Stuart Freilich has over 30 years of optical experience and as a previous owner of an independent optical shop and a manager of multiple optical locations, Stuart continues to focus on training and demonstrating simple optical solutions to staff members in the optical community. Throughout his tenure, Stuart has continued to develop his skills by training staff, focusing on dispensing and adjusting eyewear, in office finishing lab work and repairs, while always keeping in line with delivering the highest quality fabricated eyewear.

A true innovator in the optical lab industry, Martin Ponce hails from Argentina to the great city of New York. In the optical industry for 21 years, Martin has continuously curated new approaches to master and challenge the expectations of an all-purpose finishing lab. From his one-of-a-kind engraving service to his specialty in faceting and rimless frames, Martin brings the “specialty” to his business Drill Specialty Corp. located on Long Island.

David Salk is a career eyecare professional. He founded Focal Point Opticians of Berkeley, California in 1976. He is the founder and owner of eClips Custom Clip-Ons and most recently launched Blue Logic lenses, a portfolio of lenses to address specific blue light issues. He is a graduate of the University of California at Berkeley. He’s consulted with numerous lens companies and is regarded by his peers as one of the leading authorities in the optical industry.

With over 30 years experience, an associate degree (AAS) in opticianry and a master’s degree (MEd) in adult education, John worked as an optician in independent high-end practices and managed a large retail optical chain. John taught optical dispensing, optical laboratory finishing theory and optical laboratory clinical for the Reynolds Community College Opticianry program. He began OpticianWorks, an online optician training program in 2008 as a resource for anyone who wanted to learn what it really takes to become a great optician.

Born a few years too late, John misses a real classroom and the 1:1 interaction with students. Workshops like these are as close as he can get.

Mr. Giacomo Colombo has over 23 years of experience at CentroStyle, Italy, purveyors of some of the finest, most creative and practical optical tools, supplies and accessories. He is currently Technical Manager for equipment, tools and parts for the optical supply company. Initially focusing on technical assistance and quality control, he then became responsible for post-sales assistance and strengthening relationships with customers from all over the world. Developing his career through a consistent presence at optical exhibitions and as a trainer for opticians, Mr. Colombo continues his path as an educator at leading schools of optics in Italy.

Mr. Colombo’s workshops combine technical knowledge with the optical experience he’s gained over many years, through relationships with customers, suppliers and sales teams.

With more than 25 years of experience in the optical retail industry, Patrisha currently manages the UC Irvine-Gavin Herbert Eye Institute Optical Department in Irvine, California. Her experience includes nearly 20 years as an optical technician instructor at Boston Reed in Napa CA; San Jose and College of the Canyons in Santa Clarita, CA; American Career College in Ontario, CA; and Summit College in Colton, CA. Patrisha is the owner of OC Optical Company in Tustin, CA – an opticianry skills training facility that offers optical business consulting services to private practices.

Scheduled as a UCI – GHEI Community Lecture Series Speaker in 2019 and 2020, Patrisha has been known to demonstrate a semi-rimless frame being re-strung while blindfolded during lectures.