Careers: Teresa Carter, IEC

Careers: Teresa Carter, IEC

10 months ago

Teresa Carter, IEC President, is recognized as one of the Most Influential Women in Optical 2012, by Vision Monday.

CHOSEN BECAUSE…“She is the leader and driving force. Having been with the company for over 27 years, she has worked her way through the ranks and has held nearly every position within the company. Her dedication inspires the staff and doc- tors on a daily basis.”

Drawing her work ethic from working on the family farm in Kahoka, Missouri, a 2,200 person town, Teresa Carter took her conviction for finishing projects and seeing things through into her career.

Initially working double shifts as an LPN, Carter grabbed the opportunity to become an optician as soon as it hit her. “I fell in love with it, with the people, and the vision. The opportunities were there to learn more and to expand my knowledge, and that is something that I love to do.” Liking the challenge, Carter “essentially learned every single department” until she made her way to president of International Eyecare Center (IEC), a nine-location business.

While working her way up the ranks, Carter became a NCLC certified technician, a certified laser technician, a Fellow of the National Academy of Opticianry (FNAO) and a motivational speaker on practice management. She also sings in the “praise team” at her church, and is involved with Relay for Life and the American Lung Association. “IEC has seen me through many hardships and they’ve never let me down. So, I try hard every day not to let them down.” Carter says her ultimate responsibility is ensuring the 130 IEC family members and their families have a safe and secure future. By working the floor when possible to ensure her decisions are successful, along with her duties overseeing acquisitions, vendor/partner growth, management partnerships and onsite lab and Lasik centers, she still finds the most exciting part of opticianry to be working with people and helping them find a new look, and a new outlook. “The look on their faces when they can see…It’s an amazing, amazing thing.”

SHE SAYS...“If your passion for the industry begins with the difference you can make in the lives of others, your business decisions will have a strong compass.”