About Us

Our People Make the Difference

At The Eyeglass Place, we understand that a skilled optician is the key to helping you select the right eyewear. Without the expertise of a trained optician, the process of choosing from hundreds of styles, frames, lenses and materials can be daunting. Our licensed opticians listen carefully to your needs so they can choose the perfect eyewear for your features, lifestyle and your budget.

Karen L. Pizzitola, L.O., Owner

Newington, Ellington

The Eyeglass Place would like to welcome Karen Pizzitola as its new owner. Karen brings with her an impressive 40 year career as a Licensed Optician in the State of Connecticut, most recently serving as the General Manager of a busy local practice for 9 years and a previous 20 years of experience as a General Manager in a Global Optical Retailer. Karen returns to The Eyeglass Place after spending time in the late 70’s learning and perfecting her trade in this very store. After many years in the Optical world, Karen made the heartfelt decision to purchase The Eyeglass Place in 2019 from her long-time friend with aspirations to keep the artistry of opticianry alive, something that is near and dear to her.

In her spare time, Karen enjoys spending time with her family and rescue dogs as well as watercolor painting, re-purposing antique furniture and sport shooting. She holds a Master classification in Bulls-Eye and had the distinct honor to represent the USA on the esteemed Mayleigh Cup Team in Camp Perry Ohio in 2016.

Karen proudly specializes in problem solving the eyewear obstacles of individuals participating in range and sport activities as well as assisting our police and military with their unique eyewear needs.

Laura Alberto, L.O., Owner

Newington, Ellington

Laura is a second generation Licensed Optician who has been working in the field for
almost 20 years. Having grown up in the optical world, Laura has worked on all sides of
the business including reception, medical billing and coding, and as a certified
Ophthalmic Technician while she was studying for her License. She has worked in both
corporate and private settings, and has been an optical sales representative serving
independent Optometry and Optical offices. Laura co-owns The Eyeglass Place with her
mom and fellow optician, Karen and is excited to bring her experience and passion for
the optical world to The Eyeglass Place of Ellington!

Linea Shipley, Licensed Optician

Newington

Linea began attending Goodwin University in 2014, where she later found her passion for optics. During her time there she rose to the front of her class, received two scholarships and proceeded to graduate with an Associates degree in Ophthalmic science. Linea spoke at Goodwin’s annual graduation ceremony where she inspired hundreds of students to reach their dreams. During her time in the field she continuously strived to help those in need of visual solutions and early in her career landed herself in management. Although Linea enjoyed helping others reach their greatest potential and teaching many employees the world of optics, she realized how much she missed educating her patients personally. Linea has always been passionate about patient care, optics, as well as fashion and found her way to The Eyeglass Place where their belief in the patient experience was much like her own. In her spare time she likes spending time with her son and expanding on her artistic talents which are many.

Meet Our Doctors

of Eyeconic Vision located within The Eyeglass Place

Eyeconic Vision has a long standing partnership with The Eyeglass Place locations in both Newington and Ellington. For the convenience of both of our patients, our offices are located together within both of these locations.

Dr. Brittany Jones, Independent Doctor of Optometry

Newington, Ellington

Dr. Brittany Jones completed her undergraduate degree at SUNY Binghamton with a Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences.  She then obtained her Doctorate of Optometry from MCPHS University. She continued her education after graduating by completing a residency in primary care and ocular disease at the Veteran’s Affairs Hospital in Newington, CT.

Dr. Jones is well-versed with treating and managing ocular conditions including glaucoma, macular degeneration, ocular surface disease, cataracts and diabetic retinopathy. She is also experienced in co-managing post-op care for LASIK/PRK and cataract surgery. She fits contact lenses including spherical, astigmatic, multifocal and myopia control.

Dr. Jones has worked in various settings including hospital-based, private practice, commercial and academia as adjunct faculty at MCPHS University.  She is experienced in managing ocular care for patients of all ages.  She is a member fo the American Optometric Society, the Connecticut Association of Optometrists and the American Academy of Optometry.

In her free time, Dr. Jones enjoys traveling, rock climbing and training as a natural bodybuilder (Pro Figure Division OCB).

Dr. Ray Guimond, Independent Doctor of Optometry

Newington, Ellington

 Dr. Ray obtained his optometry degree from MCPHS University in Worcester, Mass where he received both state of the art education and training.  He also had the honor to train and work alongside some of the most prestigious ophthalmologists and optometrists in the Northeast while obtaining his degree. Dr Ray is passionate in the care and treatment of his patients particularly in the area of ocular disease. 

He was born and raised in Connecticut and is his intent on providing exceptional eyecare to this community.  When not working, he enjoys watching sports, in particular hockey and football as well as spending time with his family and friends.