More Than Glasses: The Passion, People and Personality

With Garry Kousoulou and Tom from Tom’s Got GlassesIn this inspiring and energetic episode of The Optician Show, Garry Kousoulou sits down with Tom from Tom’s Got Glasses—an American optician whose love for eyewear, people and independent opticianry shines through in everything he does.Tom’s journey into optics was not planned. Originally from New Jersey, he previously worked in coffee shops, education and an adult day programme supporting people with disabilities. After moving to Michigan and finding an opportunity in optics, he quickly realised that he had discovered something special. What began as a job became a genuine passion for frames, styling, patient care and the craft of opticianry.Throughout this honest and entertaining conversation, Tom and Garry explore what separates an exceptional optician from someone who simply sells glasses. For both of them, the answer starts with people. It means introducing yourself properly, learning how to pronounce a patient’s name, understanding their lifestyle and building trust before talking about products or prices.As Tom explains:“I don’t even talk about glasses for the first three to five minutes. I get to know the person.”Tom explains why he starts with the patient’s prescription and visual needs before choosing frames. The right frame must work with the lenses, prescription, face, personality and everyday life of the person wearing it. It is not about pushing a particular brand or following a fixed formula—it is about finding a solution that feels made for that individual.“There is no template in opticianry. Every prescription, every face and every person is different.”The conversation also explores colour, frame shape, proportion and personal expression. Should glasses quietly blend in, or should they make a statement? Do traditional rules about face shape still matter? Can contrasting colours create more personality? Tom shares how he encourages people to move beyond safe choices and discover frames they may never have imagined wearing.“Do you want something understated, or do you want to make a statement?”Garry and Tom discuss the excitement and theatre that can be created during an eyewear styling consultation. Presenting a carefully selected frame, explaining the story behind an independent designer and helping a patient see themselves differently can transform an ordinary appointment into a memorable experience.“The theatre is important. You want the patient to feel that the frame was chosen especially for them.” — GarryThey also examine the differences between independent eyewear and large corporate brands. Tom speaks openly about his preference for distinctive, well-made frames and the value of developing strong relationships with designers and representatives.The conversation covers handmade eyewear, one-of-a-kind pieces, vintage frames, rimless designs, frame repairs, smart glasses and the future of technology within optics—but this episode is about much more than glasses.Tom shares how Tom’s Got Glasses began during a difficult period in his personal life. While going through a divorce, he started dancing in his living room, wearing glasses and creating social-media content as a way of rediscovering joy. That personal outlet developed into a growing platform through which he celebrates eyewear, supports independent designers and inspires other optical professionals.“This whole Tom’s Got Glasses journey is my way of finding joy—and I get to share that joy with other people.”Garry reflects on his own experience as one of the earliest opticians to recognise the potential of Facebook and social media. Together, they discuss why authentic content creates a much stronger connection than polished but impersonal graphics.Social media works best when it captures genuine enthusiasm, real patient transformations and the personalities behind a practice.“Social media is about capturing those moments when you have genuinely changed somebody’s life.” — Garry