Jay Blackburn

 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 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.

India has a charismatic and energetic personality. She brings a fun, young vibe to the office. India started her career in the eye care industry in 2014. She loves helping our customers find the perfect fashion forward frame to fit their lifestyle and personality. Her greatest compliment is to know that a customer was pleased with the service she provided. In her free time she coaches cheer-leading, volunteers with youth, and spends quality time with her sons, Makai and Mason. India’s smile and bubbly personality win over our customers daily. We receive compliments  from our customers on what a great addition she is to our staff

Hannah is the newest addition to the McBride Blackburn team. As the receptionist, Hannah’s 

favorite part of the job is greeting customers when they walk in the door. She loves any 

opportunity to meet people. Hannah is new to the eye care industry and is thoroughly enjoying 

learning something new about it every day. In her free time, you can find her fishing with her 

husband, Carter, or road-tripping through the mountains.