Today we’d like to introduce you to Freddy Gaitan.
Hi Freddy, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I was born and raised here in Miami. My Opticianary career did not start till I moved away to Ocala, FL. I spent close to 7 years in Ocala, and it was the best thing I ever did for myself. I started off working at a corporate franchise, selling simple frames and lens packages. This is where I realized I had found something I was passionate about. Prior to this I was a CNA and worked retail. I was happy in both settings, but something was missing. This new line of work allowed me to merge the two settings in the best way possible. I then met Dr. Sook Chai and she later became the sponsor to my apprenticeship. During our time together she taught me about prescriptions, ocular health, contacts, and most importantly, patient care. Being witness to her kindness and gentleness with patients has been a big part of what has made me build successful and trusting patient relationships.
After a few years with this franchise, I transferred my apprenticeship and began working with a private practice. It was at this private practice that the game completely changed. I was introduced to a whole new world of optics and fashion. No longer limited by choice of lenses and frame styles, there was a lot to learn! Over the next 3 years, I worked closely with Dr. Steven Shaw who mentored me on lens designs and advanced optics. I learned how to really tailor lenses to patient needs and lifestyles- priceless information I use every day. Working under Dr. Shaw’s wing, I also learned about the business aspect of optics when it came to pricing and management. He always lead the practice with kindness, fairness, and respect to staff. This really set the bar for how I manage South Beach Vision today.
I later passed my first national board certification and completed my apprenticeship hours with Dr. Michelle Cevallos as my sponsor.
Wanting to go back to my roots and be closer to my family, I decided to pack my car and move back to Miami.
I landed my dream job, managing South Beach Vision! Working for Dr. Adam Stelzer and Chelsea Stelzer has been life changing.
South Beach Vision is a concierge boutique practice located in the prominent area of South Beach. Being a boutique practice we have access to top-tier AI digital lenses, high-quality designer frames, state-of-the-art equipment, and a variety of treatments for ocular health.
At South Beach Vision you never know who’s coming through the door. I’ve been lucky to style recording artists, actors, business moguls, athletes, and show hosts!
Being part of a South Beach staple for eye care has been an amazing ride.
My favorite part of my role is definitely doing the inventory buying. We change the frame inventory with the new season releases.
It brings me immense joy to be able to style South Beach’s elite crowd in the latest and greatest digital lenses and designer frames.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
I would say my biggest challenge has been passing all my national board exams. Because I took the apprenticeship route, I learned everything through day-to-day hands-on experience… and saved thousands on student loans! However, the exams themselves are based off the Opticianary school curriculum. Luckily, I’ve had some pretty great tutors I’ve worked closely with to refine my knowledge and techniques.
I am now an American Board of Opticianary certified Optician and National Contact Lens Examiners certified contact lens fitter.
How do you define success?
Success looks different for everyone. For myself, I think success is defined by growth. Being part of a small business and coming from a family of small business owners, I know first-hand how important it is to constantly grow your business, stay relevant and be better than the rest.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.southbeachvision.com
- Instagram: @Freddyszz / @Southbeachvision
Image Credits
Leandro Curcio photographed
