Jay Blackburn
Owner/ Licensed Optician 1987
Jay graduated in 1987 from J Sargent Reynold’s Community College with an associate’s degree in Opticianry. He started his career in the optical business in 1984 as a Lab Tech and formed McBride Blackburn Opticians in 1992 with Buzzy McBride, a popular Lynchburg Optician. When Buzzy retired in 2008, Jay became the sole owner of McBride Blackburn. When asked what he is most proud of about the business, Jay said, "Our business has grown to what it is today mostly through referrals from our loyal customers. Our goal has always been to offer extraordinary customer service and quality products." Jay has built many lasting relationships with customers who have become like family. Jay is married to Tammy Blackburn and has one daughter, Catherine, and two grandchildren, Charlotte and McAllister. In his spare time, Jay is an avid white water canoer and enjoys collecting local art.
Tabitha diaz
Co-owner/ Licensed Optician 2005
Tabitha has been part of the McBride Blackburn team since 2001. She started as the receptionist, but her love for the business and her co-workers made her decide to become a Licensed Optician. Tabitha enjoys both the retail and medical side of being an Optician. She says, “Being able to help a customer pick out a frame that suits their vision needs and makes them look and feel amazing is what it is all about. We all want them to leave looking good and seeing great!” Like everyone at McBride Blackburn, Tabitha believes that exceptional customer service is so important. She wants every customer to have the most enjoyable experience possible. Born and raised in Lynchburg, Virginia, Tabitha is married to Frank Diaz and they have two children, Mariah and Lucas. In her spare time she loves to entertain guests in her home, travel, and decorate.
Christy Mays
Licensed Optician 2004
Christy began her optical career after completing her associates degree at CVCC. Now with over 20 years of experience, she finds great satisfaction in discovering the wants and needs of her customers so they can feel confident in choosing a pair of glasses that perfectly suits them. In her spare time, Christy enjoys reading, tending to her many plants, and exploring the Virginia trail systems with her husband, Josh, and her son, Cedar.
Reggie hunt
Licensed Optician 1976
Born and raised in Lynchburg, VA, Reggie began his optical career in 1973, and was officially licensed in 1976. Since then, he has strived to serve the Lynchburg community with the best optical care that he can provide. Reggie's favorite part of his job is to ensure that people are so satisfied with the care provided to them that they become lifelong customers and friends. In his leisure time, Reggie partakes in activities such as woodworking, cooking, and playing music in local bands. Above all, he enjoys spending time with his wife, Vicki, children, Wendy, Ryan, and Stephanie, and grandchildren, Finley and Fletcher.
Lauren Schneider
RECEPTIONIST
Lauren strives to provide exceptional customer service to every customer who calls in or walks through the door. Lauren’s favorite part of the job is watching customers leave satisfied with their glasses and seeing better than ever! In her spare time, she enjoys traveling with her husband, Josh, cuddling with her furry friends and singing.