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.

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

  • My love for eyewear began when I convinced my reluctant parents to purchase a pair of eyewear for me at a local eyewear boutique. I was in love with them! I was so impressed with the whole experience that I applied to work at the boutique when I graduated from high school. I was fortunate to have trained under an amazing optical veteran there who trained us in all aspects of the Optical business. Half of my Optical career has been spent in boutiques and the other half managing an Ophthalmology practice’s Optical in southeastern WI. A little over 3 years ago, I started working for Cherry Optical Lab in an Inside Sales role. Last year, I was extended the outside Sales role for Southern WI. I am grateful for my career as an Optician. I am also grateful to have joined the Board of Directors for the OAW and want to advocate and assist all Wisconsin Opticians in furthering their career through education and camaraderie in our Optical Community

Treasurer

  • Nicole started her optical career almost 29 years ago. She has experience as an optician, business owner, lens and frame rep. Currently, she is working for Kasperek Classique Optical selling independent frame lines. Helping optician obtain education, networking and learning the ins and outs of the industry is a personal goal of her's.

Past 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.

Board Member

  • I began my career in 2011 and have worked in many areas of the optical field, including as a dispensing optician, optical lab support specialist, and optical manager in a private ophthalmology practice. These experiences strengthened my passion for patient care and developing confident, skilled opticians in the field. I currently serve as Program Manager at Optical Training Institute, where I lead product development, instructional content, and support practices and opticians pursuing certification and career advancement. I hold ABO Advanced and NCLE certifications and am an approved ophthalmic speaker and author for ABO-NCLE continuing education. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve on the board and am committed to supporting the growth and success of opticians in Wisconsin.