California Correctional Training and Rehabilitation Authority, Rehabilitation

CCWF optical lab prepares people for careers

May 23, 2024

The California Prison Industry Authority (CALPIA) installed advanced optical equipment at the Central California Women’s Facility (CCWF) in Chowchilla this year helping incarcerated women improve their job readiness for reentry.

The lab features equipment that is the latest and greatest in automated technology along with traditional lens manufacturing. The lens surfacing equipment installation began in 2022, after the optical lab underwent and completed modifications.

“CALPIA is providing new optical automation equipment that will provide incarcerated individuals the opportunity to learn modern day technology,” said CALPIA General Manager, Bill Davidson. “The knowledge and skills learned in the optical lab can be used in the optical industry when they return to their communities.”

Incarcerated individuals are learning all aspects of traditional lens surfacing concepts with this new equipment. CALPIA partners with CDCR and the American Board of Opticianry. Through the program, individuals can obtain certifications to become Opticians, Lab Managers, and Lab Technicians once they return to their communities.

CALPIA started the planning and development of the optical lab at CCWF in summer 2018 with full production starting in August 2022. The optical lab provides job training to 125 incarcerated individuals at CCWF. CALPIA’s other Optical Labs are at Valley State Prison and California State Prison, Solano.

CALPIA manufactures lenses for Medi-Cal recipients. Optical Superintendent II Antwoin Robinson points out the women in the program feel like it is their chance to give back. He mentions they are not only learning valuable job skills, but life lessons.

“Success should not solely be judged by one’s position in life, but rather by the challenges overcome on the path to achieving it.” said Robinson.

CALPIA Optical program participant, Melinda Rocha, said, “I absolutely love the opportunity and the doors that can open upon reentry. When I go home, I will be a certified Optician. That is all from the experience and the apprenticeship that is offered here at CALPIA.”

A 2021 University of California, Irvine, study found CALPIA had lower rates of rearrests, re-convictions, and reincarcerations compared to those who were qualified to, but did not, participate in a CALPIA job training program. The study found three years after release, only 15% of CALPIA participants had been returned to custody, meaning 85% are staying out of prison.

Story by Stephanie Eres