Awndrea Belanger
“I was introduced to the optical industry in 2004 and continued my journey
becoming a Licensed Contact Lens Optician.”
“In 2013, I had an amazing opportunity to work with Heather Power at her
specialty clinic, Contact Lens Services. This is where I developed my true
passion for fitting specialty contacts and eyewear.”
“Have you ever woken up with that gut feeling that you were meant to do
so much more and that you had the passion and the ability to do even
more? My wake-up call was clear, and it was then that I knew my path.”
“From that moment on, I continued to learn the true art in specialty lens
design and
valued this challenging and time-consuming skill. A skill that required
imagination, innovation and attention to detail.”
As a professional in the Optical industry for over 20 years, Awndrea has
spent years expanding her knowledge and training by obtaining numerous
contact lens certifications, attending the Global Specialty Lens Symposium
in Las Vegas and the Contact Lens Society of America educational events in
Florida.
Helping fellow Opticians has always been important to her. Awndrea has
served as an examination supervisor for the National Licensing exams for
both Optical Sciences and Advanced Practices for many years, mentored in
various examination preparation classes for students and has been a
mentor for several Optical Science students during her career.
Awndrea serves on the Education, Policies and Standards of Practice
Committee with the Opticians of Manitoba as well as being a Practice
Auditor for Manitoba.
Her dedication to the profession and education of Opticians led her to
serving as the Manitoba representative on the Examination Board for the
National Alliance of Canadian Optician Regulators for several years in
Ottawa. She has also been privileged to attend several training events in
Toronto for the Optician’s Bridging Program and Peer Assessor Training.
She is a volunteer at the Teddy Bear’s Picnic-Bear Eye Care Tent and
children’s vision screening events.
Being involved in her community and being a positive role model for her 2
girls, Ella-Rain and Raven-Alora is a powerful value to her. Awndrea is a Girl
Guide leader with the Pine Ridge District and is dedicated to creating a
balanced and happy life for her family. She loves living in her “forest” with all
their animals and critters to care for.
