In the vibrant city of Rio de Janeiro during the 1970s, a young woman took her first steps into the world of eyewear. As a sales associate at a local eyeglass store, my mother found more than just a job—she discovered a lifelong passion. This passion didn’t just shape her career; it became the foundation of our family’s journey and eventually led to the creation of Optigrid.
A Love Affair with Eyewear
My mother’s fascination with eyeglasses was immediate and profound. She immersed herself in every aspect of the industry, quickly climbing the ranks and becoming an expert in her field. Her enthusiasm was contagious, and it wasn’t long before eyewear became a central theme in our family’s life.
The Family Business is Born
When I was a child, my parents decided to open a charming eyeglass store in our neighborhood. It wasn’t just a business; it was an extension of our home and a reflection of our family’s values. Surrounded by frames and lenses, my brother and I grew up in the heart of the optical world, absorbing knowledge without even realizing it.
Carving My Own Path
Despite the rich family legacy, I was drawn to a different world—the world of engineering. I pursued a degree in software engineering, eager to explore the possibilities of technology. While I was building my career in software development, the family business continued to thrive, and I supported it whenever I could.
Bridging Two Worlds
In my spare time, I began developing tools to give our family business a strategic edge. My brother and I collaborated to create a system that could measure facial features with remarkable precision. This innovation made it easier to adapt frames and lenses to each customer’s unique needs, and even allowed for remote dual Pupillary Distance (PD) measurement.
A Competitive Advantage
We patented our facial measurement system, giving our family business a significant advantage in the market. With this technology, we became one of the first businesses to sell prescription glasses remotely. It was a game-changer—not just for us, but for customers who appreciated the convenience and personalized service.
The Birth of Optigrid
Seeing the impact of our innovation, I decided it was time to share our expertise with the broader industry. That’s how Optigrid was born. Starting with our advanced PD measurement technology, Optigrid aims to empower other eyewear professionals to offer remote, precise, and personalized services to their customers.
Continuing the Legacy
Optigrid isn’t just a product; it’s the next chapter in a story that began in a small eyeglass store in Rio. It’s about combining decades of optical experience with cutting-edge technology to transform the eyewear industry. We’re proud to carry forward the passion and dedication that started with my mother all those years ago.
Looking Ahead
As we continue to develop Optigrid, our mission remains clear: to innovate and enhance the way people experience eyewear. We’re excited about the future and look forward to partnering with others who share our vision.
I am a seasoned software engineer with over two decades of experience and a deep-rooted background in the optical industry, thanks to a family business. Driven by a passion for developing impactful software solutions, I pride myself on being a dedicated problem solver who strives to transform challenges into opportunities for innovation.