First deaf general manager of optical store
Priscilla Gildehaus, Daily Moth Guest Reporter:
Hi! My name is Priscilla Gildehaus! I’m a Guest Reporter for The Daily Moth. I will interview Robert Dunn, who is the general manager of “America’s Best Contacts and Eyeglasses”. Today is his grand opening!
Robert Dunn: Hello! My name is Rob. I’m the new General Manager of this large optical chain store. This is in St. Augustine, which is inspiring - and I’m the first deaf GM in St. Augustine? That makes sense, because there’s a large Deaf community here. I’ll show you a tour of what it looks like here. To come here, you can either call the person at the front desk to make an appointment or do it online, which is an easy process. The online process is very Deaf-friendly.
This area is where we help customers choose quality glasses with any add-ons. First, they’ll find glasses that fit their face well, then they’ll sit down with an employee to discuss adding their prescription and so on.
This area is called the fitting area, where customers who come to pick up their glasses can make sure everything works properly.
Good news… There’s a doctor in here, too. This is where people take their eye test. See here. This is the waiting area. This area is where we help people try on their contacts and test them out.
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My store is often popular. How do I communicate with my customers and employees? Let me give you an example. During training week last week, I didn’t hire an in-person interpreter. I didn’t want it to be a hassle. I know there’s technology available called Live Transcribe, through Google Play. I downloaded it on a big tablet with a microphone that connected to Bluetooth and the speaker, so I could easily read what was being said. It’s easy and the transcript is very accurate. After that, with any questions I would use my voice - I can speak and have a deaf voice, but they understand me fine. If there’s a big crisis or issue, I will use VRI which the company provides and that helps make communication easy. I have to thank technology, again. How can you succeed in your field? Fear is an illusion. It’s not real. Once you set a goal and commit to it, you will reach your goal. You will.
Priscilla Gildehaus: See that ribbon cutting? How exciting! I want to congratulate Robert for opening his store in Cobblestone Village off 312 and Old Moultrie Road in St. Augustine, Florida. Come support this deaf-run business! For those who need glasses or contacts, go see Robert!