About Us
Founded in 2001 backed with over 35 years of industry experience.
Austin Ryan Optika os an Optometric-Optical Boutique. The company offers its patients all price ranges of quality eyewear and contacts. We give thorough examinations by a doctor of Optometry.
We are built on dedicating ourselves to providing our patients with the highest quality or care, vision systems and products in a professional, friendly, clean and safe environment.
We do this with respect and commitment to excellence. We devote ourselves in caring more than others think is possible. We seek to exceed our patient’s expectations. All of our patients are treated with the utmost courtesy and dignity. We are committed to the highest level of patient education. We strongly believe this leads to a higher quality of visual satisfaction.
Our offices are breathtaking! We take pride in our boutique style. We provide a comfortable setting with accommodations for all your visual needs. We have on display in our dispensary area about 650 frame styles from all over the world to help you find that right look.
Our contact lens department is stocked with many types of lenses to fill your RX quickly. Pretest room for your comprehensive examination, and two exam rooms with exam equipment that is state of the art to achieve an overall thorough examination.
Austin Ryan Optika os an Optometric-Optical Boutique. The company offers its patients all price ranges of quality eyewear and contacts. We give thorough examinations by a doctor of Optometry.
We are built on dedicating ourselves to providing our patients with the highest quality or care, vision systems and products in a professional, friendly, clean and safe environment.
We do this with respect and commitment to excellence. We devote ourselves in caring more than others think is possible. We seek to exceed our patient’s expectations. All of our patients are treated with the utmost courtesy and dignity. We are committed to the highest level of patient education. We strongly believe this leads to a higher quality of visual satisfaction.
Our offices are breathtaking! We take pride in our boutique style. We provide a comfortable setting with accommodations for all your visual needs. We have on display in our dispensary area about 650 frame styles from all over the world to help you find that right look.
Our contact lens department is stocked with many types of lenses to fill your RX quickly. Pretest room for your comprehensive examination, and two exam rooms with exam equipment that is state of the art to achieve an overall thorough examination.
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New Paltz
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Pleasant Valley
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Our Doctors
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Joseph Szwartz O.D.
Born and raised in Rockland County, NY, Dr Szwartz received his undergraduate degree in fine arts and pre-medical at Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, NY. Upon graduation, he worked in ophthalmology research at the New England Eye Institute where he authored and co-authored scientific papers and book chapters regarding Optical Coherence Tomography, meanwhile finishing his premedical coursework at Harvard University and working at the Bromfield gallery art cooperative. He received his doctorate of optometry degree at Nova Southeastern University in Ft. Lauderdale, FL where he met his future wife of nine years. Dr. Szwartz has worked for years in the areas of ophthalmology, LASIK and primary care. He enjoys working with all ages and taking a holistic approach to eye care. Outside of work, Dr. Szwartz enjoys time with his two daughters, painting and drawing in the tradition of the Hudson Valley. |
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Timothy Quinlan O.D.
Tim Quinlan Ph.D, O.D. was born and raised in Windsor, Vermont before enlisting in the Air Force in 1981. After 4 years of service Dr. Quinlan enrolled at the University of Vermont in Burlington, VT, where he received his Bachelors of Science degree in Medical Technology in 1989. Dr. Quinlan then earned a Masters of Science in Pathology and Doctorate in Molecular Biology, both at UVM, before completing a post-doctoral fellowship in the Anesthesiology Department at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, VA. Dr. Quinlan then attended the New England College of Optometry in Boston, MA, and received his Doctorate in Optometry in 2001. Dr. Quinlan has practiced in Keene, NH, and in Staunton, Charlottesville, and Harrisonburg, VA before moving to the Hudson Valley in 2005. Dr. Quinlan has been practicing Optometry here for 15 years in multiple offices, including Austin Ryan Optika in New Paltz, NY, and lives with his wife Lisa Quinlan, and dogs in Kingston, NY. He is an avid skier and outdoors enthusiast. |
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Kari Chapman O.D.
