Baker College opticianry student top 10 in nation

Megan Redman, a 21-year-old opticianry student at Baker College of Allen Park, was one of 10 finalists who competed in the National Federation of Opticianry Schools (NFOS) College Bowl last month in Nashville, Tennessee.

Participants in this Jeopardy-like competition test their knowledge of the following opticianry subjects: anatomy and physiology, ophthalmic dispensing, ophthalmic fabrication, contact lenses and optics.

“Having one of our own students advance to top-10 competitor status in this well-respected, national competition is an amazing achievement,” said Kristine L. Barann, CPA, Baker College of Allen Park president. “Megan is highly deserving of this accomplishment, and her success is a testament to both her quest for excellence and the quality of Baker College’s opticianry program.”

The NFOS College Bowl took place at OptiCon 2014, the annual convention of the American Board of Opticianry & National Contact Lens Examiners (ABO-NCLE), the world’s largest opticians’ certification organization.

Redman initially competed against her classmates. She advanced to the preliminary round, competing against students from opticianry programs across the nation, and qualified for the finals.

“Megan is exceptionally passionate about her career,” said Randall Smith, ABOM, NCLEC, director of the opticianry program at Baker College of Allen Park. “Earlier this year, she attended the state leadership convention of the Opticians Association of America where she was recognized as a future leader in the profession. I agree with their assessment and believe that Megan’s drive and determination will serve her well throughout her career.”

Redman, of Southgate, will graduate with an associate degree in opticianry next spring. She has been employed by LensCrafters since May, which has provided the opportunity for her to apply skills she learned in the classroom in an authentic setting. She credits her coworkers and her instructor, Smith, for helping her to constantly learn and grow as an optician.

“I’m honored to have been chosen to attend two major conferences hosted by prominent national organizations and compete against the nation’s brightest opticianry students all in one year,” said Redman. “I learned an incredible amount, had an amazing time and met a lot of great people. I’m grateful to Baker College and my instructor for these opportunities that have helped my career immensely.”

While at OptiCon 2014, Redman took advantage of meeting other professionals in attendance, gaining some hands-on training, and attending the trade show that featured new product showcases.

For more information about the Baker College opticianry program, contact Steven Peterson in the Baker College of Allen Park admissions office at 313.425.3700 or steven.peterson@baker.edu. Financial assistance is available to students, including scholarships, grants, low-interest loans and work-study programs. Students may schedule an appointment via the Baker College website, www.baker.edu.

The largest private college in Michigan, Baker College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. It is a nonprofit higher education institution, serving more than 28,000 students on 12 campuses and in three satellite locations. Baker grants certificates and associate, bachelor’s and master’s degrees in business, health sciences, education and human services, and various technical fields, as well as a doctorate of business administration. As a career college, the Baker College system is pleased to report that 97 percent of its available graduates are employed. For more information about Baker College, please check out our website at www.baker.edu.

Photos:

On left: Redman, second from right, and the other top 10 opticianry students at the NFOS College Bowl.

On right: Redman and Randall Smith, opticianry program director at Baker College of Allen Park.