09/03/2025: The Next Evolution of Medical Technology
Early Foundations Ryan Markey is a third-generation optical professional. His grandfather (Irv Greenberg) and father (Benton Markey) owned large optical laboratories, and from the age of 8 he began learning the trade by assembling lenses into frames. During the 1970s, he worked across many parts of the business, gaining experience in retail and laboratory operations. His father’s laboratories serviced over 670 retail locations nationwide and produced nearly 6,000 jobs a day, providing him with invaluable early exposure to large-scale optical manufacturing and retail strategy.
Frame Manufacturing in Miami In 1986, Ryan moved to Miami to work at the family’s frame manufacturing company, Styl-Rite. As VP of Sales and Private Label Production, he learned frame design, production, importing/exporting, and people management. He oversaw about 300 employees—most of whom were Cuban immigrants—and developed deep respect for their work ethic. This period cemented his expertise in frame manufacturing and global trade.
Retail Ventures in Dallas In 1990, Ryan returned to Dallas and opened five couture optical shops of his own. Leveraging his manufacturing background, he provided customers with high-quality products and service. After five years, he sold the stores to his brother-in-law, marking a successful chapter as a retail entrepreneur.
Leadership at Texas State Optical By 2000, Ryan was recruited to lead the TSO (Texas State Optical) laboratory in South Texas. The lab serviced over 100 retail stores and independent practitioners nationwide. It was his first exposure to contact lens production and a return to large-scale lab management. His ability to step in at any workstation earned respect from his team and highlighted his hands-on leadership style.
Lens Company and Global Sales In 2003, he joined a lens manufacturing and distribution company, selling finished and semi-finished lenses to independent labs in five states. This role deepened his knowledge of lens blanks and manufacturing processes, expanding his perspective beyond lab-level production.
Technical Product Management By 2010, his expertise led him to become Technical Product Manager at the world’s second-largest lens manufacturer. Here, he balanced technology and management, guiding product development while sharing knowledge with teams. After three years, he set out to pursue his own entrepreneurial vision, though his plans were temporarily sidetracked in 2014.
Rochester & the Wearables Era During his time in Rochester, Ryan served as a director overseeing retail, wholesale manufacturing, and key account sales. He also engaged with the emerging wearable technology market, blending his passion for computers and eyewear. However, this path diverged from his lifelong focus in the optical industry.
Founding Optical Near Me In 2015, Ryan returned to Texas and co-founded My Friend’s Lab, which grew into Optical Near Me (opticalnearme.com). The venture evolved into a multifaceted platform: - Online optical store and directory - Virtual try-on and style assistant tools - Vision Rx assistant - Business consulting for optical professionals.
Through Optical Near Me, Ryan now channels his decades of experience into both B2B consulting and consumer-focused solutions. His work spans lens design, AR coatings, digital marketing, online retail, and industry education.
