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.
At Austin Ryan Optika, our most valuable product is the experience our patients leave with. Every visit should reflect trust, comfort, confidence, and the assurance that they were guided toward what is best for their vision—not what is best for a sale. We are committed to recommending care and solutions based on genuine need, clinical expertise, and integrity.
We provide this experience through professional and compassionate eyecare in a clean, safe, and welcoming environment that respects the medical nature of our work. Our responsibility is not to “sell,” but to serve—to educate, to guide, and to advocate for each patient’s visual well-being.
We dedicate ourselves to exceeding expectations with respect, dignity, and a standard of excellence that holds true for both patients and team members. Continuous education for our staff and our patients strengthens our ability to elevate lives through improved vision, clarity, and comfort.
At Austin Ryan Optika, we believe that exceptional care creates lasting relationships. When our patients feel seen, heard, understood, and valued—that is success. That is our mission.
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.
At Austin Ryan Optika, our most valuable product is the experience our patients leave with. Every visit should reflect trust, comfort, confidence, and the assurance that they were guided toward what is best for their vision—not what is best for a sale. We are committed to recommending care and solutions based on genuine need, clinical expertise, and integrity.
We provide this experience through professional and compassionate eyecare in a clean, safe, and welcoming environment that respects the medical nature of our work. Our responsibility is not to “sell,” but to serve—to educate, to guide, and to advocate for each patient’s visual well-being.
We dedicate ourselves to exceeding expectations with respect, dignity, and a standard of excellence that holds true for both patients and team members. Continuous education for our staff and our patients strengthens our ability to elevate lives through improved vision, clarity, and comfort.
At Austin Ryan Optika, we believe that exceptional care creates lasting relationships. When our patients feel seen, heard, understood, and valued—that is success. That is our mission.
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New Paltz
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Pleasant Valley
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Airmont
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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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. |
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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 granddaughters. 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. |
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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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Opticians
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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. |
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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 |
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Salvatore T.- New York State Apprentice Optician
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Our Valuable Team
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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. |
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Jessica S.-Reception
Jessica joined the Austin Ryan team in 2024. She was introduced to the company by Steve, our licensed optician and a longtime family friend. With over 20 years of experience working in reception and customer service, Jessica loves assisting patients of all ages and being part of the Austin Ryan family. Outside of work, she enjoys reading novels, playing Mario Kart, and spending quality time with her son and her beloved grand dog, Molly. |
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Ryan V.-Optometric Technician
Ryan joined the Austin Ryan Optika team in summer 2025. With a background in medicine alongside healthcare consulting, he is excited to bring his passion to the field of optometry. Influenced through his clinical background, Ryan has placed a strong emphasis on providing seamless and comfortable patient care. He is fortunate to have had the perspective of patient and provider - familiar with operations both inside and outside of our healthcare system. It is thus his goal to create the best experience for every individual that walks through our doors. He is currently working as an optometric technician with a role in clinical management. In his downtime, Ryan enjoys playing tennis, watching ice hockey, and PC building/gaming.
Ryan joined the Austin Ryan Optika team in summer 2025. With a background in medicine alongside healthcare consulting, he is excited to bring his passion to the field of optometry. Influenced through his clinical background, Ryan has placed a strong emphasis on providing seamless and comfortable patient care. He is fortunate to have had the perspective of patient and provider - familiar with operations both inside and outside of our healthcare system. It is thus his goal to create the best experience for every individual that walks through our doors. He is currently working as an optometric technician with a role in clinical management. In his downtime, Ryan enjoys playing tennis, watching ice hockey, and PC building/gaming.
