Maddie Smith got her first pair of glasses when she was 17. One day, she was sitting in the back of her math class and thought the teacher’s marker was running dry. When she mentioned it to her friend sitting next to her, the friend said the marker was working fine. That’s when Maddie realized the marker wasn’t the issue; it was her eyesight. The next day, her parents took her to the eye doctor, and she received her first pair of glasses.  

Maddie didn’t plan to become an optician when she got her first job in eyewear at a small local business 10 years ago. “A family friend had a practice and asked if I wanted to help people find glasses. Early in her career, Maddie helped patients choose frames for their everyday eyewear, making sure the frames fit their personality and were functional for daily use. Over time, she expanded her expertise to include lens prescriptions, pre-testing for exams, and even insurance billing. 

Friends in the optical industry recommended SportRx to Maddie. “Joining SportRx was an easy decision, especially given the supportive company culture.” Another reason Maddie likes working at SportRx is that she wants every athlete to have the clear vision they need to perform their best. “Vision is the most important thing when it comes to sports. You have to see where you’re going and what’s coming towards you,” she says. She notes that prescription eyewear shouldn’t limit anyone from participating in a sport.  

As a sports optician, Maddie specializes in active eyewear. “It’s different than everyday glasses because it comes with quite a few more features. The frames are more curved, and many more lens options can be customized for each sport.” Customers can connect with Maddie through the SportRx website’s chat function, where she advises on frames, lenses, and orders. 

Maddie’s glasses knowledge came in handy when she was a cheer coach working with three- to six-year-old kids and middle schoolers. “Most people don’t realize that competitive cheerleading is a contact sport. It’s a lot of tumbling, flipping, throwing and catching,” she explains. “Athletes need to be able to see clearly and safely. I was able to recommend prescription sports goggles for those who wore glasses.” 

It’s especially rewarding for Maddie to be able to provide a pair of glasses or goggles to someone who didn’t think it was possible to get what they needed. People shopping for sports eyewear often don’t know what can be done for them. For example, SportRx sells prescription snow goggles.  

“I didn’t even know prescription snow goggles existed until I came to SportRx,” she says. “When snow season comes around, I like showing skiers and snowboarders how we can help them see clearly on the slopes. It’s a game-changer.” She adds that she frequently gets emails from customers she’s helped saying they love their glasses. 

Maddie notes that customers regularly contact SportRx when other eyewear companies are unable to meet their needs. Surprisingly, some even refer their customers to SportRx. “Oakley recommends us, as do other companies that don’t make prescription lenses,” she says. Once a customer has experienced this level of service, they often buy eyewear from SportRx again. 

Like other SportRx opticians, Maddie is an outdoor sports enthusiast. “Snowboarding is my sport of choice. That’s why I’m known as the ‘goggle girl’ around here.” She’s an avid snowboarder who’s been hitting the slopes since childhood. Inspired by her dad, Maddie switched from skiing to snowboarding at age 11. “I love snowboarding because it’s something I can do with my whole family. My younger brother and my fiancé both snowboard, and we always enjoy the ride together.” She shares that she and her brother have a friendly competition to clock the fastest speed on each trip. “I was beating him for a while, but he finally got me.” Maddie also challenges herself on the slopes. “I have been working on the terrain park lately—jumps, boxes, and rails. This takes a lot more body coordination and training off the slopes.” 

Motocross is another sport Maddie holds dear, thanks to her dad’s influence. “It became a family sport when I was younger. As a kid, it was dangerous and fast, and not many girls rode, so I felt pretty cool.” While she no longer rides, she and her fiancé are avid fans who never miss a race. “I get really into the background of the riders and their techniques. My fiancé and I never miss a race, whether it’s going to the stadium or watching it at home.” 

Maddie’s dedication to helping others is one of the main reasons why being an optician is the perfect career for her. “I tell my customers that they have a lot of choices when it comes to glasses and that it can be overwhelming, but that’s what I’m here for. I’ll get them what they need.” Being an optician is about more than just glasses. It’s about helping people see the world clearly and pursue their passions without limits.