Part of what makes our shop so special is our staff! Nate, Aaron, Yissel, and Nicole Marie work hard to ensure that our patients are offered top quality care and that you walk out our doors with an amazing new pair of glasses, a refill on your contact lenses, or with a more comfortable fitting frame after an expert adjustment.
Let’s get to know a little more about the smiling faces you see here each day!
Nate
The path to becoming an optician was basically in Nate’s blood, as he was first introduced to the optical world when helping out in his father’s optometry practice in Massachusetts. After learning the ropes and working with his dad for three years, Nate moved to Portland and grew his optical knowledge even further.
He started working at Optik PDX in 2016 and enjoys a variety of roles here. He loves helping patients find stylish eyewear and also plays an important part in the inventory our shop features. “Some of my additional duties are Contact Lens Technician and Frame Buyer. I help keep Optik PDX stocked with the latest styles and refresh our always changing collections.”
Why does Nate love working here? Giving each one of our patients personal attention lets Nate know that he’s making a difference instead of simply moving patients down an assembly line of care.
Always seen wearing some truly awesome vintage threads, Nate’s fashion sense certainly expands into his eyewear collection: “I keep the colors traditional, generally choosing black or a dark tortoise shell. I enjoy the small details like an interesting keyhole bridge or classic vintage-style rivets.”
Aaron
Our Office Manager Aaron has been in the optical industry for nearly two decades, as a job in Montana started off his career in 1999. At the recommendation of a friend, he applied to be an optician, and when his place of employment closed, he made the jump over to a national chain eyewear retailer.
Aaron moved to Portland in 2005 and went back to school for History and English, and although he took a momentary break from all things optical, his love for the industry never left him. In 2017, he joined the team here at Optik PDX.
Our shop was a great fit for Aaron, as he describes some of his favorite things about our practice:
“I love the fact that we’re focused on patient care and quality of service first and foremost. I love that we’re dedicated to offering only the very best quality frames and lenses from independent eyewear designers and manufacturers. I love how engaged with and supportive of the local community our office is. But most of all, I love the fact that I work with some of the best people I’ve known (coworkers and patients alike) in a relaxed, happy, upbeat environment.”
Known for his love of quirky yet classic eyewear, Aaron has two current favorites at the shop: the Matsuda model M3068 and the “M” series from Anne et Valentin. Be sure to stop by and check them out!
Yissel
One of our most creative employees at Optik PDX, Yissel brings her artistic talents to the team and gets the chance to do what she loves every single day.
“I have been with Optik PDX for about six months now. I am an Optician as well as the Director of Marketing. I not only fit and style people in their eyewear, but I also get the pleasure of letting the world see what we do. I do the photography and manage all of our social media accounts keeping everyone up to date with the latest fashion styles.”
If you follow us on social media, it’s Yissel’s handiwork you’ve seen, as she captures stunning images of the gorgeous frames we carry.
Yissel began working in the optical industry in 2013 with the intention of becoming a receptionist, but was hired as an optician and learned the ins and outs of the industry on the job. She loves the amount of patient care the team at Optik PDX provides and is proud to call our shop home.
Her current frame favorites are: “The new Matsuda M2022 in Champagne -but I already sold it! My second favorite frame in the store would be the Anne et Valentin Birdy. It’s unique and eye-catching for those that dare to be bold.”
Nicole Marie
As the newest member of our team, Nicole Marie has quickly become an integral part of what makes Optik PDX such a great place to be. She works as our Office Coordinator and Business to Business Outreach Coordinator. This is her first time working in the optical industry, but her previous experience in the New York fashion industry has certainly come in handy with our selection of eyewear.
Her eyewear style has been refined and polished throughout the years, and Nicole Marie’s current taste is gorgeous: “Clean lines, gold trim, and femme with a touch of urban edge to it.” She currently wears the Mykita Ulla, which is a true representation of her style, and also loves a few of the Dita sunglasses we have on our shelves.
Nicole Marie’s favorite thing about working in the shop? “Watching patients enjoy trying on different styled glasses and finding a pair or two they know highlights their personality and style.” We’re so thrilled to have Nicole Marie as a part of our team!
