Blazing Trails and Breaking Barriers: Helen Whitaker on Leadership, Innovation, and Vision Care for All

Monday, August 4 2025 | 13 h 42 min | Eye on the Industry Podcast, News

Episode 3 of Eye on the Industry Podcast

In the latest episode of the Eye on the Industry podcast, co-hosts Christine Zeggil and Isabelle Tremblay sit down with a powerhouse in global opticianry—Helen Whitaker. President of the International Opticians Association (IOA), award-winning optician, mobile eye care pioneer, and eyewear designer, Helen brings energy, insight, and an unmistakable passion for people to every facet of her work.

From her early days selling ophthalmic devices in the UK to landing in Powell River, BC as a single mother reinventing herself, Helen’s journey is one of resilience, reinvention, and purpose. Her entry into opticianry through direct perceptorship led to roles as a contact lens fitter and refracting optician—and eventually to global leadership.

“I’ve had many lives,” she says, “but the optical profession allowed me to combine all the things I care about—customer service, creativity, problem solving, and making people feel seen.”

Mobile Care with a Mission

Helen founded Secure Vision, a mobile optical clinic, in 2018 after witnessing how many clients—particularly seniors—struggled with traditional clinical environments. Her mission: meet patients where they are, both literally and emotionally.

Whether in assisted living homes, law offices, or remote communities, Secure Vision offers personalized, empathetic care tailored to each client’s needs. “Being mobile isn’t just about a van,” Helen notes. “It’s about flexibility, listening deeply, and adapting your service model to make people feel safe and seen.”

Leading on the World Stage

Helen’s appointment as president of the IOA comes with a strong sense of responsibility—and humility. “It’s early days,” she says, “but my goal is to enhance global collaboration, share best practices, and provide a platform for countries and professionals who don’t yet have one.”

From policy development to peer mentorship, Helen wants to foster a culture of mutual support and lifelong learning in opticianry worldwide. Her dream? A global resource centre powered by the generosity and experience of optical professionals everywhere.

Raising the Bar

As the profession evolves, Helen believes opticians must embrace innovation—from AI to teleoptometry—while doubling down on what matters most: the patient experience. “Elevate care, elevate outcomes. That’s how we raise the profession.”

She’s particularly encouraged by the collaborative spirit she sees emerging across social platforms like LinkedIn, where opticians are sharing expertise and celebrating one another. “It’s not about ‘me’ anymore. It’s about ‘we.’ And that’s beautiful.”

Jezebel: Frames with a Story

In a fun twist, the episode also reveals that Helen has her own eyewear line, “Jezebel,” named after her daughters Jade, Beth, and Lydia. Handcrafted in Italy by a women-run factory, the frames blend boldness and femininity with thoughtful design to flatter even high prescriptions. “It’s about empowerment and joy,” she says, holding up frames named after each daughter—and one after herself.

Superhero Mode: Activated

Asked to name her optician superhero alter ego, Helen consults ChatGPT live and emerges as “Lumina,” a global connector and visionary with the superpower of “vision synchronization.” It’s fitting for someone whose mission is to help professionals and patients truly see each other—with empathy, clarity, and purpose.

Final Words of Advice

To newcomers in the optical field, Helen’s message is simple: “Stay curious. Keep learning. And be proud of what you do—because we have the power to change lives.”

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🎧 Listen to the full episode of Eye on the Industry to hear Helen’s inspiring stories, including a hilarious surprise proposal on a mission trip in Honduras, her hopes for global education recognition, and what excites her most about the future of the profession.

🕶️ This episode is sponsored by Optik Magazine and Eye Care Business Canada—Canada’s leading media source for eye care and eyewear professionals. You can follow each episode of “Eye on the Industry” podcast on the OptikNOW.ca website or your favourite podcast network. 

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