For optician Sophia Pray, the perfect eyewear experience goes far beyond finding the right frame—it’s about self-expression, confidence and trust. “I was looking for a job where I could finally be myself, show off my personal style and share my personal sunshine,” she says. That led to an office manager and optician position in Chicago where she discovered that being herself helped customers trust her more quickly.
A SIGNATURE LOOK
While frames are usually the focal point of most opticals, people at Huntley Eye Care tend to notice Pray’s clothing combination of the day. But loud colors, bold makeup, statement accessories and vibrant glasses aren’t just her signature—they’re a bridge to deeper patient connections. “I realized quickly that being my true self at work greatly helped with my connection with patients. It created stronger bonds and trust and made me memorable.” Over time, her style became a conversation starter, sometimes drawing regular patients into the office just to see what she was wearing that day.
That natural curiosity turned into a large, connected platform. “Posting daily outfit photos on social media, including new optical trends, widened my reach,” she says. “I not only made new friends in optical, but my passion for staying on top of optical trends and the newest technologies set me apart.”
Even with more reserved patients, her distinctive style often puts them at ease. “They can see my passion. Because I’ve personally tried most lens options, they trust me when I say a frame is great and worth the price. They trust my opinion knowing I only offer the best.”
A LIFELONG PASSION FOR FASHION
Her appreciation for statement pieces started early. “I was lucky to grow up in a house where my parents embraced self-expression,” she says. “They let me dress myself at a young age. Even when I put together the wildest combinations, they never put me down.” That encouragement led to a wardrobe full of color, vintage and modern inspirations and a daily ritual of putting together unique outfits that spark joy. “It’s so fun getting dressed daily and putting together a fun outfit to see what I can come up with.”
That joy extends to eyewear. “The era of poor-fitting eyewear, old lens technologies and basic colors is in the past. Let’s offer the best—don’t let them leave your office in something you aren’t proud of.”
Her own experience of subpar optical encounters drives her mission to educate every patient on the possibilities available. “I never knew you could choose different lens options, get multiple pairs or that prescription sunglasses even existed. When I gained more knowledge in optical, I made it my personal mission to never judge someone by their appearance and to always offer the best options for their personal lifestyle. As opticians, lets give patients the experience they deserve.”
Connect with Sophia online:
Instagram: @foxysofa
LinkedIn: Sophia Pray
Facebook: Sophia Pray
