About Us/Staff

About Us

Austin Ryan Optika: A Boutique Vision Experience
Established in 2001 and supported by over 35 years of experience in the optical industry, Austin Ryan Optika is a premier Optometric-Optical Boutique. We proudly offer a full spectrum of quality eyewear and contact lenses to suit every budget, along with comprehensive eye examinations performed by licensed Doctors of Optometry.
Our practice is founded on a deep commitment to delivering the highest standard of care in a warm, professional, and impeccably clean environment. We believe in going above and beyond—caring more, educating more, and doing more—so that every patient receives not only excellent clinical care, but also exceptional service.
Patient dignity, respect, and satisfaction are at the heart of everything we do. We emphasize education as a key part of the patient experience, knowing that informed patients achieve better outcomes and greater satisfaction with their vision care.
Our offices are thoughtfully designed with a boutique aesthetic that is both inviting and inspiring. With over 650 hand-selected frames from around the world on display, our dispensary offers something for every style and personality.
Our fully stocked contact lens department ensures quick turnaround times for most prescriptions. We also feature a modern pre-testing suite and two state-of-the-art exam rooms, equipped with the latest technology to provide the most thorough eye exams possible.
At Austin Ryan Optika, we strive not just to meet your expectations—but to exceed them.

New Paltz

Pleasant Valley

Airmont

Our Doctors

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.

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.

Dr. Richard Varricchio

A Bergen County, NJ native, Dr. Richard Varricchio began his academic journey at Boston University, where he earned his undergraduate degree in Biology. He went on to pursue his Doctor of Optometry at the New England College of Optometry, graduating in 1985.Shortly after, Dr. Varricchio established Onsight Eyecare, a private practice in Rockland County, where he has been providing comprehensive primary eye care for decades. His clinical focus includes the fitting of specialty contact lenses, particularly for patients with corneal ectasias and other complex visual needs. A dedicated member of both the American Optometric Association (AOA) and the New York State Optometric Association (NYSOA), Dr. Varricchio remains committed to serving the Rockland community. He recently partnered with longtime friend and optician Michael Frayler, joining the team at Austin Ryan Optika to expand their shared vision of patient-centered care.Outside the office, Dr. Varricchio enjoys traveling, scuba diving, and spending quality time with his family and friends.

Team Leaders

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 granddaughters. She also is hard to drag away from the beach when she has time to go.

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.

Opticians

Michael 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

Salvatore T.- New York State Apprentice Optician

Our Team

Alexa G. Optometric Technician Airmont

Alexa is a recent graduate of Binghamton University, where she completed her bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences while also on the Pre-Optometry track. She is currently in her gap year where she is gaining more experience within the field, being a Receptionist/Optometric Technician. She will be pursuing her career as an Optometrist within the next year. Alexa loves working with patients of all ages but especially children, and her goal is to become a Pediatric Optometrist. During her free time she enjoys spending time with her nephew and going to the gym.

Lance F.-Eyecare Advisor

Lance is an undergraduate student at the State University of Potsdam New York. Although studying for music education, he has been working in the industry for 4 years.He has observed what eyecare needs will prove to be the most healthy for the lifestyle of the wearer, and has found a keen sense in the fashion of the eyewear. Alongside these attributes, he also enjoys working with the patients, bringing humor to the table.He has also studied in his own time the technology behind what goes into the making of optical lenses, and uses these findings almost daily to try and benefit the patient.In his own time, Lance likes to spend time training for Track and Field, where he throws Javelin to keep himself active and working towards a goal.

Nicole G.-Reception/Optometric Technician

Nicole joined our team in 2024. She has a huge personality, which is fitting for the medical field she's been in for 10 years now. Not only is she responsible for the front desk, she is very knowledgeable in frame styling, and connecting with patients. Her strength and compassion with children is beyond words. Nicole's attention to detail makes her very efficient in many areas of the workplace.
Outside of work Nicole stays busy exploring the Hudson Valley with her husband, son, and dog Enzo. Nicole is setting her goals to one day become a licensed optician.