For Victor Covarrubias, helping patients see clearly is about more than filling a prescription. It requires careful measurements, technical knowledge and a commitment to making sure every pair of glasses is completed correctly.
Covarrubias, an experienced optical technician at 20/20 Vision Associates Optometry, began his career in the optical industry in 1998.
“I started as a technician working for LensCrafters in 1998,” Covarrubias said. “I worked my way up to lead technician, then assistant lab manager and eventually lab manager.”
After moving to the Inland Empire, Covarrubias began working with Dr. Everitt at 20/20 Vision in 2009. He has remained with the practice ever since, building a reputation for precision and personalized patient care.
When Covarrubias first joined the practice, he helped establish an in-house optical laboratory. The laboratory initially handled finished lenses before expanding into a full surface lab capable of creating prescription lenses from the beginning of the production process.
“We would grind prescriptions into the lenses, surface them, coat them and edge them,” he said. “We offered same-day service and, in some cases, service within one hour.”
Although the practice now outsources its lens production, Covarrubias continues to carefully inspect every pair of glasses when it returns from the laboratory. He checks the prescription, measurements and overall fit before the eyewear is given to the patient.
“When the glasses return from the lab, I double-check them,” Covarrubias said. “I make sure the prescriptions and measurements are precise and match what the doctor ordered, as well as the measurements we took.”
That attention to detail is especially important for patients with complex prescriptions, including prism lenses. Prism prescriptions may be used when a patient’s eyes are not properly aligned, requiring specialized measurements to help the lenses work as intended.
“We have to take special measurements and be very precise for the glasses to work correctly,” Covarrubias said. “We take our time, listen to the patient’s needs and find out exactly what they want the glasses to do for them.”
Covarrubias also assists patients who need occupational eyewear, including double-D lenses. These specialty lenses have close-vision areas at both the top and bottom, with distance vision through the middle. They are commonly used by electricians, plumbers and others who must look upward and downward while performing detailed work.
The lenses may also benefit people who use multiple computer monitors positioned at different heights.
Covarrubias said his work remains rewarding because each patient presents a different need and another opportunity to solve a problem.
“I am very passionate about helping my patients,” he said. “I like what I do, and I get to challenge myself every day.”
One of the most important parts of the process is accurately measuring the distance between a patient’s pupils. Covarrubias uses a pupilometer to make sure the optical center of each lens is properly aligned with the patient’s eyes. He also measures segment height for bifocal and progressive lenses.
The final step includes adjusting the glasses so they sit correctly on the nose and fit comfortably around the ears.
“When patients come in to pick up their glasses, we make sure the glasses fit correctly,” Covarrubias said.
After more than two decades in the optical field, Covarrubias continues to approach every patient with the same focus on accuracy and service.
“With me, patients can depend on their glasses being completed correctly,” he said. “We are very precise.”