations of veterans regarding eyeglasses are met with precision. Proven expertise in eyewear fittings, lens prescription interpretation, and vision correction assessment, complemented by a strong ability to collaborate within teams to achieve optimal patient outcomes. Reliable problem solver with a history of training new hires and managing supply orders, committed to maintaining open communication with veterans, labs, doctors, and prosthetics for timely and quality eye care. It hs been an honor serving our nations veterans for the past 11 years. Hopefully I can continue to help our service members with quality eyecare services within the VA Health Care system.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
VA Contractor - Optician
PDS Optical
Huntsville, AL
10.2023 - Current
- Conducted comprehensive evaluations ensuring accurate measurements for lenses and frames.
- Provided exceptional customer service by attentively listening to patient concerns and addressing them promptly.
- Trained new staff on optical system operation and customer service best practices.
- Educated patients on proper use, care and maintenance of eyeglasses.
- Collaborated with optometrists to ensure seamless patient care and follow-up procedures.
- Work in high volume office seeing 30 to 60 patients a day but maintain a level of professionalism where the patient feels that their needs are met
VA Contractor - Optician
Superior Optical Lab
Birmingham, AL
06.2020 - 10.2023
- Delivered an exceptional level of service to each veteran by listening to concerns and answering questions.
- Developed and sustained partnerships with optical lab, prosthetics department, optometry staff, patient advocacy, and VA personnel to enhance patient support.
- Provided expert guidance on eyewear selection to enhance customer satisfaction and vision correction.
- Troubleshot issues with prescription eyewear, offering swift resolution to maintain customer satisfaction levels.
VA Contractor - Optical Associate
PDS Consultants / Korrect Optical
Bay Pines / Tampa, FL
08.2019 - 05.2020
- Assessed individual needs of veterans to provide tailored eyewear recommendations and adjustments.
- Streamlined onboarding processes for new staff to enhance team efficiency.
- Collaborated with healthcare professionals to ensure seamless communication regarding patient eye care needs.
VA Contractor - Optical Lead Associate
IFB Solutions / Twenty 200 Eyewear
Bay Pines / Tampa, FL
08.2015 - 08.2019
- Instructed customers on methods for adapting to glasses, proper wear, and necessary care.
- Led team in implementing process improvements, enhancing operational efficiency.
- Managed veteran frame selection processes and walked them through style and fit for best look and comfort.
- Assessed patient care requirements and expectations to determine optimal lens and coating solutions.
- Cultivated and sustained collaborative relationships with IFB Home Office, Prosthetics Department, Doctors of optometry, patient advocacy, community care department, and MSA staff.
- Ensured adherence to company protocols and policies to maintain operational integrity.
- Implemented strategies to maintain steady patient flow
Final Inspector
Essilor of America
Tampa, FL
01.2008 - 05.2011
- Conducted final inspections to ensure compliance with quality standards and specifications.
- Completed evaluations by properly using various gauges, tools and equipment.
- Monitored and adjusted production processes or equipment for quality and productivity.
Lab Technician
Lange Eye Care & Associates
Gainesville, FL
04.2006 - 05.2007
- Manufactured and dispensed eyeglasses in finishing lab.
- Tracked orders between various labs and vendors.
Lab Technician
LensCrafters
Gainesville, FL
05.2001 - 09.2004
- Manufacture quality eyeglasses surface and finish.
- Calibrated or adjusted equipment to ensure quality production, using tools such as calipers, micrometers, blocker, generator, cylinder machines, and edger.
- Managed quality control and maintained high customer satisfaction.
Education
Associate of Arts -
Bucks County Community College
Newtown, PAAssociate of Arts - undefined
Sante Fe Community College
Gainesville, FLAssociate of Science - Opticianry Program
Hillsborough Community College
Tampa, FLSkills
- Customer service
- Optical measurements
- Repairing glasses
- Adjusting eyewear
- Retail sales
- Supply management
- Documentation
- Keen eye for detail
- Customer relations
- Staff training and development
- Problem resolution
- Team development
- Departmental communication
- Interpersonal skills- time management, teamwork
- Computer skills
- Optical dispensing
Accomplishments
- Recognized and awarded 5 star service certificate from the Birmingham VA Medical Center for my dedication and commitment to the VA's mission of service 09/2023
- Lead optician supervised team of 9 staff members at the Tampa VA -2018
Certification
- ABO certified dispensing optician 2021 - current Certificant ID #223730
- Basic life support certified - ID#: AD54F7FC 05/01/2024
Timeline
VA Contractor - Optician
PDS Optical
10.2023 - Current
VA Contractor - Optician
Superior Optical Lab
06.2020 - 10.2023
VA Contractor - Optical Associate
PDS Consultants / Korrect Optical
08.2019 - 05.2020
VA Contractor - Optical Lead Associate
IFB Solutions / Twenty 200 Eyewear
08.2015 - 08.2019
Final Inspector
Essilor of America
01.2008 - 05.2011
Lab Technician
Lange Eye Care & Associates
04.2006 - 05.2007
Lab Technician
LensCrafters
05.2001 - 09.2004
Associate of Arts - undefined
Sante Fe Community College
Associate of Arts -
Bucks County Community College
Associate of Science - Opticianry Program
Hillsborough Community College