Influential Woman · Optical

Elaine Brink

Sales Consultant, Cherry Optical Lab - Independent Wholesale Optical Laboratory

Orchard Park, NY

Certifications · Degrees · Memberships

Degree Associate's Degree in Ophthalmic Dispensing Degree Erie Community College Degree Buffalo Degree New York Cert ABO Certified (American Board of Opticianry) Cert New York State Licensed Optician Cert Contact Lens Practitioner Member Optical Women's Association Member New York State Society of Opticians

Her Story

About Elaine

I've dedicated 44 years to the optical industry, and my journey has taken me through many rewarding chapters. I started as a New York State licensed optician and contact lens practitioner, working hands-on with patients for many years before transitioning into sales. For 15 years, I served as a sales consultant with U.S. Optical, where I honed my skills in territory building and business development. In February 2026, I took a big chance and made a significant career change by joining Cherry Optical Lab as a Sales Consultant. My goal now is to bring on accounts to use our laboratory, and I work as a consultant with offices to improve their business. My strong points are business consulting and product knowledge, bringing that expertise directly to the offices I serve. I'm ABO certified through the American Board of Opticianry, and I hold an associate's degree in Ophthalmic Dispensing from Erie Community College in Buffalo, New York. What I've learned over these four decades is that you learn something new every single day, and you have to keep learning and growing to continue to be successful. I attribute my success to the people around me and learning from them. You never want to be stagnant, and I've always been willing to take chances, even at this point in my career.

Her Interview

Ten minutes with Elaine

01What do you attribute your success to?

I attribute my success to the people around me and learning from them. You learn something new every single day, and continuing to grow is essential. You don't want to be stagnant - you have to keep learning and growing to continue to be successful. I've also been willing to take some chances, and changing my career at this point was a big change. You have to be willing to take a few chances.

02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?

I would say to realize that you learn something new every single day. That's the most important thing to understand as you enter this field - the learning never stops, and that's what keeps you growing and successful.

03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?

The biggest challenge right now is private equity purchasing optical businesses. That's creating significant disruption in the industry. On the opportunity side, I see offices moving away from insurance as the biggest opportunity for growth. That shift represents the greatest potential for expanding business in the optical field right now.

Keep Exploring