President

  • Zach Kastner, ABO-AC, is an Advanced Certified Optician, spectacle maker, and the owner of Shorewood Opticians in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. As president and a founding member of the Opticians Association of Wisconsin, Zach is widely recognized for his leadership and dedication to advancing the profession of opticianry.

    Since beginning his career in 2015 at LensCrafters, Zach has built a reputation for his technical expertise and commitment to patient care. He went on to serve as both optician and office manager at Drs. Roy and Associates before acquiring Shorewood Opticians in 2021. Today, he specializes in solving the most challenging visual needs, including high prescriptions, prism corrections, and custom optical solutions that require advanced lens technologies.

    In addition to his work with lenses, Zach is one of a small number of modern spectacle makers—crafting handmade eyewear frames from cellulose acetate in his office. This dedication to the artistry of frame-making reflects his belief that eyewear should balance precision optics with personal expression and craftsmanship.

    Zach is also a certified speaker for the American Board of Opticianry, where he develops and delivers continuing education courses for fellow opticians. His contributions extend beyond technical training, encompassing professional development and advocacy for independent eyewear and independent practices.

    Through his leadership, teaching, and craftsmanship, Zach continues to shape the field of opticianry in Wisconsin and across the country, championing both innovation in lens technology and the preservation of traditional skills in frame making.

Vice President

  • I am a 3rd generation ABO Certified Optician. I actually started in our field at a very young age, working in the basement of our family home, edging on an old pattern edger in Jr. Highschool. I first started as an optician the summer of 1986 and opened a satellite office to my father’s original Eyeglass Shoppe in the neighboring town. I have also managed several Optometric and Ophthalmology clinics and dispensaries in Idaho, Minnesota and Wisconsin. I currently own and operate The Eyeglass Shop in Ashland.

    All of these years have been a blessing to me and I hope to pass on some of the knowledge that I have obtained doing what I love.

2nd Vice President


  • My love for eye care began in my high school biology class when we had the opportunity to dissect a cow eye. Following graduation, I started my career as an optician. During this time, I earned my certification as a master optician and becoming an approved ABO speaker. After 19 years working actively as an optician, I transitioned to a frame sales representative. I currently have the pleasure partnering with opticals while representing OGI Eyewear.

    My passion is teaching and developing opticians

Secretary

  • I am a former optician, and current eyewear rep.  I have a combined 15+ years of experience in the optical industry, with background working in an optical lab, as an optician, and now a rep!  I wanted to be a part of this organization because I believe that Wisconsin opticians deserve to have an opportunity to have support and education to strengthen their careers, as well as the optical industry as a whole.