Dr. Kari Chapman was born and raised in the Finger Lakes region of New York. She completed her undergraduate degree in Integrated Biological Sciences at the University of Vermont in Burlington, VT in 2017. She then attended the New England College of Optometry in Boston, MA. After completing rotations at Boston Medical Center, Tufts Children’s Hospital, and Castle Point VA Medical Center, she graduated with clinical honors in May 2021. She enjoys seeing patients of all ages and backgrounds, and shares a passion for eye care along with the staff at Austin Ryan Optika. She enjoys traveling, baking, and spending time with her husband, family, and friends. |
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Team Leaders
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Geri F. - Team Leader New Paltz
Geri was destined to be involved in eyecare. Her mother before her worked in the field for a doctor of Optometry. It was through her mother she met Michael the company founder and they married. Geri has been working for the success of Austin Ryan since day one (2001). She has taken many educational courses and was recently certified by Transitions lenses through their extensive program. Our office is her second home. When not enjoying our patients Geri loves spending time with her 3 children and granddaughter. She also is hard to drag away from the beach when she has time to go.
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Steven Z.- Assistant Team Leader/New York State Licensed Optician
Steven has been in the "I-Care" industry for 43 years! His credentials include being a certified trainer for the whole East coast with a large company. Steven is also an incredible instructor in our in house education program. He is a life member for the Montgomery Fire Department. His passions include spending time with his family and his dog. When not with his family he enjoys classic cars of which he owns a Mustang and Cougar. Ilese Z. - Team Leader and New York Licensed Optician Ilese started in the eyecare industry in 2014. Finding a passion for eyecare she devoted herself to the industry. With hard work and dedication she became a Licensed Optician in 2017. She loves what she does everyday. Besides being a great Optician she also found herself on the fabrication side of eyewear. She loves interacting with people and recognizes the needs of her patients. When Ilese is not working she loves spending time with her husband and boys racing cars with their family race team. |
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OpticiansMichael F.- New York State Licensed Optician
Michael has been servicing the industry he loves "Restoring Vision" since 1986. He attended New York City Technical college where he received the "Excellence In Achievement" scholarship award. Michael is a member of the Opticians Association of Canada (OAC). He is also a member of the International Opticians Association, an association dedicated to the enhancement and development of the optical profession around the world. Through Michael's vast exposure, internationally and in New York as former New York State Society Of Opticians Treasurer and Regional Director, he brings much information and support to our company. When not working in the industry he is loves fishing, boating and spending time with his family. Steven G. - New York State Licensed Optician
Steven is a NYS licensed optician with over 30 years of eye care experience. He has worked in almost every aspect of the optical industry including lens fabrication and design. He continues to stay educated on all the latest advancements in lens designs, materials and digital measurements. With his keen eye for fashion and functionality you will have your best eyewear experience. Steven resides in Poughkeepsie with his wife Dawn and daughter Taylor Chelsey B. - New York State Apprentice Optician
Originally from Texas, Chelsey has always thought she’d like to work in the medical field and now she’s helping patients with one of the most important things- their vision ! Chelsey has a new found passion for this great field that now she has begun the New York State Apprentice Optician Program When not working Chelsey loves to bake or work on crafts. She and her husband Matt like to explore caves and visit local farms or just spend time together at home with Miss Kitty- their Siamese cat. |
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Eyecare Advisors/Reception
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Jessica O. - Eyecare Advisor
Jessica is Austin Ryan's own southern Bell who always shows her southern hospitality with a big smile and eagerness to help. She has been involved in our industry since 2004 starting out as an Optometric Technician for an Optometric practice in Louisiana. She has since expanded her skills to properly advise patients on the best vision systems available for their needs.
When not here in our office she enjoys spending time with her two children and animal friends. |
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Theresa C. - Director of First Impressions
Theresa, our "Director Of First Impressions" has been working in New Paltz since she was 16 in fact her first job was here in the Plaza! She started volunteering in the health field at the age of 14 at Vassar Brothers Hospital until she graduated High School and later went on to pursue her career in the Travel Industry starting with attending Southeastern Travel Academy. After years in the travel industry she also always enjoyed the healthcare industry and received her HHA and PCA Certification and worked in the Hudson Valley caring for local patients. Most recently she worked for United Healthcare The Empire Plan as a Customer Service Advocate receiving her certificate after 19 weeks of training. Theresa and her family have been patients of Austin Ryan Optika for many many years, she enjoyed being here so much she decided to join our happy family.
Theresa is married to her husband Randy of 20 years and reside in New Paltz. Their son Skyler is attending The College At Brockport pursing his career in Physical Education. She loves camping, gardening, Classic cars, sports especially the NY Yankees. She is an avid music lover from country to blues being her favorite. When you come in she might be the first person you see, so greet her with a joke. She enjoys the banter and laughing! |
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