About Bridges Optical

Mark Bridges – President

markMark Bridges is a Tampa native. He began his career in the mid 70s working in a high production optical lab in Largo, Florida. He learned in the early years the process to manufacture quality eyeglasses. After just a few short years he realized he had a gift and passion to start his long career in the optical business. He enrolled in the optician apprenticeship program with the state of Florida. In 1980 he completed his apprenticeship and successfully passed the state board to become a licensed dispensing optician in the state of Florida.

As the years passed and his knowledge and experience within the optical field grew, he understood the need to assist patients with their need to see. He found that Lakeland, FL was in need of a retail environment that provided patients with attention to detail and personal touch.

Mark Bridges has proudly served the local community in Lakeland, FL since 1986. He opened Bridges optical in the Watson Clinic and hired the best of the best to create the proper environment for patients to seek eye ware.

Kenny Grooms – Florida Licensed Optician

Kenny is born and raised in Lakeland, FL and a graduate of George Jenkins High School in 2010. In 2019, he started working at Bridges Optical while attending HCC’s Optician Program. Later that year he graduated and obtained his Florida Dispensing Optician License. Four years later, his knowledge and attention to detail makes him a vital part of the Bridges Optical team.

Matt Price – Optician

Matt moved to Florida from Ohio in April 2022. There he managed an optical lab for a busy seven-office optical clinic. He brings with him almost twenty years of experience in the field. Bridges welcomes his knowledge and expertise to best serve our patients.