About
Hi! My name is Natalie, I own and operate Artisan Eyewear. For many, finding the ‘right’ optician is as important as finding the right frames; I’m happy to share a little about myself ahead of your visit.
Education and Training
2008 was the beginning of my career in optometry, first as an optometric technician, then in management and finally opticianry. I was a certified paraoptometric technician with the American Optometric Association. This training provided a deeper understanding of ocular disease and anatomy. My optical certifications are ABO and NCLE designations with the American Board of Opticianry. I attended the Community College of Rhode Island for an Associates in Applied Sciences for Opticianry, as well as the University of Rhode Island for a Bachelors in Biological Sciences. I have licenses in both Massachusetts and Vermont; as New Hampshire isn’t a licensed state, I hold a certificate of registration. I am required to attend a certain number of hours of continuing education each year.
Professional Endeavors
From 2014 to 2021, I penned a column in an industry magazine. My fictional pieces were a reverse-Dear Abby format, and opticians across North America would write in responses. In addition, I provided a number of technical works to various industry magazines on subjects like Medicare audits and ransomware response strategy. I’ve had the honor of presenting as a continuing education lecturer at regional events, and was the host of a panel at the international Vision Expo, held in NYC.
Community Action
Upon moving to Meredith in late 2018 I joined the Greater Meredith Program, a volunteer-based non-profit made of several committees all working to improve the Meredith area for residents and visitors. I’ve been a member of their Board of Directors since the end of 2020, and in 2024 became Secretary. Until recently I was co-chair of the GMP’s Promotions Committee; in the last 3 years our group brought back the Meredith Street Dance, held a series of holiday activities and events, and developed tourism attractions for Main Street. I am now co-chair of the Economic Development Committee, and our big project is improving the structure of Main Street: changes to sidewalks, electrical lines, facades, flow of traffic and so forth. I also serve on the Board of Directors of the Meredith Area Chamber of Commerce. In the past I served as the Rhode Island liaison to VOSH [Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity] and was a public member on the RI Chiropractic Physicians Examiners Board.
Personal
I went to high school at Pinkerton Academy in Derry, but most of my adult life I’ve lived in Providence and Boston. My family has lived either part time or full time in Meredith since the mid-1970’s. In my personal life I think a lot about what it means to live the life of an artist, and I enjoy talking to my clients about their artistic endeavors. I am an oil painter (portraits) and enjoy dabbling in a variety of other crafts like sewing and block print.
Artisan Eyewear is your go-to optical boutique for all things colorful, funky, and beautiful. We carry brands not found elsewhere in the state/region, like NAONED and Nina Mûr. One specialty is narrow and petite fits; we do not carry children’s frames.
In addition to our exciting product selection, you will receive concierge service from Natalie, a licensed optician with over a decade of experience. Most orders are completed in 2 weeks.
Natalie is an OPTICIAN = not-a-doctor! Please bring a valid prescription.
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