Meet Frankie Lunsford

For Frankie Lunsford, eye care isn’t just a career—it’s a calling that began in childhood and has shaped her life ever since. A 2016 graduate of Reynolds Community College’s Opticianry program, Frankie has turned her passion for vision care into a remarkable career marked by compassion, skill, and service. Today, she’s a respected professional at Conexus, a nonprofit ensuring children in public schools receive essential vision screenings, eye exams, and glasses—tools that, for many, mean the difference between struggling in class and thriving.

Frankie’s journey in opticianry started early. As a child, she remembers helping her father with his contact lenses, feeling a sense of purpose and connection to the field. By age six, she was wearing glasses to correct her nearsightedness, and by seven, she was fitted with contact lenses. Her dedication only grew after she was diagnosed with entropion—a condition that caused her eyelids to turn inward, painfully scratching her corneas. Four surgeries later, she knew her future would be in eye care, helping others to see the world clearly and comfortably.

When the time came to pursue her passion formally, Reynolds was the natural choice. As the only college in Virginia offering an associate degree in Opticianry, Reynolds provided exactly what Frankie needed. The program’s flexible mix of in-person and hybrid classes allowed her to balance work and studies—a vital factor since she was working three jobs to support herself through school. Reynolds’ affordability and structure gave Frankie the opportunity to build a future she once thought might be out of reach.

Frankie’s dedication went far beyond her coursework. While a student, she volunteered at Remote Area Medical (RAM) events in under-resourced areas like Warsaw and Wise County and at the Special Olympics in Richmond, helping athletes receive crucial vision care. Her service-minded spirit also led her to Mexico with the OneSight program, where she provided eye care in Ciudad del Carmen to those with limited access to healthcare. This on-the-ground experience, combined with her education, gave her the tools to make a real difference in people’s lives, both locally and globally.

Throughout her studies, Frankie also took on leadership roles that would deepen her expertise and commitment to her field. She served as a Student Member of the Opticianry Associates of Virginia and worked at LensCrafters from her first semester until 2021, building hands-on skills and professional connections. These experiences prepared her not only to enter the workforce immediately but also to thrive in it.

Reflecting on her time at Reynolds, Frankie describes the Opticianry program as life-changing. She learned essential skills, from crafting and fitting eyeglasses to dispensing eyewear. The program also equipped her to pass the American Board of Opticianry (ABO) and the Virginia State Board of Opticianry exams. Beyond technical knowledge, Reynolds offered Frankie invaluable networking opportunities, giving her a community of mentors and colleagues who would support her journey. One of those mentors, Kristi Green, the Program Director during Frankie’s time at Reynolds and now Associate Dean of the School of Health Professions, was especially impactful. Frankie describes Kristi as passionate and patient, always willing to support students academically and personally—a guiding force that helped Frankie and her peers succeed.

In 2023, Frankie’s contributions to opticianry were formally recognized when Governor Glenn Youngkin appointed her to the Board of Hearing Aid Specialists and Opticians. This appointment is a testament to her skill, dedication, and leadership in the field. Frankie’s work today at Conexus, combined with her service on the board, allows her to advocate for better vision care and accessibility, particularly for young people who might otherwise be overlooked.

Frankie’s advice for prospective students is simple but powerful: “Reynolds is an exceptional school that will prepare you to tackle any path you have your heart set on.” Whether students aim to learn a trade or transfer to a four-year university, Frankie believes Reynolds offers a foundation strong enough to support any dream. To current students, she emphasizes taking advantage of the small class sizes and the wealth of resources available, from The Writing Studio to Career Services, which she credits for helping her along the way.

Today, Frankie's career is a testament to the impact one person can make through resilience, passion, and an unwavering commitment to service. From helping young students see clearly to advocating for better vision care on a statewide level, she embodies the values Reynolds instills in its students. Frankie’s story shows how an education at Reynolds can be a springboard to a life of purpose, connection, and profound impact.

For more about the Reynolds Opticianry program, visit our website.