Meet the Optical Staff

Opticians in Farmington & Glastonbury, CT

Francis Blanco is the Manager of Consulting Optical Shops and has been in the optical field since 2000. He achieved his Connecticut State Optician license via the apprenticeship program. Francis joined the optical team of Consulting Ophthalmologists, P.C. in 2015. Francis is a member of the Connecticut Opticians Association (COA).

Jannie B. Shapiro has been in the optical field since 1999 and began working at Consulting Ophthalmologists, P.C. in 2002. She holds a Master’s Degree in Special Education for the visually impaired and is a low vision consultant at Consulting Ophthalmologists. Jannie is an Ambassador Member of the Connecticut Opticians Association (COA), having served as president for two terms. Before joining COPC, Jannie coordinated a low vision clinic that serviced visually impaired patients and managed another optical shop. Jannie was the low vision instructor for 16 years at Middlesex Community College in the Ophthalmic Design and Dispensing Program. Jannie is licensed as an optician in the state of Connecticut. 

Brian E. Kochol has been in the optical business since 1996 and has worked at Consulting Ophthalmologists, P.C. since 2004. He graduated with a B.S. from Boston University and an A.S. from Middlesex Community College where he received his degree in Ophthalmic Design and Dispensing (OD&D). Brian is licensed as an optician in the state of Connecticut and is nationally certified through the American Board of Opticianry (ABO) and the National Contact Lens Examiners (NCLE). He is also a Fellow Member of the Connecticut Opticians Association (COA).

Philip Gordon has worked in the optical field since 1979. He achieved his Connecticut state Opticians license via the apprenticeship program. Phil has worked for Consulting Ophthalmologists, P.C. since 2004. Prior to coming to COPC, Phil managed an optical shop. He is a member of the Connecticut Opticians Association (COA).

Sharyn McCann joined Consulting Ophthalmologists in September of 2012. She began her optical career in 2010 and is a licensed optician in the state of Connecticut.  Sharyn is also nationally certified through the American Board of Opticianry (ABO) and the National Contact Lens Examiners (NCLE) and is a member of the Connecticut Opticians Association (COA). She graduated with a BS from the University of Connecticut and is also a graduate of the Ophthalmic Design and Dispensing Program at Middlesex Community College.

Sharon Dion has been in the optical business for over twenty years. She achieved her Connecticut State Opticians License through the apprenticeship program and is nationally certified through the American Board of Opticianry (ABO) and the National Contact Lens Examiners (NCLE). Prior to coming to COPC, Sharon managed an optical shop. She is a member of the Connecticut Opticians Association (COA).

Dennis Volkert has been in the optical field since 1976. He achieved his Connecticut State License via the apprenticeship program. Dennis joined the optical team of Consulting Ophthalmologists, P.C. in 2019. Prior to coming to COPC, Dennis managed an optical dispensary in central Connecticut.

Brenda Bedard has over 30 years of experience at various levels in the eyecare field, from ophthalmic assisting to optical management. She has worked with ophthalmologist highly specialized in their eyecare fields. She enjoys recommending the best frame/lens combinations that best suit their visual and lifestyle needs. Brenda has been a licensed optician since 2007. She is NCLE and ABO certified. Brenda brings a level of expertise, compassion and warmth that is appreciated by our patients.