Focusing on education
to grow the optics industry
Tracy Armstrong
Executive Director
It’s been said, “If you build it, they will come.” But sometimes you need to raise awareness, and supporting funds, for a dream to become reality …
For nearly two centuries, Rochester has proudly developed an ecosystem of optics and imaging, earning the title ‘The World’s Image Centre.’ This region, home to industry pioneers like Kodak, Xerox, and Bausch & Lomb, boasts a unique concentration of talent. Even as these corporate giants downsized, the brilliant minds in optics and imaging stayed, founding their own companies specializing in optics, photonics, imaging, and lasers.
In fact, the current employment rate in these industries is higher today than when the “Big 3” were operating at their maximum! This is astounding and exciting, especially in regard to the rich career opportunities available, in Rochester, yes, but also in tech hubs across the country.
Optics for the Greater Good is bridging community, education, and industry to raise awareness about these opportunities and provide support systems for youth of all populations, women in STEM, and all who are seeking jobs in which they can prosper. We hope to help youth and adults alike “see” themselves in these jobs. There are numerous positions going unfilled, but where industry has a problem, education is the solution. Optics for the Greater Good is ready to be the non-profit leader that steers this effort.
My past work as president of Rochester Rotary has positioned me well to help lead these educational and philanthropic efforts, as we assemble a passionate board of directors that includes professionals in the optics industry. We are excited to invite you on this journey with us.
Tracy Armstrong
Executive Director
Optics for The Greater Good
A dream realized
“For years I have dreamed of launching Optics for the Greater Good, as I’ve been witnessing the vast array of incredible careers and life-long job opportunities in the optics world. The goal is to empower and excite our youth, our educators, our non-engineers to embrace this welcoming industry and experience the power and strength of working with optics, photonics, imaging, and lasers. Our collective efforts will support workforce and economic development as we connect community, education, and industry.”
Intriguing Opportunities in Optics, Photonics, Imaging, and Lasers
OPTICS > Explore Light
Optics is the science of light—how it bends, reflects, and shapes our world. Whether someone is interested in designing glasses, cameras, or VR headsets, there’s a place for all in optics, from basic research to cutting-edge innovation.
PHOTONICS > Power With Light
Photonics uses light to create fast, powerful technologies like fiber optics and lasers. From high school labs to advanced engineering, anyone can join the journey to build the future of communication, medicine, and more.
IMAGING > Capture the Unseen
Imaging lets us see what’s invisible to the naked eye—from medical scans to space exploration. No matter your skill level, there’s a role for all in developing tools that help us explore the world and beyond.
LASERS > Shape the Future with Lasers
Lasers are powerful beams of light used in everything from surgery to manufacturing. Whether someone is just starting out or aiming to innovate, they can help create the next big breakthrough in laser technology.