About
Hi! My name is Natalie, I own and operate Artisan Eyewear. For many, finding the ‘right’ optician is as important as finding the right frames; I’m happy to share a little about myself ahead of your visit.
Education and Training
2008 was the beginning of my career in optometry, first as an optometric technician, then in management and finally opticianry. I was a certified paraoptometric technician with the American Optometric Association. This training provided a deeper understanding of ocular disease and anatomy. My optical certifications are ABO and NCLE designations with the American Board of Opticianry. I attended the Community College of Rhode Island for an Associates in Applied Sciences for Opticianry, as well as the University of Rhode Island for a Bachelors in Biological Sciences. I have licenses in Massachusetts, Vermont and New Hampshire. I am required to attend a certain number of hours of continuing education each year.
Professional Endeavors
From 2014 to 2021, I penned a column in an industry magazine. My fictional pieces were a reverse-Dear Abby format, and opticians across North America would write in responses. In addition, I provided a number of technical works to various industry magazines on subjects like Medicare audits and ransomware response strategy. I’ve had the honor of presenting as a continuing education lecturer at regional events, and was the host of a panel at the international Vision Expo, held in NYC.
Community Action
I’m excited to be a new member of the Upper Valley! For the last 5+ years, Artisan Eyewear operated in Meredith, NH, where I connected with the Greater Meredith Program, a volunteer-based non-profit made of several committees all working to improve the Meredith area for residents and visitors. I was a member of their Board of Directors for 5 years. I also served on the Board of Directors of the Meredith Area Chamber of Commerce. In the past I’ve served as the Rhode Island liaison to VOSH [Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity] and was a public member on the RI Chiropractic Physicians Examiners Board.
Personal
I went to high school at Pinkerton Academy in Derry, NH, but most of my adult life I’ve lived in Providence and Boston. I’m happy to be a new resident of Vermont!
In my personal life I think a lot about what it means to live the life of an artist, and I enjoy talking to my clients about their artistic endeavors. I am an oil painter (portraits) and enjoy a variety of other crafts like sewing and gardening.
Artisan Eyewear is your go-to optical boutique for all things colorful, funky, and beautiful. We carry brands not found elsewhere in the state/region, like NAONED, Struktur and Nina Mûr. One specialty is narrow and petite fits; we do not carry children’s frames.
In addition to our exciting product selection, you will receive concierge service from Natalie, a licensed optician with over a decade of experience. Most orders are completed in 2 weeks.
Natalie is an OPTICIAN = not-a-doctor! Please bring a valid prescription.
Interview recorded while we were still located in Meredith, NH!
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