I celebrate the journey that led me here and the countless opportunities ahead for women in STEM fields

To mark this year’s International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we sat down with Claudia Rojas to talk about how her love of science and technology led to her role as Head of Opticianry at Specsavers Canada, and how she stays involved in the community.

As a leader in opticianry, could you share your journey and experiences that led you to your current role?

I studied sciences at UBC, but I wasn’t really sure which direction to pursue – all I knew was that it would be of great value in my career trajectory. I decided to go into applied sciences and studied web and programming at the Art Institute of Vancouver, again, just knowing that I loved science and tech, but not having found my niche in it.

In the meantime, I had kept my part-time job at an optical store where I loved interacting with people. With opticianry, I realized I could keep this interaction and also apply my knowledge in relation to health and science, so I became a licensed optician, contact lens fitter and refracting optician.

Later, I had the opportunity to work in optical eCommerce, where my knowledge of web, programming and optics, allowed me to better understand the business. This really opened doors for me in leadership, while allowing me to learn more about management, mentorship, operations and finance.

My passion for optics led me to collaborate with the College or Opticians of British Columbia, the Opticians Council of Canada, and the Opticians Association of Canada, where I served several years as the BC Board Director. Today, I represent opticians across the country as President of the Opticians Association of Canada.

How do you see your role contributing to the celebration and encouragement of women and girls in science on this special day?

Throughout the roles in my career, I’ve not only honed my own skills in management and operations, but also advocated for diversity and mentorship within the optical industry. In my role as the President of the Opticians Association of Canada, I am committed to promoting STEM education and empowering women and girls to pursue careers in science.

On International Day of Women and Girls in Science, I celebrate the journey that led me here and the countless opportunities available for women in STEM fields.

International Day for Women and Girls in Science aims to break stereotypes and encourage more women to pursue careers in STEM. What gender-specific challenges have your observed and what recommendations do you have to overcome them?

Despite the female predominance in opticianry, there can still be instances where gender biases exist, particularly in perceptions of leadership capabilities. To overcome these challenges, I focused on demonstrating my expertise, contributing value to the various companies I worked for, and actively seeking opportunities to showcase my leadership abilities.

By consistently delivering results and advocating for inclusivity, I’ve helped reinforce the notion that leadership qualities are not defined by gender, but by merit and capability.

Given the technological advancements and evolving trends in eyewear and eyecare, how do you stay at the forefront of innovation and ensure your team is equipped with the latest knowledge and skills?

I prioritize continuous learning and staying abreast of technological advancement and industry trends. This involves actively engaging in professional development opportunities such as attending conferences, tradeshows, workshops, and seminars related to opticianry, optical technology, and healthcare.

Collaborating with industry partners, suppliers, and manufacturers also allows us to stay informed about new products, technologies, and best practices. Embracing a culture of innovation and curiosity within our team fosters a dynamic environment where we can adapt to changes in the industry and deliver the highest quality of care and service to our patients.

Opticianry is a critical aspect of eyecare, directly impacting patients’ vision and well-being. Do you have additional recommendations to support women and girls entering the field?

I’m committed to supporting women and girls entering the field of opticianry and I believe that existing programs within the broader STEM community can be valuable resources. For example, involvement in professional associations such as the Opticians Association of Canada or local opticianry schools can provide guidance, support, and networking opportunities for women entering the field.

Additionally, I would recommend creating informal mentorship networks within workplaces to connect aspiring female opticians with experienced professionals who can offer advice and support. By fostering a culture of mentorship and empowerment, we can ensure that women and girls have the resources and support they need to succeed in opticianry and beyond.