In eye care, the title of Master Optician is not just a designation; it is a testament to a professional’s mastery, dedication, and influence in the field. Among the few who hold this prestigious title, Phernell Walker stands as a beacon of excellence and innovation. With a career spanning over three decades, Walker has not only redefined the role of an optician but has also made a lasting impact on the industry through his groundbreaking work, including his renowned textbook Pure Optics and his recognition as one of the top opticians in the world.

Phernell Walker, Master Optician, Renowned International Speaker Optometry, Opticianry and Business Strategist

What’s Covered: A Journey Fueled by PassionThe Path to Becoming a Master OpticianPhernell Walker: A Master Optician Leading by ExampleA Global Ambassador for Eye CareBuilding a Legacy Through Teamwork and Culture in Eye CareA Legacy of Impact and InspirationPure Optics

A Journey Fueled by Passion

Phernell Walker’s journey into opticianry began 33 years ago, inspired by a deeply personal experience in his youth. Growing up in St. Petersburg, Florida, he formed a bond with his neighbor, May, who was blind. This early encounter with someone who couldn’t see the world around them ignited a lifelong passion in Walker—a passion that would drive him to dedicate his life to eye care.

Walker recalls this formative experience: “When I was a child, May was the first person I knew who was blind. I couldn’t understand how someone with two eyes, just like mine, couldn’t see the vibrant colors of the world. That experience ignited something in me—a desire to help people see.”

This desire led Walker to pursue a career in opticianry, where he quickly realized that his path would be anything but ordinary. Despite the challenges of growing up in the South as a young Black man with limited opportunities, Walker was determined to excel. After serving in the military, he enrolled in Hillsborough Community College’s opticianry program, where his fascination with light, lenses, and optics truly began to take shape.

The Path to Becoming a Master Optician

Becoming a Master Optician is a challenging journey that requires dedication and perseverance. Walker’s path involved several key steps, beginning with formal education and certification. He earned his degree in optics at Hillsborough Community College, which laid the foundation for his understanding of the science behind lenses and vision correction.

He then pursued certification through the American Board of Opticianry (ABO) and the National Contact Lens Examiners (NCLE). These certifications are critical for opticians who want to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in the field. Walker explained, “I became ABO certified, NCLE certified, and then did a three-year apprenticeship on top of that. And then I wrote a master’s thesis and did a master examination and was designated a Master Optician by the American Board of Opticianry.”

Walker’s commitment to his craft culminated in earning the title of Master Optician in 1997. He reflected on his journey, “I wanted to be the best. Even when people said it was too hard or that I couldn’t do it, I knew that with enough determination, I could achieve anything.”

Phernell Walker: A Master Optician Leading by Example

As a Master Optician, Phernell Walker exemplifies the profession’s highest standards. His role extends beyond the technical aspects of opticianry; he is also a leader, educator, and mentor. Walker’s contributions to the field are vast, from authoring Pure Optics, a comprehensive textbook that has become a cornerstone in opticianry education, to his global advocacy for the profession.

Driven to give back to the profession that had shaped his life, Walker authored the textbook Pure Optics, now in its third edition. This book has become a cornerstone of opticianry education and is used in schools and programs across the globe. Pure Optics is more than just a textbook; it is a comprehensive guide that reflects Walker’s deep understanding of optics and his commitment to advancing the field.

The impact of Pure Optics has been far-reaching, even extending to places Walker never expected. One such place is Coffee Creek, a women’s prison, where inmates are using Walker’s book to gain skills in optics and rebuild their lives.

A Global Ambassador for Eye Care

Walker’s contributions to opticianry have not gone unnoticed. For two consecutive years (2023 and 2024), the International Opticians Association has nominated him as one of the top opticians in the world. This prestigious nomination recognizes his decades of work, his influence in the global optics community, and his role as a trailblazer in the field. As he prepares to travel to Paris, France, for the award ceremony at the renowned Silmo event, Walker reflects on the significance of this recognition.

"When I received the nomination, I was both humbled and energized," Walker admits. "It’s a huge honor, but it also comes with a responsibility to continue leading and pushing the profession forward."

This responsibility is something Walker takes seriously. As a champion for education and a strong advocate for a unified definition of opticianry in the United States, he believes that the profession’s future lies in formal and apprenticeship education. His vision is for every optician to have the skills and knowledge necessary to provide exceptional care, regardless of where they start.

“We need a unified definition of opticianry in the U.S.,” Walker emphasizes. “Education is the key to elevating our profession, whether through formal schooling or apprenticeships. It’s not about where you start, but how committed you are to mastering the craft.”

Building a Legacy Through Teamwork and Culture in Eye Care

Throughout his illustrious career, Walker has consistently emphasized the importance of teamwork and culture within the workplace. His experience as Vice President of Operations for an optometric chain in Texas taught him that the success of an eye care practice hinges on the collaboration and dedication of the entire team. Walker’s leadership philosophy is grounded in the belief that a well-functioning team is the foundation of exceptional patient care.

“I always tell people, it’s not about having a staff—it’s about having a team,” Walker explains. “When everyone is on the same page, working towards the same goals, you create an environment where patients receive the best care possible.”

Walker’s commitment to teamwork extends beyond his immediate work environment. He has mentored countless opticians, many of whom have gone on to achieve great success in their careers. His influence as a mentor is a testament to his belief in the importance of uplifting others and helping them reach their full potential.

“One of my former employees, who started at an Olive Garden, is now an optometrist,” Walker shares. “She came to one of my classes years later to thank me for giving her a chance. That’s what it’s all about—helping others see their potential and achieve their dreams.”

A Legacy of Impact and Inspiration

As Phernell Walker continues to push the boundaries of what it means to be a Master Optician, his legacy is already firmly established. He has not only elevated the field of opticianry but has also inspired a new generation of eye care professionals. Through his work, mentorship, and unwavering commitment to excellence, Walker has created a path for others to follow that leads to a brighter, more transparent future for all.

Phernell Walker’s journey from a young boy inspired by his blind neighbor to a globally recognized Master Optician is a story of resilience, passion, and dedication. His work has elevated opticianry and inspired a new generation of eye care professionals. As he continues to push the boundaries of what it means to be a Master Optician, Walker remains committed to his mission of helping others see the world more clearly—both literally and figuratively.

In a world where vision is often taken for granted, Walker’s work is a powerful reminder of the importance of eye care and its profound impact on people’s lives. Whether through his book, lectures, or mentorship, Phernell Walker is a beacon of light in the world of opticianry—an icon whose legacy will continue to inspire future generations.

Pure Optics

For those looking to learn more or purchase Pure Optics, you can find it on pure-optics.com or Amazon. Walker’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance, the importance of education, and the impact one person can have on an entire industry.