JSRCC’s Metten named Optician of the Year by the Opticians Association of Virginia

Yvonne Metten, director of the Opticianry program at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College, was recently named Optican of the Year 2012-2013 by the Opticians Association of Virginia. The award is given to an optician who demonstrates exemplary service and dedication, gone above and beyond the call of duty every day, shown outstanding leadership, and is deserving of recognition. 

Yvonne (3rd from right) and JSRCC students during OneSight mission trip

Yvonne has an AAS degree in Opticianry from J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College and a Bachelor of Liberal Arts degree from the University of Richmond.  She is a Virginia state licensed optician with over 20 years of experience in both private and retail optical settings. She has lectured at state and national meetings and has written an article for a national trade publication.

In discussing selection for the award it was noted, “Yvonne has done a tremendous job incorporating the need for and value of community service programs into the educational process while overseeing the opticianry program for the past two years at JSRCC.  Under her guidance the program has been able to turn out over 1,000 pairs of eyewear that have been manufactured for OneSight missions, and took the students on a mission trip to Jamaica where they spent 10 days serving the under-privileged citizens in the region.   Yvonne also created a clinic program last summer for Middle College students (young adults 18-24 who are attempting to earn their GED so they can attend college) who were found to have a need for vision correction that they could not afford.  The program allowed these students to get free eye exams and eyewear.  As we all know, our ability to see is a critical part of learning! 

Yvonne works tirelessly for her national and state associations and is always one of the first to volunteer for a task when asked or step in to help whenever needed.  Last year she was asked to co-chair the OAA education committee and has also recently been appointed by OAA to serve on the board of the Commission on Opticianry Accreditation.” 

The mission of the Opticians Association of Virginia is to advance the skillful practice of Opticianry for the safety and welfare of the people of Virginia, by representing, educating and serving all Opticians.

To read more about the OneSight mission trip, visit "Seeing is believing as Reynolds opticianry students change lives in Jamaica."  

Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition!