Her Story
About Hope
Hope Bauer is a licensed dispensing optician and certified health coach who brings together her expertise in optics, personalized vision care, and holistic wellness. She began her career in the optical field shortly after high school and developed her expertise through hands-on experience, apprenticeships, continued education, and professional certification. She earned her American Board of Opticianry certification in 2024 and obtained her Ohio dispensing optician license that same year. Her professional approach centers on helping clients find clarity not only through their vision needs, but also through practical habits that support their overall well-being.
As the founder and owner of The Balanced Lens LLC, Hope combines her optical background with her training in integrative nutrition and health coaching. Through specialty consultations, she considers factors such as prescriptions, lens options, medical history, and lifestyle to provide practical and individualized guidance. Her optical expertise also includes acetate repairs, eyewear troubleshooting, and helping clients find solutions that fit their everyday lives. In her current work, she continues to expand the connection between vision, wellness, and quality of life while pursuing opportunities for advanced professional licensure and further development as a health coach.
Hope is driven by curiosity, authenticity, integrity, and a commitment to continuous learning. She attributes her success to her determination to keep moving forward even when others disagree, as well as to the support of the people who have encouraged her along the way. She believes in asking questions, taking initiative, believing in oneself, and remaining authentic throughout the professional journey. Looking ahead, she hopes to advance her optical credentials, establish a brick-and-mortar location, become board certified as a health coach, and offer educational workshops focused on eyewear care and whole-body health.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Hope
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my drive, determination, and willingness to keep moving forward even when others disagree with me. I have always believed in the idea of seeing a need and finding a way to fill it. I draw inspiration from the message of perseverance found in stories such as Meet the Robinsons—continuing to move forward, learning from each experience, and not allowing setbacks to stop me. I am also incredibly grateful for the amazing support system of people who have believed in me, encouraged me, and stood behind me throughout my journey.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have received is simple: don't stop. There will be times when other people question your decisions or tell you that you are wrong, but if you believe in what you are doing and know that you are on the right path, you have to keep going. Perseverance has been an important part of my own career journey, and I believe that continuing to learn, grow, and move forward is essential to achieving your goals.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would encourage young women to not be afraid to start, ask questions, or take a chance on themselves. Don't overthink every decision or wait until you feel completely ready—sometimes you simply have to go for it. Believe in yourself, take up space, speak your truth, and remain authentic to who you are. Asking questions is not a weakness; it is one of the best ways to learn and grow. Most importantly, don't be afraid to pursue opportunities simply because they feel unfamiliar or intimidating.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in the optical field is access to education and licensure programs, which can require individuals to be highly self-directed in pursuing their training and professional development. At the same time, there are meaningful opportunities for people who want to enter the industry. Individuals can begin as frame consultants, gain paid experience through apprenticeships, develop their skills without necessarily taking on significant educational debt, and become involved in professional vision conferences and industry opportunities.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me are integrity, authenticity, curiosity, and kindness. I believe in being true to myself and maintaining strong values even when others may disagree with me. Curiosity is especially important because I am an avid learner and believe that asking questions and continuing to learn are essential to personal and professional growth. Kindness is equally important to me because I believe there is value in remaining compassionate and gentle in a world that can sometimes be hard. I strive to bring these values into both my professional relationships and my personal life.
Join Influential Women and start making an impact. Register now.