▷ Urgent: Staff Writer

Optical dispenser Alison Middleton on slowing down to go faster

Alison Middleton believes communication and relationship building are vital skills for optical dispensers today. Image: Kelly Barnes.

1. What inspired you to pursue an optical dispensing career, and how has your perspective changed over time?

My early career was in sunglasses retailing. It naturally led me to a role as a sunglass department manager in an optical business. I was eager to combine my passion for fashion with a new challenge. I was initially captivated by how optical dispensers not only made fashion and styling decisions with customers but also engaged in deep lifestyle and technical conversations. Watching them perform the “magic” of precise measurements was fascinating – I wanted to learn more. Over time, I’ve come to appreciate how rewarding the work is, not only because of the blend of artistry and precision but because of the profound impact we have on people’s daily lives. The experience has broadened my perspective, and now, it feels more like a calling than a career.

2. What are the most influential moments and people that led you to this point?

One influential person was a learning and development leader, who taught me the magic of blending styling and fashion with deep lifestyle and dispensing conversations. He then taught me how to pass these skills on. Another inspired me to volunteer, helping provide eyecare and glasses to under-served communities in Australia and overseas. I’ll never forget revisiting a school for at-risk youth I volunteered at a year earlier. The outgoing young woman in front of me was a totally different person from the shy young girl struggling to stay engaged in school when we dispensed her first set of glasses. It was an amazing transformation to witness.

3. What’s something you know now that you wished you understood at the start of your career?

Ask for help far more often Slow down to go faster, and you’re never going to learn it all. Every day, there will still be some odd conundrum you’ve never dealt with before. It’s truly okay to not have all the answers and seek support.

4. Can you share a moment when you made a significant impact on a patient’s life?

There are many moments, but one stands out. A young man, about 16, came to have his eyes tested. He was shy and surprised to learn he was myopic. I styled him in a great frame that I knew looked fantastic, but he wasn’t convinced. When he came to collect his glasses, I encouraged him to look at the leaves on the trees outside first, which was fun because he had that full “oh wow, trees have leaves” experience. Then, I got him to check himself out in the mirror, and he realized how good he looked in glasses. He came in as a shy, awkward teen and walked out a confident young man. That’s the kind of difference I love making.

5. What innovations in eyewear or technology are you most excited about, and why?

I find the variety of tints, mirrors, flash coatings, photochromic colours, and anti-reflective coatings now available to be super fun. They allow us to design truly unique eyewear solutions that are incredibly individual, functional, and stylish.

6. What skills or qualities do you believe are most important for an optical dispenser to thrive in today’s market?

Communication and relationship building are essential. They enable us to ask the right questions, design great solutions, and troubleshoot problems that arise from time to time. We also need to value our technical skills and maintain a learner’s mindset to stay current and keep learning.

7. How do you ensure your skills and knowledge stay current in such a fast-moving industry?

One of my favorite ways is working with the Australasian College of Optical Dispensing (ACOD) and optometry students in my store. The students keep me engaged with technical questions. Over the years, I’ve taken on every opportunity, such as project training, regional management, and business coaching, which has broadened my understanding of optical retailing from technical and business perspectives.

8. Why did you become a member of ODA, and what value do you see in the organization?

I became a member because I value how ODA promotes the art, talent, and skills of optical dispensing. It works to raise the profile of well-trained and educated dispensers within the industry and beyond. I wanted a resource for community, ongoing education, and promotion of all facets of our work.

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